ISAAC. I may not do it, wife, I pray you be content:
The title of birthright, that cometh by descent,
Or the place of eldership coming by due course,
I may not change nor shift for better nor for worse.
Nature's law it is, the eldest son to knowledge,
And in no wise to bar him of his heritage:
And ye shall of Esau one day have comfort.
REBECCA. Set a good long day then, or else we shall come short.
ISAAC. I warrant you, he will do well enough at length.
REBECCA. You must needs commend him, being your might and strength.
ISAAC. Well, now go we hence; little Mido, where art thou?
MIDO. I have stood here all this while, list'ning, how you
And my dame Rebecca have been laying the law;
But she hath as quick answers as ever I saw.
Ye could not speak anything unto her so thick,
But she had her answer as ready and as quick.
ISAAC. Yea, women's answers are but few times to seek.
MIDO. But I did not see Esau neither all this same week.
Nor do I love your son Esau so well,
As I do love your son Jacob by a great deal.
ISAAC. No, doest thou, Mido? and tell me the cause why.
MIDO. Why? for I do not: And none other cause know I.
But everybody, as well one as other,
Do wish that Jacob had been the elder brother.
ISAAC. Well, come on, let us go.
MIDO. And who shall lead you? I?
REBECCA. No, it is my office as long as I am by.
And I would all wives, as the world this day is,
Would unto their husbands likewise do their office.
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