Love for Love: Scene VIII.
Scene VIII.
SIR SAMPSON, VALENTINE, SCANDAL.
SCANDAL
That ever I should suspect such a heathen of any remorse!
[Aside.]
SIR SAMPSON LEGEND
Dost thou know this paper, Val? I know thou'rt honest,
and wilt perform articles. [Shows him the paper, but holds it out
of his reach.]
VALENTINE
Pray let me see it, sir. You hold it so far off that I can't
tell whether I know it or no.
SIR SAMPSON LEGEND
See it, boy? Ay, ay; why, thou dost see it--'tis thy own
hand, Vally. Why, let me see, I can read it as plain as can be.
Look you here. [Reads.] THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION--Look
you, as plain as can be, so it begins--and then at the bottom--AS
WITNESS MY HAND, VALENTINE LEGEND, in great letters. Why, 'tis as
plain as the nose in one's face. What, are my eyes better than
thine? I believe I can read it farther off yet; let me see.
[Stretches his arm as far as he can.]
VALENTINE
Will you please to let me hold it, sir?
SIR SAMPSON LEGEND
Let thee hold it, sayest thou? Ay, with all my heart.
What matter is it who holds it? What need anybody hold it? I'll
put it up in my pocket, Val, and then nobody need hold it. [Puts
the paper in his pocket.] There, Val; it's safe enough, boy. But
thou shalt have it as soon as thou hast set thy hand to another
paper, little Val.