Lod. I do, sir. Piso. This is a short preludium to a challenge. Father. I have a message, sir, that much concerns you, And for your special good. Nay, you may hear Piso. What should this fellow mean? [too. Father. There is a lady How the poor thing begins to warm already— [Aside. Come to this town, (as yet a stranger here, sir) Lod. What of her, sir? [Aside. Father. No more but this; she loves you. And with a strong affection, but a fair one. Lod. I am sure I hear this. Father. Here is a ring, sir, of no little value; Which, after she had seen you at a window, She bade me haste, and give it; when she blush'd Like a blown rose. Lod. But pray, sir, by your leaveMethinks your years should promise no ill meaning. Father. I am no bawd, nor cheater, nor a courser Of broken-winded women: If you fear me, I'll take my leave, and let my lady use A fellow of more form; an honester I am sure she cannot. Lod. Stay! you have confirm'd me: My water's well enough, and my pulse. All may be excellent. Pray pardon me; For I am like a boy that had found money, Piso. Sir, what kind of woman, Of what proportion, is your lady? Lod. Ay? Piso. Well, thou hast fool's luck. Should I live as long As an old oak, and say my prayers hourly, I should not be the better of a penny. I think the devil be my ghostly father! Upon my conscience, I am full as handsome; I am sure I have more wit, and more performance, Which is a pretty matter. Father. Do you think, sir, That your friend, Signor Piso, will be constant Piso. It is indeed, sir; SCENE II. Enter ANGELO and JULIO. Ang. How now! the news? Father. Well, passing well; I have 'em Both in a leash, and made right for my purpose. Julio. I am glad on't. I must leave you. Ang. Whither, man? Julio. If all go right, I may be fast enough too. Ang. I ery you mercy, sir! I know your meanClora's the woman; she's Frank's bedfellow. [ing: Commend me to 'em; and go, Julio, Bring 'em to supper all, to grace this matter: Julio. I.will. Farewell! [Exeunt JULIO at one Door; ANGELO and Father at another. Frank. Alas, my fortune, Clora! Clora. Now, Frank, see what a kind of man you That loves you when he's drunk. Frank. If so, [love, 'Faith I would marry him: My friends, I hope, Would make him drink. Clora. 'Tis well consider'd, Frank, He has such pretty humours then. Besides, Being a soldier, 'tis better he should love you When he's drunk, than when he's sober; for then He will be sure to love you the greatest part on's life. Frank. And were not I a happy woman then? Clora. That ever was born, Frank, i'faith. Fred. How now, what says he? Enter FABRITIO. Fab. 'Faith, you may As well 'tice a dog up with a whip and bell, Fred. Look how my sister weeps. Fred. Yes, you may safely swear she loves him. Fred. She herself Shall bate so much of her own modesty, Fab. I believe 'twould work; But would you have her do't i' th' open street? Or, if you would, he'll run away from her. How shall we get him hither? Let one o' th' maids take a good bowl of water, Or say it be a piss-pot, and pour't on's head. Fab. Content! Hang me, if I like not To cast on't rarely for no question 'Tis an approved receipt to fetch such a fellow. pour it and On his head, and, probatum est, 'twill fetch him; For in his anger he will run up, and then Let us alone. Clora. Go you and do it. Frank. Good Clora, no. [Exit Maid. Clora. Away, I say, and do it. Never fear; We have enough of that water ready distill'd. Frank. Why, this will make him mad, Fabritio ; He'll neither love me drunk, nor sober, now. Fab. I warrant you. What, is the wench come up? I'll bring him presently. Do you all stand Fred. We will do it. t t dropping Under their window, and would not come up. Fab. The gentlewomen and the maids have counted To you already; the next turn I see is mine. Fab. Provoke you? You're grown The strangest fellow! there's no keeping company Pish! take you that. [with you. [FABRITIO gives him a box o' th' ear. JACOMO draws his sword. Jac. Oh, all the devils! Stand, slave! Jac. Stay, coward, stay! [Exit. [Exit running. Let