He never comes near me more to debase me.
Bar.
How's this? how's this? good wife, how, has he wrong'd ye?
Ama.
I was fain to drive him like a sheep before me,
I blush to think how people fleer'd, and scorn'd me.
Others have handsome men, that know behaviour,
Place, and observance: this silly thing knows nothing,
Cannot tell ten; let every Rascal justle me,
And still I push'd him on as he had been coming.
Bar. Ha! did ye push him on? is he so stupid?
Ama.
When others were attentive to the Priest,
Good devout Gentleman, then fell he fast,
Fast, sound asleep: then first began the Bag-pipes,
The several stops on's nose made a rare musick,
A rare and loud, and those plaid many an Anthem.
Put out of that, he fell straight into dreaming.
Ars.
As cunning, as she is sweet; I like this carriage.
Bar.
What did he then?
Ama.
Why then he talked in his Sleep too,
Nay, I'le divulge your moral vertues (sheeps-face)
And talk'd aloud, that every ear was fixt to him:
Did not I suffer (do you think) in this time?
Talk of your bawling Law, of appellations
Of Declarations, and Excommunications:
Warrants, and Executions: and such Devils
That drove all the Gentlemen out o'th' Church, by hurryes,
With execrable oaths, they would never come there again.
Thus am I served and man'd.
Lean.
I pray ye forgive me,
I must confess I am not fit to wait upon ye:
Alas, I was brought up—
Ama.
To be an Asse,
A Lawyers Asse, to carry Books, and Buckrams.
Bar.
But what did you at Church?
Lop.
At Church, did you ask her?
Do you hear Gentlemen, do you mark that question?
Because you are half an Heretick your self, Sir,
Would ye breed her too? this shall to the Inquisition,
A pious Gentlewoman reproved for praying?
I'le see this filed, and you shall hear further, Sir.
Ars.
Ye have an ill heart.
Lop.
It shall be found out, Gentlemen,
There be those youths will search it.
Die.
You are warm Signiour,
But a Faggot will warm ye better: we are witnesses.
Lop.
Enough to hang him, do not doubt.
Mil.
Nay certain,
I do believe h'as rather no Religion.
Lop.
That must be known too, because she goes to Church, Sir?
O monstrum infirme ingens!
Die.
Let him go on, Sir,
His wealth will build a Nunnery, a fair one,
And this good Lady, when he is hang'd and rotten,
May there be Abbess.
Bar.
You are cozen'd, honest Gentlemen,
I do not forbid the use but the form, mark me.
Lop.
Form? what do you make of form?
Bar.
They will undo me,
Swear, as I oft have done, and so betray me;
I must make fair way, and hereafter, Wife,
You are welcome home, and henceforth take your pleasure,
Go when ye shall think fit, I will not hinder ye,
My eyes are open now, and I see my errour,
My shame, as great as that, but I must hide it.
The whole conveyance now I smell, butBasta,
Another time must serve: you see us friends, now
Heartily friends, and no more chiding, Gentlemen,
I have been too foolish, I confess, no more words,
No more, sweet Wife.
Ama.
You know my easie nature.
Bar.
Go get ye in: you see she has been angry:
Forbear her sight a while and time will pacify;
And learn to be more bold.
Lean.
I would I could,
I will do all I am able.
[Exit.
Bar.
DoLeandro,
We will not part, but friends of all hands.
Lop.
Well said,
Now ye are reasonable, we can look on ye.
Bar.
Ye have jerkt me: but for all that I forgive ye,
Forgive ye heartily, and do invite ye
To morrow to a Breakfast, I make but seldom,
But now we will be merry.
Ars.
Now ye are friendly,
Your doggedness and niggardize flung from ye.
And now we will come to ye.
Bar.
Give me your hands, all;
You shall be welcome heartily.
Lop.
We will be,
For we'll eat hard.
Bar.
The harder, the more welcome,
And till the morning farewell; I have business.
[Exit.
Mil.
Farewel good bountifulBartolus, 'tis a brave wench,
A suddain witty thief, and worth all service:
Go we'll all go, and crucifie the Lawyer.
Die.
I'le clap four tire of teeth into my mouth more
But I will grind his substance.
Ars.
WellLeandro,
Thou hast had a strange Voyage, but I hope
Thou rid'st now in safe harbour.
Mil.
Let's go drink, Friends,
And laugh aloud at all our merry may-games.
Lop.
A match, a match, 'twill whet our stomachs better.
[Exeunt.
EnterViolanteandServant.
Ser.
Madam, he's come. [Chair and stools out.
Viol.
'Tis well, how did he look,
When he knew from whom you were sent? was he not startled?
Or confident? or fearful?
Ser.
As appear'd
Like one that knew his fortune at the worst,
And car'd not what could follow.
Viol.
'Tis the better,
Reach me a Chair: so, bring him in, be careful
That none disturb us: I will try his temper,
And if I find him apt for my employments,
EnterJamie, Servant.
I'le work him to my ends; if not, I shall
Find other Engines.
Ser.
There's my Lady.
Viol.
Leave us.
Jam.
You sent for me?
Viol.
I did, and do's the favour,
Your present state considered and my power,
Deserve no greater Ceremony?
Jam.
Ceremonie?
I use to pay that where I owe a duty,
Not to my Brothers wife: I cannot fawn,
If you expect it from me, you are cozen'd,
And so farewel.
Viol.
He bears up still; I like it.
Pray you a word.
Jam.
Yes, I will give you hearing
On equal terms, and sit by you as a friend,
But not stand as a Sutor: Now your pleasure?
Viol.
You are very bold.
Jam.
'Tis fit: since you are proud,
I was not made to feed that foolish humour,
With flattery and observance.
Viol.
Yet, with your favour,
A little form joyn'd with respect to her,