Volume Ii Part 65 (2/2)

What then?

RECREATION.

That done, repair again to Study and Instruction; Take better hold by their advice, your foe to set upon.

WIT.

Can any recompense recover this my fall?

RECREATION.

My life to yours, it may be mended all.

WIT.

Speak, Will.

WILL.

I have no doubt, sir, it shall be, as you would wish.

WIT.

But yet this repulse of mine they will lay in my dish.

RECREATION.

No man shall let them know thereof, unless yourself do it.

WIT.

On that condition, a G.o.d's name, fall we to it.

WILL.

Nay, stand we to it, and let us fall no more.

WIT.

Will dancing serve, and I will dance, until my bones be sore, Pipe us up a galliard, minstrel, to begin.

[_Let Will call for dances, one after another_.

WILL.

Come, damsel, in good faith, and let me have you in, Let him practise in dancing all things to make himself breathless.[415]

RECREATION.

Enough at once, now leave, and let us part.

WIT.

This exercise hath done me good, even to the very heart.

Let us be bold with you more acquaintance to take, And dance a round yet once more for my sake, Enough is enough; farewell, and at your need Use my acquaintance, if it may stand you in stead.

Right worthy damsels both, I know you seek no gains In recompense of this desert your undeserved pains.

But look what other thing my service may devise, To show my thankful heart in any enterprise.

Be ye as bold therewith, as I am bold on you, And thus with hearty thanks I take my leave as now.

RECREATION.

Farewell, friend Wit, and since you are relieved, Think not upon your foil, whereat you were so griev'd, But take your heart to you, and give attempt once more: I warrant you to speed much better than before.

[_Exeunt_.

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