The Maids Tragedy | Page 6

but we.
Evad. Thou think'st belike, there is no modesty When we are alone.
Dul. I by my troth you hit my thoughts aright.
Evad. You prick me Lady.
Dul. 'Tis against my will, Anon you must endure more, and lie still.
You're best to practise.
Evad. Sure this wench is mad.
Dul. No faith, this is a trick that I have had Since I was fourteen.
Evad. 'Tis high time to leave it.
Dul. Nay, now I'le keep it till the trick leave me; A dozen wanton
words put in your head, Will make you lively in your Husbands bed.
Evad. Nay faith, then take it.
Dul. Take it Madam, where? We all I hope will take it that are here.
Evad. Nay then I'le give you o're.

Dul. So will I make The ablest man in Rhodes, or his heart to ake.
Evad. Wilt take my place to night?
Dul. I'le hold your Cards against any two I know.
Evad. What wilt thou do?
Dul. Madam, we'l do't, and make'm leave play too.
Evad. Aspatia, take her part.
Dul. I will refuse it. She will pluck down a side, she does not use it.
Evad. Why, do.
Dul. You will find the play Quickly, because your head lies well that
way.
Evad. I thank thee Dula, would thou could'st instill Some of thy mirth
into _Aspatia_: Nothing but sad thoughts in her breast do dwell,
Methinks a mean betwixt you would do well.
Dul. She is in love, hang me if I were so, But I could run my Country, I
love too To do those things that people in love do.
Asp. It were a timeless smile should prove my cheek, It were a fitter
hour for me to laugh, When at the Altar the Religious Priest Were
pacifying the offended powers With sacrifice, than now, this should
have been My night, and all your hands have been imployed In giving
me a spotless offering To young Amintors bed, as we are now For you:
pardon Evadne, would my worth Were great as yours, or that the King,
or he, Or both thought so, perhaps he found me worthless, But till he
did so, in these ears of mine, (These credulous ears) he pour'd the
sweetest words That Art or Love could frame; if he were false, Pardon
it heaven, and if I did want Vertue, you safely may forgive that too, For
I have left none that I had from you.
Evad. Nay, leave this sad talk Madam.

Asp. Would I could, then should I leave the cause.
Evad. See if you have not spoil'd all Dulas mirth.
Asp. Thou think'st thy heart hard, but if thou beest caught, remember
me; thou shalt perceive a fire shot suddenly into thee.
Dul. That's not so good, let'm shoot any thing but fire, I fear'm not.
Asp. Well wench, thou mayst be taken.
Evad. Ladies good night, I'le do the rest my self.
Dul. Nay, let your Lord do some.
Asp. Lay a Garland on my Hearse of the dismal Yew.
Evad. That's one of your sad songs Madam.
Asp. Believe me, 'tis a very pretty one.
Evad. How is it Madam?
SONG.
Asp_. Lay a Garland on my Hearse of the dismal yew; Maidens,
Willow branches bear; say I died true: My Love was false, but I was
firm from my hour of birth; Upon my buried body lay lightly gentle
earth_.
Evad. Fie on't Madam, the words are so strange, they are able to make
one Dream of Hobgoblins; I could never have the power, Sing that
Dula.
Dula_. I could never have the power To love one above an hour, But
my heart would prompt mine eye On some other man to flie;_ Venus,
_fix mine eyes fast, Or if not, give me all that I shall see at last_.
Evad. So, leave me now.

Dula. Nay, we must see you laid.
Asp. Madam good night, may all the marriage joys That longing Maids
imagine in their beds, Prove so unto you; may no discontent Grow
'twixt your Love and you; but if there do, Enquire of me, and I will
guide your moan, Teach you an artificial way to grieve, To keep your
sorrow waking; love your Lord No worse than I; but if you love so well,
Alas, you may displease him, so did I. This is the last time you shall
look on me: Ladies farewel; as soon as I am dead, Come all and watch
one night about my Hearse; Bring each a mournful story and a tear To
offer at it when I go to earth: With flattering Ivie clasp my Coffin round,
Write on my brow my fortune, let my Bier Be born by Virgins that
shall sing by course The truth