Vin. Oh, from a dear and worthy friend. Vin. The duke's son. Cast. Receive that. [A Box o'the Ear to her Brother. I swore I would put anger in my hand, And pass the virgin limits of myself, To him that next appear'd in that base office, The finest draw-work cuff that e'er was worn; [Exit. Mass, fitly here she comes! thanks, my disguise The Mother enters. Madam, good afternoon, Moth. Y'are welcome, Sir. Vin. The next of Italy commends him to you, Our mighty expectation, the duke's son. Moth. I think myself much honor'd, that he pleases To rank me in his thoughts. Vin. So may you, lady: One One that is like to be our sudden duke; The crown gapes for him every tide; and then Moth. Ay, save their honor. Vin. Tut, one would let a little of that go too, Moth. Marry but I would not. Vin. Marry but I would, I hope, I know you would too. If you'd that blood now which you gave your daughter. To her indeed 'tis, this wheel comes about; That man that must be all this, perhaps e'er morning, (For his white father does but mould way) Has long desir'd your daughter. Moth. Desir'd? Vin. Nay, but hear me, He desires now, that will command hereafter: To you than him; madam, I know you're poor. And (lack the day!) there are too many poor ladies already; Why should you wax the number? 'tis despis'd. Live wealthy, rightly understand the world, And chide away that foolish country girl Keeps company with your daughter, Chastity. Moth. O fie, fie! the riches of the world cannot hire a mother To such a most unnatural task. Vin. No, but a thousand angels can; Men have no power, angels must work you to't: No, No, I would raise my state upon her breast, You took great pains for her, once when it was, You brought her forth, she may well bring you home. Vin. Not I hope already? (Aside!) Moth. It is too strong for me; men know that know us, We are so weak their words can overthrow us: He touch'd me nearly, made my virtues bate, Vin. The comfort on't! I keep the best for last. Can these persuade you To forget heaven-and Moth. Ay, these are they Vin. Oh! Moth. That enchant our sex; (Offers her Money.) These are the means that govern our affections,~ That woman Will not be troubled with the mother long, That sees the comfortable shine of you : I blush to think what for your sakes I'll do. Vin. O suffering heaven! with thy invisible finger, E'en at this instant turn the precious side Of both mine eye-balls inward, not to see myself. (Aside.) Moth. Moth. Look you, Sir. Vin. Hollo. Moth. Let this thank your pains. Vin. O you are a kind Madam. Moth. I'll see how I can move. Moth. If she be still chaste, I'll ne'er call her mine. Vin. Spoke truer than you meant it! Moth. Daughter Castiza Cast. [within.] Madam! Vin. O she's yonder, meet her. Troops of celestial soldiers guard her heart. Yon dam has devils enough to take her part. Cast. Madam, what makes In presence of you? Moth. Why? Cast. He lately brought (Castiza returns.) yon evil-offic'd man Immodest writing sent from the duke's son, Moth. Dishonorable act?-good honorable fool. And it has a good report, prettily commended, And by what rule should we square out our lives, Cast. I cry you mercy, lady, I mistook you; Vin. Prettily put by. (Aside.) Moth. Are you as proud to me, as coy to him? Do you not know me now? Cast. Why, are you she? The world's so chang'd, one shape into another, It It is a wise child now that knows her mother. Vin. Most right, i'faith. cheek my hand (Aside.) For that presumption now, but I'll forget it; If all fear'd drowning that spy waves ashore, Gold would grow rich, and all the merchants poor. Cast. It is a pretty saying of a wicked one, but me thinks now It does not shew so well out of your mouth; Vin. Faith, bad enough in both, (Aside.) 'Tis but heaven's beggar; and what woman is so foolish to keep honesty, And be not able to keep herself? no, Times are grown wiser, and will keep less charge. A maid that has small portion now, intends To break up house, and live upon her friends. How blest are you! you have happiness alone; O think upon the pleasure of the palace! Secured ease and state! the stirring meats, Ready to move out of the dishes, that e'en now quicken when they're eaten ! Banquets abroad by torch-light! music! sports! Vin. Aye, to the devil! to the duke, by my faith. Moth. |