Sem.
Must he needs trouble me in't? 'bove all others?—
He might have tried lord Lucius, or Lucullus,
And now Ventidius is wealthy too,
Whom he redeem'd from prison. All these three
Owe their estates unto him.

Ser.
Oh my lord,
They've all been touch'd, and all are found base metal,
For they have all deny'd him.

Sem.
How? deny'd him?
Ventidius and Lucullus both deny'd him?
And does he send to me? three! hum—
It shews but little love or judgment in him.
Must I be his last refuge? his friends like physicians,
^{c note}Three give him over? must I take the cure
On me? h'as much disgrac'd me in't; I'm angry.
He might have known my place, I see no sense for't,
But his occasions might have wooed me first:
For, in my conscience, I was the first man
That e'er received gift from him.
And does he think so backwardly of me,
That I'll requite it last? no:
So it may prove an argument of laughter
To th' rest, and 'mongst lords I be thought a fool:
I'd rather than the worth of thrice the sum,
H'ad sent to me first, but for my mind's sake:
I'd such a courage to have done him good.
But now return,

And with their faint reply this answer join;
Who bates mine honour, shall not know my coin. [Exit.

Ser.

Excellent your lordship's a goodly villain. The devil knew not what he did, when he made man politick; he cross'd himself by't; and I cannot think, but in the end the villanies of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear foul? takes virtuous copies to be wicked: like those that under hot, ardent zeal, would set whole realms on fire. Of such a nature is his politick love.