Cit. Ay, and he should have played Jeronimo with a shoemaker for a wager.

S. of Prol. He shall have a suit of apparel, if he will go in.

Cit. In, Ralph, in, Ralph; and set out the grocery in their kind, if thou lovest me.

[Exit Ralph.

Wife. I warrant, our Ralph will look finely when he’s dressed.

S. of Prol. But what will you have it called?

Cit. “The Grocer’s Honour.”

S. of Prol. Methinks “The Knight of the Burning Pestle” were better.

Wife. I’ll be sworn, husband, that’s as good a name as can be.

Cit. Let it be so.—Begin, begin; my wife and I will sit down.

S. of Prol. I pray you, do.

Cit. What stately music have you? you have shawms?

S. of Prol. Shawms! no.

Cit. No! I’m a thief, if my mind did not give me so. Ralph plays a stately part, and he must needs have shawms: I’ll be at the charge of them myself, rather than we’ll be without them.

S. of Prol. So you are like to be.

Cit. Why, and so I will be: there’s two shillings;—[Gives money.]—let’s have the waits of Southwark; they are as rare fellows as any are in England; and that will fetch them all o’er the water with a vengeance, as if they were mad.

S. of Prol. You shall have them. Will you sit down, then?

Cit. Ay.—Come, wife.

Wife. Sit you merry all, gentlemen; I’m bold to sit amongst you for my ease.

[Citizen and Wife sit down.

S. of Prol. “From all that’s near the court, from all that’s great,
Within the compass of the city-walls,
We now have brought our scene. Fly far from hence
All private taxes, immodest phrases,
Whatever may but show like vicious!
For wicked mirth never true pleasure brings,
But honest minds are pleased with honest things.”—
Thus much for that we do; but for Ralph’s part you
must answer for yourself.

Cit. Take you no care for Ralph; he’ll discharge himself, I warrant you.

[Exit Speaker of Prologue.

Wife. I’faith, gentlemen, I’ll give my word for Ralph.