Herc. Herod, Herod, what’s the matter, prithee? the news?

Herod. You must tell nobody?

Herc. As I am generous——

Herod. Don Zuccone’s lady’s with child apparently.

Zuc. Fawn, what’s the whisper?—what’s the fool’s secret news?    262

Herc. Truth, my lord, a thing that—that—well, i’faith, it is not fit you know it: now[181]—now—now—

Zuc. Not fit I know it? As thou art baptized, tell me—tell me.

Herc. Will you plight your patience to it?

Zuc. Speak, I am a very block. I will not be moved—I am a very block.

Herc. But if you should grow disquiet (as, I protest,