then; and therefore, if this Benjamin Nump ſhould be one of them, and have any ſuch ill deſigns in his head, to be ſure, if he expected to ſucceed, he would not expreſs himſelf to be underſtood. So that, with all ſubmiſſion to my reverend Brethren, I think we ought to ſift this matter thoroughly, for fear of the worſt,——
and ſat down.
Then Father William roſe up, and apply'd himſelf, with his uſual majeſty, to Dr. Fauſtus, in theſe words.
Brother Faustus
What a notable fine Speech haſt thou made. Thy wiſe noddle is always finding out miſchief where there is none meant; thou art always jealous of plots, and crying out murder before thou art hurt. Who, but you, would ever have dreamt of treaſon in a Cheſhire-cheeſe? I warrant you, you ſmell'd a rat in it. Come, come, be advis'd brother Fauſtus, thou art a very cunning fellow, we all know; but don't let thy great knowledge and ſagacity exert itſelf upon every petty occaſion; don't think thy wiſe character obliges thee to ſtart difficulties where no creature beſides can poſſibly ſee any. As to this Ben. Numps, I know him very well: why, he was enter'd but t'other day a ſervitor in my college: poor fellow! I'll engage for him he is no plot-monger, as a leſs Conjurer than you, brother Fauſtus, might have eaſily ſeen, by his ſending his news on the ouſide of his letter. Hereſy and Rebellion are not his conſitution. However, if you think fit, we'll ſend for him, and reprimand him for his folly.
