[_Enter_] CORBACCIO _and_ CORVINO;—(MOSCA _passant_.)
_Corb._ See, in our habit![1735] see the impudent varlet!
_Corv._ That I could shoot mine eyes at him, like gun-stones!
[_Enter_ VOLPONE.]
_Volp._ But is this true, sir, of the parasite?
_Corb._ Again, t’ afflict us! monster!
_Volp._ In good faith, sir,
I’m heartily griev’d, a beard of your grave length 5
Should be so over-reach’d. I never brook’d
That parasite’s hair; methought his nose should cozen:[1736]
There still was somewhat in his look, did promise
The bane of a clarissimo.
_Corb._ Knave——
_Volp._ Methinks
Yet you, that are so traded i’ the world, 10
A witty merchant, the fine bird, Corvino,
That have such moral emblems on your name,
Should not have sung your shame, and dropt your cheese,
To let the Fox laugh at your emptiness.
_Corv._ Sirrah, you think the privilege of the place, 15
And your red saucy cap, that seems to me
Nail’d to your jolt-head with those two chequins,
Can warrant your abuses; come you hither:
You shall perceive, sir, I dare beat you; approach.
_Volp._ No haste, sir, I do know your valour well, 20
Since you durst publish what you are, sir.
_Corv._ Tarry,
I’d speak with you.
_Volp._ Sir, sir, another time——
_Corv._ Nay, now.
_Volp._ O lord, sir! I were a wise man,
Would stand the fury of a distracted cuckold.
MOSCA _walks by them_.
_Corb._ What, come again!
_Volp._ Upon ’em, Mosca; save me. 25
_Corb._ The air’s infected where he breathes.
_Corv._ Let’s fly him.
[_Exeunt_ CORV. _and_ CORB.]
_Volp._ Excellent basilisk! turn upon the vulture.