Sec. Clo. I tell thee she is; and therefore make her[1965][1966]
grave straight: the crowner hath sat on her, and finds it
Christian burial. 5
First Clo. How can that be, unless she drowned herself[1963][1967]
in her own defence?
Sec. Clo. Why, 'tis found so.[1965]
First Clo. It must be 'se offendendo;' it cannot be else.[1968]
For here lies the point: if I drown myself wittingly, it argues 10
an act: and an act hath three branches; it is, to act, to[1969]
do, and to perform: argal, she drowned herself wittingly.[1970]
Sec. Clo. Nay, but hear you, goodman delver.[1971]
First Clo. Give me leave. Here lies the water; good:[1972]
here stands the man; good: if the man go to this water and[1973] 15
drown himself, it is, will he, nill he, he goes; mark you[1974]
that; but if the water come to him and drown him, he[1975]
drowns not himself: argal, he that is not guilty of his own
death shortens not his own life.
Sec. Clo. But is this law? 20
First Clo. Ay, marry, is't; crowner's quest law.
Sec. Clo. Will you ha' the truth on't? If this had not[1976]
been a gentlewoman, she should have been buried out o'[1977]
Christian burial.
First Clo. Why, there thou say'st: and the more pity that[1978] 25
great folk should have countenance in this world to drown
or hang themselves, more than their even Christian. Come,[1979]
my spade. There is no ancient gentlemen but gardeners,[1980]
ditchers and grave-makers: they hold up Adam's profession.