Long-troubled years, I have your servant been,
Nor hath the proudest lord in all the realm,
With firmer, with more honourable faith
His sov'reign serv'd, than I have served you;
But, if my honesty is doubted now,
Let him who is more faithful take my place,
And serve you better.
De Mon. Well, be it as thou wilt. Away with thee.
Thy loud-mouth'd boasting is no rule for me
To judge thy merit by.
Enter Jerome hastily, and pulls Manuel away.
Jer. Come, Manuel, come away; thou art not wise.
The stranger must depart and come again,
For now his honour will not be disturb'd.
[Exit Manuel sulkily.
De Mon. A stranger said'st thou.
(Drops his handkerchief.)
Jer. I did, good sir, but he shall go away;
You shall not be disturb'd.
(Stooping to lift the handkerchief.)
You have dropp'd somewhat.
De Mon. (Preventing him.) Nay, do not stoop, my friend! I pray thee not!
Thou art too old to stoop.—
I am much indebted to thee.—Take this ring—
I love thee better than I seem to do.
I pray thee do it—thank me not.—What stranger?
Jer. A man who does most earnestly entreat
To see your honour, but I know him not.
