Avar. Who speaketh yond, Respublica?
Resp. What of the pickpurse?
Avar. Forsooth, dame Respublica!
I said, an we had two pillories mo, 'twere no the worse;
For it is a light thing now to meet Piers Pickpurse.
God preserve you, right fair lady! and Christ you save!
Who are you? and what would ye in this country have?
Resp. This same is the Lady Misericordia,
Sent from God purposely.
Avar. Unto you, Respublica?
Miser. Yea!
Avar. Then must ye needs be most heartily welcome:
We had ne'er more need of you, by my halidom!
There be in this country which, but ye comfort [send],
Are full like to make both a mad and a short end.
Miser. I will go to do that I said, Respublica!
And return with speed.
Resp. Sweet Misericordia!
[Exeat Mi[sericordi]a.