Cel. I would I could forget I were a creature.

Volt. Signior Corbaccio!

[Corbaccio comes forward.

4 Avoc. What is he?

Volt. The father.

2 Avoc. Has he had an oath?

Not. Yes.

Corb. What must I do now?

Not. Your testimony’s craved.

Corb. Speak to the knave?
I’ll have my mouth first stopt with earth; my heart
Abhors his knowledge: I disclaim in him.

l Avoc. But for what cause?

Corb. The mere portent of nature!
He is an utter stranger to my lions.

Bon. Have they made you to this?

Corb. I will not hear thee,
Monster of men, swine, goat, wolf, parricide!
Speak not, thou viper.

Bon. Sir, I will sit down,
And rather wish my innocence should suffer,
Than I resist the authority of a father.

Volt. Signior Corvino!

2 Avoc. This is strange.

1 Avoc. Who’s this?

Not. The husband.

4 Avoc. Is he sworn?

Not. He is.

3 Avoc. Speak, then.

Corv. This woman, please your fatherhoods, is a whore,
Of most hot exercise, more than a partrich,
Upon record—

l Avoc. No more.

Corv. Neighs like a jennet.

Not. Preserve the honour of the court.