NICH. I promise ye, Master Philip, you have spoken as true as steel.
PHIL. Father, there's a proverb well applied.
NICH. And it seemeth unto me, ay, it seems to me, that you, Master Philip, mock me: do you not know, qui mocat mocabitur? mock age, and see how it will prosper.
PHIL. Why, ye whoreson proverb-book bound up in folio,
Have ye no other sense to answer me
But every word a proverb? no other English?
Well, I'll fulfil a proverb on thee straight.
NICH. What is it, sir?
PHIL. I'll fetch my fist from thine ear.
NICH. Bear witness, he threatens me!
PHIL. That same is the coward's common proverb.
But come, come, sirrah, tell me where Hugh is.
NICH. I may, and I will; I need not, except I list; you shall not command me, you give me neither meat, drink, nor wages; I am your father's man, and a man's a man, and a have but a hose on his head; do not misuse me so, do not; for though he that is bound must obey, yet he that will not tarry, may[271] run away—so he may.
MR BAR. Peace, Nick, I'll see he shall use thee well;
Go to, peace, sirrah: here, Nick, take this letter,
Carry it to him to whom it is directed.