Enter Palamon and his Knights pinion'd: Jailor Executioner, &c. Gard.
[Pal.] There's many a man alive that hath out-liv'd
The love o' th' people, yea, i'th' self-same state
Stands many a Father with his child; some comfort
We have by so considering: we expire
And not without mens pity. To live still,
Have their good wishes, we prevent
The lothsome misery of age, beguile
The Gout and Rheum, that in lag hours attend
For grey approachers; we come towards the gods
Young, and unwapper'd, not halting under Crimes
Many and stale: that sure shall please the gods
Sooner than such, to give us Nectar with 'em,
For we are more clear Spirits. My dear kinsmen.
Whose lives (for this poor comfort) are laid down,
You have sold 'em too too cheap.
1 K. What ending could be
Of more content? o'er us the victors have
Fortune, whose Title is as momentary,
As to us death is certain: a grain of honor
They not o'er-weigh us.
2 K. Let us bid farewel;
And, with our patience, anger tott'ring Fortune,
Who at her certain'st reels.
3 K. Come: who begins?
Pal. Ev'n he that led you to this Banquet, shall
Taste to you all: ah ha my Friend, my Friend,
Your gentle daughter gave me freedom once;
You'll see't done now for ever: pray how does she?
I heard she was not well; her kind of ill
Gave me some sorrow.
Jail. Sir, she's well restor'd,
And to be married shortly.
Pal. By my short life
I am most glad on't; 'tis the latest thing
I shall be glad of, prethee tell her so:
Commend me to her, and to piece her portion
Tender her this.
1 K. Nay, let's be offerers all.
2 K. Is it a maid?