DISSIMULATION. Sir, upon this condition that you will keep men in the law Ten or twelve years for matters that are not worth a straw, And that you will make an ill matter seem good and firmable indeed, Faith, I am content for my part you shall speed.
FRAUD. Nay, fellow, thou knowest that Simony and Usury hath an ill-matter in law at this time; Now, if thou canst handle the matter so subtle and fine, As to plead that ill-matter good and firmable at the bar, Then thou shalt show thyself worthy to win Lady Lucre. Therefore tell me if you can or will do it, or no: If you do it, be sure to get my lady's goodwill, ere you go.
DISSIMULATION. By my honesty, well-rememb'red: I had quite forgot; 'Tis about that a fortnight ago fell out, the matter I wot.
LAWYER. Tush, sir, I can make black white, and white black again. Tut, he that will be a lawyer must have a thousand ways to feign: And many times we lawyers do one befriend another, And let good matters slip! tut, we agree like brother and brother. Why, sir, what shall let us to wrest and turn the law as we list, Seeing we have them printed in the palms of our fist? Therefore doubt you not, but make bold report, That I came and will plead their ill-cause in good kind of sort.
FRAUD. Of troth, how likest thou this fellow, Dissimulation?
DISSIMULATION. Marry, I like him well: he is a cunning clerk, and one of our profession. But come, sir, go with us, and we will prefer you.
FRAUD. Leave thy prating: I will, I tell thee.
ARTIFEX. Good Master Dissimulation, think on me.
DISSIMULATION. Thou art too importunate and greedy.
FRAUD. Come after dinner, or some other time, when we are at leisure.
[DISSIMULATION, FRAUD, _and_ LAWYER _exeunt_.
ARTIFEX. Come after dinner, or some other time! I think so[170] indeed, For full little do they think of a poor man's need. These fellows will do nothing for pity and love, And thrice happy are they that hath no need them to prove. God he knows the world is grown to such a stay, That men must use Fraud and Dissimulation too, or beg by the way. Therefore I'll do as the most doth; the fewest shall laugh me to scorn, And be a fellow amongst good fellows to hold by St Luke's horn. [_Exit_.
SINCERITY. Good Cousin Simplicity, do somewhat for me.