ARISTIPPUS. Adieu, friend Carisophus--In good faith now, Of force I must laugh at this solemn vow. Is Aristippus link’d in friendship with Carisophus? _Quid cum tanto asino talis philosophus?_ They say, _Morum similitudo consuit[22] amicitias_; Then how can this friendship between us two come to pass? We are as like in condition as Jack Fletcher and his bolt;[23] I brought up in learning, but he is a very dolt As touching good letters; but otherwise such a crafty knave, If you seek a whole region, his like you cannot have: A villain for his life, a varlet dyed in grain, You lose money by him, if you sell him for one knave,[24] for he serves for twain: A flattering parasite, a sycophant also, A common accuser of men, to the good an open foe. Of half a word he can make a legend of lies, Which he will avouch with such tragical cries, As though all were true that comes out of his mouth. Whereas indeed, to be hanged by and by,[25] He cannot tell one tale, but twice he must lie. He spareth no man’s life to get the king’s favour, In which kind of service he hath got such a savour,[26] That he will never leave. Methink then that I Have done very wisely to join in friendship with him, lest perhaps I Coming in his way might be nipp’d; for such knaves in presence We see oft times put honest men to silence: Yet I have played with his beard in knitting this knot, I promis’d friendship; but, you love few words--I spake it, but I meant it not.[27] Who marks this friendship between us two Shall judge of the worldly friendship without any more ado. It may be a right pattern[28] thereof; but true friendship indeed Of nought but of virtue doth truly proceed. But why do I now enter into philosophy, Which do profess the fine kind of courtesy? I will hence to the court with all haste I may; I think the king be stirring, it is now bright day. To wait at a pinch still in sight I mean, For wot ye what? a new broom sweeps clean[29] As to high honour I mind not to climb, So I mean in the court to lose no time: Wherein, happy man be his dole,[30] I trust that I Shall not speed worst, and that very quickly. [_Exit._
_Here entereth_ DAMON _and_ PITHIAS _like mariners._
DAMON. O Neptune, immortal be thy praise, For that so safe from Greece we have pass’d the seas To this noble city Syracuse, where we The ancient reign of the Romans may see. Whose force Greece also heretofore hath known, Whose virtue the shrill trump of fame so far hath blown.