Barnard (making a deep obeisance). May it please the Earl!
Earl Henry. Speak, Barnard.
Barnard. The noble Youth, your very valiant brother,
And wise as valiant (bowing to Don Curio who puffs at him) rightly doth insinuate 185
Fortune deals nothing singly—whether Honors
Or Insults, whether it be Joys or Sorrows,
They crowd together on us, or at best
Drop in in quick succession.
Fernandez (mocking him). 'Ne'er rains it, but it pours,' or, at the best, 190
'More sacks upon the mill.' This fellow's a
Perpetual plagiarist from his Grandmother, and
How slily in the parcel wraps [he] up
The stolen goods!
Earl Henry. Be somewhat briefer, Barnard.
Barnard. But could I dare insinuate to your Brother 195
A fearless Truth, Earl Henry—it were this:
Even Lucifer, Prince of the Air, hath claims
Upon our justice.
Fernandez. Give the Devil his Due!
Why, thou base Lacquerer of worm-eaten proverbs,
[And] wherefore dost thou not tell us at once 200
What the Chancellor said to thee?
Barnard (looking round superciliously at Fernandez).
The Queen hath left the Capital affecting
Rural retirement, but 'I will hasten'
(Thus said the Chancellor) 'I myself will hasten
And lay before her Majesty the Tidings 205
Both of Earl Henry's Victory and return.
She will vouchsafe, I doubt not, to re-enter
Her Capital, without delay, and grant
The wish'd for Audience with all public honour.'
Don Curio. A mere Device, I say, to pass a slight on us. [210]
