[Enter Banister and his wife.]
BANISTER.
Come, wife, I take it be almost dinner time,
For master Newton, and master Crosby sent
To me last night, they would come dine with me,
And take their bond in: I pray thee, hie thee home,
And see that all things be in readiness.
MISTRESS BANISTER.
They shall be welcome, husband; I’ll go before.—
But is not that man master Friskiball?
[She runs and embraces him.]
BANISTER.
O heavens, it is kind master Friskiball!
Say sir, what hap hath brought you to this pass?
FRISKIBALL.
The same that brought you to your misery.
BANISTER.
Why would you not acquaint me with your state?
Is Banister your poor friend quite forgot:
Whose goods, whose love, whose life and all is yours?
FRISKIBALL.
I thought your usage would be as the rest,
That had more kindness at my hands than you,
Yet looked askance, when as they saw me poor.
MISTRESS BANISTER.
If Banister should bear so base a heart,
I never would look my husband in the face,
But hate him as I would a Cockatrise.
BANISTER.
And well thou mightest, should Banister deal so.
Since that I saw you, sir, my state is mended:
And for the thousand pound I owe to you,
I have it ready for you, sir, at home;
And though I grieve your fortune is so bad,
Yet that my hap’s to help you make me glad.
And now, sir, will it please you walk with me?