Rule a Wife, and Have a Wife Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (3 of 10)

Rule a Wife, and have a Wife

Michael Perez

I shall love you dearly,
And 'tis a sin to fling away affection,
I have no Mistress, no desire to honour
Any but you, will not this Oyster open?
I know not, you have struck me with your modesty;
She will draw sure; so deep, and taken from me
All the desire I might bestow on others,
Quickly before they come.

Estifania

Indeed I dare not:
But since I see you are so desirous, Sir,
To view a poor face that can merit nothing
But your Repentance.

Michael Perez

It must needs be excellent.

Estifania

And with what honesty you ask it of me,
When I am gone let your man follow me,
And view what house I enter, thither come,
For there I dare be bold to appear open:
And as I like your vertuous carriage then,

Enter Juan, Clara, a Servant.

I shall be able to give welcome to you;
She hath done her business, I must take my leave, Sir.

Michael Perez

I'll kiss your fair white hand and thank you, Lady.
My man shall wait, and I shall be your Servant;
Sirrah, come near, hark.

Servant

I shall do it faithfully.

[Exit.

Juan de Castro

You will command me no more services?

Clara

To be careful of your noble health, dear Sir,
That I may ever honour you.

Juan de Castro

I thank you,
And kiss your hands, wait on the Ladies down there.

[Exeunt Ladies, and Servants.

Michael Perez

You had the honour to see the face that came to you?

Juan de Castro

And 'twas a fair one; what was yours, Don Michael?

Michael Perez

Mine was i'th' clipse, and had a Cloud drawn over it.
But I believe well, and I hope 'tis handsome,
She had a hand would stir a holy Hermite.

Juan de Castro

You know none of 'em?

Michael Perez

No.

Juan de Castro

Then I do, Captain,
But I'll say nothing till I see the proof on't,
Sit close Don Perez, or your Worship's caught.
I fear a Flye.

Michael Perez

Were those she brought Love-Letters?

Juan de Castro

A Packet to a Kinsman now in Flanders,
Yours was very modest methought.

Michael Perez

Some young unmanag'd thing,
But I may live to see--

Juan de Castro

'Tis worth experience,
Let's walk abroad and view our Companies.

[Exeunt.

Sanchio

What, are you for the Wars, Alonzo?

Alonzo

It may be I,
It may be no, e'n as the humour takes me.
If I find peace amongst the female Creatures,
And easie entertainment, I'll stay at home,
I am not so far obliged yet to long Marches
And mouldy Biskets, to run mad for Honour,
When you are all gone I have my choice before me.

Sanchio

Of which Hospital thou wilt sweat in; wilt thou
Never leave whoring?

Alonzo

There is less danger in't than gunning, Sanchio,
Though we be shot sometimes, the shot's not mortal,
Besides, it breaks no limbs.

Sanchio

But it disables 'em,
Dost thou see how thou pull'st thy legs after thee, as they
Hung by points.

Alonzo

Better to pull 'em thus than walk on wooden ones,
Serve bravely for a Billet to support me.

Sanchio

Fye, fye, 'tis base.

Alonzo

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.

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.

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:
A wondrous goodly house, here are brave

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.

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.

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 me I'm sure,
For he gave all he had to my younger Brother.

Juan de Castro

That was no foolish part I'le bear you witness.
Canst thou lye with a woman?

Leon

I think I could make shift Sir,
But I am bashfull.

Juan de Castro

In the night?

Leon

I know not,
Darkness indeed may do some good upon me.

Juan de Castro

Why art thou sent to me to be my officer,
I, and commended too, when thou darst not fight?

Leon

There be more officers of my opinion,
Or I am cozen'd Sir, men that talk more too.

Juan de Castro

How wilt thou scape a bullet?

Leon

Why by chance,
They aim at honourable men, alas I am none Sir.

Juan de Castro

This fellow has some doubts in's talk that strike me,

Enter Alonzo.

He cannot be all fool: welcom Alonzo.

Alonzo

What have you got there, temperance into your company?
The spirit of peace? we shall have wars

Enter Cacafogo.

