Enter Don Alonzo.
Alon. Cavalier Inglis, I have been seeking you: I have a present in my pocket for you; read it by your art, and take it.
Bel. That I could do easily: But, to shew you I am generous, I'll none of your present; do you think I am mercenary?
Alon. I know you will say now 'tis some astrological question; and so 'tis perhaps.
Bel. Ay, 'tis the devil of a question, without dispute.
Alon. No, 'tis within dispute: 'Tis a certain difficulty in the art; a problem, which you and I will discuss, with the arguments on both sides.
Bel. At this time I am not problematically given; I have a humour of complaisance upon me, and will contradict no man.
Alon. We'll but discuss a little.
Bel. By your favour, I'll not discuss; for I see by the stars, that, if I dispute to-day, I am infallibly threatened to be thought ignorant all my life after.
Alon. Well then, we'll but cast an eye together upon my eldest daughter's nativity.