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Clara. No, forsooth? by my truly, but it

We know not what we may come to.
Eug. 'Tis strange!

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[play.

Suar. Come, I've begg'd leave for you to
Clara. Forsooth,

'Tis ill for a fair lady to be idle. [that.
Syav. Sh' had better be well busied, I know
Turtle, methinks you mourn; shall I sit by
you?
[gone;

Clara. If you be weary, sir, y' had best be I work not a true stitch, now you're my mate. Syav. If I be so, I must do more then side you26.

Clara. Ev'n what you will, but tread me.
Syav. Shall we bill?

Clara. Oh, no, forsooth.

Syav. Being so fair, my Clara,

Why d'you delight in black-work?

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Clara. Oh, white sir,

The fairest ladies like the blackest men

I ever lov'd the colour; all black things
Are least subject to change.
Syav. Why, I do love

[faces A black thing too; and the most beauteous Have oftnest of them; as the blackest eyes, Jet-arched brows, such hair. I'll kiss your hand. [my mother Clara. Twill hinder me my work, sir; and Will chide me if I do not do my task.

Syav. Your mother, nor your father shall
chide.-You
[rul'd,

Might have a prettier task, would you be
And look with open eyes.

Clara. I stare upon you,

And broadly see you; a wondrous proper man! Yet 'twere a greater task for me to love you, Than I shall ever work, sir, in seven year. Plague o' this stitching! I had rather feel Two, than sow one. This rogue has given me a stitch [shall prick you! Clean cross my heart. Good faith, sir, I Syar. In gooder faith, I would prick you again! [the man's foolish!

Clara. Now you grow troublesome! Pish, Syav. Pray wear these trifles. Clara. Neither you, nor trifles: You are a trifle; wear yourself, sir, out, And here no more trifle the time away.

Syav. Come, you're deceiv'd in me; I will Nor fast, nor die for you. .. [not wake, Clara. Goose, be not you deceiv'd! I cannot like, nor love, nor live with you, Nor fast, nor watch, nor pray for you. Eug. Her old fit! [will break Syav. Sure, this is not the way.Nay, I

Your melancholy

Clara. I shall break your pate then.

Away, you sanguine scabbard!

26

Eug. Out upon thee!

Thou'lt break my heart, I'm sure.

Enter Alvarez, Pioruto, Lucio, and Bobadilla.

Syao. She's not yet tame.

[you here Alv. On, sir!ut home! or I shall goad With this old fox of mine, that will bite better. Oh, the brave age is gone! In my young days A chevalier would stock27 a needle's point Three times together strait i' th' hams; or Give you new garters? [shall I

Bob. Faith, old master, there Is little hope; the linen sure was dank He was begot in, he's so faint and cold! Ev'n send him to Toledo, there to study; For he will never fadge with these Toledos. Bear y' up your point there, pick his teeth! Oh, base! [-Bear Pio. Fy! you're the most untoward scholar! Your body gracefully; what a posture's there! You lie too open-breasted.

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Alv. Not a button!

Eugenia, let's go get us a new heir.

Eug. Ay, by my troth, your daughter's as untoward. [thee, ere

Alv. I'll break thee bone by bone, and bake I will ha' such a wooden son to inherit.Take him a good knock; see how that will work.

Pio. Now for your life, signor!
Lucio. Oh, alas, I'm kill'd!

My eye is out! Look, father! Zancho!
I'll play the fool no more thus, that I will not.
Clara. 'Heart, ne'er a rogue in Spain shall
wrong my brother,

Whilst I can hold a sword.

Pio. Hold, madam, madam!
Alv. Clara!

Eug. Daughter!
Bob. Mistress!
Pio. Bradamante!
Hold, hold, I pray.

[sure!

Alo. The devil's in her, o' th' other side There's gold for you. They have chang'd what-ye-cal't's.

[ment, Will no cure help? Well, I have one experi And if that fail, I'll hang him; there's an end

on't.

Come you along with me! and you, sir! Bob. Now are you going to drowning. [Exeunt Alv. Eug. Lucio, and Bob. Syav. I'll e'en along with ye; she's too great a lady,

-I must do more then, side you.] We should certainly read, I must do more than side you.