By th'ounce then. O here's another pumpion,
Let him loose for luck sake, the cram'd son
Of a stay'd Usurer, Cacafogo, both their brains butter'd,
Cannot make two spoonfulls.

Cacafogo

My Father's dead: I am a man of war too,
Monyes, demesns; I have ships at sea too,
Captains.

Juan de Castro

Take heed o'th' Hollanders, your ships may leak else.

Cacafogo

I scorn the Hollanders, they are my drunkards.

Alonzo

Put up your gold Sir, I'le borrow it else.

Cacafogo

I am satisfied, you shall not,
Come out, I know thee, meet mine anger instantly.

Leon

I never wrong'd ye.

Cacafogo

Thou hast wrong'd mine honor,
Thou look'dst upon my Mistris thrice lasciviously,
I'le make it good.

Juan de Castro

Do not hea[t] your self, you will surfeit.

Cacafogo

Thou wan'st my mony too, with a pair of base bones,
In whom there was no truth, for which I beat thee,
I beat thee much, now I will hurt thee dangerously.
This shall provoke thee.

[He strikes.

Alonzo

You struck too low by a foot Sir.

Juan de Castro

You must get a ladder when you would beat
This fellow.

Leon

I cannot chuse but kick again, pray pardon me.

Cacafogo

Had'st thou not ask'd my pardon, I had kill'd thee,
I leave thee as a thing despis'd, assoles manus a vostra siniare
a Maistre.

[Exit .

Leon

I see he is hasty, and I would give him leave
To beat me soundly if he would take my bond.

Juan de Castro

What shall I do with this fellow?

Alonzo

Turn him off,
He will infect the camp with cowardise,
If he goe with thee.

Juan de Castro

About some week hence Sir,
If I can hit upon no abler officer,
You shall hear from me.

Leon

I desire no better.

[Exit.

Michael Perez

You have made me now too bountifull amends, Lady
For your strict carriage when you saw me first,
These beauties were not meant to be conceal'd,
It was a wrong to hide so sweet an object,
I cou'd now chide ye, but it shall be thus,
No other anger ever touch your sweetness.

Estifania

You appear to me so honest, and so civil,
Without a blush Sir, I dare bid ye welcom.

Michael Perez

Now let me ask your name.

Estifania

'Tis Estifanie, the heir of this poor place.

Michael Perez

Poor do you call it?
There's nothing that I cast mine eyes upon,
But shews both rich and admirable, all the rooms
Are hung as if a Princess were to dwell here,
The Gardens, Orchards, every thing so curious:
Is all that plate your own too?

Estifania

'Tis but little,
Only for present use, I have more and richer,
When need shall call, or friends compel me use it,
The sutes you see of all the upper chamber,
Are those that commonly adorn the house,
I think I have besides, as fair, as civil,
As any town in Spain can parallel.

Michael Perez

Now if she be not married, I have some hopes.
Are you a maid?

Estifania

You make me blush to answer,
I ever was accounted so to this hour,
And that's the reason that I live retir'd Sir.

Michael Perez

Then would I counsel you to marry presently,
(If I can get her, I am made for ever)
For every year you lose, you lose a beauty,
A Husband now, an honest careful Husband,
Were such a comfort: will ye walk above stairs?

Estifania

This place will fit our talk, 'tis fitter far Sir,
Above there are day-beds, and such temptations
I dare not trust Sir.

Michael Perez

She is excellent wise withal too.

Estifania

You nam'd a husband, I am not so strict Sir,
Nor ti'd unto a Virgins solitariness,
But if an honest, and a noble one,
Rich, and a souldier, for so I have vowed he shall be,
Were offer'd me, I think I should accept him,
But above all he must love.

Michael Perez

He were base else,
There's comfort ministred in the word souldier,
How sweetly should I live!

Estifania

I am not so ignorant, but that I know well,
How to be commanded,
And how again to make my self obey'd Sir,
I waste but little, I have gather'd much,
My rial not the less worth, when 'tis spent,
If spent by my direction, to please my Husband,
I hold it as indifferent in my duty,
To be his maid i'th' kitchen, or his Cook,
As in the Hall to know my self the Mistris.

