Volume Viii Part 88 (1/2)

NAN. Indeed, forsooth, I know[460] not when it was.

My mistress call'd me from my work of late, And bad me lay a napkin: so I did, And made this banquet ready; but in truth I knew not what she did intend to do.

CAS. No, no, you did not watch against I came, To give her warning to despatch her knaves!

You cried not out when as you saw me come!

All this is nothing; but I'll trounce you all.

NAN. In truth, good master!

_Enter_ MARIAN, FORREST.

CAS. Peace, stay! they come.

Whimper not; and you do, I'll use you worse.

Behold that wicked strumpet with that knave!

O, that I had a pistol for their sakes, That at one shot I might despatch them both!

But I must stand close yet, and see the rest.

[_He conceals himself again_.]

MAR. How lik'st thou, Miles, my orchard and my house?

FOR. Well; thou art seated to thy heart's content, A pleasant orchard and a house well-furnish'd: There nothing wants; but in the gallery The painter shows his art exceedingly.

MAR. Yet is there one thing goeth beyond all these: Contented life, that giveth the heart his ease, And that I want. [_One knocketh at the door_.

FOR. Sweet love, adieu. [_Exit_ FORREST.

MAR. Farewell, sweetheart. Who is that at the door?

_Enter_ CLINTON.

CLIN. A friend.

MAR. Come near: what, captain, is it you?

CLIN. Even I, fair Marian, watching carefully The blessed step of opportunity.

MAR. Good, good! how fortune gluts me with excess!

Still they that have enough shall meet with more.

CLIN. But where's the doctor?

MAR. Ministering abroad Physic to some sick patients he retains.

CLIN. Let him abroad, I'll minister at home Such physic shall content my Marian.

CAS. O monstrous! now the world must see my shame.

This head must bear whatever likes[461] my dame. [_Aside_.]

MAR. I have no malady requires a cure.

CLIN. Why, then, must I a.s.sume a sick man's part And all my sickness lieth at my heart?