Part 6 (1/2)

_Wild_. Touched in the wind.

_Lash_. I trust my master be not touched in the head!

I vow, a faultless beast! [Aside.]

_Wild_. I want her not, And that's your answer. Go to the hosier's, sir, And bid him send me samples of his gear, Of twenty different kinds.

_Lash_. I will, sir.--Sir!

_Wild_. Well, sir.

_Lash_. Squire Brush's huntsman's here, and says His master's kennel is for sale.

_Wild_. The dogs Are only fit for hanging!--

_Lash_. Finer bred--

_Wild_. Sirrah, if more to me thou talkest of dogs, Horses, or aught that to thy craft belongs, Thou mayst go hang for me!--A cordwainer Go fetch me straight--the choicest in the town.

Away, sir! Do thy errands smart and well As thou canst crack thy whip! [LASH goes out.]

Dear neighbour Constance, I'll give up horses, dogs, and all for thee!

[Goes out.]

SCENE II.

[Enter WIDOW GREEN and LYDIA.]

_W. Green_. Lydia, my gloves. If Master Waller calls, I shall be in at three; and say the same To old Sir William Fondlove. Tarry yet!-- What progress, think you, make I in the heart Of fair young Master Waller? G.o.ds, my girl, It is a heart to win and man as well!

How speed I, think you? Didst, as I desired, Detain him in my absence when he called, And, without seeming, sound him touching me?

_Lydia_. Yes.

_W. Green_. And effects he me, or not? How guess you?

What said he of me? Looked he balked, or not, To find me not at home? Inquired he when I would be back, as much he longed to see me?

What did he--said he? Come!--Is he in love, Or like to fall into it? Goes well my game, Or shall I have my labour for my pains?

_Lydia_. I think he is in love.--O poor evasion!

O to love truth, and yet not dare to speak it! [Aside.]

_W. Green_. You think he is in love--I'm sure of it.

As well have asked you has he eyes and ears, And brain and heart to use them? Maids do throw Trick after trick away, but widows know To play their cards! How am I looking, Lydia?

_Lydia_. E'en as you ever look.

_W. Green_. Handsome, my girl?

Eh? Clear in my complexion? Eh?--brimful Of spirits? not too much of me, nor yet Too little?--Eh?--A woman worth a man?

Look at me, Lydia! Would you credit, girl, I was a scarecrow before marriage?

_Lydia_. Nay!--

_W. Green_. Girl, but I tell thee ”yea.” That gown of thine-- And thou art slender--would have hung about me!

There's something of me now! good sooth, enough!

Lydia, I'm quite contented with myself; I'm just the thing, methinks, a widow should be.