Michael Perez

Sweet, rich, and provident, now fortune stick
To me; I am a Souldier, and a bachelour, Lady,
And such a wife as you, I cou'd love infinitely,
They that use many words, some are deceitfull,
I long to be a Husband, and a good one,
For 'tis most certain I shall make a president
For all that follow me to love their Ladies,
I am young you see, able I would have you think too,
If't please you know, try me before you take me.
'Tis true I shall not meet in equal wealth
With ye, but Jewels, Chains, such as the war
Has given me, a thousand Duckets I dare
Presume on in ready gold, now as your
Care may handle it, as rich cloths too, as
Any he bears arms Lady.

Estifania

You are a true gentleman, and fair, I see by ye,
And such a man I had rather take.

Michael Perez

Pray do so, I'le have a Priest o'th' sudden.

Estifania

And as suddenly you will repent too.

Michael Perez

I'le be hang'd or drown'd first,
By this and this, and this kiss.

Estifania

You are a Flatterer,
But I must say there was something when I saw you
First, in that most noble face, that stirr'd my fancy.

Michael Perez

I'le stir it better e're you sleep sweet Lady,
I'le send for all my trunks and give up all to ye,
Into your own dispose, before I bed ye,
And then sweet wench.

Estifania

You have the art to cozen me.

[Exeunt.

2 Lady

What Husband mean ye?

Altea

A Husband of an easy faith, a fool,
Made by her wealth, and moulded to her pleasure,
One though he see himself become a monster,
Shall hold the door, and entertain the maker.

2 Lady

You grant there may be such a man.

1 Lady

Yes marry, but how to bring 'em to this rare Perfection.

2 Lady

They must be chosen so, things of no honour,
Nor outward honesty.

Margarita

No 'tis no matter,
I care not what they are, so they be lusty.

2 Lady

Me thinks now a rich Lawyer, some such fellow,
That carries credit, and a face of awe,
But lies with nothing but his clients business.

Margarita

No there's no trusting them, they are too subtil,
The Law has moulded 'em of natural mischief.

1 Lady

Then some grave governor,
Some man of honour, yet an easy man.

Margarita

If he have honour I am undone, I'le none such,
I'le have a lusty man, honour will cloy me.\

Altea

'Tis fit ye should Lady;
And to that end, with search and wit and labour,
I have found one out, a right one and a perfect,
He is made as strong as brass, is of brave years too,
And doughty of complexion.

Margarita

Is he a Gentleman?

Altea

Yes and a souldier, as gentle as you would wish him,
A good fellow, wears good cloaths.

Margarita

Those I'le allow him,
They are for my credit, does he understand
But little?

Altea

Very little.

Margarita

'Tis the better,
Have not the wars bred him up to anger?

Alonzo

No, he will not quarrel with a dog that bites hi[m],
Let him be drunk or sober, is one silence.

Margarita

H'as no capacity what honor is?
For that's the Souldiers god.

Altea

Honour's a thing too subtil for his wisdom,
If honour lye in eating, he is right honourable.

Margarita

Is he so goodly a man do you say?

Altea

As you shall see Lady,
But to all this is but a trunk.

Margarita

I would have him so,
I shall adde branches to him to adorn him,
Goe, find me out this man, and let me see him,
If he be that motion that you tell me of,
And make no more noise, I shall entertain him,
Let him be here.

Altea

He shall attend your Ladiship.

[Exeunt.

Juan de Castro

Why thou art not married indeed?

Michael Perez

No, no, pray think so,
Alas I am a fellow of no reckoning,
Not worth a Ladies eye.

Alonzo

Wou'dst thou steal a fortune,
And make none of all thy friends acquainted with it,
Nor bid us to thy wedding?

Michael Perez

No indeed,
There was no wisdom in't, to bid an Artist,
An old seducer to a femal banquet,
I can cut up my pye without your instructions.

Juan de Castro

Was it the wench i'th' veil?

Michael Perez

Basto 'twas she,
The prettiest Rogue that e're you look'd upon,
The lovingst thief.

Juan de Castro

And is she rich withal too?

Michael Perez

A mine, a mine, there is no end of wealth Coronel,
I am an asse, a bashfull fool, prethee Coronel,
How do thy compa[ni]es fill now?

