human
Miserable sinner that I am! That varlet hath forgotten to deliver the message he received from Master Arderne. Who knoweth the import of such message, so entrusted, and confided, and given, and--and--lost perhaps for ever?----Ah! and----Peradventure Sir Hugh Clopton hath been seized with apoplexy, and I have been sent for to confer about his will, or mayhap Master Arderne hath wished for my advice, anent drawing up the articles of marriage betwixt himself and that most beautified of young ladies his cousin.----Or, peradventure the match may have been broken off, and he may wish for my advice on the let and hindrance thereof. Nay, it is impossible to say in how much I am deteriorated and damaged, both in purse, person, and reputation by the mistakes, misconduct, and mismanagement of that pestilent conglomeration of vices, idleness, and villany--that scurvy companion, that ill favoured----
gpt
William Shakespeare, I suppose you mean, said that youth himself, who at the moment entered unperceived, and stood smiling at the door whilst he listened to the scurrility of Grasp.
human
Nay, finish your sentence, and fill up the measure of your abuse, master-mine, said Shakespeare, advancing towards Grasp, who seemed struck all of a heap by his presence.
gpt
I have heard it is your pleasure to rail upon me behind my back, and, as I well know I deserve some slight portion of your anger, I am as well content to receive it myself, in place of its being put upon these lads, my fellows.
human
Nay, good William, said the lawyer (whose excitement seemed to have vanished in a most unaccountable manner, in the presence of his clerk);
gpt
I named you not, I meant you not, I spoke not your name, that I am aware of. At least not at this precise moment. Did I name our good William lads? Did I couple his name--?
human
If you did, I care not, said the youth,
gpt
Now that's what I call a circumstance, said the lawyer;
human
he called to the serving-wench,
gpt
One to advise with your worship, said the man,
human
Ah, said Grasp,
gpt
A would not give his name, but a said he were from Warwick,
human
From Warwick, Davey? eh? Right, good Davey. I do expect one from Warwick to-day,--I had forgotten as much--and so you showed him into the front chamber?
gpt
I did, master,
human
And is all in order in that apartment, Davey?
gpt
It be so,
human
Papers, parchments, deeds, and strong boxes, all in their places, Davey?
gpt
Yes, master, like nest-eggs. He! he! he!
human
And you told him I was engaged with another client on business of import,--of immense import,--eh, Davey?
gpt
Trust I for that!
human
Good, then, take him a cup of wine, Davey. Tell him I will see him the moment I am disengaged, and then bring me hither my capon and tankard. And d'ye hear,--after you have done that, mount Sorrel yourself, and ride over to Clopton; make some excuse to introduce yourself into the servants' hall, and just take a look, and observe if there be anything out of the common there. You understand?
gpt
He! he! hap I do,