PHIL. In faith, good counsel, Frank: what say'st thou to it?
PHIL. Why, that which was persuaded by thy father.
FRAN. That's ay then[291]. Ay. O, should it fall out ill, Then I, for I am guilty of that ill!-- I'll not be guilty. No.
FRAN. Philip, no whit backward; that is, on.
PHIL. Tush, there is no good luck in this delay. Come, come; late-comers, man, are shent.
FRAN. Heigho, I fear I shall repent! Well, which way, Philip[292]?
FRAN. Canst thou tell, And takest upon thee to be my guide to hell?-- But which way, father?
FRAN. Ay, you know, You found the way to sorrow long ago. Father, God be wi' ye[293]: you have sent your son To seek on earth an earthly day of doom, Where I shall be adjudged, alack the ruth, To penance for the follies of my youth! Well, I must go; but, by my troth, my mind Is not capable to love [in][294] that kind. O, I have look'd upon this mould of men, As I have done upon a lion's den! Praised I have the gallant beast I saw, Yet wish'd me no acquaintance with his paw: And must I now be grated with them? well, Yet I may hap to prove a Daniel; And, if I do, sure it would make me laugh, To be among wild beasts and yet be safe. Is there a remedy to abate their rage? Yes, many catch them, and put them in a cage. Ay, but how catch them? marry, in your hand Carry me forth a burning firebrand, For with his sparkling shine, old rumour says, A firebrand the swiftest runner frays: This I may do; but, if it prove not so, Then man goes out to seek his adjunct woe. Philip, away! and, father, now adieu! In quest of sorrow I am sent by you.
MR GOUR. Return, the messenger of joy, my son.
FRAN. Seldom in this world such a work is done.
PHIL. Nay, nay, make haste, it will be quickly night.
FRAN. Why, is it not good to woo by candle-light?
PHIL. But, if we make not haste, they'll be a-bed.
FRAN. The better, candles out and curtains spread.
MR GOUR. I know, though that my son's years be not many, Yet he hath wit to woo as well as any. Here comes my wife: I am glad my boy is gone.
Ere she came hither. How now, wife? how is't? What, are ye yet in charity and love With Mistress Barnes?
MRS GOUR. With Mistress Barnes! why Mistress[295] Barnes, I pray?
MR GOUR. Because she is your neighbour and--