Gentlemen, I come to yee like one that lackes and would borrow, but
was loath to aske least hee should be denied: I would aske, but I
would aske to obtaine; O would I knewe that manner of asking! To beg
were base, and to cooche low and to carry an humble shew of entreatie
were too dog-like, that fawnes on his maister to get a bone from his
trencher: out, curre! I cannot abide it to put on the shape and habit
of this new worlds new found beggars, mistermed souldiers, as thus;
'Sweet gentlemen, let a poore scholler implore and exorate[1616] that
you would make him rich in the possession of a mite of your favours, to
keep him a true man in wit, and to pay for his lodging among the Muses!
so God him helpe, he is driven to a most low estate: tis not unknowne
what service of words he hath been at; hee lost his lims in a late
conflict of floute; a brave repulse and a hot assault it was, he doth
protest, as ever he saw since hee knewe what the report of a volley of
jestes were; he shall therefore desire you'--A plague upon it, each
beadle disdained would whip him from your companie. Well, gentlemen,
I cannot tell howe to get your favours better then by desert: then
the worse lucke, or the worse wit, or some what, for I shall not now
deserve it. Welcome[1617] then, I commit my selfe to my fortunes, and
your contents; contented to dye, if your severe judgements shall judge
me to be stung to death with the adders hisse.