_Enter_ CASTILIANO. CAS. I would I had been wiser once to-day; I went on purpose to my Lord of Kent To give him some good counsel for his wife, And he, poor heart, no sooner heard my news, But turns me up his whites, and falls flat down: There I was fain to rub and chafe his veins, And much ado we had to get him live. But for all that he is extremely sick, And I am come in all the haste I may For cordials to keep the earl alive. But how now? What, a banquet! What means this? NAN. Alas! my master is come home himself. Mistress, mistress! my master is come home! CAS. Peace, you young strumpet, or I'll stop your speech! [_He stops her mouth_. Come hither, maid: tell me, and tell me true, What means this banquet? what's your mistress doing? Why call'dst[457] thou out, when as thou saw'st me coming? Tell me, or else I'll hang thee by the heels, And whip thee naked. Come on, what's the matter? NAN. Forsooth, I cannot tell. CAS. Can you not tell? come on, I'll make you tell me. NAN. O master! I will tell you. CAS. Then say on. NAN. Nothing, in truth, forsooth, but that she means To have a gentleman come drink with her. CAS. What gentleman? NAN. Forsooth, 'tis Master Forrest, as I think. CAS. Forrest? nay then I know how the game goeth: Whoever loseth, I am sure to win By their great kindness, though't be but the horns. _Enter_ FORREST _at one door_, MARIAN _at another_. But here comes he and she. Come hither, maid: Upon thy life, give not a word, a look, That she may know aught of my being here. Stand still, and do whate'er she bids thee do. Go, get thee gone; but if thou dost betray me, I'll cut thy throat: look to it, for I will do it. I'll stand here close to see the end of this, And see what rakes she keeps, when I'm abroad. [CASTILIANO _conceals himself_.] MAR. 'Tis kindly done, Miles, to return so soon, And so I take it. Nan, is our banquet ready? Welcome, my love! I see you'll keep your word. NAN. 'Twere better for you both he had not kept it. [_Aside_.] FOR. Yea, Mariana, else I were unworthy. I did but bring my lady to the door, And there I left her full of melancholy, And discontented. MAR. Why, 'twas kindly done. Come, come sit down, and let us laugh awhile: Maid, fill some wine. NAN. Alas! my breech makes buttons, And so would theirs, knew they as much as I. He may change the sweetmeats, and put Purging comfits in the dishes. MAR. Here's to my lady and my cousin Musgrave. FOR. I pray, remember gentle master doctor And good Earl Lacy too, among the rest. CAS. O sir, we find you kind--we thank you for it: The time may come when we may cry you quit. [_Aside_.] NAN. Master, shall I steal you a cup of wine? [_Aside_ CAS. Away, you baggage! hold your peace, you wretch! [_Aside_.]