27 Stock a needle's point.] Seward would read strike for stock; and Sympson, stick.

For

For me, and would prove more than my match. [Exit. Ciara. You're he, spoke of Vitelli to the steward? [me for't.

Pio. Yes; and, I thank you, you have beat Clara. But are you sure you do not wrong Pio. Sure? [him? So sure, that if you please venture yourself, I'll shew you him and his cockatrice together, And you shall hear 'em talk.

Clara. Will you? By Heaven, sir,

You shall endear me ever; and I ask
You mercy!

Pio. You were somewhat boisterous.

Clara. There's gold to make y' amends; and for this pains, Fill gratify you further. And walk along w'ye. night on't!

I'll but mask me, Faith, let's make a [Exeunt.

SCENE V.

Enter Alguazier, Pachieco, Mendoza, Metaldi, and Lazarillo.

Alg. Come on, my brave water-spaniels!

YOU

That bunt ducks in the night, and hide more knavery

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ACT IV.

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Ana. Tis early night yet.

Gen. Oh, if it be so late, take me along; I would not give advantage to ill tongues To tax my being here, without your presence To be my warrant.

Vit. You might spare this, sister, Knowing with whom I leave you; one that is, [vant,

By your allowance, and his choice, your serAnd, may my counsel and persuasion_work it, [ment Your husband speedily.-For your entertainMy thanks! I will not rob you of the means To do

your mistress some acceptable service, In waiting on her to my house. Gen. My lord

Vit. As you respect me, without further

trouble

[for you,

Retire, and taste those pleasures prepar'd
And leave me to my own ways.
Lam. When you please, sir.

SCENE II.

[Exeunt.

Enter Malroda and Alguazier.

Malr. You'll leave my chamber?

Alg. Let us but bill once,

[office,

My dove, my sparrow, and I, with my
Will be thy slaves for ever.
Malr. Are you so hot?

Alg. But taste the difference of a man in place: [forward, You'll find that, when authority pricks him Your don, nor yet your Diego, comes not near him,

To do a lady right! No men pay dearer
For their stol'n sweets than we; three mi-
nutes' trading

Affords to any sinner a protection,
think on that. I burn!
For three years after;
But one drop of your bounty-
Malr. Hence, you rogue!

Am I fit for you? is't not grace sufficient
To have your staff a bolt to bar the door
Where a don enters, but that you'll presume
To be his taster?

Alg. Is no more respect
Due to this rod of justice?

Malr. Do you dispute?

[more!

Good doctor of the dungeon, not a word Pox! if you do, my lord Vitelli knows it. Alg. Why, I am big enough to answer him, Or any man.

Malr. 'Tis well!

Vit. [within] Malroda!

Alg. How?

Malr. You know the voice; and now

crouch like a cur

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As if thy name were glorious; stuck thee full
Of jewels, as the firmament of stars;
And in it made thee so remarkable, [poor,
That it grew questionable whether Virtue
Or Vice so set forth as it is in thee,
Were ev'n by Modesty's self to be preferr❜d:
And am I thus repaid?

Malr. You're still my debtor! [honour,
Can this, tho' true, be weigh'd with my lost
Much less my faith? I have liv'd private to
you,
[was,

And but for you had ne'er known what lust
Nor what the sorrow for't.

I'd wish no manhood else.

[her!

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But how return'd by you? thy whole life be-
But one continued act of lust, and shipwreck
Of women's chastities.

Clara. But in this object

[thing,

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Malr. Do so still!`

For if I heat you, hang me!

Vit. If you do not,

I know who'll starve for't. Why, thou
shame of women,

Whose folly or whose impudence is greater
Is doubtful to determine! this to me,
That know thee for a whore!

Malr. And made me one;
Remember that!

Vit. Why, should I but grow wise,
And tie that bounty up, which nor discretion
Nor honour can give way to, thou wouldst be
A bawd ere twenty; and, within a month,
A barefoot, lowsy, and diseased whore,
And shift thy lodgings oftner than a rogue
That's whipt from post to post.