not this boldness make me be believed I'll fetch a sigh shall make 'em start and leap, Jac. Fine mocking, fine mocking! Fred. Mocking? Look how she weeps. Jac. Does she counterfeit crying too? Fred. Behold how the tears flow! Or pity her, Or never more be call'd a man. Jac. How's this? Soft you, soft you, my masters! Is't possible, [think you, Clora. Earnest? Ay, in earnest : I have known you cry as much for Julio, Clora. If I do write, I am answer'd, Frank. Jac. Good Frederick, let me go; I would fain try if that thing do not counterfeit. Fred. Give me your sword then. Jac. No; but take my word, As I am man, I will not hurt a creature Fred. It is enough. [They let him loose. Jac. Gentlewoman, I pray you let me feel your I am an infidel, if she do not weep! [face :Stay; where's my handkerchief? I'll wipe The old wet off: The fresh tears come! Pox on't, I am A handsome gracious fellow amongst women, And knew't not.-Gentlewoman, how should I know These tears are for me? Is not your mother dead ? Frank. By Heaven, they are for you! Jac. 'Slight, I'll have my head curl'd and powder'd To-morrow by break of day. If you love me, It shall be such love as I will not be It is the heartiest and the sweetest mock [Kisses. [Kisses again. Fred. Fy, Jacomo! why do you let her kneel So long? Jac. It's true; I had forgot it, and should have done [Lifts her up. This twelvemonth: Pray you rise.-Frederick, If I could all this while have been persuaded She could have loved me, dost thou think I had Not rather kiss her than another should? And yet you may gull me, for aught I know; But if you do, hell take me if I do not cut All your throats sleeping! Fred. Oh, do not think of such a thing. Jac. Otherwise, if she be in earnest, the short is, I am. Frank. Alas, I am. Jac. And I did not think it possible any woman Could have liked this face: It's good for nothing; Clora. Yes, [is it? It is worth forty shillings to pawn, being lined Almost quite through with velvet. Frank. 'Tis better than your Julio's. Jac. Thou thinkest so; But otherwise, in faith, it is not, Frank. Enter FABRITIO. [Kisses her. Thou saidst thou sentest for to solemnise the nuptials? Father. They will; I look'd for 'em ere this. Enter JULIO, JACOMO, FABRITIO, FRANK, and Clora. I ask your pardon; to whose marriage-bed I wish all good success! I have here brought you Such guests as can discern your happiness, Has not yet taught to love aught but the wars) Father. Oh, Lord, sir, she's so pester'd Fab. Now will the sport be; it runs right as Julio Told us. Lod. Fair lady, health to you! Some words I have, that require an utterance more private Than this place can afford. Lelia. I'll call my husband; All business I hear with his ears now. Lod. Good madam, no; (but I perceive your jest) You have no husband; I am the very man That walk'd the streets so comely. Lelia. Are you so? Lod. Yes, 'faith; when Cupid first did prick I do not speak to you; but if you be not, Lelia. Yes, it was mine; I sent it by my man Lod. Sure the world is mad!— Sirrah, did you not bring me this ring from your lady? Father. Yes, surely, sir, did I; but your worship Ang. Your father-in-law, As sure as this is widow Lelia. Piso. How? widow Lelia? Father. I'faith, 'tis she, son. Lod. Ha, ha, ha! let my provision go! I am glad I have miss'd the woman. A whore upon me? Lelia. By heaven, you do me wrong! I have a heart as pure as any woman's; And I mean to keep it so for ever. Father. There is No starting now, son; if you offer it, Piso. So I may have the means, I do not much care what the woman is.Come, my sweetheart! as long as I shall find Thy kisses sweet, and thy means plentiful, Let people talk their tongues out. Lelia. They may talk Of what is pass'd; but ell that is to come Julio. Shall we not make Piso and Lodovic friends? Jack. Hang 'em, they dare not be enemies; Or, if they be, the danger is not great. Welcome, Frederick ! Enter FREDERICK, Fred. First, joy unto you all! And next, I think we shall have wars. Jac. Give me some wine! I'll drink to that. |