EnterÆmiliaandAngelia, disguised.
Æmi.Why, gentle boy, think what a happy blissThou shalt enjoy, before thou know'st what 'tis!Ang.'Twill be a dear experiment, to wasteMy prime and flower of youth, and suffer allThose liquid sweats to be extracted from meBy the hot influence of consuming lust,Only to find how well you can expressWhat skilful arts are hid in wickedness!Æmi.Thou dream'st, fond boy: those sweets of youth and beautyWere lent, to be employ'd upon their like;And when they both do meet, and are extinguish'd,From their mix'd heat a rich perfume shall rise,And burn, to love a grateful sacrifice.Ang.But I'll not be so prodigal to lavishSuch gifts away, that be irrevocableAnd yet the first that leave us.Æmi.'Twill be ne'er exacted,How soon you have bestow'd them, but how well.What good or profit can a hidden treasure[345]Do more than feed the miser's greedy eye,When, if 'twere well bestow'd, it might enrichThe owner and the user of it? SuchIs youth and nature's bounty, that receiveA gain from the expense; but, were there noneBut a mere damage, yet the pleasure of itAnd the delight would recompense the loss.Ang.Whate'er the pleasure be or the delight,I am too young, not plum'd for such a flight.Æmi.Too young? a poor excuse! alas, your willIs weaker than your power. No one can beToo young to learn good acts; and, for my part,I am not taken with a boisterous sinew,A brawny limb or back of Hercules,But with a soft delicious beauty; suchAs people, looking on his doubtful sex,Might think him male or female.Ang.I cannot blameThese just Italians, to lock up their wives,That are so free and dissolute: they labourNot with their country's heat more than their own.Will you be satisfied? I am too young.Æmi.Too young! I like you the better. There is a priceDue to the early cherry: the first applesDeserve more grace: the budding rose is set by;But, stale and fully-blown, is left for vulgarsTo rub their sweaty fingers on. Too young!As well you may affirm the tender treeToo young to graft upon; or you may say,The rising sun's too young to court the day.Ang.But there are bonds Hymen has laid upon you,Keep us asunder.Æmi.Those are only toys,Shadows, mere apparitions of doubtTo affright children. Do but yield unto me,My arms shall be thy sphere to wander in,Circled about with spells to charm these fears;And when thou sleep'st, Cupid shall crown thy slumbers[346]With thousand shapes of lustful dalliance:Then will I bathe thee in ambrosia,And from my lips distil such nectar on thee,Shall make thy flesh immortal.
Æmi.Why, gentle boy, think what a happy blissThou shalt enjoy, before thou know'st what 'tis!
Ang.'Twill be a dear experiment, to wasteMy prime and flower of youth, and suffer allThose liquid sweats to be extracted from meBy the hot influence of consuming lust,Only to find how well you can expressWhat skilful arts are hid in wickedness!
Æmi.Thou dream'st, fond boy: those sweets of youth and beautyWere lent, to be employ'd upon their like;And when they both do meet, and are extinguish'd,From their mix'd heat a rich perfume shall rise,And burn, to love a grateful sacrifice.
Ang.But I'll not be so prodigal to lavishSuch gifts away, that be irrevocableAnd yet the first that leave us.
Æmi.'Twill be ne'er exacted,How soon you have bestow'd them, but how well.What good or profit can a hidden treasure[345]Do more than feed the miser's greedy eye,When, if 'twere well bestow'd, it might enrichThe owner and the user of it? SuchIs youth and nature's bounty, that receiveA gain from the expense; but, were there noneBut a mere damage, yet the pleasure of itAnd the delight would recompense the loss.
Ang.Whate'er the pleasure be or the delight,I am too young, not plum'd for such a flight.
Æmi.Too young? a poor excuse! alas, your willIs weaker than your power. No one can beToo young to learn good acts; and, for my part,I am not taken with a boisterous sinew,A brawny limb or back of Hercules,But with a soft delicious beauty; suchAs people, looking on his doubtful sex,Might think him male or female.
Ang.I cannot blameThese just Italians, to lock up their wives,That are so free and dissolute: they labourNot with their country's heat more than their own.Will you be satisfied? I am too young.
Æmi.Too young! I like you the better. There is a priceDue to the early cherry: the first applesDeserve more grace: the budding rose is set by;But, stale and fully-blown, is left for vulgarsTo rub their sweaty fingers on. Too young!As well you may affirm the tender treeToo young to graft upon; or you may say,The rising sun's too young to court the day.
Ang.But there are bonds Hymen has laid upon you,Keep us asunder.
Æmi.Those are only toys,Shadows, mere apparitions of doubtTo affright children. Do but yield unto me,My arms shall be thy sphere to wander in,Circled about with spells to charm these fears;And when thou sleep'st, Cupid shall crown thy slumbers[346]With thousand shapes of lustful dalliance:Then will I bathe thee in ambrosia,And from my lips distil such nectar on thee,Shall make thy flesh immortal.
EnterLorenzo.
Lor.How now, wife, is this your exercise?Wife, did I say? Stain of my blood and issue,The great antipathy unto my nature,Courting your paramour! Death to my honour!What have I seen and heard? Curse of my fate!Would I had first been deaf, or thou struck dumb,Before this Gorgon, this damn'd vision,Had numb'd my faculties.Æmi.What have you seenOr heard more than a dialogue I readThis morning in a book?Lor.Would thou and that bookWere both burnt for heretics! You genial powers,Why did you send this serpent to my bosom,To pierce me through with greater crueltyThan Cleopatra felt from stings of adders?Hence from my sight, thou venom to my eyes!Would I could look thee dead, or with a frownDissect thee into atoms, and then hurl themAbout the world to cast infection,And blister all they light on!Æmi.You are mad,And rave without a cause.Lor.O heavens! she meansTo justify her sin! Can'st thou redeemThy lost fame and my wrongs?Æmi.No, sir, I'll leave you;You are too passionate.Ang.Pray, sir, be satisfied; we meant no hurt.Lor.What charm held back my hand, I did not letHer foul blood out, then throw't into the air,Whence it might mount up to the higher region,And there convert into some fearful meteor,To threaten all her kindred? Stay, sweet child,For thou art virtuous: yet go, however;Thou putt'st me in remembrance of some ill.Diana blush'd Actæon to a stag:[ExitAng.What shall lust do? Chastity made horns!I shall be grafted with a horrid pair;And between every branch a written scrollShall speak my shame, that foot-boys shall discern it,And sailors read it, as they pass along!If I bear this, I have no soul nor spleen.I must invent some mischief. Smallest caresAre talkative, whilst great ones silent are.[347][Exit.
