Herc. Here’s a lie indeed.
Herod. True, but here’s another much more legibly, a good secretary,—My most affected Herod, the utmost ambition of my hopes and only——
Herc. There is one lie better shaped by odds!
Herod. Right; but here’s a lady’s Roman hand to me is beyond all. Look ye,—To her most elected servant and worthy friend, Herod Baldonzozo, Esquire. I believe thou knowest what countess’s hand this is. I’ll show thee another. 162
Herc. No, good Herod; I’ll show thee one now.—To his most elected mistress and worthy laundress, divine Mistress Puttotta, at her tent in the wood-yard, or elsewhere, give these——
Herod. Prithee, ha’ silence! What’s that?
Herc. If my tears or vows, my faithfulst[237] protestations on my knees——
Herod. Good, hold! 170
Herc. Fair and only-loved laundress!—
Herod. Forbear, I beseech thee!