your part, your states from hence are firm.
[_Exit_.

JOHN. What shall I term this creature? not a man,

[_Betwixt this_ BUTLER _leads_ ILFORD _in_.

He's not of mortal's temper, but he's one
Made all of goodness, though of flesh and bone:
O brother, brother, but for that honest man,
As near to misery had been our breath,
As where the thundering pellet strikes, is death.

THOM. Ay, my shift of shirts and change of clothes know't.

JOHN. We'll tell of him, like bells whose music rings
On coronation-day for joy of kings,
That hath preserv'd their steeples, not like tolls,
That summons living tears for the dead souls.

_Enter_ BUTLER _and_ ILFORD _above_[412].

BUT. God's precious, see the hell, sir: even as you had new-kissed, and
were about to court her, if her uncles be not come.

ILF. A plague on the spite on't.

BUT. But 'tis no matter, sir; stay you here in this upper chamber, and
I'll stay beneath with her: 'tis ten to one you shall hear them talk now
of the greatness of her possessions, the care they have to see her
well-bestowed, the admirableness of her virtues, all which for all their
coming shall be but happiness ordained for you, and by my means be your
inheritance.

ILF. Then thou'lt shift them away, and keep me from the sight of them?

BUT. Have I not promised to make you?

ILF. Thou hast.

BUT. Go to, then, rest here with patience, and be confident in my trust;
only in my absence you may praise God for the blessedness you have to
come, and say your prayers, if you will. I'll but prepare her heart for
entertainment of your love, dismiss them for your free access, and
return straight.

ILF. Honest-blessed-natural-friend, thou dealest with me like a brother,
butler. [_Exit_ BUTLER.] Sure, heaven hath reserved this man to wear
grey hairs to do me good. Now will I listen--listen close to suck in her
uncles' words with a rejoicing ear.

THOM. As we were saying, brother[413],
Where shall we find a husband for my niece?

ILF. Marry, she shall find one here, though you little know't. Thanks,
thanks, honest butler.

JOHN. She is rich in money, plate, and jewels.

ILF. Comfort, comfort to my soul.

THOM. Hath all her manor-houses richly furnished.

ILF. Good, good; I'll find employment for them.

BUT. _within_. Speak loud enough, that he may hear you.

JOHN. I take her estate to be about a thousand pound a year.

ILF. And that which