The Devil is an Ass

by Ben Jonson

Fit. O, it goes on, I met your Couſin, the Maſter—

Mer. You did not acquaint him, S^r?

Fit. Faith, but I did, S^r. And vpon better thought, not without reaſon! He being chiefe Officer, might ha’ tane it ill, elſe, 5 As a Contempt againſt his Place, and that In time Sir, ha’ drawne on another Dependance. No, I did finde him in good termes, and ready To doe me any ſeruice.

Mer. So he said, to you? But S^r, you do not know him.

Fit. VVhy, I presum’d 10 Becauſe this bus’neſſe of my wiues, requir’d mee, I could not ha’ done better: And hee told Me, that he would goe preſently to your Councell, A Knight, here, i’ the Lane—

Mer. Yes, Iuſtice Either-ſide.

Fit. And get the Feoffment drawne, with a letter of Atturney, 15 For liuerie and ſeiſen!

Mer. That I knowe’s the courſe. But Sir, you meane not to make him Feoffee?

Fit. Nay, that I’ll pauſe on!

Mer. How now little Pit-fall.