SCENE XI.[1337

[_Enter_] BRAINWORM, [_disguised as a City Serjeant_.]

_Brai._ Well, of all my disguises yet, now am I most like myself, being in this serjeant’s gown. A man of my present profession never counterfeits, till he lays hold upon a debtor and says he ’rests him; for then he brings him to all (5) manner of unrest. A kind of little kings we are, bearing the diminutive of a mace, made like a young artichoke, that always carries pepper and salt in itself. Well, I know not what danger I undergo by this exploit; pray Heaven (10) I come well off!

[_Enter_ MATHEW _and_ BOBADILL.]

_Mat._ See, I think, yonder is the varlet, by his gown.

_Bob._ Let’s go in quest of him.

_Mat._ ’Save you, friend! Are not you here by appointment of justice Clement’s man? 15

_Brai._ Yes, an’t please you, sir; he told me two gentlemen had will’d him to procure a warrant from his master, which I have about me, to be serv’d on one Downright.

_Mat._ It is honestly done of you both; and (20) see where the party comes you must arrest; serve it upon him quickly, afore he be aware.

_Bob._ Bear back, master Mathew.

[_Enter_ STEPHEN _in_ DOWNRIGHT’S _cloak_.]

_Brai._ Master Downright, I arrest you i’ the queen’s name, and must carry you afore a (25) justice by virtue of this warrant.

_Step._ Me, friend! I am no Downright, I; I am master Stephen. You do not well to arrest me, I tell you, truly; I am in nobody’s bonds nor books, I would you should know it. A plague (30) on you heartily, for making me thus afraid afore my time!

_Brai._ Why, now are you deceived, gentlemen?

_Bob._ He wears such a cloak, and that deceived us: but see, here ’a comes indeed; this (35) is he, officer.

[_Enter_ DOWNRIGHT.]

_Dow._ Why how now, signior gull! Are you turn’d filcher of late! Come, deliver my cloak.

_Step._ Your cloak, sir! I bought it even now, in open market. 40

_Brai._ Master Downright, I have a warrant I must serve upon you, procur’d by these two gentlemen.

_Dow._ These gentlemen! These rascals! [_Offers to beat them_.]

_Brai._ Keep the peace, I charge you in her majesty’s name. 45

_Dow._ I obey thee. What must I do, officer?

_Brai._ Go before master justice Clement, to answer what they can object against you, sir. I will use you kindly, sir. 50

_Mat._ Come, let’s before, and make[1338] the justice, captain.

_Bob._ The varlet’s a tall man, afore heaven! [_Exeunt_ BOB. _and_ MAT.]

_Dow._ Gull, you’ll gi’ me my cloak.

_Step._ Sir, I bought it, and I’ll keep it. 55

_Dow._ You will?

_Step._ Ay, that I will.

_Dow._ Officer, there’s thy fee, arrest him.

_Brai._ Master Stephen, I must arrest you.

_Step._ Arrest me! I scorn it. There, take your cloak, I’ll none on ’t. 61

_Dow._ Nay, that shall not serve your turn now, sir. Officer, I’ll go with thee to the justice’s; bring him along.

_Step._ Why, is not here your cloak? What would you have? 66

_Dow._ I’ll ha’ you answer it, sir.

_Brai._ Sir, I’ll take your word, and this gentleman’s too, for his appearance.

_Dow._ I’ll ha’ no words taken: bring him along.

_Brai._ Sir, I may choose to do that, I may (71) take bail.

_Dow._ ’Tis true, you may take bail, and choose at another time; but you shall not now, varlet. Bring him along, or I’ll swinge you. 75

_Brai._ Sir, I pity the gentleman’s case; here’s your money again.

_Dow._ ’Sdeins, tell not me of my money; bring him away, I say.

_Brai._ I warrant you he will go with you of himself, sir. 81

_Dow._ Yet more ado?

_Brai._ [_Aside._] I have made a fair mash on’t.

_Step._ Must I go?

_Brai._ I know no remedy, master Stephen. 85

_Dow._ Come along afore me here; I do not love your hanging look behind.

_Step._ Why, sir, I hope you cannot hang me for it: can he, fellow?

_Brai._ I think not, sir; it is but a whipping matter, sure. 91

_Step._ Why then let him do his worst, I am resolute. [_Exeunt._]