Juan de Castro

You are merry Sir,
You intend a safer war at home belike now.

Michael Perez

I do not think I shall fight much this year Coronel,
I find my self given to my ease a little,
I care not if I sell my foolish company,
They are things of hazard.

Alonzo

How it angers me,
This fellow at first fight should win a Lady,
A rich young wench, and I that have consum'd
My 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.

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
We'l visit both, it may be then your fortune.

[Exeunt.

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

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,
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.

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 too.

Margarita

Get me a Priest, I'le wed him instantly,
But when you are married Sir, you must wait
Upon me, and see you observe my laws.

Leon

Else you shall hang me.

Margarita

I'le give ye better clothes when you deserve 'em,
Come in, and serve for witness.

Omnes

We shall Madam.

Margarita

And then away toth' city presently,
I'le to my new house and new company.

Leon

A thousand crowns are thine, and I am a made man.

Altea

Do not break out too soon.

Leon

I know my time wench.

[Exeunt.

Clara

What, have you caught him?

Estifania

Yes.

Clara

And do you find him
A man of those hopes that you aim'd at?

Estifania

Yes too,
And the most kind man, and the ablest also
To give a wife content, he is sound as old wine,
And to his soundness rises on the pallat,
And there's the man; find him rich too Clara.

Clara

Hast thou married him?

Estifania

What dost thou think I fish without a bait wench?
I bob for fools? he is mine own, I have him,
I told thee what would tickle him like a trout,
And as I cast it so I caught him daintily,
And all he has I have 'stowed at my devotion.

Clara

Does thy Lady know this? she is coming now to town,
Now to live here in this house.

Estifania

Let her come,
She shall be welcom, I am prepar'd for her,
She is mad sure if she be angry at my fortune,
For what I have made bold.

Clara

Dost thou not love him?

Estifania

Yes, intirely well,
As long as there he staies and looks no farther
Into my ends, but when he doubts, I hate him,
And that wise hate will teach me how to cozen him:
How to decline their wives, and curb their manners,
To put a stern and strong reyn to their natures,
And holds he is an Asse not worth acquaintance,
That cannot mould a Devil to obedience,
I owe him a good turn for these opinions,
And as I find his temper I may pay him,

Enter Perez.

O here he is, now you shall see a kind man.

Michael Perez

My Estifania, shall we to dinner lamb?
I know thou stay'st for me.

Michael Perez

I never enter but me thinks a Paradise
Appears about me.

Estifania

You are welcom to it Sir.

Michael Perez

I think I have the sweetest seat in Spain wench,
Me thinks the richest too, we'l eat i'th' garden
In one o'th' arbours, there 'tis cool and pleasant,
And have our wine cold in the running fountain.
Who's that?

Estifania

A friend of mine Sir.

Michael Perez

Of what breeding?

Estifania

A Gentlewoman Sir.

Michael Perez

What business has she?
Is she a learned woman i'th' Mathematicks,
Can she tell fortunes?

Estifania

More than I know Sir.

Michael Perez

Or has she e're a letter from a kinswoman,
That must be delivered in my absence wife,
Or comes she from the Doctor to salute ye,
And learn your health? she looks not like a confessor.

Estifania

What need all this, why are you troubled Sir?
What do you suspect, she cannot cuckold ye,
She is a woman Sir, a very woman.

Michael Perez

Your very woman may do very well Sir
Toward the matter, for though she cannot perform it
In her own person, she may do it by Proxie,
Your rarest jugglers work still by conspiracy.

Estifania

Cry ye mercy husband, you are jealous then,
And happily suspect me.

Michael Perez

No indeed wife.

Estifania

Me thinks you should not till you have more cause
And clearer too: I am sure you have heard say husband,
A woman forced will free her self through Iron,
A happy, calm, and good wife discontented
May be taught tricks.

Michael Perez

No, no, I do but jest with ye.

Estifania

To morrow friend I'le see you.

Clara

I shall leave ye
Till then, and pray all may goe sweetly with ye.

[Exit.

Estifania

Why where's this girle, whose at the door?

[Knock.

Michael Perez

Who knocks there?
Is't for the King ye come, you knock so boisterously?
Look to the door.