Lor.How now, wife, is this your exercise?Wife, did I say? Stain of my blood and issue,The great antipathy unto my nature,Courting your paramour! Death to my honour!What have I seen and heard? Curse of my fate!Would I had first been deaf, or thou struck dumb,Before this Gorgon, this damn'd vision,Had numb'd my faculties.
Æmi.What have you seenOr heard more than a dialogue I readThis morning in a book?
Lor.Would thou and that bookWere both burnt for heretics! You genial powers,Why did you send this serpent to my bosom,To pierce me through with greater crueltyThan Cleopatra felt from stings of adders?Hence from my sight, thou venom to my eyes!Would I could look thee dead, or with a frownDissect thee into atoms, and then hurl themAbout the world to cast infection,And blister all they light on!
Æmi.You are mad,And rave without a cause.
Lor.O heavens! she meansTo justify her sin! Can'st thou redeemThy lost fame and my wrongs?
Æmi.No, sir, I'll leave you;You are too passionate.
Ang.Pray, sir, be satisfied; we meant no hurt.
Lor.What charm held back my hand, I did not letHer foul blood out, then throw't into the air,Whence it might mount up to the higher region,And there convert into some fearful meteor,To threaten all her kindred? Stay, sweet child,For thou art virtuous: yet go, however;Thou putt'st me in remembrance of some ill.Diana blush'd Actæon to a stag:[ExitAng.What shall lust do? Chastity made horns!I shall be grafted with a horrid pair;And between every branch a written scrollShall speak my shame, that foot-boys shall discern it,And sailors read it, as they pass along!If I bear this, I have no soul nor spleen.I must invent some mischief. Smallest caresAre talkative, whilst great ones silent are.[347][Exit.
EnterÆmilia.
Æmi.What have I done, that with a clue of lustHave wrought myself in such a labyrinth,Whence I shall ne'er get free? There is no wrongLike to the breach of wedlock: those injuriesAre writ in marble, time shall ne'er rase out.The hearts of such, if they be once divided,Will ne'er grow one again: sooner you mayCall the spent day, or bid the stream return,That long since slid beside you. I am lost;Quite forfeited to shame, which till I felt,I ne'er foresaw; so was the less prepared.But yet, they say, a woman's wit is sudden,And quick at an excuse. I was too foolish.Had he confounded heaven and earth with oaths,I might have sworn him down, or wept so truly,That he should sooner question his own eyes,Than my false tears: this had been worth the acting:Or else I might have stood to the defence on't,Been angry, and took a courage from my crimes;But I was tame and ignorant!
Æmi.What have I done, that with a clue of lustHave wrought myself in such a labyrinth,Whence I shall ne'er get free? There is no wrongLike to the breach of wedlock: those injuriesAre writ in marble, time shall ne'er rase out.The hearts of such, if they be once divided,Will ne'er grow one again: sooner you mayCall the spent day, or bid the stream return,That long since slid beside you. I am lost;Quite forfeited to shame, which till I felt,I ne'er foresaw; so was the less prepared.But yet, they say, a woman's wit is sudden,And quick at an excuse. I was too foolish.Had he confounded heaven and earth with oaths,I might have sworn him down, or wept so truly,That he should sooner question his own eyes,Than my false tears: this had been worth the acting:Or else I might have stood to the defence on't,Been angry, and took a courage from my crimes;But I was tame and ignorant!
EnterLionel.
Lio.Save you, lady!Æmi.O signior Lionel, you have undone me.Lio.Who, I! Which way?Æmi.The boy you brought my husband.Lio.Ay, what of him?Æmi.He is a witch, a thief,That has stol'n all my honours. His smooth visageSeem'd like a sea becalm'd or a safe harbour,Where love might ride securely, but was foundA dangerous quick-sand, wherein are perish'dMy hopes and fortunes, by no art or engineTo be weigh'd up again.Lio.Instruct me how?Æmi.Teach me the way then, that I may relateMy own ill story with as great a boldnessAs I did first conceive, and after act it.What wicked error led my wand'ring thoughtsTo gaze on his false beauty, that has prov'dThe fatal minute of my mind's first ruin?Shall I be brief?Lio.What else?Æmi.How can I speak,Or plead with hope, that have so bad a cause!Lio.You torture me too much: the fear of evilIs worse than the event.Æmi.Then, though my heartAbhor the memory, I'll tell it out.—The boy I mentioned (whatever powerDid lay on me so sad a punishment)I did behold him with a lustful eye,And, which is the perfection of sin,Did woo him to my will.Lio.Well, what of that?You are not the first offender in that kind.Æmi.My suit no sooner ended, but came inMy jealous husband.Lio.That was something indeed!Æmi.Who overheard us all.Lio.A shrewd mischance!Æmi.Judge with what countenance he did behold me,Or I view him, that had so great a guiltHang on my brow. My looks and hot desireBoth fell together; whilst he, big with anger,And swol'n high with revenge, hastes from my presence,Only to study how to inflict some torture,Which I stay to expect: and here you seeThe suffering object of his cruelty.Lio.Methinks it were an easy thing for oneThat were ingenious, to retort allOn his own head, and make him ask forgiveness.Æmi.That would be a scene indeed!Lio.I have been fortunateIn such turns in my days.Æmi.Could you do this,I'd swear you had more wit than Mercury,Or his son Autolycus[348]that was ableTo change black into white.Lio.Do not despair:I have a genius was ne'er false to me;If he should fail me now in these extremes,I would not only wonder, but renounce him:He tells me, something may be done. Be rul'd,And if I plot not so, to make all hit,Then you shall take the mortgage of my wit.Æmi.However, sir, you speak comfortably.[Exeunt.
Lio.Save you, lady!
Æmi.O signior Lionel, you have undone me.
Lio.Who, I! Which way?
Æmi.The boy you brought my husband.
Lio.Ay, what of him?
Æmi.He is a witch, a thief,That has stol'n all my honours. His smooth visageSeem'd like a sea becalm'd or a safe harbour,Where love might ride securely, but was foundA dangerous quick-sand, wherein are perish'dMy hopes and fortunes, by no art or engineTo be weigh'd up again.
Lio.Instruct me how?
Æmi.Teach me the way then, that I may relateMy own ill story with as great a boldnessAs I did first conceive, and after act it.What wicked error led my wand'ring thoughtsTo gaze on his false beauty, that has prov'dThe fatal minute of my mind's first ruin?Shall I be brief?
