Volume Vii Part 65 (1/2)
FRAN. So ho! where art thou, Philip?
WILL. 'Sblood,[370] Philip!
But now he call'd me Francis: this is fine. [_Aside_.]
FRAN. Why studiest thou? I prythee, tell me, Philip, Where the wench[371] is.
WILL. Even now he ask'd me (Francis) for the wench, And now he asks[372] me (Philip) for the wench. [_Aside_.]
Well, Sir Ralph, I must needs tell ye now, 'Tis[373] not for your[374] credit to be forth So late a-wenching in this order.[375]
FRAN. What's this? so late a-wenching, doth he say? [_Aside_]
--Indeed, 'tis true I am thus late a-wenching, But I am forc'd to wench without a wench.
WILL. Why, then, you might have ta'n your bow at first, And gone and kill'd a buck, and not have been So long a-drabbing, and be ne'er the near.[376]
FRAN. Swounds, what a puzzle am I in this night!
But yet I'll put this fellow farther [question. _Aside_]
--Dost thou hear, man? I am not Sir Ralph Smith, As thou dost think I am; but I did meet him, Even as thou sayest, in pursuit of a wench.
I met the wench too, and she ask'd for thee, Saying 'twas thou that wert her love, her dear, And that Sir Ralph was not an honest knight To train her thither, and to use her so.
WILL. 'Sblood, my wench! swounds, were he ten Sir Ralphs--
FRAN. Nay, 'tis true, look to it; and so, farewell.
[_Exit_.
WILL. Indeed, I do love Nan our dairymaid: And hath he traine[d] her forth to that intent, Or for another? I carry his crossbow, And he doth cross me, shooting in my bow.
What shall I do?
[_Exit_.][377]
_Enter_ PHILIP.
PHIL. So ho!
SIR RALPH. So ho!
PHIL. Francis, art thou there?
SIR RALPH. No, here's no Francis. Art thou Will, my man?
PHIL. Will Fool your man, Will goose[378] your man!
My back, sir, scorns to wear your livery.
SIR RALPH. Nay, sir, I mov'd but such a question to you, And it hath not disparag'd you, I hope; 'Twas but mistaking; such a night as this May well deceive a man. G.o.d be w'ye,[379] sir.
[_Exit_.]
PHIL. G.o.d's will, 'tis Sir Ralph Smith, a virtuous knight!
How gently entertains he my hard answer!