YORK.
I never saw a fellow worse bested,
Or more afraid to fight, than is the appellant,
The servant of his armourer, my lords.
Enter at one door Horner the armourer, and his Neighbours, drinking to him so much that he is drunk; and he enters with a drum before him and his staff with a sandbag fastened to it; and at the other door Peter, his man, with a drum and sandbag, and Prentices drinking to him.
1 NEIGHBOUR.
Here, neighbour Horner, I drink to you in a cup of sack; and fear not, neighbour, you shall do well enough.
2 NEIGHBOUR.
And here, neighbour, here’s a cup of charneco.
3 NEIGHBOUR.
And here’s a pot of good double beer, neighbour. Drink, and fear not your man.
HORNER.
Let it come, i’ faith, and I’ll pledge you all; and a fig for Peter!
1 PRENTICE.
Here, Peter, I drink to thee, and be not afraid.
2 PRENTICE.
Be merry, Peter, and fear not thy master. Fight for credit of the prentices.
PETER.
I thank you all. Drink, and pray for me, I pray you, for I think I have taken my last draught in this world. Here, Robin, an if I die, I give thee my apron; and, Will, thou shalt have my hammer; and here, Tom, take all the money that I have. O Lord bless me! I pray God, for I am never able to deal with my master, he hath learnt so much fence already.
SALISBURY.
Come, leave your drinking and fall to blows.
Sirrah, what’s thy name?