A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 11
General
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 11
English drama
SPEND. Yes, with all my heart,
So the first word may be, untruss your points--
Zounds, one knocks; do not stir, I charge you,
[_Knock within._
Nor speak, but what I bid you:
For, by these lips which now in love I kiss,
If you but struggle or but raise your voice,
My arm shall rise with it, and strike you dead.
Go to, come on with me, and ask who's there!
WID. It is my maid.
SPEND. No matter; do as I bid you: say, who's there?
WID. Who's there?
PHIL. (_Within._) 'Tis I, forsooth.
SPEND. If it be you, forsooth, then pray you stay,
Till I shall call upon you.
WID. [_Repeats._] If it be you, forsooth, then pray you stay,
Till I shall call upon you.
SPEND. Very well: why, now I see
Thou'lt prove an obedient wife. Come, let's undress.
WID. Will you put up your naked weapon, sir?
SPEND. You shall pardon me, widow, I must have you grant first.
WID. You will not put it up?
SPEND. Not till I have some token of your love.
WID. If this may be a testimony, take it. [_Kisses him._
By all my hopes, I love thee: thou art worthy
Of the best widow living: thou tak'st the course:
And those that will win widows must do thus.
SPEND. Nay, I knew what I did when I came with my naked weapon in my
hand; but come, unlace.
WID. Nay, my dear love: know that I will not yield
My body unto lust, until the priest
Shall join us in Hymen's sacred nuptial rites.
SPEND. Then set your hand to this: nay, 'tis a contract
Strong and sufficient, and will hold in law.
Here, here's pen and ink; you see I come provided.
WID. Give me the pen.
SPEND. Why, here's some comfort.
Yet write your name fair, I pray, and at large.
Why, now 'tis very well. Now, widow,
You may admit your maid,
For i' th' next room I'll go fetch a nap.
WID. Thou shalt not leave me so: come, prythee, sit,
We'll talk awhile, for thou hast made my heart
Dance in my bosom, I receive such joy.
SPEND. Thou art a good wench, i' faith; come, kiss upon't.
WID. But will you be a loving husband to me?
Avoid all naughty company, and be true
To me and to my bed?
SPEND. As true to thee as steel to adamant.
[_Binds him to the post._
WID. I'll bind you to your word: see that you be,
Or I'll conceal my bags. I have kinsfolk,
To whom I'll make't over, you shall not have a penny.
SPEND. Pish, prythee, do not doubt me.
How now! what means this?
WID. It means my vengeance; nay, sir, you are fast,
Nor do not dare to struggle: I have liberty
Both of my tongue and feet; I'll call my maid.
_Enter_ PHILLIS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account