[First] Clo. How can that be, unless she
drowned herself in her own defence?
Other. Why, 'tis found so. 8
[First] Clo. It must be se offendendo; it can-
not be else. For here lies the point: if I
drown myself wittingly it argues an act; and
an act hath three branches; it is, to act, to do,
and to perform: argal, she drowned herself
wittingly.
Other. Nay, but hear you, goodman delver,— 15
[First] Clo. Give me leave. Here lies the
water; good: here stands the man; good: if the
man go to this water, and drown himself, it is,
will he, nill he, he goes; mark you that? but if
the water come to him, and drown him, he
drowns not himself: argal, he that is not guilty
of his own death shortens not his own life. 22
Other. But is this law?
[First] Clo. Ay, marry, is 't; crowner's quest
law. 25
Other. Will you ha' the truth on 't? If this
had not been a gentlewoman she should have
been buried out o' Christian burial. 28
[First] Clo. Why, there thou sayest; and the
more pity that great folk should have counte-
nance in this world to drown or hang them-
selves more than their even Christian. Come,
my spade. There is no ancient gentlemen but
gardeners, ditchers, and grave-makers; they
hold up Adam's profession. 35
Other. Was he a gentleman?
[First] Clo. A' was the first that ever bore
arms.
9 se offendendo; cf. n.
12 branches: divisions [of learning]
13 argal: corruption of ergo, therefore
15 delver: digger
24 quest: inquest
32 even: fellow
37 bore arms; cf. n.
