Second Commoner Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am but,
as you would say, a cobbler.
MARULLUS But what trade art thou? answer me directly.
Second Commoner A trade, sir, that, I hope, I may use with a safe
conscience; which is, indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles.
MARULLUS What trade, thou knave? thou naughty knave, what trade?
Second Commoner Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me: yet,
if you be out, sir, I can mend you.
MARULLUS What meanest thou by that? mend me, thou saucy fellow!
Second Commoner Why, sir, cobble you. 20
FLAVIUS Thou art a cobbler, art thou?
Second Commoner Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl: I
meddle with no tradesman's matters, nor women's
matters, but with awl. I am, indeed, sir, a surgeon
to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I




recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon
neat's-leather have gone upon my handiwork.