Volume Vi Part 85 (1/2)

NEMO.

So it please you, lordings, methinks it were meet, That the ladies took care to provide their own toys.

Myself need to help them, who know their minds well, For I can keep women both quiet and constant.

POLICY.

It pleaseth us well that you will take the pains.

Fair ones, for a while ye[278] betake you to your business.

POMP.

Ladies, adieu.

PLEASURE.

Beloved, farewell.

[_The Lords bring them to the door, and they go out_ [FRAUD _and_ DISSIMULATION _enter disguised], and_ FRAUD[279] _gives_ POLICY _a paper, which he reads, and then says_:

POLICY.

It seems by this writing, sir, you would serve me.

Is your name Skill? whom did you serve last?

FRAUD.

An ill master, my lord: I served none but myself.

POLICY.

Have ye never served any heretofore?

FRAUD.

Yes, divers, my lord, both beyond sea and here. With your patience, my good lord, not offending the same, I think I am your poor kinsman: your lords.h.i.+p, Policy, and I Skill, if it like ye.

POLICY.

You say very well, and it is very like.

I will answer ye anon.

[DISSIMULATION _gives_ PLEASURE _a paper, which he reads, and says_:

PLEASURE.

Is your name Fair Semblance, that wish to serve me?

DISSIMULATION.

Please your lords.h.i.+p, Fair Semblance. I am well-seen, though I say it, in sundry languages meet for your lords.h.i.+p, or any n.o.ble service, to teach divers tongues and other rare things.

PLEASURE.

I like ye very well; stay a while for your answer.

_Enter_ USURY, _and gives a paper to_ POMP, _which he reads, and saith_:

POMP.

Master Usury, I thank ye that ye offer me your service; it seems to me to be for your old mistress' sake, Lady Lucre. Stay but a while; I will answer you with reason.

[_The three Lords go together and whisper, and call_ DILIGENCE.