LUS. Welcome. VEN. The maid being dull, having no mind to travel Into unknown lands, what did I[53] straight, But set spurs to the mother; golden spurs Will put her to a false gallop in a trice. LUS. Is't possible that in this The mother should be damn'd before the daughter? VEN. O, that's good manners, my lord; the mother for her age must go foremost, you know. LUS. Thou'st spoke that true! but where comes in this comfort? VEN. In a fine place, my lord,--the unnatural mother Did with her tongue so hard beset her honour, That the poor fool was struck to silent wonder; Yet still the maid, like an unlighted taper, Was cold and chaste, save that her mother's breath Did blow fire on her cheeks. The girl departed; But the good ancient madam, half mad, threw me These promising words, which I took deeply note of: My lord shall be most welcome---- LUS. Faith, I thank her. VEN. When his pleasure conducts him this way---- LUS. That shall be soon, i' faith. VEN. I will sway mine own---- LUS. She does the wiser: I commend her for't. VEN. Women with women can work best alone. LUS. By this light, and so they can; give 'em their due, men are not comparable to 'em. VEN. No, that's true; for you shall have one woman knit more in an hour, than any man can ravel again in seven-and-twenty years. LUS. Now my desires are happy; I'll make 'em freemen now. Thou art a precious fellow; faith, I love thee; Be wise and make it thy revenue; beg, beg; What office couldst thou be ambitious for? VEN. Office, my lord! marry, if I might have my wish, I would have one that was never begged yet. LUS. Nay, then, thou canst have none. VEN. Yes, my lord, I could pick out another office yet; nay, and keep a horse and drab upon't. LUS. Prythee, good bluntness, tell me. VEN. Why, I would desire but this, my lord--to have all the fees behind the arras, and all the farthingales that fall plump about twelve o'clock at night upon the rushes. LUS. Thou'rt a mad, apprehensive[54] knave; dost think to make any great purchase of that? VEN. O, 'tis an unknown thing, my lord; I wonder 't has been missed so long. LUS. Well, this night I'll visit her, and 'tis till then A year in my desires--farewell, attend: Trust me with thy preferment.