_Avar._ A little near! Provide in any wise that Verity come not here: Let Insolence and Oppression keep her hence.
_Adul._ We shall, all three, therein do our best diligence.
_Avar._ Bid them well remember the world will wax quaisy; Some of us, ere long, may hap leap at a daisy; Or put out the _i_ of Misericordia, And without an _i_ play e'en plain trussing corda.
_Resp._ Policy, what is it that ye talk there so long?
_Avar._ I send instructions that they may not do wrong.
_Resp._ Send ye aught to him that may not be told to me?
_Avar._ Should we with ery trifling trifle trouble ye? Well then, ye look for these two ladies, [I am sure].
_Resp._ I trust they will not fail on me to do their cure.
_Avar._ I told you ever, did I not, that your wealth would frame?
_Resp._ I shall reward your pains: or else I were to blame.
_Avar._ Then best I go now straight to my fellows and see--
_Resp._ That things needful for us may not unready be; Do so, I pray you!
_Avar._ Fare ye well, Respublica, Till I see you next! [_Exeat._
_Resp._ Now, Misericordia! When shall be thy pleasure? bring hither Verity? Behold! e'en with the word speaking, where they both be.
_Miser._ I daresay Respublica thinketh the time long.
_Ver._ Who can blame her, having endured so much wrong? But as meat and drink, and other bodily food Is never found to be so pleasant, nor so good, As when fretting hunger and thirst hath pinched afore; And as health after sickness is sweeter evermore, So, after decay and adversity overcome, Wealth and prosperity shall be double welcome.
_Miser._ How now, Respublica? have I not been long hence?
_Resp._ Come ye first or last, ye bless me with your presence.
_Miser._ As I was commanded, I bring you Verity, To help you, your people, and their posterity.
_Ver._ Dear jewel Respublica! I do you embrace.
_Resp._ I thank your goodness, and submit me to your grace.
_Miser._ Embrace Verity for ever, Respublica, And cleave fast to her!
_Miser._ Now please it you to declare, sister Verity! How she may recover her old prosperity; Her honour, her wealth, her riches, her substance, Her commons, her people, her strength, and her puissance.
_Ver._ All this will be recovered incontinent; And, to better state also, by good government.