head? canst not hear? An 'twere not as good a
deed as drink to break the pate on thee, I am a
very villain. Come, and be hanged! hast no
faith in thee?
Enter Gadshill.
Gads. Good morrow, carriers. What's o'clock?
First Car. I think it be two o'clock. 37
Gads. I prithee, lend me thy lantern, to see
my gelding in the stable.
First Car. Nay, by God, soft: I know a
trick worth two of that, i' faith. 41
Gads. I prithee, lend me thine.
Sec. Car. Ay, when? canst tell? Lend me
thy lantern, quoth a'? marry, I'll see thee
hanged first. 45
Gads. Sirrah carrier, what time do you mean
to come to London?
Sec. Car. Time enough to go to bed with a
candle, I warrant thee. Come, neighbour Mugs,
we'll call up the gentlemen: they will along
with company, for they have great charge.
Exeunt [Carriers]. Enter Chamberlain.
Gads. What, ho! chamberlain! 52
Cham. 'At hand, quoth pick-purse.'
Gads. That's even as fair as, 'at hand, quoth
the chamberlain'; for thou variest no more from
picking of purses than giving direction doth
from labouring; thou layest the plot how. 57
Cham. Good morrow, Master Gadshill. It
holds current that I told you yesternight: there's
a franklin in the wild of Kent hath brought
51 charge: baggage
52 chamberlain: servant in charge of chambers
59 holds current: proves true
60 franklin: freeholder
wild: weald, uncultivated country
