Orl. Keep your ground, Bots.
Bots. I do but traverse to spy advantage how to arm myself.
Re-enter 1st and 2nd Masters and Constable; after them a Beadle beating a basin,[322] then Catherina Bountinall, with Mistress Horseleech; after them another Beadle with a blue head guarded[323] with yellow.
Cat. Sirrah, when I cry hold your hands, hold, you rogue-catcher, hold:—Bawd, are the French chilblains in your heels, that you can come no faster? Are not you, bawd, a whore’s ancient,[324] and must not I follow my colours?
Mis. H. O Mistress Catherine, you do me wrong to accuse me here as you do, before the right worshipful. I am known for a motherly, honest woman, and no bawd.
Cat. Marry foh, honest? burnt[325] at fourteen, seven times whipt, five times carted, nine times ducked, searched by some hundred and fifty constables, and yet you are honest? Honest Mistress Horseleech, is this world a world to keep bawds and whores honest? How many times hast thou given gentlemen a quart of wine in a gallon pot? how many twelve-penny fees, nay two shillings fees, nay, when any ambassadors ha’ been here, how many half-crown fees hast thou taken? How many carriers hast thou bribed for country wenches? how often have I rinsed your lungs in aqua vitæ, and yet you are honest?
Duke. And what were you the whilst?
Cat. Marry hang you, master slave, who made you an examiner?
Lod. Well said! belike this devil spares no man.