Lio.What else?
Æmi.How can I speak,Or plead with hope, that have so bad a cause!
Lio.You torture me too much: the fear of evilIs worse than the event.
Æmi.Then, though my heartAbhor the memory, I'll tell it out.—The boy I mentioned (whatever powerDid lay on me so sad a punishment)I did behold him with a lustful eye,And, which is the perfection of sin,Did woo him to my will.
Lio.Well, what of that?You are not the first offender in that kind.
Æmi.My suit no sooner ended, but came inMy jealous husband.
Lio.That was something indeed!
Æmi.Who overheard us all.
Lio.A shrewd mischance!
Æmi.Judge with what countenance he did behold me,Or I view him, that had so great a guiltHang on my brow. My looks and hot desireBoth fell together; whilst he, big with anger,And swol'n high with revenge, hastes from my presence,Only to study how to inflict some torture,Which I stay to expect: and here you seeThe suffering object of his cruelty.
Lio.Methinks it were an easy thing for oneThat were ingenious, to retort allOn his own head, and make him ask forgiveness.
Æmi.That would be a scene indeed!
Lio.I have been fortunateIn such turns in my days.
Æmi.Could you do this,I'd swear you had more wit than Mercury,Or his son Autolycus[348]that was ableTo change black into white.
Lio.Do not despair:I have a genius was ne'er false to me;If he should fail me now in these extremes,I would not only wonder, but renounce him:He tells me, something may be done. Be rul'd,And if I plot not so, to make all hit,Then you shall take the mortgage of my wit.
Æmi.However, sir, you speak comfortably.[Exeunt.
EnterAurelioabove;DukeandLeonardo[pass] over the stage.
Aur.Good morrow, gentlemen. What, you are for the feast, I perceive.Duke.Master Aurelio, good morrow to you. Whose chamber's that, I pray?Aur.My own, sir, now; I thank ill fortune and a good wife.Duke.What! are you married, and your friends not pre-acquainted? This will be construed amongst them.Aur.A stolen wedding, sir! I was glad to apprehend any occasion, when I found her inclining. We'll celebrate the solemnities hereafter, when there shall be nothing wanting to make our Hymen happy and flourishing.Leo.In good time, sir. Who is your spouse, I pray?Aur.Marry, sir, a creature for whose sake I have endured many a heat and cold, before I could vanquish her. She has proved one of Hercules' labours to me; but time, that prefers all things, made my long toil and affection both successful: and, in brief, 'tis mistress Lucretia, as very a haggard as ever was brought to fist.Duke.Indeed! I have often heard you much complain of her coyness and disdain; what auspicious charm has now reconciled you together?Aur.There is, sir, a critical minute in every man's wooing, when his mistress may be won; which if he carelessly neglect to prosecute, he may wait long enough before he gain the like opportunity.Leo.It seems, sir, you have lighted upon't. We wish you much joy in your fair choice.Aur.Thank you, gentlemen; and I to either of you no worse fortune. But that my wife is not yet risen, I would intreat you take the pains come up and visit her.Duke.No, sir, that would be uncivil; we'll wait some fitter occasion to gratulate your rites. Good-morrow to you.[Exeunt.Aur.Your servant! Nay, lie you still, and dare not so much as proffer to mutter; for if you do, I vanish. Now, if you will revolt, you may. I have laid a stain upon your honour, which you shall wash off as well as you can.
Aur.Good morrow, gentlemen. What, you are for the feast, I perceive.
Duke.Master Aurelio, good morrow to you. Whose chamber's that, I pray?
Aur.My own, sir, now; I thank ill fortune and a good wife.
Duke.What! are you married, and your friends not pre-acquainted? This will be construed amongst them.
Aur.A stolen wedding, sir! I was glad to apprehend any occasion, when I found her inclining. We'll celebrate the solemnities hereafter, when there shall be nothing wanting to make our Hymen happy and flourishing.
Leo.In good time, sir. Who is your spouse, I pray?
Aur.Marry, sir, a creature for whose sake I have endured many a heat and cold, before I could vanquish her. She has proved one of Hercules' labours to me; but time, that prefers all things, made my long toil and affection both successful: and, in brief, 'tis mistress Lucretia, as very a haggard as ever was brought to fist.
Duke.Indeed! I have often heard you much complain of her coyness and disdain; what auspicious charm has now reconciled you together?
Aur.There is, sir, a critical minute in every man's wooing, when his mistress may be won; which if he carelessly neglect to prosecute, he may wait long enough before he gain the like opportunity.
Leo.It seems, sir, you have lighted upon't. We wish you much joy in your fair choice.
Aur.Thank you, gentlemen; and I to either of you no worse fortune. But that my wife is not yet risen, I would intreat you take the pains come up and visit her.
Duke.No, sir, that would be uncivil; we'll wait some fitter occasion to gratulate your rites. Good-morrow to you.[Exeunt.
Aur.Your servant! Nay, lie you still, and dare not so much as proffer to mutter; for if you do, I vanish. Now, if you will revolt, you may. I have laid a stain upon your honour, which you shall wash off as well as you can.
EnterLucretia.
Luc.Was this done like a gentleman, or indeed like a true lover, to bring my name in question, and make me no less than your whore? Was I ever married to you? Speak.Aur.No; but you may, when you please.Luc.Why were you then so impudent to proclaim such a falsehood, and say I was your wife, and that you had lain with me, when 'twas no such matter?Aur.Because I meant to make you so, and no man else should do it.Luc.'Slight, this is a device to over-reach a woman with! He has madded me, and I would give a hundred crowns I could scold out my anger.[Aside.Aur.Come, there's no injury done to you but what lies in my power to make whole again.Luc.Your power to make whole! I'll have no man command me so far. What can any lawfuljury judge of my honesty, upon such proofs as these, when they shall see a gentleman making himself ready[349]so early, and saluting them out of the chamber, whither (like a false man) thou hast stolen in by the bribery of my servant? Is this no scandal?Aur.'Twas done on purpose, and I am glad my inventions thrive so; therefore do not stand talking, but resolve.Luc.What should I resolve?Aur.To marry me for the safeguard of your credit, and that suddenly; for I have made a vow that, unless you will do it without delay, I'll not have you at all.Luc.Some politician counsel me! There's no such torment to a woman, though she affect a thing ever so earnestly, yet to be forced to it.Aur.What, are you agreed?Luc.Well, you are a tyrant, lead on: what must be, must be; but if there were any other way in the earth to save my reputation, I'd never have thee.Aur.Then I must do you a courtesy against your will.[Exeunt.
