Page 574 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.

CADE

Nay, that I mean to do. Is not this a lamentable thing, that of the skin of
an innocent lamb should be [75] made parchment, that parchment, being
scribbled o’er, should undo a man? Some say the bee stings, but I say, ’tis
the bee’s wax; for I did but seal once to a thing, and I was never mine own
man since. How now? Who’s there? [80]

Enter [some, bringing forward the] Clerk [of Chartham].

SMIT H

The clerk of Chartham; he can write and read, and cast accompt.

CADE

O monstrous.

SMIT H

We took him setting of boys’ copies.

CADE

Here’s a villain! [85]

SMIT H

H’as a book in his pocket with red letters in’t.

CADE

Nay then, he is a conjurer.

DICK

Nay, he can make obligations and write court-hand.

CADE

I am sorry for’t. The man is a proper man, of [90] mine honour: unless I
find him guilty, he shall not die. Come hither, sirrah, I must examine thee:
what is thy name?

CLERK

Emmanuel.