Volume Viii Part 41 (1/2)

SCENE III.[277]

_Enter_ MARIAN, _with a white ap.r.o.n_.

MAR. What, Much! What, Jenny! Much, I say!

MUCH. What's the matter, mistress?

MAR. I pray thee, see the fueller Suffer the cook to want no wood.

Good Lord, where is this idle girl?

Why, Jenny!

JENNY (_within_). I come, forsooth.

MAR. I pray thee, bring the flowers forth.

MUCH. I'll go send her, mistress, and help the cooks, if they have any need.

MAR. Despatch, good Much. What, Jen, I say!

_Enter_ JENNY.

MUCH. Hie ye, hie ye! she calls for life. [_Exit_ MUCH.

MAR. Indeed, indeed, you do me wrong, To let me cry, and call so long.

JEN. Forsooth, I straw'd[278] the dining bowers, And smooth'd the walks with herbs and flowers.

The yeomen's tables I have spread, Dress'd salts, laid trenchers, set on bread.

Nay, all is well, I warrant you.

MAR. You are not well, I promise you, Your 'foresleeves are not pinn'd; fie, fie!

And all your head-gear stands awry.

Give me the flowers. Go in, for shame, And quickly see you mend the same.

[_Exit_ JENNY.

_Enter_ SIR DONCASTER, PRIOR. MARIAN _strewing flowers_.

DON. How busy Mistress Marian is!

She thinks this is her day of bliss.

PRIOR. But it shall be the wofull'st day That ever chanc'd her, if I may.

MAR. Why are you two thus in the air?

Your wounds are green. Good coz, have care.

PRIOR. Thanks for your kindness, gentle maid: My cousin Robert us hath prayed To help him in his business.

_Enter_ FRIAR.