Scene V A Room in Old Lionel’s House
Enter Reignald with a key in his hand, Young Lionel, Blanda, Scapha, Rioter, and two Gallants.
Reignald.
Now is the gaol delivery; through this back gate
Shift for yourselves; I here unprison all.
Young Lionel.
But tell me, how shall we dispose ourselves?
We are as far to seek now as at the first;
What is it to reprieve us for few hours,
And now to suffer? better had it been
At first to have stood the trial, so by this
We might have passed our penance.
Blanda.
Sweet Reignald!
Young Lionel.
Honest rogue!
Rioter.
If now thou fail’st us, then we are lost for ever.
Reignald.
This same sweet Reignald, and this honest rogue,
Hath been the burgess under whose protection
You all this while have lived, free from arrests:
But now the sessions of my power’s broke up,
And you exposed to actions, warrants, writs;
For all the hellish rabble are broke loose,
Of serjeants, sheriffs, and bailiffs.
All.
Guard us, Heaven!
Reignald.
I tell you as it is; nay, I myself
That have been your protector, now as subject
To every varlet’s pestle, for you know
How I am engaged with you——At whose suit, sir?
All.
Why didst thou start? [They all start.
Reignald.
I was afraid some catchpole stood behind me,
To clap me on the shoulder.
Rioter.
No such thing;
Yet I protest thy fear did fright us all.
Reignald.
I knew your guilty consciences.
Young Lionel.
No brain left?
Blanda.
No crotchet for my sake?
Reignald.
One kiss then, sweet;
Thus shall my crotchets and your kisses meet.
Young Lionel.
Nay, tell us what to trust to.
Reignald.
Lodge yourselves
In the next tavern; there’s the cash that’s left
Go, health it freely for my good success;
Nay, drown it all, let not a tester47 scape
To be consumed in rot-gut:48 I have begun,
And I will stand the period.
Young Lionel.
Bravely spoke.
Reignald.
Or perish in the conflict.
Rioter.
Worthy Reignald—
Reignald.
Will, if he now come off well, fox you all;49
Go, call for wine; for singly of myself
I will oppose all danger; but I charge you,
When I shall faint or find myself distressed,
If I, like brave Orlando,50 wind my horn,
Make haste unto my rescue.
Young Lionel.
And die in’t.
Reignald.
Well hast thou spoke, my noble Charlemain
With these thy peers about thee.
Young Lionel.
May good speed
Attend thee still!
Reignald.
The end still crowns the deed.
[Exeunt.