Luc.Was this done like a gentleman, or indeed like a true lover, to bring my name in question, and make me no less than your whore? Was I ever married to you? Speak.
Aur.No; but you may, when you please.
Luc.Why were you then so impudent to proclaim such a falsehood, and say I was your wife, and that you had lain with me, when 'twas no such matter?
Aur.Because I meant to make you so, and no man else should do it.
Luc.'Slight, this is a device to over-reach a woman with! He has madded me, and I would give a hundred crowns I could scold out my anger.[Aside.
Aur.Come, there's no injury done to you but what lies in my power to make whole again.
Luc.Your power to make whole! I'll have no man command me so far. What can any lawfuljury judge of my honesty, upon such proofs as these, when they shall see a gentleman making himself ready[349]so early, and saluting them out of the chamber, whither (like a false man) thou hast stolen in by the bribery of my servant? Is this no scandal?
Aur.'Twas done on purpose, and I am glad my inventions thrive so; therefore do not stand talking, but resolve.
Luc.What should I resolve?
Aur.To marry me for the safeguard of your credit, and that suddenly; for I have made a vow that, unless you will do it without delay, I'll not have you at all.
Luc.Some politician counsel me! There's no such torment to a woman, though she affect a thing ever so earnestly, yet to be forced to it.
Aur.What, are you agreed?
Luc.Well, you are a tyrant, lead on: what must be, must be; but if there were any other way in the earth to save my reputation, I'd never have thee.
Aur.Then I must do you a courtesy against your will.[Exeunt.
EnterPetrucioandCook.
Pet.Come, honest cook, let me see how thy imagination has wrought, as well as thy fingers, and what curiosity thou hast shown in the preparation of this banquet; for gluttoning delights to be ingenious.Cook.I have provided you a feast, sir, of twelve dishes, whereof each of them is an emblem of one of the twelve signs in the Zodiac.Pet.Well said! Who will now deny that cookery is a mystery?Cook.Look you, sir, there is the list of them.Pet.Aries, Taurus, Gemini; good: for Aries, a dish of lamb-stones and sweet-breads; for Taurus, a sirloin of beef; for Gemini, a brace of pheasants; for Cancer, a buttered crab; for Libra, a balance—in one scale a custard, in the other a tart—that's a dish for an alderman; for Virgo, a green salad; for Scorpio, a grand one; for Sagittarius, a pasty of venison; for Aquarius, a goose; for Pisces, two mullets. Is that all?Cook.Read on, sir.Pet.And in the middle of the table, to have an artificial hen, made of puff-paste, with her wings displayed, sitting upon eggs composed of the same materials; where in each of them shall be enclosed a fat nightingale, well seasoned with pepper and amber-grease.[350]So then will I add one inventionmore of my own; for I will have all these descend from the top of my roof in a throne, as you see Cupid or Mercury in a play.Cook.That will be rare indeed, sir![Exit.
Pet.Come, honest cook, let me see how thy imagination has wrought, as well as thy fingers, and what curiosity thou hast shown in the preparation of this banquet; for gluttoning delights to be ingenious.
Cook.I have provided you a feast, sir, of twelve dishes, whereof each of them is an emblem of one of the twelve signs in the Zodiac.
Pet.Well said! Who will now deny that cookery is a mystery?
Cook.Look you, sir, there is the list of them.
Pet.Aries, Taurus, Gemini; good: for Aries, a dish of lamb-stones and sweet-breads; for Taurus, a sirloin of beef; for Gemini, a brace of pheasants; for Cancer, a buttered crab; for Libra, a balance—in one scale a custard, in the other a tart—that's a dish for an alderman; for Virgo, a green salad; for Scorpio, a grand one; for Sagittarius, a pasty of venison; for Aquarius, a goose; for Pisces, two mullets. Is that all?
Cook.Read on, sir.
Pet.And in the middle of the table, to have an artificial hen, made of puff-paste, with her wings displayed, sitting upon eggs composed of the same materials; where in each of them shall be enclosed a fat nightingale, well seasoned with pepper and amber-grease.[350]So then will I add one inventionmore of my own; for I will have all these descend from the top of my roof in a throne, as you see Cupid or Mercury in a play.
Cook.That will be rare indeed, sir![Exit.
EnterDukeandLeonardo.
Pet.See, the guests are come; go, and make all ready. Gentles, you are welcome.Duke.Is the Antiquary arrived, or no? can you tell, sir?Pet.Not yet, but I expect him each minute—
Pet.See, the guests are come; go, and make all ready. Gentles, you are welcome.
Duke.Is the Antiquary arrived, or no? can you tell, sir?
Pet.Not yet, but I expect him each minute—
EnterAntiquary.
See, your word has charmed him hither already!Duke.Signior, you are happily encountered, and the rather, because I have good news to tell you: the Duke has been so gracious as to release his demand for your antiquities.Ant.Has he? You have filled me all over with spirit, with which I will mix sixteen glasses of wine to his health, the first thing I do. Would I knew his highness, or had a just occasion to present my loyalty at his feet!Duke.For that, take no thought; it shall be my care to bring you and Signior Petrucio here bothbefore him. I have already acquainted him with both your worths, and for aught I can gather by his speech, he intends to do you some extraordinary honours: it may be, he will make one a senator, because of his age: and on the other, bestow his daughter or niece in marriage. There's some such thing hatching, I assure you.Pet.Very likely, I imagined as much: that last shall be my lot; I knew some such destiny would befall me. [Aside.] Shall we be jovial upon this news, and thrust all sadness out of doors?Leo.For our parts, Vitellius was never so voluptuous: all our discourse shall run wit to the last.
See, your word has charmed him hither already!
Duke.Signior, you are happily encountered, and the rather, because I have good news to tell you: the Duke has been so gracious as to release his demand for your antiquities.
Ant.Has he? You have filled me all over with spirit, with which I will mix sixteen glasses of wine to his health, the first thing I do. Would I knew his highness, or had a just occasion to present my loyalty at his feet!
Duke.For that, take no thought; it shall be my care to bring you and Signior Petrucio here bothbefore him. I have already acquainted him with both your worths, and for aught I can gather by his speech, he intends to do you some extraordinary honours: it may be, he will make one a senator, because of his age: and on the other, bestow his daughter or niece in marriage. There's some such thing hatching, I assure you.
