Shal. Let it be cast and paid. Sir John, you shall not
be excused.
Davy. Now, sir, a new link to the bucket must needs be[4281]
had: and, sir, do you mean to stop any of William's wages,20
about the sack he lost the other day at Hinckley fair?[4282]
Shal. A' shall answer it. Some pigeons, Davy, a couple
of short-legged hens, a joint of mutton, and any pretty little
tiny kickshaws, tell William cook.[4283]
Davy. Doth the man of war stay all night, sir?25
Shal. Yea, Davy. I will use him well: a friend i' the[4284]
court is better than a penny in purse. Use his men well,
Davy; for they are arrant knaves, and will backbite.
Davy. No worse than they are backbitten, sir; for they[4285]
have marvellous foul linen.[4286]30
Shal. Well conceited, Davy: about thy business, Davy.
Davy. I beseech you, sir, to countenance William Visor
of Woncot against Clement Perkes of the hill.[4287]
Shal. There is many complaints, Davy, against that[4288]
Visor: that Visor is an arrant knave, on my knowledge.35
Davy. I grant your worship that he is a knave, sir; but
yet, God forbid, sir, but a knave should have some countenance[4289]
at his friend's request. An honest man, sir, is able to
speak for himself, when a knave is not. I have served your
worship truly, sir, this eight years; and if I cannot once[4290]40
or twice in a quarter bear out a knave against an honest
man, I have but a very little credit with your worship.[4291]
The knave is mine honest friend, sir; therefore, I beseech
your worship, let him be countenanced.[4292]