Every Man in His Humour- Ben Jenson- Act III

Act II Summary

ACT III:

In a street, Mathew and Bobadil finally meet Wellbred. They inform how they were in search of him and Bobadil starts to complain about his brother Downright. While doing so Edward along with Stephen arrives there. They all start to speak with amusement. Wellbred introduces Mathew and Bobadil as his companions and entertainers; Edward assures that Stephen also has the charm of entertainment. Stephen introduces himself as melancholy and Mathew relates it with himself and tells that he would come up with overflowing poetry when he is like that. Out of all Bobadill boasts of himself and his achievements. As he continues to speak on swords and weapons Stephen shows his newly purchased sword and finds out that it is a fake. Stephen is now enraged with Brainworm in disguise who is (Fritzsword). Speak of the devil, the devil comes; likewise, Brainworm still in disguise appears and provides an opportunity to provoke Stephen and amuse Edward and Wellbred. Later he reveals himself and informs Edward that Old Knowell has attempted on following him and that he is currently in the local judicial authority, Justice Clement’s house.

In Kitely’s mansion, Kitely appears to be anxious about the transaction he wants to happen regarding his business. He wants to go and meet his clerk but he is a lot more worried and has grown paranoid towards his wife which is why he is confused. After long thought, he makes Cash look after his wife Dame and asks to tell him immediately if Wellbred or any of his companions appear. He finally informs Cash that he will be found in Justice Clement’s house.

As Kitely goes Cob comes and meets Cash in the mansion. Cash finds Cob high with fury and asks him the reason. Cob says that it is because of his humour (blood, phelgm, yellow bile (anger) and black bile (melancholy); humour equilibrium is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.) He calls humour folly in the form of a gentleman.

Now all the five men from the street arrive (Edward, Wellbred, Bobadill, Mathew and Brainworm). Cob panics and informs them that Kitley has gone to Justice Clement’s house and summons Cash, terrified. Before Cash can appear Bobadill praises tobacco and tries to use it. This makes Cob interfere and gets beaten by Bobadill. Cash rushes and pulls him away. Mathew in the meantime with Bobadill to impress Bridget with his poetry gets inside followed by Edward and Wellbred. Cob rushes to Justice Clement’s home and informs the arrival of Wellbred and his companions. Kitley with his paranoid thoughts asks whether anybody kissed his wife. Cob says that he hasn’t seen such acts. Yet he rushes to his home to catch his wife by hand in action. Cob stays back and complains about Bobadill’s attack on Justice Clement.

Now, as Kitley has left all of a sudden Justice Clement wonders why and shares it with his assistant Formal. Cob appears and shares his complaint towards Bobadill and asks for an arrest warrant. Clement instead of providing an arrest warrant he asks his assistant Formal to imprison Cob for abusing a herb. Old Knowell persuades him to be a bit low on Cob with this Justice Clement gives the warrant and releases Cob. After Cob leaves, Old Knowell gets counsel from Justice Clemet regarding Edward. It is that Edward has grown enough to take care of himself and that there isn’t anything to worry about.

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