in'd is sweet."
Thus said my father to thy father[290], son,
And thou mayst do this too, as I have done.
PHIL. In faith, good counsel, Frank: what say'st thou to it?
FRAN. Philip, what should I say?
PHIL. Why, either ay or no.
FRAN. O, but which rather?
PHIL. Why, that which was persuaded by thy father.
FRAN. That's ay then[291]. Ay. O, should it fall out ill,
Then I, for I am guilty of that ill!--
I'll not be guilty. No.
PHIL. What, backward gone!
FRAN. Philip, no whit backward; that is, on.
PHIL. On, then.
FRAN. O, stay!
PHIL. Tush, there is no good luck in this delay.
Come, come; late-comers, man, are shent.
FRAN. Heigho, I fear I shall repent!
Well, which way, Philip[292]?
PHIL. Why, this way.
FRAN. Canst thou tell,
And takest upon thee to be my guide to hell?--
But which way, father?
MR GOUR. That way.
FRAN. Ay, you know,
You found the way to sorrow long ago.
Father, God be wi' ye[293]: you have sent your son
To seek on earth an earthly day of doom,
Where I shall be adjudged, alack the ruth,
To penance for the follies of my youth!
Well, I must go; but, by my troth, my mind
Is not capable to love [in][294] that kind.
O, I have look'd upon this mould of men,
As I have done upon a lion's den!
Praised I have the gallant beast I saw,
Yet wish'd me no acquaintance with his paw:
And must I now be grated with them? well,
Yet I may hap to prove a Daniel;
And, if I do, sure it would make me laugh,
To be among wild beasts and yet be safe.
Is there a remedy to abate their rage?
Yes, many catch them, and put them in a cage.
Ay, but how catch them? marry, in your hand
Carry me forth a burning firebrand,
For with his sparkling shine, old rumour says,
A firebrand the swiftest runner frays:
This I may do; but, if it prove not so,
Then man goes out to seek his adjunct woe.
Philip, away! and, father, now adieu!
In quest of sorrow I am sent by you.
MR GOUR. Return, the messenger of joy, my son.
FRAN. Seldom in this world such a work is done.
PHIL. Nay, nay, make haste, it will be quickly night.
FRAN. Why, is it not good to woo by candle-light?
PHIL. But, if we make not haste, they'll be a-bed.
FRAN. The better, candles out and curtains spread.
[_Exeunt_ FRANCIS and PHILIP.]
MR GOUR. I know, though that my son's years be not many,
Yet he hath wit to woo as well as any.
Here comes my wife: I am glad my boy is gone
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