SIR THOMAS MORE
Page: 38

would uphold a company beyond all hope, better than Mason
among the king's players! Did ye mark how extemprically he fell
to the matter, and spake Lugginses part almost as it is in the very
book set down?

WIT.
Peace; do ye know what ye say? my lord a player! let us not
meddle with any such matters: yet I may be a little proud that my
lord hath answered me in my part. But come, let us go, and be
ready to begin the play again.

LUGGINS.
I, that's the best, for now we lack nothing.

[Enter a Servingman.]

MAN.
Where be these players?

ALL.
Here, sir.

MAN.
My lord is sent for to the court,
And all the guests do after supper part;
And, for he will not trouble you again,
By me for your reward a sends 8 angels,
With many thanks. But sup before you go:
It is his will you should be fairly entreated:
Follow, I pray ye.

WIT.
This, Luggins, is your negligence;
Wanting Wit's beard brought things into dislike;
For otherwise the play had been all seen,
Where now some curious citizen disgraced it,
And discommending it, all is dismissed.

VICE.
Fore God, a says true. But hear ye, sirs: 8 angels, ha! my lord
would never give 8 angels more or less for 12d; other it should be
3l, 5l, or ten li.; there's 20s wanting, sure.

WIT.
Twenty to one, tis so. I have a trick: my lord comes; stand aside.

[Enter More, with Attendants with Purse and Mace.]

MORE.
In haste to counsel! what's the business now,
That all so late his highness sends for me?--
What seekst thou, fellow?

WIT.
Nay, nothing: your lordship sent 8 angels by your man, and I have
lost two of them in the rishes.

MORE.
Wit, look to that:--8 angels! I did send them ten.--Who gave it
them?

MAN.
I, my lord; I had no more about me;
But by and by they shall rescue the rest.

MORE.
Well, Wit, twas wisely done; thou playest Wit well indeed,
Not to be thus deceived of thy right.--
Am I a man, by office truly ordained
Equally to decide true right his own,
And shall I have deceivers in my house?
Then what avails my bounty, when such servants
Deceive the poor of what the Master gives?