Pet.Very likely, I imagined as much: that last shall be my lot; I knew some such destiny would befall me. [Aside.] Shall we be jovial upon this news, and thrust all sadness out of doors?
Leo.For our parts, Vitellius was never so voluptuous: all our discourse shall run wit to the last.
Duke.Our mirth shall be the quintessence of pleasure,And our delight flow with that harmony,Th' ambitious spheres shall to the centre shrink,To hear our music; such ravishing accents,As are from poets in their fury hurl'd,When their outrageous raptures fill the world.
Duke.Our mirth shall be the quintessence of pleasure,And our delight flow with that harmony,Th' ambitious spheres shall to the centre shrink,To hear our music; such ravishing accents,As are from poets in their fury hurl'd,When their outrageous raptures fill the world.
Pet.There spoke my genius![Aside.Ant.Now you talk of music, have you e'er a one that can play us an old lesson, or sing us an old song?Pet.An old lesson! yes, he shall playThe Beginning of the World;[351]and for a song, he shall sing one that was made to the moving of the orbs, when they were first set in tune.Ant.Such a one would I hear.Pet.Walk in then, and it shall not be long, before I satisfy your desires.[Exeunt.
Pet.There spoke my genius![Aside.
Ant.Now you talk of music, have you e'er a one that can play us an old lesson, or sing us an old song?
Pet.An old lesson! yes, he shall playThe Beginning of the World;[351]and for a song, he shall sing one that was made to the moving of the orbs, when they were first set in tune.
Ant.Such a one would I hear.
Pet.Walk in then, and it shall not be long, before I satisfy your desires.[Exeunt.
EnterPetroandJulia, with two bottles.
Julia.Come, master Petro, welcome heartily; while they are drinking within, we'll be as merry as the maids: I stole these bottles from under the cupboard, on purpose against your coming.Pet.Courteous mistress Julia, how shall I deserve this favour from you?Julia.There is a way, master Petro, if you could find it; but the tenderness of your youth keeps you in ignorance: 'tis a great fault, I must tell you.Pet.I shall strive to amend it, if you please to instruct me, lady.Julia.Alas, do not you know what maids love all this while? You must come oftener amongst us; want of company keeps the spring of your blood backward.Pet.It does so; but you shall see, when we are private, I shall begin to practise with you better.
Julia.Come, master Petro, welcome heartily; while they are drinking within, we'll be as merry as the maids: I stole these bottles from under the cupboard, on purpose against your coming.
Pet.Courteous mistress Julia, how shall I deserve this favour from you?
Julia.There is a way, master Petro, if you could find it; but the tenderness of your youth keeps you in ignorance: 'tis a great fault, I must tell you.
Pet.I shall strive to amend it, if you please to instruct me, lady.
Julia.Alas, do not you know what maids love all this while? You must come oftener amongst us; want of company keeps the spring of your blood backward.
Pet.It does so; but you shall see, when we are private, I shall begin to practise with you better.
EnterBaccha.
Bac.Master Petro, this was kindly done of you.Pet.What's my master a-doing, can you tell?Bac.Why, they are as jovial as twenty beggars, drink their whole cups, six glasses at a health: your master's almost tipped already.Pet.So much the better, his business is the sooner dispatched.Julia.Well let us not stand idle, but verify the proverb,Like master, like man; and it shall go hard, Master Petro, but we will put you in the same cue.Pet.Let me have fair play, put nothing in my cup, and do your worst.Bac.Unless the cup have that virtue to retainthe print of a kiss or the glance of an eye, to enamour you: nothing else, I assure you.Pet.For that I shall be more thirsty of than of the liquor.Julia.Then let's make no more words, but about it presently. Come, Master Petro, will you walk in?Pet.I attend you.Bac.It shall go hard, but I'll drink him asleep, and then work some knavery upon him.[Exeunt.
Bac.Master Petro, this was kindly done of you.
Pet.What's my master a-doing, can you tell?
Bac.Why, they are as jovial as twenty beggars, drink their whole cups, six glasses at a health: your master's almost tipped already.
Pet.So much the better, his business is the sooner dispatched.
Julia.Well let us not stand idle, but verify the proverb,Like master, like man; and it shall go hard, Master Petro, but we will put you in the same cue.
Pet.Let me have fair play, put nothing in my cup, and do your worst.
Bac.Unless the cup have that virtue to retainthe print of a kiss or the glance of an eye, to enamour you: nothing else, I assure you.
Pet.For that I shall be more thirsty of than of the liquor.
Julia.Then let's make no more words, but about it presently. Come, Master Petro, will you walk in?
Pet.I attend you.
Bac.It shall go hard, but I'll drink him asleep, and then work some knavery upon him.[Exeunt.
EnterDuke,Leonardo, and theAntiquarydrunk.
Ant.I'll drink with all Xerxes' army now; a whole river at a draught.Duke.By'r lady, sir, that requires a large swallow.Ant.'Tis all one to our noble duke's health: I can drink no less, not a drop less; and you his servants will pledge me, I am sure.Leo.Yes, sir, if you could show us a way, when we had done, how to build water-mills in our bellies.Ant.Do you what you will; for my part, I will begin it again and again, till Bacchus himself shall stand amazed at me.Leo.But should this quantity of drink come up, 'twere enough to breed a deluge, and drown a whole country.Ant.No matter, they can ne'er die better than to be drowned in the duke's health.Duke.Well, sir, I'll acquaint him how much he is beholden to you.Ant.Will you believe me, gentlemen, upon my credit?Leo.Yes, sir, anything.Ant.Do you see these breeches then?Leo.Ay, what of them?Ant.These were Pompey's breeches, I assure you.Duke.Is't possible?Ant.He had his denomination from them: he was called Pompey the Great, from wearing these great breeches.Leo.I never heard so much before.Ant.And this was Julius Cæsar's hat, when he was killed in the Capitol; and I am as great as either of them at this present.Leo.Like enough so.Ant.And in my conceit I am as honourable.Duke.If you are not, you deserve to be.Ant.Where's Signor Petrucio?
Ant.I'll drink with all Xerxes' army now; a whole river at a draught.
Duke.By'r lady, sir, that requires a large swallow.
Ant.'Tis all one to our noble duke's health: I can drink no less, not a drop less; and you his servants will pledge me, I am sure.
Leo.Yes, sir, if you could show us a way, when we had done, how to build water-mills in our bellies.
