Tim . I go, brave knight.

[Exit .

Ralph . My trusty dwarf and friend, reach me my shield;
And hold it while I swear. First, by my knighthood;
Then by the soul of Amadis de Gaul,
My famous ancestor; then by my sword
The beauteous Brionella girt about me;
By this bright burning Pestle, of mine honour
The living trophy; and by all respect
Due to distressèd damsels; here I vow
Never to end the quest of this fair lady
And that forsaken squire till by my valour
I gain their liberty!

George . Heaven bless the knight
That thus relieves poor errant gentlewomen!

[Exeunt .

[Wife . Ay, marry, Ralph, this has some savour in’t; I would see the proudest of them all offer to carry his books after him. But, George, I will not have him go away so soon; I shall be sick if he go away, that I shall: call Ralph again, George, call Ralph again; I prithee, sweetheart, let him come fight before me, and let’s ha’ some drums and some trumpets, and let him kill all that comes near him, an thou lovest me, George!

Cit . Peace a little, bird: he shall kill them all, an they were twenty more on ’em than there are.]

Enter Jasper.

Jasp . Now, Fortune, if thou be’st not only ill,
Show me thy better face, and bring about
Thy desperate wheel, that I may climb at length,
And stand. This is our place of meeting,
If love have any constancy. Oh, age,
Where only wealthy men are counted happy!
How shall I please thee, how deserve thy smiles,
When I am only rich in misery?
My father’s blessing and this little coin
Is my inheritance; a strong revénue!
From earth thou art, and to the earth I give thee:

[Throws away the money .

[Sees the casket

[Exit with the casket .

[Wife . I do not like that this unthrifty youth should embezzle away the money; the poor gentlewoman his mother will have a heavy heart for it, God knows.

Cit . And reason good, sweetheart.

Wife . But let him go; I’ll tell Ralph a tale in’s ear shall fetch him again with a wanion, I warrant him, if he be above ground; and besides, George, here are a number of sufficient gentlemen can witness, and myself, and yourself, and the musicians, if we be called in question.

SCENE III.— Another part of the Forest .

Enter Ralph and George.