Will neither promise serve, nor oath, nor bands?[406]
What other assurance will ye ask at my hands?
WILL.
My master is a gentleman, I tell you, and his word,
I would you knew it, shall with his deeds accord.
REASON.
We know not whom to trust, the world is so ill.
WILL.
Indeed, sir, as you say, you may mend, when ye will;
But in good earnest, madam, speak--off or on?
Shall we speed at your hand, or shall we be gone?
I love not these delays; say so, if we shall have you,
If not, say no; and let another crave you.
WIT.
Soft and fair, sir boy, you talk, you wot not what. [_Aside_.
WILL.
Can you abide to be driven off with this and that,
Can they ask any more than good assurance at your hands? [_Aside_.
EXPERIENCE.
All is now too little, son, as the matter stands.
WILL.
If all be too little, both goods and lands,
I know not what will please you, except Darby's bands.[407]
SCIENCE.
I have an enemy, my friend Wit, a mortal foe to me;
And therewithal the greatest plague that can befal to thee.
WIT.
Must I fight with him?
REASON.
Can you fight, if need be?
WILL.
If any such thing fall, count the charge to me,
Trouble not yourself.
WIT.
Hold thy peace, elf.
SCIENCE.
Hear out my tale; I have a mortal foe,
That lurketh in the wood hereby, as you come and go;
This monstrous giant bears a grudge to me and mine,
And will attempt to keep thee back from this desire of thine.
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