The Love-Chase | Page 6

friend in need! You'll go and court your neighbour for me?
Wild. Yes.
True. And says she "nay" at first, you'll press again?
Wild. Ay, and again!
True. There's one thing I mistrust--yea, most mistrust, That of my poor deserts you'll make too much.
Wild. Fear anything but that.
True. 'Twere better far You slightly spoke of them.
Wild. You think so?
True. Yes. Or rather did not speak of them at all.
Wild. You think so?
True. Yes.
Wild. Then I'll not say a word About them.
True. Thank you! A judicious friend Is better than a zealous: you are both! I see you'll plead my cause as 'twere your own; Then stay in town, and win your neighbour for me; Make me the envy of a score of men That die for her as I do. Make her mine, And when the last "Amen!" declares complete The mystic tying of the holy knot, And 'fore the priest a blushing wife she stands, Be thine the right to claim the second kiss She pays for change from maidenhood to wifehood.
[Goes out.]
Wild. Take that thyself! The first be mine, or none! A man in love with neighbour Constance! Never Dreamed I that such a thing could come to pass! Such person, such endowments, such a soul! I never thought to ask myself before If she were man or woman! Suitors, too, Dying for her! I'll e'en make one among 'em! Woo her to go to church along with him, And for my pains the privilege to take The second kiss? I'll take the second kiss, And first one too--and last! No man shall touch Her lips but me. I'll massacre the man That looks upon her! Yet what chance have I With lovers of the town, whose study 'tis To please your lady belles!--who dress, walk, talk, To hit their tastes--what chance, a country squire Like me? Yet your true fair, I have heard, prefers The man before his coat at any time; And such a one may neighbour Constance be. I'll show a limb with any of them! Silks I'll wear, nor keep my legs in cases more. I'll learn to dance town-dances, and frequent Their concerts! Die away at melting strains, Or seem to do so--far the easier thing, And as effective quite; leave naught undone To conquer neighbour Constance.
[Enter LASH.]
Lash. Sir.
Wild. Well, sir?
Lash. So please you, sir, your horse is at the door.
Wild. Unsaddle him again and put him up. And, hark you, get a tailor for me, sir - The rarest can be found.
Lash. The man's below, sir, That owns the mare your worship thought to buy.
Wild. Tell him I do not want her, sir.
Lash. I vow You will not find her like in Lincolnshire.
Wild. Go to! She's spavined.
Lash. Sir!
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? Gods, 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