Omnes.  A secret, what secret I pray thee?

Ia.  If ever your worships say any thing, we are undone for ever.

Omnes.  Not for a World beleeve it.

Will.  Why then this it is; we over-heard our Ladies as they were talking in private say, they refus’de to meet you at Barnet this morning of purpose, because they wood try which of you were most patient.

Ia.  And some said you, Sir Gyles, another you Sir [Cutt] and the third you Captaine.

Om.  This was excellent.

Wil.  Then did they sweare one another not to excuse themselves to you by any meanes, that they might try you the better; now if they shall see you say nothing in the World to them what may come of it, when Ladies begin to try their suters once, I hope your wisedomes can judge a little.

Foul.  O ho, my little knave, let us alone now yfaith; wood I might be Casheird, if I say any thing.

Rud.  Faith, and I can forbeare my Tongue as well as another, I hope.

Goos.  Wood I might be degraded, if I speake a word, Ile tell them I care not for loosing my labour.

Foul.  Come Knights shall wee not reward the Pages?

Rud.  Yes I prethee doe, sir Gyles give the boyes something.

Goos.  Never stirre, sir Cutt, if I have ever a groat about me but one three pence.

Foul.  Well Knights ile lay out fors all; here, my fine Pages.

Wil.  No in deed, ant please your worship.

Foul.  O Pages, refuse a Gentlemans bounty?

Ia.  Cry you mercy, Sir; thanke you sweet Captaine.

Foul.  And what other newes is stirring, my fine villiacos.

Wil.  Marry Sir, they are invited to a great supper to night to your Lords house, Captaine, the Lord Furnifall, and there will be your great cosen Sir Gyles Goosecappe, the Lorde Tales, and your Vnckle, Sir Cutt.  Rudesby, Sir Cutbert Kingcob.

Foul.  The Lord Tales, what countriman is he?

Ia.  A kentish Lord, sir; his ancestors came forth off Canterbury.

Foul.  Out of Canterbury.

Wil.  Indeed, Sir, the best Tales in England are your Canterbury Tales, I assure ye.

Rud.  The boy tels thee true Captaine.

Ia.  He writes his name Sir, Tales, and he being the tenth sonne his Father had; his Father Christned him Decem Tales, and so his whole name is the Lord Decem Tales.

Goos.  A my mortality the boy knowes more then I doe of our house.

Rud.  But is the Ladie Furnifall (Captaine) still of the same drinking humor she was wont to be?

Foul.  Still of the same, Knight, and is never in any sociable veine till she be typsie, for in her sobriety she is madd, and feares my good little old Lord out of all proportion.