Act II Scene 3.

Outside Sweetball’s house

Enter Franklin [and] young Cressingham [disguised] as before, Ralph [carrying the stuffs], [Sweetball the] Barber, Boy.

BARBER
Were it of greater moment than you speak of, noble sir, I hope you think me sufficient, and it shall be effectually performed.

FRANKLIN
I could wish your wife did not know it, coz. Women’s tongues are not always tuneable; I may many ways requite it.

BARBER
Believe me, she shall not, sir, which will be the hardest thing of all.

FRANKLIN
Pray you, dispatch him then.

BARBER
With the celerity a man tells gold to him.

FRANKLIN
[Aside] He hits a good comparison! [To Ralph] Give my waste-good your stuffs and go with my cousin, sir; he’ll presently dispatch you.

RALPH
Yes, sir.

BARBER
Come with me, youth; I am ready for you in my more private chamber.

Exeunt Barber and Ralph.

FRANKLIN
Sirrah, go you show your lady the stuffs, and let her choose her colour. Away; you know whither. Boy, prithee lend me a brush i’ th’ meantime. Do you tarry all day now?

CRESSINGHAM
That I will, sir, and all night too ere I come again.

Exit young Cressingham [with the stuffs].

BOY
Here’s a brush, sir.

FRANKLIN
A good child!

BARBER within
What, Toby!

BOY
Anon, sir.

BARBER within
Why, when, goodman picklock?

BOY
I must attend my master, sir. I come!

FRANKLIN
Do, pretty lad.

Exit Boy.

So, take water at Cole Harbour.
An easy mercer and an innocent barber!

Exit Franklin [with the brush].