Volume Viii Part 94 (1/2)

GRIM. Nay, now, Joan, I spy a hole in your coat: if you cannot endure the devil, you'll never love the collier. Why, we two are sworn brothers. You shall see me talk with him even as familiarly as if I should parbreak[479] my mind and my whole stomach upon thee.

JOAN. I prythee, do not, Grim.

GRIM. Who? not I? O Lord, Master Robert Goodfellow, I have a poor cottage at home, whither Joan and I will jog us merrily. We will make you no stranger, if you come thither. You shall be used as devilishly as you would wish, i'faith. There is never a time my cart cometh from London, but the collier bringeth a goose in his sack, and that, with the giblets thereof, is at your service.

ROB. This is more kindness, Grim, than I expected.

GRIM. Nay, sir, if you come home, you shall find it true, I warrant you. All my whole family shall be at your devils.h.i.+p's pleasure, except my poor Joan here, and she is my own proper nightgear.

ROB. Gramercies, but away in haste; The night is almost spent and pa.s.s'd.

GRIM. G.o.d be with you, sir; I'll make as much haste about it as may be; for, and that were once done, I would begin a new piece of work with you, Joan.

[_Exeunt all but_ ROBIN.

ROB. Now joy betide this merry morn, And keep Grim's forehead from the horn: For Robin bids his last adieu To Grim and all the rest of you.

[_Exit_ ROBIN.

_Enter_ CLINTON _alone_.

CLIN. Bright Lucifer, go couch thee in the clouds, And let this morning prove as dark as night!

That I unseen may bring to happy end The doctor's murder, which I do intend.

'Tis early yet: he is not so soon stirring.

But stir he ne'er so soon, so soon he dies.

I'll walk along before the palace gate; Then shall I know how near it is to-day, He shall have no means to escape away.

[_Exit_ CLINTON.

_Enter_ CASTILIANO.

CAS. My trunk's broke open, and my jewels gone!

My gold and treasure stol'n: my house despoil'd Of all my furniture, and nothing left?

No, not my wife, for she is stol'n away: But she hath pepper'd me, I feel it work-- My teeth are loosen'd, and my belly swell'd; My entrails burn with such distemper'd heat, That well I know my dame hath poison'd me: When she spoke fairest, then she did this act.

When I have spoken all I can imagine, I cannot utter half that she intends; She makes as little poisoning of a man, As to carouse; I feel that this is true.

_Enter_ CLINTON.

Nay, now I know too much of womankind.

'Zounds, here's the captain: what should he make here With his sword drawn? there's yet more villany.

CLIN. The morning is far spent; but yet he comes not.

I wonder Marian sends him not abroad.

Well, doctor, linger time, and linger life; For long thou shalt not breathe upon the earth.

CAS. No, no, I will not live amongst ye long: Is it for me thou wait'st, thou b.l.o.o.d.y wretch?

Her poison hath prevented thee in murther.

_Enter_ EARL MORGAN, ST DUNSTAN _with_ HONOREA _fainting, and_ MARIAN.