University of Virginia Library

Scene III.

Compasse. Ironside. Practise.
Com.
What? I can make you amends, my learned Counsell,
And satisfie a greater Injury
To chafed Mr. Practise. Who would thinke
That you could be thus testie?

Iro.
A grave head!
Gi'n over to the study of our Lawes.

Com.
And the prime honours of the Common-wealth.

Iro.
And you to mind a wife.

Com.
What should you doe
With such a toy as a wife, that might distract you,
Or hinder you i' your Course?

Iro.
He shall not thinke on't.

Com.
I will make over to you my Possession,
Of that same place is falne (you know) to satisfie
Surveyor of the Projects generall.

Iro.
And that's an office, you know how to stirre in.

Com.
And make your profits of.

Iro.
Which are (indeed)
The ends of a gown'd man: Shew your activity,
And how you are built for busines.

Pra.
I accept it
As a P ssession, be't but a Reversion.

Com.
You first told me 'twas a Possession.

Pra.
I,
I told you that I heard so.

Iro.
All is one,
Hee'll make Reversion a Possession quickly.

Com.
But I must have a generall Release from you.

Pra.
Doe one, Ile doe the other.

Com.
It's a match
Before my brother Ironside.

Pra.
'Tis done.

Com.
Wee two are reconcil'd then.

Iro.
To a Lawyer,
That can make use of a place, any halfe title,
Is better then a wife.

Com.
And will save charges
Of Coaches, Vellute Gownes, and cut-worke Smocks.

Iro.
Hee is to occupie an office wholly.

Com.
True, I must talke with you neerer, Mr. Practise,
About recovery o' my wives portion,
What way I were best to take.

Pra.
The plainest way.

Com.
What's that, for plainenesse?

Pra.
Sue him at Common-Law:
Arrest him on an Action of Choke-baile,
Five hundred thousand pound; it will affright him,
And all his sureties. You can prove your marriage?

Com.
Yes.
Wee'll talke of it within, and heare my Lady.