[A Trumpet sounds.]
GOVERNOUR.
What means this Trumpet's sound?
[Enter a Messenger.]
CITIZEN.
One come from the States of Mantua.
GOVERNOUR.
What would you with us? speak, thou man of Mantua.
MESSENGER.
Men of Bononia, this my message is:
To let you know the Noble Earl of Bedford
Is safe within the town of Mantua,
And wills you send the peasant that you have,
Who hath deceived your expectation;
Or else the States of Mantua have vowed
They will recall the truce that they have made,
And not a man shall stir from forth your town,
That shall return, unless you send him back.
GOVERNOUR.
O this misfortune, how it mads my heart!
The Neopolitan hath beguiled us all.
Hence with this fool! what shall we do with him,
The Earl being gone? a plague upon it all.
HODGE.
No, I'll assure you, I am no Earl, but a smith, sir;
One Hodge, a smith at Putney, sir;
One that hath gulled you, that hath bored you, sir.
GOVERNOUR.
Away with him! take hence the fool you came for.
HODGE.
Aye, sir, and I'll leave the greater fool with you.