That Arden may, by gazing on it, perish.

Alice. Ay, but Mosbie, that is dangerous,

For thou, or I, or any other else,

Coming into the chamber where it hangs, may die.

Mosbie. Ay, but we’ll have it covered with a cloth

And hung up in the study for himself. 240

240

Alice. It may not be, for when the picture’s drawn,

Arden, I know, will come and show it me.

[11]

Mosbie. Fear not; we’ll have that shall serve the turn.

This is the painter’s house; I’ll call him forth.

Alice. But Mosbie, I’ll have no such picture, I.

Mosbie. I pray thee leave it to my discretion.

How! Clarke!

Oh, you are an honest man of your word! you served me well.

Clarke. Why, sir, I’ll do it for you at any time,

Provided, as you have given your word, 250

250

I may have Susan Mosbie to my wife.

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