Maid

My Lady, as I live Mistris, my Ladie's come,
She's at the door, I peept through, and I saw her,
And a stately company of Ladies with her.

Estifania

This was a week too soon, but I must meet with her,
And set a new wheel going, and a subtile one,
Must blind this mighty Mars, or I am ruin'd.

Michael Perez

What are they at door?

Estifania

Such my Michael
As you may bless the day they enter'd there,
Such for our good.

Michael Perez

'Tis well.

Estifania

Nay, 'twill be better
If you will let me but dispose the business,
And be a stranger to it, and not disturb me,
What have I now to do but to advance your fortune?

Michael Perez

Doe, I dare trust thee, I am asham'd I am angry,
I find thee a wise young wife.

Estifania

I'le wise your worship
Before I leave ye, pray ye walk by and say nothing,
Only salute them, and leave the rest to me Sir,
I was born to make ye a man.

Michael Perez

The Rogue speaks heartily,
Her good will colours in her cheeks, I am born to love her,
I must be gentler to these tender natures,
A Souldiers rude harsh words befit not Ladies,
Nor must we talk to them as we talk to
Our Officers, I'le give her way, for 'tis for me she
Works now, I am husband, heir, and all she has.

Enter Margarita, Estifania, Leon, Altea, and Ladies.

Who are these, what flanting things, a woman
Of rare presence! excellent fair, this is too big
For a bawdy house, too open seated too.

Estifania

My Husband, Lady.

Margarita

You have gain'd a proper man.

Michael Perez

What e're I am, I am your servant Lady.

[kisses.

Estifania

Sir, be rul'd now,
And I shall make ye rich, this is my cousin,
That Gentleman dotes on her, even to death, see how he observes her.

Michael Perez

She is a goodly woman.

Estifania

She is a mirrour,
But she is poor, she were for a Princes side else,
This house she has brought him too as to her own,
And presuming upon me, and upon my courtesie.
Conceive me short, he knows not but she is wealthy,
Or if he did know otherwise, 'twere all one,
He is so far gone.

Michael Perez

Forward, she has a rare face.

Estifania

This we must carry with discretion Husband,
And yield unto her for four daies.

Michael Perez

Yield our house up, our goods and wealth?

Estifania

All this is but in seeming,
To milk the lover on, do you see this writing,
200l a year when they are married
Has she sealed to for our good; the time's unfit now,
I'le shew it you to morrow.

Michael Perez

All the house?

Estifania

All, all, and we'l remove too, to confirm him,
They'l into th' country suddenly again
After they are matcht, and then she'l open to him.

Michael Perez

The whole possession wife? look what you doe,
A part o'th' house.

Estifania

No, no, they shall have all,
And take their pleasure too, 'tis for our 'vantage.
Why, what's four daies? had you a Sister Sir,
A Niece or Mistris that required this courtesie,
And should I make a scruple to do you good?

Michael Perez

If easily it would come back.

Estifania

I swear Sir,
As easily as it came on, is't not pity
To let such a Gentlewoman for a little help--
You give away no house.

Michael Perez

Clear but that question.

Estifania

I'le put the writings into your hand.

Michael Perez

Well then.

Michael Perez

I am satisfied; wou'd I had the wench so too.

Estifania

When she has married him,
So infinite his love is linkt unto her,
You, I, or any one that helps at this pinch
May have Heaven knows what.

Michael Perez

I'le remove the goods straight,
And take some poor house by, 'tis but for four days.

Estifania

I have a poor old friend; there we'l be.

Michael Perez

'Tis well then.

Estifania

Goe handsom off, and leave the house clear.

Michael Perez

Well.

Estifania

That little stuff we'l use shall follow after;
And a boy to guide ye, peace and we are made both.

Margarita

Come, let's goe in, are all the rooms kept sweet wench?

Estifania

They are sweet and neat.

[Exit Perez.

Margarita

Why where's your Husband?

Estifania

Gone Madam.
When you come to your own he must give place Lady.

Margarita

Well, send you joy, you would not let me know't,
Yet I shall not forget ye.

Estifania

Thank your Ladyship.

[Exeunt.