_Lacy._ Faith, lovely girl, I am of Beccles by, Your neighbour, not above six miles from hence, A farmer's son, that never was so quaint But that he could do courtesy to such dames. But trust me, Margaret, I am sent in charge, From him that revell'd in your father's house, And fill'd his lodge with cheer and venison, 'Tirèd in green: he sent you this rich purse, His token that he help'd you run your cheese, And in the milkhouse chatted with yourself. _Mar._ To me? you forget yourself. _Lacy._ Women are often weak in memory. _Mar._ O, pardon, sir, I call to mind the man: 'Twere little manners to refuse his gift, And yet I hope he sends it not for love; For we have little leisure to debate of that. _Joan._ What, Margaret! blush not: maids must have their loves. _Thom._ Nay, by the mass, she looks pale as if she were angry. _Rich._ Sirrah, are you of Beccles? I pray, how doth Goodman Cob? my father bought a horse of him.--I'll tell you, Margaret, 'a were good to be a gentleman's jade, for of all things the foul hilding could not abide a dung-cart. _Mar._ [_aside_]. How different is this farmer from the rest, That erst as yet have pleas'd my wandering sight! His words are witty, quicken'd with a smile, His courtesy gentle, smelling of the court; Facile and debonair in all his deeds; Proportion'd as was Paris, when, in grey, He courted Œnon in the vale by Troy. Great lords have come and pleaded for my love: Who but the Keeper's lass of Fressingfield? And yet methinks this farmer's jolly son Passeth the proudest that hath pleas'd mine eye. But, Peg, disclose not that thou art in love, And show as yet no sign of love to him, Although thou well wouldst wish him for thy love: Keep that to thee till time doth serve thy turn, To show the grief wherein thy heart doth burn.-- Come, Joan and Thomas, shall we to the fair?-- You, Beccles man, will not forsake us now? _Lacy._ Not whilst I may have such quaint girls as you. _Mar._ Well, if you chance to come by Fressingfield, Make but a step into the Keeper's lodge; And such poor fare as woodmen can afford, Butter and cheese, cream and fat venison, You shall have store, and welcome therewithal. _Lacy._ Gramercies, Peggy; look for me ere long. [_Exeunt._ ACT THE SECOND SCENE I.--_The Court at Hampton House._ _Enter_ KING HENRY THE THIRD, _the_ EMPEROR OF GERMANY, _the_ KING OF CASTILE, ELINOR, _and_ VANDERMAST.