_Enter old_ COUNT, _wrapped in furs; the_ LADY HONOUR, _dressed like a bride; the_ LORD PROUDLY, WELLTRIED, BOLD, _leading_ FEESIMPLE _like a lady masqued;_ HUSBAND, WIFE, SUBTLE, WIDOW; _to them_ BROTHER, _with a letter;_[136] SELDOM _with his wife_. BRO. Health and all joy unto this fair assembly. My brother, who last tide is gone for France, A branch of willow feathering his hat, Bad me salute you, lady, and present you With this same letter written in his blood. He prays no man, for his sake, evermore To credit woman, nor no lady ever To believe man; so either sex shall rest Uninjur'd by the other. This is all, And this I have deliver'd. PROUDLY. Ay, and well. You pronounce rarely, did you never play? BRO. Yes, that I have--the fool, as some lords do. WELL. Set forward there. COUNT. O, O, O! a pox o' this cold! WELL. A cold o' this pox, you might say, I am afraid. MAID. How full of ghastly wounds this letter shows. O, O! [_Swoons._ PROUDLY. Look to my sister. BOLD. 'Sheart! the lady swoons. WIFE. Strong water there. FEE. If strong breath would recover her, I am for her. COUNT. Alas, good lady! hum, hum, hum. [_Coughs perpetually._ SUB. He has fetch'd her again with coughing. MAID. Convey me to my bed; send for a priest And a physician; your bride, I fear, Instead of epithalamions shall need A dirge or epitaph. O, lead me in: My body dies for my soul's perjur'd sin. [_Exeunt_ MAID, GRACE, WIFE, HUSBAND, SUBTLE. BOLD. Hymen comes towards us in a mourning robe. WELL. I hope, friend, we shall have the better day. PROUDLY. I'll fetch the parson and physician. [_Exit_ LORD PROUDLY. BRO. They are both ready for you. [_Exit_ BROTHER. WELL. Madam, this is the gentlewoman Who, something bashful, does desire your pardon, That she does not unmask. WID. Good Master Welltried, I would not buy her face; and for her manners, If they were worse, they shall not displease me. WELL. I thank your ladyship. FEE. Look how the old ass, my father, stands: he looks like the bear in the play; he has killed the lady with his very sight.[137] As God help me, I have the most to do to forbear unmasking me, that I might tell him his own, as can be. BOLD. Fie! by no means. The widow comes towards you. COUNT. O, O, O, O! WID. Servant, God give you joy; and, gentlewoman Or lady, as full joy I wish to you: Nor doubt that I will hinder you your love, But here am come to do all courtesy To your fair self, and husband that shall be. FEE. I thank you heartily. WELL. 'Sheart! speak smaller, man. FEE. I thank you heartily. COUNT. You're going to this gear too, Master Bold? Um, um, um!