BOY. Ay, Nicholas; wilt not thou go see the fray?
NICH. No, indeed; even as they brew, so let them bake. I will not thrust my hand into the flame, and [I] need not; 'tis not good to have an oar in another man's boat; little said is soon amended, and in little meddling cometh great rest; 'tis good sleeping in a whole skin; so a man might come home by Weeping-Cross:[346] no, by lady, a friend is not so soon gotten as lost; blessed are the peace-makers; they that strike with the sword, shall be beaten with the scabbard.
PHIL. Well-said, Proverbs: ne'er another to that purpose?
NICH. Yes, I could have said to you, sir, Take heed is a good reed.[347]
NICH. For happy is he whom other men's harms do make to beware.
PHIL. O, beware, Frank! Slip away, Mall, you know what I told ye. I'll hold our mothers both in talk meanwhile. [_Aside_.] Mother and Mistress Barnes, methinks you should not stand in hatred so hard one with another.
MRS BAR. Should I not, sir? should I not hate a harlot, That robs me of my right, vild[348] boy?
MRS GOUR. That title I return unto thy teeth, [_Exeunt_ FRANCIS _and_ MALL. And spit the name of harlot in thy face.
MRS BAR. Well, 'tis not time of night to hold out chat With such a scold as thou art; therefore now Think that I hate thee, as I do the devil.
MRS GOUR. The devil take thee, if thou dost not, wretch!
MRS BAR. Well, I will find a time to be reveng'd: Meantime I'll keep my daughter from thy son.-- Where are ye, minion? how now, are ye gone?
MRS BAR. He is not here. O, then, they slipp'd away, And both together!
PHIL. I'll assure ye, no: My sister she went in--into the house.
MRS BAR. But then she'll out again at the back door, And meet with him: but I will search about All these same fields and paths near to my house: They are not far, I am sure, if I make haste. [_Exit_.
MRS GOUR. O God, how went he hence, I did not see him? It was when Barnes's wife did scold with me; A plague on[349] her!--Dick, why didst not thou look to him?
COOMES. What should I look for him? no, no. I look not for him while[350] to-morrow morning.
MRS GOUR. Come, go with me to help me look him out. Alas! I have nor light, nor link, nor torch! Though it be dark, I will take any pains To cross this match. I prithee, Dick, away.