Brass. Good words, or I betray you; they have already heard of one Mr. Amlet in the house.
Dick. Here’s a son of a whore. [Aside.
Brass. In short, look smooth, and be a good prince. I am your valet, ’tis true: your footman, sometimes, which I’m enraged at; but you have always had the ascendant I confess: when we were schoolfellows, you made me carry your books, make your exercise, own your rogueries, and sometimes take a whipping for you. When we were fellow-’prentices, though I was your senior, you made me open the shop, clean my master’s shoes, cut last at dinner, and eat all the crust. In our sins too, I must own you still kept me under; you soar’d up to adultery with the mistress, while I was at humble fornication with the maid. Nay, in our punishments you still made good your post; for when once upon a time I was sentenced but to be whipp’d, I cannot deny but you were condemn’d to be hang’d. So that in all times, I must confess, your inclinations have been greater and nobler than mine; however, I cannot consent that you should at once fix fortune for life, and I dwell in my humilities for the rest of my days.
Dick. Hark thee, Brass, if I do not most nobly by thee, I’m a dog.
Brass. And when?
Dick. As soon as ever I am married.
Brass. Ay, the plague take thee.
Dick. Then you mistrust me?
Brass. I do, by my faith. Look you, Sir, some folks we mistrust, because we don’t know them: others we mistrust, because we do know them: and for one of these reasons I desire there may be a bargain beforehand: if not [raising his voice] look ye, Dick Amlet—
Dick. Soft, my dear friend and companion. The dog will ruin me [Aside]. Say, what is’t will content thee?