SCENE II.

TOM THUMB, NOODLE, BAILIFF, FOLLOWER.

_Thumb._ Trust me, my Noodle, I am wondrous sick;[113] For, though I love the gentle Huncamunca, Yet at the thought of marriage I grow pale: For, oh!--but swear thou'lt keep it ever secret,[114] I will unfold a tale will make thee stare.

_Nood._ I swear by lovely Huncamunca's charms.

_Thumb._ Then know--my grandmamma[115] hath often said. Tom Thumb, beware of marriage.

_Nood._ Sir, I blush To think a warrior, great in arms as you, Should be affrighted by his grandmamma. Can an old woman's empty dreams deter The blooming hero from the virgin's arms? Think of the joy that will your soul alarm, When in her fond embraces clasp'd you lie, While on her panting breast, dissolved in bliss, You pour out all Tom Thumb in every kiss.

_Thumb._ Oh! Noodle, thou hast fired my eager soul; Spite of my grandmother she shall be mine; I'll hug, caress, I'll eat her up with love: Whole days, and nights, and years shall be too short For our enjoyment; every sun shall rise Blushing to see us both alone together.[116]

_Nood._ Oh, sir! this purpose of your soul pursue.

_Bail._ Oh, sir! I have an action against you.

_Nood._ At whose suit is it?

_Bail._ At your tailor's, sir. Your tailor put this warrant in my hands, And I arrest you, sir, at his commands.

_Thumb._ Ha! dogs! Arrest my friend before my face! Think you Tom Thumb will suffer this disgrace? But let vain cowards threaten by their word, Tom Thumb shall show his anger by his sword.

[_Kills_ BAILIFF _and_ FOLLOWER.

_Bail._ Oh, I am slain!

_Fol._ I am murdered also, And to the shades, the dismal shades below, My bailiff's faithful follower I go.

_Nood._ Go then to hell,[117] like rascals as you are, And give our service to the bailiffs there.

_Thumb._ Thus perish all the bailiffs in the land, Till debtors at noon-day shall walk the streets, And no one fear a bailiff or his writ.