the other side of the hedge sat one that heard his sorrow,
who getting over, came towards him, and brake off his passion.
When he approached, he saluted Roberto in this sort: Gentleman,
quoth he (for so you seem) I have by chance heard you discourse
some part of your grief; which appeareth to be more than you will
discover, or I can conceit. But if you vouchsafe such simple
comfort as my ability will yield, assure yourself, that I will
endeavour to do the best, that either may procure your profit, or
bring you pleasure: the rather, for that I suppose you are a
scholar, and pity it is men of learning should live in lack.

"Roberto wondering to hear such good words, for that this iron
age affords few that esteem of virtue; returned him thankful
gratulations and (urged by necessity) uttered his present grief,
beseeching his advice how he might be employed. 'Why, easily,'
quoth he, 'and greatly to your benefit: for men of my profession
get by scholars their whole living.' 'What is your profession?'
said Roberto. 'Truly, sir,' said he, 'I am a player.' 'A player!'
quoth Roberto. 'I took you rather for a gentleman of great
living, for if by outward habit men should be censured, I tell
you, you would be taken for a substantial man.' 'So am I, where I
dwell' (quoth the player) 'reputed able, at my proper cost, to
build a windmill. What though the world once went hard with me,
when I was fain to carry my playing fardel a foot-back; _Tempora
mutantur_, I know you know the meaning of it better than I, but I
thus construe it; it is otherwise now; for my very share in
playing apparel will not be sold for two hundred pounds.' 'Truly'
(said Roberto) 'it is strange that you should so prosper in that
vain practise, for that it seems to me your voice is nothing
gracious.' 'Nay, then,' said the player, 'I mislike your
judgment: why, I am as famous for Delphrigas, and the King of
Fairies, as ever was any of my time. The twelve labours of
Hercules have I terribly thundered on the stage, and placed three
scenes of the devil on the highway to heaven.' 'Have ye so?'
(said Roberto) 'then I pray you, pardon me.' 'Nay more' (quoth
the player) 'I can serve to make a pretty speech, for I was a
country author, passing at a moral, for it was I that penn'd the
moral of man'