Part 28 (1/2)

_Cham._ We to our cost have, But will you search the wood?

_Pro._ It is beset, They cannot scape us, nothing makes me wonder, So much as having you within their power They let you goe; it was a Courtesy, That French thieves use not often, I much pity The Gentle Ladies, yet I know not how, I rather hope than fear.

_Enter_ Dinant, Cleremont, Verdone, Beaupre, Lamira, Anabel, Charlote, _Nurse_.

Are these the prisoners?

_Din._ We were such.

_Verd._ Kill me not, excess of joy.

_Cham._ I see thou livest, but hast thou had no foul play?

_Lam._ No on my soul, my usage hath been n.o.ble, Far from all violence.

_Cham._ How were you freed?

But kiss me first, we'l talk of that at leasure, I am glad I have thee; Niece how you keep off, As you knew me not?

_Ana._ Sir, I am where I owe most duty.

_Cler._ 'Tis indeed most true Sir, The man that should have been your bedfellow Your Lords.h.i.+ps bedfellow, that could not smell out A Virgin of sixteen, that was your fool, To make you merry, this poor simple fellow Has met the maid again, and now she knows He is a man.

_Cham._ How! is she dishonoured?

_Cler._ Not unless marriage be dishonourable, Heaven is a witness of our happy contract, And the next Priest we meet shall warrant it To all the world: I lay with her in jeast, 'Tis turn'd to earnest now.

_Cham._ Is this true, Niece?