Bri. He will sit as upright on the bench, an you mark him, as a candle in the socket, and give light to the whole court in every business.
Hag. But he will burn blue, and swell like a boil, God bless us, an he be angry.
Bri. Ay, and he will be angry too, when he lists, that’s more; and when he is angry, be it right or wrong, he has the law on’s side ever; I mark that too.
Over. I will be more tender hereafter. I see compassion may become a justice, though it be a weakness, I confess, and nearer a vice than a virtue. [Aside.
Hag. Well, take him out o’ the stocks again; we’ll go a sure way to work, we’ll have the ace of hearts of our side, if we can.
[They take Overdo out.
Enter POCHER, and Officers with BUSY, followed by Dame PURECRAFT.
Poch. Come, bring him away to his fellow there.—Master Busy, we shall rule your legs, I hope, though we cannot rule your tongue.
Busy. No, minister of darkness, no; thou canst not rule my tongue; my tongue it is mine own, and with it I will both knock and mock down your Bartholomew abominations, till you be made a hissing to the neighbouring parishes round about.