The Project of forks.
Mer. The laudable vſe of forkes, Brought into cuſtome here, as they are in Italy, To th’ ſparing o’ Napkins. That, that ſhould haue made 20 Your bellowes goe at the forge, as his at the fornace. I ha’ procur’d it, ha’ the Signet for it, Dealt with the Linnen-drapers, on my priuate, By cause, I fear’d, they were the likelyeſt euer To ſtirre againſt, to croſſe it; for ’twill be 25 A mighty ſauer of Linnen through the kingdome (As that is one o’ my grounds, and to ſpare waſhing) Now, on you two, had I layd all the profits. Guilt-head to haue the making of all thoſe Of gold and ſiluer, for the better perſonages; 30 And you, of thoſe of Steele for the common ſort. And both by Pattent, I had brought you your ſeales in. But now you haue preuented me, and I thanke you.
Sledge is brought about.
Sle. Sir, I will bayle you, at mine owne ap-perill.
Mer. Nay chooſe.
Plv. Do you ſo too, good Father. 35
And Guilt-head comes.
Gvi. I like the faſhion o’ the proiect, well, The forkes! It may be a lucky one! and is not Intricate, as one would ſay, but fit for Plaine heads, as ours, to deale in. Do you heare Officers, we diſcharge you.
Mer. Why this ſhewes 40 A little good nature in you, I confeſſe, But do not tempt your friends thus. Little Guilt-head, Aduiſe your ſire, great Guilt-head from theſe courſes: And, here, to trouble a great man in reuerſion, For a matter o’ fifty on a falſe Alarme, 45 Away, it ſhewes not well. Let him get the pieces And bring ’hem. Yo’ll heare more elſe.
Plv. Father.