Volume Ix Part 51 (2/2)

Why, is't not a plague to be a prisoner to mine own father?

NURSE.

Yes, and 't's a shame for him to use you so too: But be of good cheer, mistress; I'll go To Sophos ev'ry day; I'll bring you tidings And tokens too from him, I'll warrant ye; And if he'll send you a kiss or two, I'll bring it.

Let me alone; I am good at a dead lift: Marry, I cannot blame you for loving of Sophos; Why, he's a man as one should picture him in wax.

But, mistress--out upon's! wipe your eyes, For here comes another wooer.

_Enter_ PETER PLOD-ALL.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Mistress Lelia, G.o.d speed you.

LELIA.

That's more than we Need at this time, for we are doing nothing.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

'Twere as good say a good word as a bad.

LELIA.

But it's more wisdom to say nothing at all, Than speak to no purpose.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

My purpose is to wive you.

LELIA.

And mine is never to wed you.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Belike, you are in love with somebody else.

NURSE.

No, but she's l.u.s.tily promised. Hear you--you with [the] long rifle by your side--do you lack a wife?

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Call ye this [a] rifle? it's a good backsword.

NURSE.

Why, then, you with [the] backsword, let's see your back.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Nay, I must speak with Mistress Lelia Before I go.

LELIA.

What would you with me?

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Marry, I have heard very well of you, and so has my father too; and he has sent me to you a-wooing; and if you have any mind of marriage, I hope I shall maintain you as well as any husbandman's wife in the country.

NURSE.

Maintain her? with what?

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