Part 7 (2/2)

Madam, for a twelvemonths approbation, We mean to make this trial of our child.

Your care and our dear blessing in mean time We pray may prosper this intended work.

PRIORESS.

May your happy soul be blithe, That so truly pay your t.i.the: He who many children gave, Tis fit that he one child should have.

Then, fair virgin, hear my spell, For I must your duty tell.

MILLISCENT.

--Good men and true, stand together, and hear your charge.

PRIORESS.

First, a mornings take your book, The gla.s.s wherein your self must look; Your young thoughts, so proud and jolly, Must be turnd to motions holy; For your busk, attires, and toys Have your thoughts on heavenly joys; And for all your follies past You must do penance, pray, and fast.

BILBO.

--Let her take heed of fasting; and if ever she hurt her self with praying, I'll ne'er trust beast.

MILLISCENT.

--This goes hard, berladye!

PRIORESS.

You shall ring the sacring bell, Keep your hours, and tell your knell, Rise at midnight at your matins, Read your Psalter, sing your latins, And when your blood shall kindle pleasure, Scourge your self in plenteous measure.

MILLISCENT.

--Worse and worse, by Saint Mary.

FRANK.

--Sirra Hal, how does she hold her countenance? Well, go thy ways, if ever thou prove a Nun, I'll build an Abbey.

HARRY.

--She may be a Nun; but if ever she prove an Anch.o.r.ess, I'll dig her grave with my nails.

FRANK.

--To her again, mother!

HARRY.

--Hold thine own, wench!

PRIORESS.

You must read the mornings ma.s.s, You must creep unto the Cross, Put cold ashes on your head, Have a hair cloth for your bed.

BILBO.

--She had rather have a man in her bed.

PRIORESS.

Bid your beads, and tell your needs, Your holy Avies, and you Creeds; Holy maid, this must be done, If you mean to live a Nun.

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