Pen. And I must needs say as my lord says.
Nev. Sir John, I thank you and my honour'd lord:
But I am sorry for this other news
Concerning Mistress Kate and my good friend.
Sir J. Wor. Tis certain true: he keeps his word well too!
He said he would come to dinner.
L. Nin. All we cannot get Mistress Katherine out of her chamber.
Sir J. Wor. O good old woman, she is top-shackled.
L. Nin. 'Tis pestilence sack and cruel claret: knight, stand to me, knight, I say: up, a cold stomach! give me my aqua-vitæ bottle.
Sir Inn. O Guiniver! as I am a justice of peace and quorum, 'twere a good deed to commit thee. Fie, fie, fie!
Abra. Why, alas! I cannot help this, and I should be hanged: she'll be as drunk as a porter. I'll tell you, my lord, I have seen her so be-piss the rushes, as she has danced at a wedding. Her belly and that aqua-vitæ bottle have almost undone my father. Well, I think in conscience she is not my natural-begotten mother.
Omnes. Ha, ha, ha!
Nev. Well said, my wise Sir Abraham.[34]