Enter Golding.
Go. Troth, sir, an accident somewhat strange, else it hath little in it worth the reporting.
To. What? it is not borrowing of money, then?
Go. No, sir; it hath pleased the worshipful commoners of the city to take me one i’ their number at presentation of the inquest——
To. Ha!
Go. And the alderman of the ward wherein I dwell to appoint me his deputy——
To. How? 45
Go. In which place I have had an oath administered me, since I went.
To. Now, my dear and happy son, let me kiss thy new worship, and a little boast mine own happiness in thee. What a fortune was it (or rather my judgment, indeed) for me, first to see that in his disposition which a whole city so conspires to second! Ta’en into the livery of his company the first day of his freedom! Now (not a week married) chosen commoner and alderman’s deputy in a day! Note but the reward of a thrifty course. The wonder of his time! Well, I will honour Master Alderman for this act (as becomes me), and shall think the better of the Common Council’s wisdom and worship while I live, for thus meeting, or but coming after me, in the opinion of his desert. Forward, my sufficient son! and as this is the first, so esteem it the least step to that high and prime honour that expects thee.
Go. Sir, as I was not ambitious of this, so I covet no higher place; it hath dignity enough, if it will but save me from contempt; and I had rather my bearing in this or any other office should add worth to it, than the place give the least opinion to me. 67