Ant.Do you what you will; for my part, I will begin it again and again, till Bacchus himself shall stand amazed at me.
Leo.But should this quantity of drink come up, 'twere enough to breed a deluge, and drown a whole country.
Ant.No matter, they can ne'er die better than to be drowned in the duke's health.
Duke.Well, sir, I'll acquaint him how much he is beholden to you.
Ant.Will you believe me, gentlemen, upon my credit?
Leo.Yes, sir, anything.
Ant.Do you see these breeches then?
Leo.Ay, what of them?
Ant.These were Pompey's breeches, I assure you.
Duke.Is't possible?
Ant.He had his denomination from them: he was called Pompey the Great, from wearing these great breeches.
Leo.I never heard so much before.
Ant.And this was Julius Cæsar's hat, when he was killed in the Capitol; and I am as great as either of them at this present.
Leo.Like enough so.
Ant.And in my conceit I am as honourable.
Duke.If you are not, you deserve to be.
Ant.Where's Signor Petrucio?
EnterPetrucioandGasparo.
Pet.Nay, good father, do not trouble me now; 'tis enough now, that I have promised you to go to the duke with me; in the meantime, let me work out matters; do not clog me in the way of my preferment. When I am a nobleman, I will do by you, as Jupiter did by the other deities; that is, I will let down my chair of honour, and pull you up after me.[352]Gas.Well, you shall rule me, son.[Exit.Duke.Signor, where have you been?Pet.I have been forcing my brain to the composition of a few verses, in the behalf of your entertainment, and I never knew them flow so dully from me before: an exorcist would have conjured you up half-a-dozen spirits in the space.Leo.Indeed, I heard you make a fearful noise, as if you had been in travail with some strange monster.Pet.But I have brought them out at last, I thank Minerva, and without the help of a midwife.Ant.Reach me a chair: I'll sit down, and read them for you.Leo.You read them!Ant.Yes, but I'll put on my optics first. Look you, these were Hannibal's spectacles.Duke.Why, did Hannibal wear spectacles?Ant.Yes; after he grew dim with dust in following the camp, he wore spectacles. Reach me the paper.Leo.No; an author must recite his own works.Ant.Then I'll sit and sleep.Leo.Read on, signior.Pet.They were made to show how welcome you are to me.Duke.Read them out.
Pet.Nay, good father, do not trouble me now; 'tis enough now, that I have promised you to go to the duke with me; in the meantime, let me work out matters; do not clog me in the way of my preferment. When I am a nobleman, I will do by you, as Jupiter did by the other deities; that is, I will let down my chair of honour, and pull you up after me.[352]
Gas.Well, you shall rule me, son.[Exit.
Duke.Signor, where have you been?
Pet.I have been forcing my brain to the composition of a few verses, in the behalf of your entertainment, and I never knew them flow so dully from me before: an exorcist would have conjured you up half-a-dozen spirits in the space.
Leo.Indeed, I heard you make a fearful noise, as if you had been in travail with some strange monster.
Pet.But I have brought them out at last, I thank Minerva, and without the help of a midwife.
Ant.Reach me a chair: I'll sit down, and read them for you.
Leo.You read them!
Ant.Yes, but I'll put on my optics first. Look you, these were Hannibal's spectacles.
Duke.Why, did Hannibal wear spectacles?
Ant.Yes; after he grew dim with dust in following the camp, he wore spectacles. Reach me the paper.
Leo.No; an author must recite his own works.
Ant.Then I'll sit and sleep.
Leo.Read on, signior.
Pet.They were made to show how welcome you are to me.
Duke.Read them out.
Pet.As welcome as the gentry's to the town,After a long and hard vacation:As welcome as a toss'd ship's to a harbour,Health to the sick, or a cast suit to a barber:Or as a good new play is to the times,When they have long surfeited with base rhymes:As welcome as the spring is to the year,So are my friends to me, when I have good cheer.
Pet.
As welcome as the gentry's to the town,After a long and hard vacation:As welcome as a toss'd ship's to a harbour,Health to the sick, or a cast suit to a barber:Or as a good new play is to the times,When they have long surfeited with base rhymes:As welcome as the spring is to the year,So are my friends to me, when I have good cheer.
[While he reads theAntiquaryfalls asleep.
Duke.Ay, marry, sir, we are doubly beholden to you. What, is Signior Veterano fallen asleep, and at the recitation of such verses? A most inhuman disgrace, and not to be digested!Pet.Has he wronged me so discourteously? I'll be revenged, by Phœbus.Leo.But which way can you parallel so foul an injury?Pet.I'll go in, and make some verses against him.Duke.That you shall not; 'tis not requital sufficient: I have a better trick than so. Come, bear him in, and you shall see what I will invent for you. This was a wrong and a half.[Exeunt.
Duke.Ay, marry, sir, we are doubly beholden to you. What, is Signior Veterano fallen asleep, and at the recitation of such verses? A most inhuman disgrace, and not to be digested!
Pet.Has he wronged me so discourteously? I'll be revenged, by Phœbus.
Leo.But which way can you parallel so foul an injury?
Pet.I'll go in, and make some verses against him.
Duke.That you shall not; 'tis not requital sufficient: I have a better trick than so. Come, bear him in, and you shall see what I will invent for you. This was a wrong and a half.[Exeunt.
EnterÆmiliaandLionel.
Æmi.Now, Master Lionel, as you have been fortunate in the forecasting of this business, so pray be studious in the executing, that we may both come off with honour.Lio.Observe but my directions, and say nothing.Æmi.The whole adventure of my credit depends upon your care and evidence.Lio.Let no former passage discourage you; be but as peremptory, as [your][353]cause is good.Æmi.Nay, if I but once apprehend a just occasion to usurp over him, let me alone to talk and look scurvily. Step aside, I hear him coming.
Æmi.Now, Master Lionel, as you have been fortunate in the forecasting of this business, so pray be studious in the executing, that we may both come off with honour.
Lio.Observe but my directions, and say nothing.
Æmi.The whole adventure of my credit depends upon your care and evidence.
Lio.Let no former passage discourage you; be but as peremptory, as [your][353]cause is good.
Æmi.Nay, if I but once apprehend a just occasion to usurp over him, let me alone to talk and look scurvily. Step aside, I hear him coming.
EnterLorenzo.
