Wife. In good deeds I'll walk hand in hand with you;
There is a fair tenement adjoining
Close to the gate, that was my father's,
I'll give it freely; take it down, and add
So much ground to the work.
Steph.[103] 'Tis fairly given;
Thy soul on prisoners' prayers shall mount to heaven.
The plumbers and the workmen have survey'd
The ground from Paddington; whence I'll have laid
Pipes [all along] to London, to convey
Sweet water into Ludgate from fresh springs:
When charity tunes the pipe, the poor man sings.
Enter Keeper.
How now, keeper?
Keep. The prisoners are remov'd, sir.
Steph. What did you with my brother?
Keep. As you commanded, sir, I have discharged him.
Steph. How did he meet that unexpected kindness?
Keep. Troth, sir, as a man o'ercome 'twixt grief and gladness;
But, turning to his son, he fetch'd a sigh
So violent as if his heart would break,
And (silent) wept, having no power to speak.
Wife. Alas! good old man, some sweet bird must sing,
And give his sorrows present comforting.