Rule a Wife, and Have a Wife | Page 3

Dost thou count it base to suffer? Suffer abundantly? 'tis the Crown of
Honour; You think it nothing to lie twenty days Under a Surgeons
hands that has no mercy.
Sanchio:
As thou hast done I am sure, but I perceive now Why you desire to stay,
the orient Heiress, The Margarita, Sir,
Alonzo:
I would I had her.
Sanchio:
They say she will marry. 175]
Alonzo:
I think she will.
Sanchio:
And marry suddenly, as report goes too, She fears her Youth will not
hold out, Alonzo.
Alonzo:
I would I had the sheathing on't.
Sanchio:
They say too She has a greedy eye that must be fed With more than one

mans meat.
Alonzo:
Would she were mine, I would cater for her well enough; but Sanchio,
There be too many great men that adore her, Princes, and Princes
fellows, that claim priviledge.
Sanchio:
Yet those stand off i'th' way of marriage, To be tyed to a man's pleasure
is a second labour.
Alonzo:
She has bought a brave house here in town.
Sanchio:
I have heard so.
Alonzo:
If she convert it now to pious uses, And bid poor Gentlemen welcome.
Sanchio:
When comes she to it?
Alonzo:
Within these two days, she is in the Country yet, And keeps the noblest
House.
Sanchio:
Then there's some hope of her, Wilt thou go my way?
Alonzo:

No, no, I must leave you, And repair to an old Gentlewoman That has
credit with her, that can speak a good word.
Sanchio:
Send thee good fortune, but make thy Body sound first.
Alonzo:
I am a Souldier, And too sound a Body becomes me not; Farewel,
Sanchio.
[Exeunt.
[Enter a Servant of Michael Perez.]
Servant:
'Tis this or that house, or I have lost my aim, They are both fair
buildings, she walked plaguy fast,
[Enter Estifania.]
And hereabouts I lost her; stay, that's she, 'Tis very she,--she makes me
a low court'sie, Let me note the place, the street I well remember.
[Exit.
She is in again, certain some noble Lady. How happy should I be if she
love my master: 176] A wondrous goodly house, here are brave
lodgings, And I shall sleep now like an Emperour, And eat abundantly:
I thank my fortune, I'll back with speed, and bring him happy tidings.
[Exit.
[Enter three old Ladies.]
1 Lady:

What should it mean, that in such haste We are sent for?
2 Lady:
Belike the Lady Margaret has some business She would break to us in
private.
3 Lady:
It should seem so. 'Tis a good Lady, and a wise young Lady.
2 Lady:
And vertuous enough too I warrant ye For a young Woman of her years;
'tis pity To load her tender Age with too much Vertue.
3 Lady:
'Tis more sometimes than we can well away with.
[Enter Altea.]
Altea:
Good morrow, Ladies.
All:
'Morrow, my good Madam.
1 Lady:
How does the sweet young Beauty, Lady Margaret?
2 Lady:
Has she slept well after her walk last night?
1 Lady:

Are her dreams gentle to her mind?
Altea:
All's well, She's very well, she sent for you thus suddenly To give her
counsel in a business That much concerns her.
2 Lady:
She does well and wisely, To ask the counsel of the ancientst, Madam,
Our years have run through many things she knows not.
Altea:
She would fain marry.
1 Lady:
'Tis a proper calling, And well beseems her years, who would she yoke
with?
Altea:
That's left to argue on, I pray come in And break your fast, drink a
good cup or two, To strengthen your understandings, then she'l tell ye.
2 Lady:
And good wine breeds good counsel. We'l yield to ye.
[Exeunt.
177] [Enter Juan de Castro, and Leon.]
Juan de Castro:
Have you seen any service?
Leon:

Yes.
Juan de Castro:
Where?
Leon:
Every where.
Juan de Castro:
What office bore ye?
Leon:
None, I was not worthy.
Juan de Castro:
What Captains know you?
Leon:
None, they were above me.
Juan de Castro:
Were you never hurt?
Leon:
Not that I well remember, But once I stole a Hen, and then they beat me;
Pray ask me no long questions, I have an ill memory.
Juan de Castro:
This is an Asse, did you never draw your sword yet?
Leon:

Not to do any harm I thank Heaven for't.
Juan de Castro:
Nor ne'r ta'ne prisoner?
Leon:
No, I ran away, For I had ne'r no mony to redeem me.
Juan de Castro:
Can you endure a Drum?
Leon:
It makes my head ake.
Juan de Castro:
Are you not valiant when you are drunk?
Leon:
I think not, but I am loving Sir.
Juan de Castro:
What a lump is this man, Was your Father wise?
Leon:
Too wise for