FARMER.
Marry, sir,
I am a poor farmer, and yet I can afford to lend
The king a hundred or two of pounds. And hear you, sir; [Aside.]
If you prefer a suit I have to the king,
I will give you forty angels for your pains:
Besides, I will give you the keeping of a dozen jades,
And now and then meat for you and your horse,
If you come to my house, and lie a whole year.
PERIN.
Why, that's well said, and I commend
Thy honest mind. Would all men were of thy mind:
I warrant thee, thou art an honest man,
And one that loves the king. But tell me,
What wouldst thou have me do?
FARMER. Nothing, but procure me the king's letter to convey corn beyond seas; for in England it is so good cheap, that a man can make no living by selling thereof: therefore, if the king will grant me his letter, I will at any time lend him five or six hundred pound, and perhaps never ask it again; and I will not forget your pains.
PERIN.
Sir, fear not, I will do it for you, I warrant you;
For, I tell you, I can do much with the king.
HONESTY.
I believe you will do more than you will be
Commended for. The courtier resembleth
The jay, that decketh herself with the feathers
Of other birds, to make herself glorious;
So the courtier must be brave, though he be
Hang'd at the gallows. [Aside.
FARMER.
Well, sir, will it please you to come and dine
With me?
PERIN.
I thank you, sir, heartily.
FARMER.
But what's he there in your company?
PERIN.
A plain fellow, and his name is Honesty.
FARMER.
O, let him go where he will, for he shall
Not dine with me.