The Devil is an Ass

by Ben Jonson

Pit. Your Couſin Maſter Euer-ill, would come in— But he would know if Maſter Manly were heere. 20

Mer. No, tell him, if he were, I ha’ made his peace! Mere-craft whiſpers againſt him. Hee’s one, Sir, has no State, and a man knowes not, How such a trust may tempt him.

Fit. I conceiue you.

Eve. S^r. this ſame deed is done here.

Mer. Pretty Plutarchus? Art thou come with it? and has Sir Paul view’d it? 25

Plv. His hand is to the draught.

Mer. VVill you step in, S^r. And read it?

Fit. Yes.

Eve. I pray you a word wi’ you. Eueril whiſpers against Mere-craft. Sir Paul Eitherside will’d mee gi’ you caution, Whom you did make Feoffee: for ’tis the truſt O’ your whole State: and though my Cousin heere 30 Be a worthy Gentleman, yet his valour has At the tall board bin queſtion’d: and we hold Any man ſo impeach’d, of doubtfull honesty! I will not iuſtiſie this; but giue it you To make your profit of it: if you vtter it, 35 I can forſweare it!

Fit. I beleeue you, and thanke you, Sir.