RAGAN. I assure you, Jacob, the man is very weak.
ESAU. But hark once again, methink I hear them speak!
RAGAN. I promise you, I fear his life be already pass'd.
JACOB. May God forbid!
ESAU. Lo, now they come at last.
RAGAN. If ye believe not me, see yourself, where he is.
JACOB. Fie, brother Esau, what a folly is this?
About vain pastime to wander abroad and peak,
Till with hunger you make yourself thus faint and weak.
ESAU. Brother Jacob, I pray you chide now no longer,
But give me somewhat, wherewith to slake mine hunger.
JACOB. Alack, brother, I have in my little cottage
Nothing but a mess of gross and homely pottage.
ESAU. Refresh me therewithall, and boldly ask of me
The best thing that I have, whatsoever it be.
I were a very beast, when thou my life dost save,
If I should stick with thee for the best thing I have.
JACOB. Can ye be content to sell your birthright to me?
ESAU. Hold, here is my hand, I do sell it here to thee.
With all the profits thereof henceforth to be thine,
As free, as full, as large, as ever it was mine.
JACOB. Then swear thou hand in hand before the living Lord
This bargain to fulfil, and to stand by thy word.
ESAU. Before the Lord I swear, to whom each heart is known,
That my birthright that was from henceforth is thine own.
JACOB. Thou shalt also with me by this promise indent,
With this bargain and sale to hold thyself content.
ESAU.
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