Grip. He has been very faithful to his commission. I'll bear him witness.
Amph. How can you be witness, where you were not present?—The balcony, sirrah! the balcony!
Sos. Why, to my best remembrance, you never invited the balcony.
Amph. What nonsense dost thou plead, for an excuse of thy foul language, and thy base replies!
Sos. You fright a man out of his senses first, and blame him afterwards for talking nonsense! But it is better for me to talk nonsense, than for some to do nonsense; I will say that, whate'er comes on't. Pray, sir, let all things be done decently: what, I hope, when a man is to be hanged, he is not trussed upon the gallows, like a dumb dog, without telling him wherefore.
Amph. By your pardon, gentlemen; I have no longer patience to forbear him.
Sos. Justice, justice!—My Lord Gripus, as you are a true magistrate, protect me. Here's a process of beating going forward, without sentence given.
Grip. My Lord Amphitryon, this must not be; let me first understand the demerits of the criminal.
Sos. Hold you to that point, I beseech your honour, as you commiserate the case of a poor, innocent malefactor.