Fort. What I have sworn, I will not violate,
But now uncover the virtues of this hat.
Sold. I think none listen; if they do, they die.
Fort. None listen: tell, what needs this jealousy?
Sold. You see ’tis poor in show; did I want jewels,
Gold could beget them, but the wide world’s wealth
Buys not this hat: this clapped upon my head,
I, only with a wish, am through the air
Transported in a moment over seas
And over lands to any secret place;
By this I steal to every prince’s court,
And hear their private counsels and prevent
All dangers which to Babylon are meant;
By help of this I oft see armies join,
Though when the dreadful Alvarado[368] sounds,
I am distant from the place a thousand leagues.
Oh, had I such a purse and such a hat,
The Soldan were, of all, most fortunate.
Fort. Oh, had I such a hat, then were I brave.
Where’s he that made it?
Sold. Dead, and the whole world
Yields not a workman that can frame the like.
Fort. No, does’t?[369] By what trick shall I make this mine? [Aside.
Methinks, methinks, when you are borne o’er seas,
And over lands, the heaviness thereof
Should weigh you down, drown you, or break your neck.
Sold. No, ’tis more light than any hat beside:
Your hand shall peise[370] it.
Fort. Oh, ’tis wondrous heavy.
Sold. Fie, y’are deceived: try it upon your head.