Malr. Pish! all our college

Know you can rail well in this kind.
Clara. 'Fore me,

He never spake so well!

Vit. I have maintain'd thee

[shine

The envy of great fortunes; made thee

Vit. But that I know

That she that dares be damn'd dares any I should admire thy tempting me; but pre[affections;

sume not

O' th' power you think you hold o'er my
It will deceive you! Yield, and presently,
Or by the inflamed blood, which thou must
I'll make a forcible entry.

[quench,
Malr. Touch me not!
[you do,
You know I have a throat: by Heaven, if
I will cry out a rape, or sheath this here,
Ere I'll be kept, and us'd for julip-water,
Tallay the heat which luscious meats and
And not desire, hath rais'd.
[wine,

Vit. A desp'rate devil!

My blood commands iny reason; I must take
Some milder way.

Malr. I hope, dear don, I fit you:
The night is mine, altho' the day was yours!
You are not fasting now. This speeding trick
(Which I would as a principle leave to all
That make their maintenance out of their
own Indies,

As I do now) my good old mother taught me :
Daughter, quoth she, contest not with your
lover,

His stomach being empty; let wine heat him,
And then you may command him : 'tis a sure
His looks shew he is coming.

Vit. Come, this needs not,
Especially to me: you know how dear
I ever have esteem'd you-
Clara. Lost again!

[one!

[to change
Vit. That any sigh 23 of yours hath power
My strongest resolution; and one tear
Sufficient to command a pardon from me,
For any wrong from you, which all mankind
Should kneel in vain for.

Malr. Pray you pardon those
That need your favour, or desire it.
Vit. Prithee

Be better temper'd: I'll pay, as a forfeit

For ny rash anger, this purse fill'd with gold.
Thou shalt have servants, gowns, attires;
Only continue mine.

23 That any sight of yours.] Amended from Sympson's conjecture.

[what not?

Malr.

Malr. 'Twas this I fish'd for.

Vit. Look on me, and receive it.
Mair. Well, you know

My gentle nature, and take pride t'abuse it.
You see a trifle pleases me: we're friends;
This kiss, and this, confirms it.

Clara. With my ruin!

Mair. I'll have this diamond, and this pearl.

Vit. They're your's.

Malr. But will you not, when you have what you came for, [shion Take them from me to-morrow? 'Tis a faYour lords of late have us'd.

Fit. But I'll not follow.

Clara. That any man at such a rate as this Should pay for his repentance!

Vit. Shall we to-bed now?

Mal. Instantly, sweet. Yet, now I think
oa't better,

There's something first, that in a word or two
I must acquaint you with.

Clara. Can I cry aim 29

To this, against myself? I'll break this match,
Or make it stronger with my blood!

[Descends.

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For you, my fine neat harpies, stretch your
And prove yourselves true night-birds.

Pach. Take my word

For me and all the rest.

Laz. If there be meat

Or any banquet stirring, you shall see
How I'll bestow myself.

[on.

Alg. When they are drawn,
Rush in upon 'em; all' fair prize you light
I must away: your officer may give way [it.
To th' knav'ry of his watch, but must not see
You all know where to find me. [Exit.
Met. There look for us.
Vit. Who's that?

Malr. My Piorato? Welcome, welcome!
Faith, had you not come when you did, iny
Had done I know not what to me. [lord
Vit. I'm gull'd!

[at!

First cheated of my jewels, and then laugh'd
Sirrah, what makes you here?

Pio. A business brings me,
More lawful than your own.
Vit. How's that, you slave?

[a whore,

Malr. He's such, that would continue her Whom he would make a wife of!

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Afflicts me not so much as the having Clara
The witness of my weakness.

Clara. He turns from me!

And yet I may urge merit; since his life
Is made my second gift.

Vit. May I ne'er prosper

If I know how to thank her!
Clara. Sir, your pardon

excuse

For pressing thus, beyond a virgin's bounds,
Upon your privacies; and let my being
Like to a man, as you are, be th
Of my soliciting that from you, which shall
Be granted on my part, altho' desir'd [not
By any other. Sir, you understand me;
And 'twould shew nobly in you, to prevent
From me a further boldness, which I must
Proceed in, if you prove not merciful,
Tho' with my loss of blushes and good name.
Vit. Madam, I know your will, and would
be thankful,

If it were possible I could affect
The daughter of an enemy.

