Arb. I see there’s truth in no man, nor obedience,
But for his own ends: Why did you let her in?
Bac. It was your own command to bar none from him:
Besides, the princess sent her ring, sir, for my
warrant.
Arb. A token to Tigranes, did she not?
Sir, tell truth.
Bac. I do not use to lie, sir.
’Tis no way I eat, or live by; and I think
This is no token, sir.
Mar. This combat has undone him: If he had been well beaten, he had been temperate. I shall never see him handsome again, till he have a horseman’s staff yoked through his shoulders, or an arm broke with a bullet.
Arb. I am trifled with.
Bac. Sir?
Arb. I know it, as I know thee to be false.
Mar. Now the clap comes.
Bac. You never knew me so, sir, I dare speak it;
And, durst a worse man tell me, though my better—
Mar. ’Tis well said, by my soul.
Arb. Sirrah, you answer as you had no life.
Bac. That I fear, sir, to lose nobly.
Arb. I say, sir, once again—
Bac. You may say what you please, sir:
’Would I might do so.
Arb. I will, sir; and say openly,
This woman carries letters: By my life,
I know she carries letters; this woman
does it.
Mar. ’Would Bessus were here, to take her aside and search her; he would quickly tell you what she carried, sir.
Arb. I have found it out, this woman carries letters.
Mar. If this hold, ’twill be an ill world for bawds, chambermaids, and post-boys. I thank Heaven, I have none but his letters-patents, things of his own inditing.
Arb. Prince, this cunning cannot do’t.
Tigr. Do what, sir? I reach you not.
Arb. It shall not serve your turn, prince.
Tigr. Serve my turn, sir?
Arb. Ay, sir, it shall not serve your turn.
Tigr. Be plainer, good sir.