Volp. Mosca, I was almost lost; the advocate
Had betrayed all; but now it is recovered;
All’s on the hinge again—Say, I am living.

Mos. What busy knave is this!—Most reverend fathers,
I sooner had attended your grave pleasures,
But that my order for the funeral
Of my dear patron, did require me—

Volp. Mosca!

Mos. Whom I intend to bury like a gentleman.

Volp. Ay, quick, and cozen me of all.

2 Avoc. Still stranger!
More intricate!

1 Avoc. And come about again!

4 Avoc. It is a match, my daughter is bestow’d.

[Aside.

Mos. Will you give me half?

[Aside to Volp.

Volp. First, I’ll be hang’d.

Mos. I know
Your voice is good, cry not so loud.

1 Avoc. Demand
The advocate.—Sir, did you not affirm
Volpone was alive?

Volp. Yes, and he is;
This gentleman told me so.—Thou shalt have half.—

Mos. Whose drunkard is this same? speak, some that know him:
I never saw his face.—I cannot now
Afford it you so cheap.

Volp. No!

1 Avoc. What say you?

Volt. The officer told me.

Volt. I did, grave fathers,
And will maintain he lives, with mine own life,
And that this creature [points to Mosca.] told me.—I was born
With all good stars my enemies.

[Aside.

Mos. Most grave fathers,
If such an insolence as this must pass
Upon me, I am silent: ’twas not this
For which you sent, I hope.