Enter SERVICEABLE DILIGENCE, the Constable, and SIMPLICITY, with an Officer to whip him, or two, if you can.
SIMPLICITY.
Why, but must I be whipp'd, Master Constable, indeed?
You may save your labour, for I have no need.
DILIGENCE.
I must needs see thee punished; there is no remedy,
Except thou wilt confess, and tell me,
Where thy fellows are become, that did the robbery.
SIMPLICITY.
Indeed, Master Constable, I do not know of their stealing,
For I did not see them, since we went together a-begging.
Therefore pray ye, sir, be miserable[225] to me, and let me go,
For I labour to get my living with begging, you know.
DILIGENCE.
Thou wast seen in their company a little before the deed was done;
Therefore it is most likely thou knowest where they are become.
SIMPLICITY.
Why, Master Constable, if a sheep go among wolves all day,
Shall the sheep be blam'd if they steal anything away?
DILIGENCE.
Ay, marry, shall he; for it is a great presumption
That, keeping them company, he is of like profession—
But despatch, sirs; strip him and whip him:
Stand not to reason the question.
SIMPLICITY.
Indeed, 'twas Fraud, so it was, it was not I;
And here he comes himself: ask him, if I lie.
Enter FRAUD.
DILIGENCE.
What sayest thou, villain? I would advise thee hold thy tongue:
I know him to be a wealthy man and a burgess of the town.—
Sir, and it please your mastership, here one slanders you with felony:
He saith you were the chief doer of a robbery.