SCENE IV.[1699

[_Enter_] VOLTORE, CORBACCIO, CORVINO, MOSCA.

_Volt._ Well, now you know the carriage of the business, Your constancy is all that is requir’d Unto the safety of it.

_Mos._ Is the lie Safely convey’d[1700] amongst us? Is that sure? Knows every man his burden?

_Corv._ Yes.

_Mos._ Then shrink not. 5

_Corv._ But knows the advocate the truth?

_Mos._ O, sir, By no means; I devis’d a formal tale, That salv’d your reputation. But be valiant, sir.

_Corv._ I fear no one but him that this his pleading Should make him stand for a co-heir——

_Mos._ Co-halter! 10 Hang him; we will but use his tongue, his noise, As we do croaker’s[1701] here.

_Corv._ Ay, what shall he do?

_Mos._ When we ha’ done, you mean?

_Corv._ Yes.

_Mos._ Why, we ’ll think; Sell him for mummia:[1702] he ’s half dust already.—— Do you not smile, (_to_ VOLTORE) to see this buffalo,[1703] 16 How he doth sport it with his head? [_Aside._] I should, If all were well and past.—Sir, (_to_ CORBACCIO) only you Are he that shall enjoy the crop of all, And these not know for whom they toil.

_Corb._ Ay, peace.

_Mos._ (_turning to_ CORVINO.) But you shall eat it. [_Aside._] Much!—Worshipful sir, (_to_ VOLTORE) 20 Mercury sit upon your thund’ring tongue, Or the French Hercules, and make your language As conquering as his club, to beat along, As with a tempest, flat, our adversaries; But much more yours, sir.

_Volt._ Here they come, ha’ done. 25

_Mos._ I have another witness, if you need, sir, I can produce.

_Volt._ Who is it?

_Mos._ Sir, I have her.