TYRANNY. List, I pray thee, Avarice, how this rascal can prate, And with me Tyranny doth challenge equality; Where he of himself hath neither strength nor hability; But thou to him riches, and I strength, do give, So that I must be his master, though it doth him grieve.
AVARICE. Two dogs oftentimes one bone would fain catch, But yet the third do them both deceive. Even so Hypocrisy for the pre-eminence doth snatch, Which Tyranny gapes for, ye may perceive: But I must obtain it; for of me they retain All kind of riches, their states to maintain, To yield to me, therefore, they must be both fain. [_Aside_.
HYPOCRISY. Was Judas Christ's master, because he bare the purse? Nay, rather of all he was least regarded, Have not men of honour stewards to disburse All such sums of money wherewith they be charged? Yet above their master their honour is not enlarged: Even so thee, Avarice, my steward I account, To pay that whereto my charges amount. And to thee, Tyranny, this one word I object: Whether was Joab or David the king? When Joab was glad his ease to reject, The Ammonites in Rabah to confusion to bring, When David with Bathsheba at home was sleeping, Was not Joab, his servant, in warfare to fight? And so art thou mine, mine enemies to quite.
TYRANNY. Nay, then, at the whole God give you good night, Shall Tyranny to Hypocrisy in any point yield?
HYPOCRISY. With this one word I will vanquish thee quite, That thou shalt be glad to give me the field. The end to be preferred all learned men wield: Sith therefore Hypocrisy of Tyranny is end, I must have the preferment for which I contend.
TYRANNY. I will make you both grant that I am the chief, Or else with my sword your sides I will pierce.
HYPOCRISY. That were sharp reasoning indeed, with a mischief!
AVARICE. I will yield him my right, if that he be so fierce.
HYPOCRISY. The nature of hypocrites herein we rehearse; Which, being convinced by the text of God's word, The end of their spouting is fire and sword. But if you will needs be chief, God speed well the plough: I will be none that shall follow your train; For if I should, I know well enough That to fly the country we all should be fain: Then were my labour done but in vain. You know not so much as I do, Tyranny, Therefore, I advise you, be ruled by me.