Theo. Why, who should hinder it?
Mask. That will I, in the name of truth,—if this hard-bound lie would but come from me.
[Aside.
Madam, I must tell you it lies in my power to appease this tempest with one word.
Beat. Would it were come once!
Mask. Nay, sir, 'tis all one to me, if you turn me away upon't; I can hold no longer.
Theo. What does the fellow mean?
Mask. For all your noddings, and your mathematical grimaces—in short, madam, my master has been conversing with the planets; and from them has had the knowledge of your affairs.
Bel. This rogue amazes me!
Mask. I care not, sir, I am for truth; that will shame you, and all your devils: In short, madam, this master of mine, that stands before you, without a word to say for himself, so like an oaf, as I might say, with reverence to him——
Bel. The rascal makes me mad!