Steph. I'll make thee wash those curses off with tears.
Keeper, away with him out of my sight;
And do, sir, as I charg'd you.
Keeper. Yes, sir, I will.
O. Fos. Poor tyranny! when lions weak lambs kill.
[Exeunt all but Stephen and his Wife.
Steph. How now, wife, art vex'd yet?
Wife. Never so well content, believe me, sir;
Your mildness wears this mask of cruelty well.
Steph. I am glad they're gone; mine eyes with rain did swell,
And much ado they had from pouring down.
The keeper knows my mind. Wife, I have paid
My brother's debts; and when he's out of door
To march to Newgate, he shall be set free.
Wife. O let me kiss thee for this charity.
But for your cousin, sir?
Steph. He's my life's best health.
The boy shall not miscarry for more wealth
Than London gates lock safe up every night.
My breath in black clouds flies: my thoughts are white.
Wife. Why from Ludgate do you remove [the] prisoners?
Steph. This is my meaning, wife:
I'll take the prison down, and build it new,
With leads to walk on, [and] rooms large and fair;
For when myself lay there, the noisome air
Chok'd up my spirits; and none better know
What prisoners feel than they that taste the woe.
The workmen are appointed for the business;
I will have't despatched, before 'tis thought on.