[SKINK.] But what a mischief meant Fauconbridge
To come again so soon? that way he went,
And now comes peaking. Upon my life,
The buzzard hath me in suspicion,
But whatsoever chance, I'll filch a share.
GLO. Yonder's Prince John; I hope he cannot know me,
There's nought but Gloster, Gloster in their mouths;
I am half-strangled with the garlic-breath
Of rascals that exclaim, as I pass by,
Gloster is fled; once taken, he must die.
But I'll to John—how does my gracious lord?
What babbles rumour now? What news of Gloster?
SKINK. What news could I hear, since you left me last?
Were you not here even now? lent me your chain?
I think you dote.
GLO. Sweet prince, age aye[497] forgets.
My brother's chain? a pretty accident!
But I'll have't, and be in the spite of John. [Aside.
SKINK. There's more and more; I'll geld it, ere it go.
[He breaks the chain.
This same shall keep me in some tavern merry,
Till night's black hand curtain this too clear sky.
GLO.[498] My sweet prince, I have some cause to use my chain;
Another time (whene'er your lordship please)
'Tis at your service, O marry God, it is.
SKINK. Here, palsy, take your chain; stoop and be hang'd, [Casts it down. Yet the fish nibbled, when she might not swallow: Go'ut[499] I have curtail'd, what I could not borrow. [Exit.
GLO. He's gone away in frets; would he might meet
My brother Fauconbridge in this mad mood,
There would be rare ado. Why, this fits me;
My brain flows with fresh wit and policy.
But, Gloster, look about, who have we yonder?
Another John, Prince Richard, and the sheriff?
Upon my life, the slave, that had the chain,
Was Skink, escap'd the Fleet by some mad sleight.
Well, farewell he, better and better still,
These seek for me; yet I will have my will.
SCENE THE NINETEENTH.
Enter PRINCE JOHN, PRINCE RICHARD, and the SHERIFF.