Every Man in His Humour: Act 5, Scene 3 Summary & Analysis

Downright, Brainworm, and Stephen enter. Old Knowell explains that Stephen is his nephew. Stephen says he has been falsely accused by Downright of stealing his cloak.

Justice Clement asks about the warrant; Brainworm, in disguise as the “varlet,” says he doesn’t have it—but that it was Roger Formal who told him to make the arrests. Clement asks why Downright accepted the arrest without seeing the warrant. Downright explains that Brainworm had told him he “must” serve the warrant, and he had therefore complained.

Justice Clement mocks Downright for following Brainworm’s instructions, waving his sword over Brainworm, saying that he “must cut” him—but not doing so. He then instructs Brainworm to be sent to the jail for his “must.”

Brainworm protests, throwing off his disguise. Old Knowell is shocked to see his servant; he is annoyed and says he suspects Brainworm “for being of counsel with my son, against me.” Brainworm admits that he was Fitzsword, the ex-soldier. He also confesses that he had been sent as a false messenger on numerous times throughout the day; he explains that Wellbred is making use of the distraction to marry Bridget and Edward.

Justice Clement tells Brainworm to go and fetch the young couple, praising the “good news.” He asks Brainworm for Roger Formal’s whereabouts; Brainworm explains what happened. Clement says that Brainworm has done nothing terribly wrong and should be “pardoned for the wit o’ the offence.”