NlCH. Forsooth, live, and the best doth no better.
FRAN. Where is the letter he hath sent me?
NlCH. Ecce signum! here it is.
FRAN. 'Tis right as Philip said, 'tis a fine fool [Aside].
—This letter is directed to my father;
I'll carry it to him. Dick Coomes, make him drink.
[Exit.
COOMES. Ay, I'll make him drunk,[283] and he will.
NICH. Not so, Richard; it is good to be merry and wise.
DICK[284] [COOMES]. Well, Nicholas, as thou art Nicholas, welcome; but as thou art Nicholas and a boon companion, ten times welcome. Nicholas, give me thy hand: shall we be merry? and we shall, say but we shall, and let the first word stand.
NICH. Indeed, as long lives the merry man as the sad; an ounce of debt will not pay a pound of care.
COOMES. Nay, a pound of care will not pay an ounce of debt.
NICH. Well, 'tis a good horse never stumbles: but who lies here?