Rule a Wife, and Have a Wife | Page 6

time and art in searching out their subtleties, Like a fool'd Alchymist blow up my hopes still? When shall we come to thy house and be freely merry?
Michael Perez:
When I have manag'd her a little more, I have an house to entertain an army.
Alonzo:
If thy wife be fair, thou wilt have few less Come to thee.
Michael Perez:
But where they'l get entertainment is the point Signior. I beat no Drum.
Alonzo:
You need none but her taber, May be I'le march after a month or two, To get me a fresh stomach. I find Coronel A wantonness in wealth, methinks I agree not with, 'Tis such a trouble to be married too, And have a thousand things of great importance, Jewels and plates, and fooleries molest me, To have a mans brains whimsied with his wealth: Before I walk'd contentedly.
[Enter Servant.]
Servant:
My Mistris Sir is sick, because you are absent, She mourns and will not eat.
Michael Perez:
Alas my Jewel, Come I'le goe with thee, Gentlemen your fair leaves, You see I am ti'd a little to my yoke, Pray pardon me, would ye had both such loving wives.
Juan de Castro:
I thank ye [Exit Perez, Servant.
For your old boots, never be blank Alonzo, Because this fellow has outstript thy fortune, Tell me ten daies hence what he is, and how The gracious state of matrimony stands with him, Come, let's to dinner, when Margarita comes 185] We'l visit both, it may be then your fortune.
[Exeunt.
[Enter Margarita, Altea, and Ladies.]
Margarita:
Is he come?
Altea:
Yes Madam, h'as been here this half hour, I have question'd him of all that you can ask him, And find him as fit as you had made the man, He will make the goodliest shadow for iniquity.
Margarita:
Have ye searcht him Ladies?
Omnes:
Is a man at all points, a likely man.
Margarita:
Call him in Altea. [Exit Lady.
[Enter Leon, Altea.]
A man of a good presence, pray ye come this way, Of a lusty body, is his mind so tame?
Altea:
Pray ye question him, and if you find him not Fit for your purpose, shake him off, there's no harm Done.
Margarita:
Can you love a young Lady? How he blushes!
Altea:
Leave twirling of your hat, and hold your head up, And speak to'th' Lady.
Leon:
Yes, I think I can, I must be taught, I know not what it means Madam.
Margarita:
You shall be taught, and can you when she pleases Go ride abroad, and stay a week or two? You shall have men and horses to attend ye, And mony in your purse.
Leon:
Yes I love riding, And when I am from home I am so merry.
Margarita:
Be as merry as you will: can you as handsomely When you are sent for back, come with obedience, And doe your dutie to the Lady loves you?
Leon:
Yes sure, I shall.
Margarita:
And when you see her friends here, Or noble kinsmen, can you entertain Their servants in the Celler, and be busied, And hold your peace, what e're you see or hear of?
Leon:
'Twere fit I were hang'd else.
Margarita:
Let me try your kisses, How the fool shakes, I will not eat ye Sir, 186] Beshrew my heart he kisses wondrous manly, Can ye doe any thing else?
Leon:
Indeed I know not; But if your Ladiship will please to instruct me, Sure I shall learn.
Margarita:
You shall then be instructed: If I should be this Lady that affects ye, Nay say I marry ye?
Altea:
Hark to the Lady.
Margarita:
What mony have ye?
Leon:
None Madam, nor friends, I wou'd doe any thing to serve your Ladiship.
Margarita:
You must not look to be my Mr Sir, Nor talk i'th' house as though you wore the breeches, No, nor command in any thing.
Leon:
I will not, Alas I am not able, I have no wit Madam.
Margarita:
Nor do not labour to arrive at any, 'Twill spoil your head, I take ye upon charity, And like a Servant ye must be unto me, As I behold your duty I shall love ye, And as you observe me, I may chance lye with ye, Can you mark these?
Leon:
Yes indeed forsooth.
Margarita:
There is one thing, That if I take ye in I put ye from me, Utterly from me, you must not be sawcy, No, nor at any time familiar with me, Scarce know me, when I call ye not.
Leon:
I will not, alas I never knew my self sufficiently.
Margarita:
Nor must not now.
Leon:
I'le be a Dog to please ye.
Margarita:
Indeed you must fetch and carry as I appoint ye.
Leon:
I were to blame else.
Margarita:
Kiss me again; a strong fellow, There is a vigor in his lips: if you see me Kiss any other, twenty in an hour Sir, You must not start, nor be offended.
Leon:
No, if you kiss a thousand I shall be contented, It will the better teach me how to please ye. 187]
Altea:
I told ye Madam.
Margarita:
'Tis the man I wisht for; the less you speak.
Leon:
I'le never speak again Madam, But when you charge me, then I'le speak softly