Part 29 (1/2)

Fran. Your love is untimely sown; there 's a spring at Michaelmas, but 'tis but a faint one: I am sunk in years, and I have vowed never to marry.

Zan. Alas! poor maids get more lovers than husbands: yet you may mistake my wealth. For, as when amba.s.sadors are sent to congratulate princes, there 's commonly sent along with them a rich present, so that, though the prince like not the amba.s.sador's person, nor words, yet he likes well of the presentment; so I may come to you in the same manner, and be better loved for my dowry than my virtue.

Fran. I 'll think on the motion.

Zan. Do; I 'll now detain you no longer. At your better leisure, I 'll tell you things shall startle your blood: Nor blame me that this pa.s.sion I reveal; Lovers die inward that their flames conceal.

Fran. Of all intelligence this may prove the best: Sure I shall draw strange fowl from this foul nest. [Exeunt.

SCENE II

Enter Marcello and Cornelia

Corn. I hear a whispering all about the court, You are to fight: who is your opposite?

What is the quarrel?

Marc. 'Tis an idle rumour.

Corn. Will you dissemble? sure you do not well To fright me thus: you never look thus pale, But when you are most angry. I do charge you, Upon my blessing--nay, I 'll call the duke, And he shall school you.

Marc. Publish not a fear, Which would convert to laughter: 'tis not so.

Was not this crucifix my father's?

Corn. Yes.

Marc. I have heard you say, giving my brother suck He took the crucifix between his hands, [Enter Flamineo.

And broke a limb off.

Corn. Yes, but 'tis mended.

Flam. I have brought your weapon back.

[Flamineo runs Marcello through.

Corn. Ha! Oh, my horror!