Mar.

Nay, either tell me where thou hast been, or I will not open my lips so wide as a

bristle may enter, in way of thy excuse; my Lady will hang thee for thy absence.

Clo.

Let her hang me; he, that is well hang'd in this world, needs fear no colours.

Mar.

Make that good.

Clo.

He shall see none to fear.

Mar.

A good ^{7 note}lenten answer: I can tell thee where that saying was born, of, I fear no colours.

Clo.

Where, good mistress Mary?

Mar.

In the wars, and that may you be bold to say in your foolery.

Clo.

Well, God give them wisdom that have it; and those that are fools, let them use their talents.

Mar.

Yet you will be hang'd for being so long absent, or be turn'd away; is not that as good as a hanging to you?

Clo.

Marry, a good hanging prevents a bad marriage; and for turning away, let summer bear it out.

Mar.

You are resolute then?

Clo.

Not so neither, but I am resolv'd on two points.

Mar.

That if one break, the other will hold; or, if both break, your gaskins fall.

Clo.

Apt, in good faith; very apt: well, go thy way, if Sir Toby would leave drinking, thou wert as witty a piece of Eve's flesh as any in Illyria.

Mar.

Peace, you rogue, no more o' that; here comes my Lady; make your excuse wisely, you were best.