Cut. Why so, sir?
Slip. Because it may cut by himself, for truly, my friend, I am a man of peace, and wear weapons but for fashion.
Cut. Well, sir, give me earnest, I will fit you.
Slip. [giving money]. Hold, take it: I betrust thee, friend; let me be well armed.
Cut. You shall. [Exit.
Slip. Now what remains? there's twenty crowns for house, three crowns for household-stuff, sixpence to buy a constable's staff; nay, I will be the chief of my parish. There wants nothing but a wench, a cat, a dog, a wife, and a servant, to make an whole family. Shall I marry with Alice, Goodman Grimshawe's daughter? she is fair, but indeed her tongue is like clocks on Shrove Tuesday, always out of temper. Shall I wed Sisley of the Whighton? O, no! she is like a frog in a parsley bed; as skittish as an eel: if I seek to hamper her, she will horn me. But a wench must be had, Master Slipper; yea, and shall be, dear friend.
And. [aside]. I now will drive him from his contemplations.—O, my mates, come forward: the lamb is unpent, the fox shall prevail.
Enter three Antics, who dance round, and take Slipper with them.
Slip. I will, my friend, and I thank you heartily: pray, keep your courtesy: I am yours in the way of an hornpipe.—[Aside]. They are strangers; I see they understand not my language: wee, wee.—[284]
[Whilst they are dancing, Andrew takes away Slipper's money, and the other Antics depart.