there is no mercy for me in heaven, because I
am a Jew's daughter: and he says you are no 36
good member of the commonwealth, for, in con-
verting Jews to Christians, you raise the price of
pork.
Lor. I shall answer that better to the com- 40
monwealth than you can the getting up of the
negro's belly: the Moor is with child by you,
Launcelot.
Laun. It is much that the Moor should be 44
more than reason; but if she be less than an
honest woman, she is indeed more than I took
her for.
Lor. How every fool can play upon the word! 48
I think the best grace of wit will shortly turn
into silence, and discourse grow commendable
in none only but parrots. Go in, sirrah: bid
them prepare for dinner. 52
Laun. That is done, sir; they have all
stomachs.
Lor. Goodly Lord, what a wit-snapper are
you! then bid them prepare dinner. 56
Laun. That is done too, sir; only, 'cover' is
the word.
Lor. Will you cover, then, sir?
Laun. Not so, sir, neither; I know my duty. 60
Lor. Yet more quarrelling with occasion!
Wilt thou show the whole wealth of thy wit in
an instant? I pray thee, understand a plain man
in his plain meaning: go to thy fellows; bid 64
them cover the table, serve in the meat, and we
will come in to dinner.
Laun. For the table, sir, it shall be served in;
57 cover: cf. n.
61 quarrelling with occasion: splitting hairs at every opportunity
