Chapter 49

SIR SAMPSON, VALENTINE, SCANDAL.

SCAN. That ever I should suspect such a heathen of any remorse! [_Aside_.]

SIR SAMP. Dost thou know this paper, Val? I know thou’rt honest, and wilt perform articles. [_Shows him the paper_, _but holds it out of his reach_.]

VAL. Pray let me see it, sir. You hold it so far off that I can’t tell whether I know it or no.

SIR SAMP. See it, boy? Ay, ay; why, thou dost see it—’tis thy own hand, Vally. Why, let me see, I can read it as plain as can be. Look you here. [_Reads_.] _The condition of this obligation_—Look you, as plain as can be, so it begins—and then at the bottom—_As witness my hand_, VALENTINE LEGEND, in great letters. Why, ’tis as plain as the nose in one’s face. What, are my eyes better than thine? I believe I can read it farther off yet; let me see. [_Stretches his arm as far as he can_.]

VAL. Will you please to let me hold it, sir?

SIR SAMP. Let thee hold it, sayest thou? Ay, with all my heart. What matter is it who holds it? What need anybody hold it? I’ll put it up in my pocket, Val, and then nobody need hold it. [_Puts the paper in his pocket_.] There, Val; it’s safe enough, boy. But thou shalt have it as soon as thou hast set thy hand to another paper, little Val.