Tha. The merchant venturers would be a very small company.
Abi. ’Tis twelve to one of that; however the rest ’scape, I shall fear a massacre.
Tha. If my husband hereafter, for his wealth, chance to be dubb’d, I’ll have him call’d the knight of the supposed horn. 22
Abi. Faith, and it sounds well.
Lady Lent. Come, madcaps, leave jesting, and let’s deliver them out of their earthly purgation; you are the spirits that torment them; but my love and lord, kind Mendoza, will lose his life to preserve mine honour, not for hate to others.
Abi. By my troth, if I had been his judge, I should have hang’d him, for having no more wit; I speak as I
think, for I would not be hang’d for ne’er a man under the heav’ns. 32
Tha. Faith, I think I should for my husband: I do not hold the opinion of the philosopher, that writes, we love them best that we enjoy first; for I protest I love my husband better than any that did know me before.
Abi. So do I; yet life and pleasure are two sweet things to a woman.
Lady Lent. He that’s willing to die to save mine honour, I’ll die to save his. 40