ACT I.
SCENE I.—(Rise outer Curtain.) An Inn-yard in Milan. Two Burghers discovered seated at a table, drinking.
1st B. Well, well, these be the strange days indeed, indeed!
2nd B. (Rather drunk.) How now, neighbor Burnard, how now?
1st B. Heardst thou not the news, good Neighbor? But with thy nose always i’ the wine-pot, thou canst not know anything aside its rim.
2nd B. Wine-pot, wine-pot, thou sayst ha! ha! nose i’ the wine-pot thou sayest, ’tis better than sticking it into every business save thine own, hey! neighbor Burnard! But what be this news that would keep the nose out o’ the wine-pot?
1st B. There be a new Pope at Rome, the Monk, Hildebrand. How like you that?
2nd B. God, keep us all! Now thou dost say it! It seemeth they be making new Popes every Michaelmas. This were no reason for to keep the nose outside the wine-pot. Here’s to his health, God save him!
’Twere a merry grape was squeezed for this, good Neighbor. Here’s long life to thee an’ the Holy Pope, and especially to the royal Henry. Soon may he come to Italy.