My honest friends, it is your turn tonight

27.22436To watch in this place, near about the beacon,

27.32437And vigilantly have regard,

27.42438If any fleet of ships pass hitherward;

27.52439Which if you do, your office is to fire

27.62440The beacon presently and raise the town.

Ay, ay, ay, fear nothing. We know our charge, I warrant: 2442I have been a watchman about this beacon this thirty year, and 2443yet I ne'er see it stir but stood as quietly as might be.

Faith, neighbor, and you'll follow my 'vice, instead of 2445watching the beacon, we'll go to Goodman Jennings' and watch 2446a pot of ale and a rasher of bacon. An if we do not drink our2447selves drunk, then so, I warrant, the beacon will see us when 2448we come out again.

Ay, but how if somebody excuse us to the captain?

'Tis no matter. I'll prove by good reason that we watch 2451the beacon, ass for example --

I hope you do not call me ass by craft, neighbor.

No, no, but for example: say here stands the pot of ale, 2454that's the beacon.

Ay, ay, 'tis a very good beacon.

Well, say here stands your nose: that's the fire.

Indeed, I must confess 'tis somewhat red.

I see come marching in a dish, half a score pieces of 2458salt bacon.

I understand your meaning. That's as much to say 2459half a score ships.

True; you construe right. Presently, like 2460a faithful watchman, I fire the beacon and call up the town.

Ay, that's as much as to say you set your nose to the pot, and 2462drink up the drink.

You are in the right. Come, let's go 2463fire the beacon.