[277] Baret, in his "Alvearie," explains _rave_, "to talke like a madde bodie."
[281] [This should form the commencement of a new scene, but it is not so marked.]
[282] So the edition of 1575. See note, _supra_.
[283] [Ado. See Nares, edit. 1859, p. 576.]
[284] Reward. It is a word used by Spenser, Shakspeare, and the chief of our ancient writers.
BAILY. I can perceive none other, I speak it from my heart, But either ye are all in the fault, or else in the greatest part.
DOCTOR RAT. If it be counted his fault, besides all his griefs, When a poor man is spoiled, and beaten among thieves, Then I confess my fault herein at this season; But I hope you will not judge so much against reason.
BAILY. And methinks by your own tale, of all that ye name, If any played the thief, you were the very same: The women they did nothing, as your words made probation, But stoutly withstood your forcible invasion. If that a thief at your window to enter should begin, Would you hold forth your hand, and help to pull him in? Or would[287] you keep him out? I pray you answer me.
DOCTOR RAT. Marry, keep him out: and a good cause why. But I am no thief, sir, but an honest learned clerk.
BAILY. Yea, but who knoweth that, when he meets you in the dark? I am sure your learning shines not out at your nose. Was it any marvel, though the poor woman arose, And start up, being afraid of that was in her purse? Me-think you may be glad that your[288] luck was no worse.
DOCTOR RAT. Is not this evil enough, I pray you, as you think? [_Showing his broken head._
BAILY. Yea, but a man in the dark oft[289] chances to wink, As soon he smites his father as any other man, Because, for lack of light, discern him he ne can. Might it not have been your luck with a spit to have been slain?
DOCTOR RAT. I think I am little better, my scalp is cloven to the brain: If there be all the remedy, I know who bears the knocks.[290]
BAILY. By my troth, and well worthy besides to kiss the stocks. To come in on the back side, when ye might go about, I know none such, unless they long to have their brains knock'd out.
DOCTOR RAT. Well, will you be so good, sir, as talk with dame Chat, And know what she intended, I ask no more but that.
BAILY. Let her be called, fellow, because of master doctor, I warrant in this case, she will be her own proctor: She will tell her own tale, in metre or in prose, And bid you seek your remedy, and so go wipe your nose.