Lor.My wife? some angel guard me! The looks of Medusa were not so ominous. I'll haste from the infection of her sight, as from the appearance of a basilisk.Æmi.Nay, sir, you may tarry; and if virtue has not quite forsook you, or that your ears be not altogether obdurate to good counsel, consider what I say, and be ashamed of the injuries you have wrought against me.Lor.What unheard-of evasion has the subtlety of woman's nature suggested to her thoughts, to come off now?Æmi.Well, sir, however you carry it, 'tis I have reason to complain; but the mildness of my disposition and enjoined obedience will not permit me, though indeed your wantonness and ill-carriage have sufficiently provoked me.Lor.Provoked you! I provoked you? As if any fault in a husband should warrant the like in his wife! No: 'twas thy lust and mightiness of desire, that is so strong within thee. Had'st thou no company, no masculine object to look upon, yet thy own fancy were able to create a creature, with whom thou might'st commit, though not an actual, yet a mental wickedness.Æmi.What recompense can you make me for those slanderous conceits, when they shall be proved false to you?Lor.Hear me, thou base woman! thou that art the abstract of all ever yet was bad; with whom mischief is so incorporate, that you are both one piece together; and but that you go still hand in hand, the devil were not sufficient to encounter with; for thou art indeed able to instruct him! Do not imagine with this frontless impudence to stand daring of me: I can be angry, and as quick in the execution of it, I can.Æmi.Be as angry as you please; truth and honesty will be confident, in despite of you: those are virtues that will look justice itself in the face.Lor.Ay, but where are they? Not a-near you; thou would'st blast them to behold thee: scarce, I think, in the world, especially such worlds as you women are.Æmi.Hum! to see, what an easy matter it isto let a jealous, peevish husband go on, and rebuke him at pleasure!Lor.So lewd and stubborn!—mads me. Speak briefly, what objection can you allege against me or for yourself.Æmi.None, alas, against you! You are virtuous; but you think you can act the Jupiter, to blind me with your escapes and concealed trulls: yet I am not so simple, but I can play the Juno, and find out your exploits.Lor.What exploits? What concealed trulls?Æmi.Why, the supposed boy you seem to be jealous of, 'tis your own leman,[354]your own dear morsel: I have searched out the mystery. Husbands must do ill, and wives must bear the reproach! A fine inversion!Lor.I am more in a maze, more involv'd in a labyrinth, than before.Æmi.You were best plead innocence too, 'tis your safest refuge: but I did not think a man of your age and beard had been so lascivious to keep a disguised callet[355]under my nose; a base cockatrice[356]in page's apparel to wait upon you, and rob me of my due benevolence! There's no law nor equity to warrant this.Lor.Why, do I any such thing?Æmi.Pray, what else is the boy, but your own hermaphrodite? a female siren in a male outside! Alas! had I intended what you suspect and accuse me for, I had been more wary, more private in the carriage, I assure you.Lor.Why, is that boy otherwise than he appears to be?
Lor.My wife? some angel guard me! The looks of Medusa were not so ominous. I'll haste from the infection of her sight, as from the appearance of a basilisk.
Æmi.Nay, sir, you may tarry; and if virtue has not quite forsook you, or that your ears be not altogether obdurate to good counsel, consider what I say, and be ashamed of the injuries you have wrought against me.
Lor.What unheard-of evasion has the subtlety of woman's nature suggested to her thoughts, to come off now?
Æmi.Well, sir, however you carry it, 'tis I have reason to complain; but the mildness of my disposition and enjoined obedience will not permit me, though indeed your wantonness and ill-carriage have sufficiently provoked me.
Lor.Provoked you! I provoked you? As if any fault in a husband should warrant the like in his wife! No: 'twas thy lust and mightiness of desire, that is so strong within thee. Had'st thou no company, no masculine object to look upon, yet thy own fancy were able to create a creature, with whom thou might'st commit, though not an actual, yet a mental wickedness.
Æmi.What recompense can you make me for those slanderous conceits, when they shall be proved false to you?
Lor.Hear me, thou base woman! thou that art the abstract of all ever yet was bad; with whom mischief is so incorporate, that you are both one piece together; and but that you go still hand in hand, the devil were not sufficient to encounter with; for thou art indeed able to instruct him! Do not imagine with this frontless impudence to stand daring of me: I can be angry, and as quick in the execution of it, I can.
Æmi.Be as angry as you please; truth and honesty will be confident, in despite of you: those are virtues that will look justice itself in the face.
Lor.Ay, but where are they? Not a-near you; thou would'st blast them to behold thee: scarce, I think, in the world, especially such worlds as you women are.
Æmi.Hum! to see, what an easy matter it isto let a jealous, peevish husband go on, and rebuke him at pleasure!
Lor.So lewd and stubborn!—mads me. Speak briefly, what objection can you allege against me or for yourself.
Æmi.None, alas, against you! You are virtuous; but you think you can act the Jupiter, to blind me with your escapes and concealed trulls: yet I am not so simple, but I can play the Juno, and find out your exploits.
Lor.What exploits? What concealed trulls?
Æmi.Why, the supposed boy you seem to be jealous of, 'tis your own leman,[354]your own dear morsel: I have searched out the mystery. Husbands must do ill, and wives must bear the reproach! A fine inversion!
Lor.I am more in a maze, more involv'd in a labyrinth, than before.
Æmi.You were best plead innocence too, 'tis your safest refuge: but I did not think a man of your age and beard had been so lascivious to keep a disguised callet[355]under my nose; a base cockatrice[356]in page's apparel to wait upon you, and rob me of my due benevolence! There's no law nor equity to warrant this.
Lor.Why, do I any such thing?
Æmi.Pray, what else is the boy, but your own hermaphrodite? a female siren in a male outside! Alas! had I intended what you suspect and accuse me for, I had been more wary, more private in the carriage, I assure you.
Lor.Why, is that boy otherwise than he appears to be?
EnterLionel.
