SCENE I. -- THE PALACE STAIRS.
ENTER PUNTARVOLO, WITH HIS DOG, FOLLOWED BY FASTIDIOUS BRISK
AND FUNGOSO.
PUNT. Come, gentles, Signior, you are sufficiently instructed.
PUNT. No, this gentleman. But stay, I take thought how to bestow my dog; he is
no competent attendant for the presence.
FAST. Mass, that's true, indeed, knight; you must not carry him into the
presence.
PUNT. I know it, and I, like a dull beast, forgot to bring one of my cormorants to
attend me.
FAST. Why, you were best leave him at the porter's lodge.
PUNT. Not so; his worth is too well known amongst them, to be forth-coming.
FAST. 'Slight, how will you do then?
PUNT. I must leave him with one that is ignorant of his quality, if I will have him
to be safe. And see! here comes one that will carry coals, ergo, will hold my dog.
ENTER A GROOM, WITH A BASKET.
My honest friend, may I commit the tuition of this dog to thy prudent care?
GROOM. You may, if you please, sir.
PUNT. Pray thee let me find thee here at my return; it shall not be long, till I will
ease thee of thy employment, and please thee. Forth, gentles.
FAST. Why, but will you leave him with so slight command, and infuse no more
charge upon the fellow?
PUNT. Charge! no; there were no policy in that; that were to let him know the
value of the gem he holds, and so to tempt frail nature against her disposition.
No, pray thee let thy honesty be sweet, as it shall be short.
