English drama -- Early modern and Elizabethan, 1500-1600
_Grimes_. He has alterd himselfe out of his owne cutt since he was
steward; yet, if you saw him in my ladyes Chamber you would take him
for some usher of a dancing schoole, as being aptest in sight for a
crosse cap.
_Tho_. Excellent _Grimes_ still!
_Grimes_. By his cloathes you might deeme him a knight; but yet if you
uncase him, you will find his sattin dublett naught but fore sleaves &
brest, the back part buckram; his cloake and cape of two sorts; his
roses and garters of my ladyes old Cypres: to conclude, sir, he is an
ambodexter or a Jack-of-all-sides & will needs mend that which Nature
made: he takes much upon him since the old Knight dyed, and does fully
intend to run to hell[58] for the lady: he hates all wines and strong
drinks--mary, tis but in publique, for in private he will be drunke, no
tinker like him.
_Bon_. Peace, sirrah; observe.
_Lov_. So, let me see the _summa totalis_ of my sweet ladies
perfections.
_Grimes_. Good, he has her in whole already.
_Tho_. Peace, _Grimes_.
_Lov_. _Imprimis, her faire haire; no silken sleave
Can be so soft the gentle worm does weave.
It[em], noe Plush or satten sleeke, I vow,
May be compard unto her velvet brow.
It[em], her eyes--two buttons made of iett;
Her lipps gumd taffety that will not frett;
Her cheeks are changeable, as I suppose,--
Carnation and white, lyllie and rose_.
_Grimes_. I, there it goes.
_Bon_. I protest I comend him; he goes through stitch with her like
the Master of his trade.
_Lov_. _It[em] her brests two bottomes[59] be of thred,
By which love to his laborinth is led.
Her belly_--
_Grimes_. I, marry, sir, now he comes to the purpose.
_Lov_. _Her Belly a soft Cushion where no sinner
But her true love must dare stick a pin in her_.
_Grimes_. That line has got the prick and prayse from all the rest.
_Lov_. _Butt to that stuff of stuffs, that without scoff
Is Camills haire or else stand further off_.
_Grimes_. How many shreads has he stoale here to patch up this lady?
_Lov_. _The totall some of my blest deity
Is the magazine of Natures treasury_.--
Soe, this made up, will I take an occasion to dropp where she may find
it. But, stay; here's company.
_Bon_. Mr. _Lovell_.
_Lov_. And see, I shall divulge myselfe.
_Grimes_. A foole, I doubt not.
_Bon_. Is your lady stirring?
_Lov_. She is risen, sir, and early occupied in her occasions spiritual,
and domesticke busines.
_Enter Lady & Magdalen_.
_Lady_. Sweet Mr. _Bonvil_.
The simple entertain[m]ent you receave here
I feare will scare you from us: you're so early
Up, you do not sleepe well.
_Tho_. I cannot looke on her
But Ime as violent as a high-wrought sea
In my desires; a fury through my eyes
At every glance of hers invades my heart.
_Lady_. What ayles you, servant? are you not well?
_Bon_. 'Tis his humour, Madam; he is accustomed, though it be in
company, to hold a dialogue with his thoughts. Please you, lady, to
give his fever libertie; the fit will soon be overpasd.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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