Æmi.'Tis a thing will be quickly search'd out. Your secret bawdry and the murder of my good name will not long lie hid, I warrant you.Lio.Now is my cue to second her.[Aside.Lor.Signior Lionel, most welcome. I wouldentreat your advice here to the clearing of a doubt.Lio.What's that, sir?Lor.'Tis concerning the boy you placed with me.Lio.Ay, what of him?Lor.Whether it were an enchantment or no, or an illusion of the sight, or if I could persuade myself it was a dream, 'twere better; but my imagination so persuaded me, that I heard my wife and him interchanging amorous discourse together. To what an extremity of passion the frailty of man's nature might induce me to!Lio.Very good.Lor.Not very good, neither; but, after the expense of so much anger and distraction, my wife comes upon me again, and affirms that he is no boy, but a disguised mistress of my own, and upon this swells against me, as if she had lain all night in the leaven.Æmi.Have not I reason?Lor.Pray, sir, will you inform us of the verity of his sex.Lio.Then take it upon my word, 'tis a woman.Æmi.Now, sir, what have you to answer?Lor.I am not yet thoroughly satisfied; but if it be a woman, I must confess my error.Æmi.What satisfaction's that, after so great a wrong, and the taking away of my good name? You forget my deserts, and how I brought you a dowry of ten talents: besides, I find no such superfluity of courage in you to do this, neither.Lor.Well, were he a boy or no, 'tis more than I can affirm; yet this I'll swear, I entertained him for no mistress, and, I hope, you for no servant; therefore, good wife, be pacified.Æmi.No, sir, I'll call my kindred and myfriends together, then present a joint complaint of you to the senate, and if they right me not, I'll protest there's no justice in their court or government.Lor.If she have this plea against me, I must make my peace; she'll undo me else. [Aside.] Sweet wife, I'll ask thee forgiveness upon my knees, if thou wilt have me: I rejoice more that thou art clear, than I was angry for the supposed offence. Be but patient, and the liberty thou enjoyedst before shall be thought thraldom hereafter. Sweet sir, will you mediate?Lio.Come, sweet lady, upon my request you shall be made friends; 'twas but a mistake; conceive it so, and he shall study to redeem it.Æmi.Well, sir, upon this gentleman's intreaty, you have your pardon. You know the propensity of my disposition, and that makes you so bold with me.Lor.Pray, Master Lionel, will you acquaint my wife with the purpose of this concealment; for I am utterly ignorant, and she has not the patience to hear me.Lio.It requires more privacy than so, neither is it yet ripe for projection; but because the community of counsel is the only pledge of friendship, walk in, and I'll acquaint you.Lor.Honest, sweet wife, I thank thee with all my heart.[Exeunt.
Æmi.'Tis a thing will be quickly search'd out. Your secret bawdry and the murder of my good name will not long lie hid, I warrant you.
Lio.Now is my cue to second her.[Aside.
Lor.Signior Lionel, most welcome. I wouldentreat your advice here to the clearing of a doubt.
Lio.What's that, sir?
Lor.'Tis concerning the boy you placed with me.
Lio.Ay, what of him?
Lor.Whether it were an enchantment or no, or an illusion of the sight, or if I could persuade myself it was a dream, 'twere better; but my imagination so persuaded me, that I heard my wife and him interchanging amorous discourse together. To what an extremity of passion the frailty of man's nature might induce me to!
Lio.Very good.
Lor.Not very good, neither; but, after the expense of so much anger and distraction, my wife comes upon me again, and affirms that he is no boy, but a disguised mistress of my own, and upon this swells against me, as if she had lain all night in the leaven.
Æmi.Have not I reason?
Lor.Pray, sir, will you inform us of the verity of his sex.
Lio.Then take it upon my word, 'tis a woman.
Æmi.Now, sir, what have you to answer?
Lor.I am not yet thoroughly satisfied; but if it be a woman, I must confess my error.
Æmi.What satisfaction's that, after so great a wrong, and the taking away of my good name? You forget my deserts, and how I brought you a dowry of ten talents: besides, I find no such superfluity of courage in you to do this, neither.
Lor.Well, were he a boy or no, 'tis more than I can affirm; yet this I'll swear, I entertained him for no mistress, and, I hope, you for no servant; therefore, good wife, be pacified.
Æmi.No, sir, I'll call my kindred and myfriends together, then present a joint complaint of you to the senate, and if they right me not, I'll protest there's no justice in their court or government.
Lor.If she have this plea against me, I must make my peace; she'll undo me else. [Aside.] Sweet wife, I'll ask thee forgiveness upon my knees, if thou wilt have me: I rejoice more that thou art clear, than I was angry for the supposed offence. Be but patient, and the liberty thou enjoyedst before shall be thought thraldom hereafter. Sweet sir, will you mediate?
Lio.Come, sweet lady, upon my request you shall be made friends; 'twas but a mistake; conceive it so, and he shall study to redeem it.
Æmi.Well, sir, upon this gentleman's intreaty, you have your pardon. You know the propensity of my disposition, and that makes you so bold with me.
Lor.Pray, Master Lionel, will you acquaint my wife with the purpose of this concealment; for I am utterly ignorant, and she has not the patience to hear me.
Lio.It requires more privacy than so, neither is it yet ripe for projection; but because the community of counsel is the only pledge of friendship, walk in, and I'll acquaint you.
Lor.Honest, sweet wife, I thank thee with all my heart.[Exeunt.
EnterDuke,Leonardo, andPetrucio, bringing in theAntiquary, in a fool's coat.
Duke.So, set him down softly; then let us slip aside, and overhear him.Ant.Where am I? What metamorphosis am I crept into? A fool's coat! what's the emblemof this, trow? Who has thus transformed me, I wonder? I was awake, am I not asleep still? Why, Petro, you rogue: sure, I have drank of Circe's cup, and that has turn'd me to this shape of a fool: and I had drank a little longer, I had been changed into an ass. Why, Petro, I say, I will not rest calling, till thou comest——
Duke.So, set him down softly; then let us slip aside, and overhear him.
Ant.Where am I? What metamorphosis am I crept into? A fool's coat! what's the emblemof this, trow? Who has thus transformed me, I wonder? I was awake, am I not asleep still? Why, Petro, you rogue: sure, I have drank of Circe's cup, and that has turn'd me to this shape of a fool: and I had drank a little longer, I had been changed into an ass. Why, Petro, I say, I will not rest calling, till thou comest——
EnterPetroin woman's clothes.
Heyday, what more transmigrations of forms! I think Pythagoras has been amongst us. How came you thus accoutred, sirrah?Pet.Why, sir, the wenches made me drunk, and dressed me, as you see.Ant.A merry world the while! My boy and I make one hermaphrodite, and now, next Midsummer-ale,[357]I may serve for a fool, and he for a Maid-Marian.
Heyday, what more transmigrations of forms! I think Pythagoras has been amongst us. How came you thus accoutred, sirrah?
Pet.Why, sir, the wenches made me drunk, and dressed me, as you see.
Ant.A merry world the while! My boy and I make one hermaphrodite, and now, next Midsummer-ale,[357]I may serve for a fool, and he for a Maid-Marian.
EnterDukeandLeonardo.