Clara. That fair false one,

[sued,

Whom with fond dotage you have long pur-
Had such a father; she to whom you pay
Dearer for your dishonour, than all titles
Ambitious men hunt for are worth.
Vit. 'Tis truth.

[exchange
Clara. Yet with her, as a friend, you still
Health for diseases, and, to your disgrace,
Nourish the rivals to your present pleasures,
At your own charge; us'd as a property
To give a safe protection to her lust,
Yet share in nothing but the shame of it.

Vit. Grant all this so, to take you for a
wife

Were greater hazard; for should I offend you
(As 'tis not easy still to please a woman),
You're of so great a spirit, that I must learn
To wear your petticoat, for you will have
My breeches from me.

Clara, Rather from this hour

I herë abjure all actions of a man,
And will esteem it happiness from you
To suffer like a woman. Love, true love,
Hath made a search within me, and expell'd

29 Can I cry ayme.] See note 71 on the False One.

All

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Vit. Ha! once more, I pray you! The best I ever tasted; and 'tis said

I have prov'd many. 'Tis not safe, I fear, To ask the rest now. Well, I will leave whoring,

And luck herein send me with her!-Worthiest lady,

I'll wait upon you home, and by the way (If e'er I marry, as I'll not forswear it) Tell you, you are my wife.

Clara. Which if you do,

From me, all mankind women learn to wooe ! 30

SCENE III.

[Exeunt.

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And thou shalt feed to-morrow. So! now you

are

Yourselves again, I'll raise another watch To free you from suspicion: set on any You meet with boldly; I'll not be far off, T'assist you, and protect you. [Exit. Met. Oh, brave officer!

Enter Alvarez, Lucio, and Bobadilla. Pach. 'Would every ward had one but so well given, [velvet ! And we would watch, for rug, in gowns of Mend. Stand close; a prize!

Met. Sattin, and gold lace, lads!
Alv. Why dost thou hang upon me?
Lucio. 'Tis so dark

[ther,

I dare not see my way; for Heav'n sake, faLet us go home!

Bob. No, even here we'll leave youLet's run away from him, my lord. Lucio. Oh, 'las!

Alv. Th' hast made me mad, and I will beat thee dead,

[thee,

Then bray thee in a mortar, and new-mould But I will alter thee.

Bob. 'Twill never be :

He has been three days practising to drink, Yet still he sips like to a waiting-woman, And looks as he were murd'ring of a fart Among wild Irish swaggerers.

Lucio. I have still

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Alv. There's only one course left, that may redeem thee; Which is, to strike the next man that you And if we chance to light upon a woman, Take her away, and use her like a man, Or I will cut thy hamstrings.

Pach. This makes for us.

Alv. What dost thou do now?

Lucio. Sir, I'm saying my prayers; [me, For being to undertake what you would have I know I cannot live.

30 Mankind women.] In Shakespeare's Coriolanus, Sicinius asks Volumnia, 'Are you mankind?' On which Dr. Johnson remarks, that A mankind woman is a woman with the 'roughness of a man, and, in an aggravated sense, a woman ferocious, violent, and eager to 'shed blood.' Mr. Upton says, mankind means wicked, and gives the following examples: < See, see, this mankinde strumpet, see (he cride)

This shamelesse whore.'

Out! a mankind witch!'

Fairfax's Tasso, xx. 95. Winter's Tale, act ii.

Morose, being interrupted by the intrusion and noise of men and women, cries out,

O mankind generation!'

And Mr. Steevens adds the following from Ben Jonson:

Pallas, nor thee I call on, munkind maid.’

See Upton's Remarks on Ben Jonson, p. 92, and Johnson and Steevens's Shakespeare, vol. vii. p. 393. R.

Mankind, applied to women, both here and in Ben Jonson, plainly signifies masculine.

Enter

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