English drama -- 17th century; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Spurious and doubtful works
FLOWERDALE.
Well what is between us can hardly be altered. Sir
Lancelot, I am to ride forth tomorrow. That way which I
must ride, no man must deny me the sun; I would not by
any particular man be denied common and general passage.
If any one saith, Flowerdale, thou passest not this way: my
answer is, I must either on or return, but return is not my
word, I must on: if I cannot, then, make my way, nature
hath done the last for me, and there’s the fine.
LANCELOT.
Master Flowerdale, every man hath one tongue, and two
ears: nature, in her building, is a most curious work-master.
FLOWERDALE.
That is as much as to say, a man should hear more than he
should speak.
LANCELOT.
You say true, and indeed I have heard more than at this
time I will speak.
FLOWERDALE.
You say well.
LANCELOT.
Slanders are more common than truths, Master Flowerdale:
but proof is the rule for both.
FLOWERDALE.
You say true; what do you call him hath it there in his
third canton.
LANCELOT.
I have heard you have been wild: I have believed it.
FLOWERDALE.
Twas fit, twas necessary.
LANCELOT.
But I have seen somewhat of late in you, that hath
confirmed in my an opinion of goodness toward you.
FLOWERDALE.
Yfaith, sir, I am sure I never did you harm: some good
I have done, either to you or yours, I am sure you know
not; neither is it my will you should.
LANCELOT.
Aye, your will, sir.
FLOWERDALE.
Aye, my will, sir? sfoot, do you know ought of my will?
Begod, and you do, sir, I am abused.
LANCELOT.
Go, Master Flowerdale; what I know, I know: and know
you thus much out of my knowledge, that I truly love you.
For my daughter, she’s yours. And if you like a marriage
better than a brawl, all quirks of reputation set aside, go
with me presently: And where you should fight a bloody
battle, you shall be married to a lovely lady.
FLOWERDALE.
Nay but, Sir Lancelot—
LANCELOT.
If you will not embrace my offer, yet assure your self thus
much, I will have order to hinder your encounter.
FLOWERDALE.
Nay, but hear me, Sir Lancelot.
LANCELOT.
Nay, stand not you upon imputative honour. Tis merely
unsound, unprofitable, and idle inferences: your business
is to wed my daughter, therefore give me your present word
to do it. I’ll go and provide the maid, therefore give me your
present resolution, either now or never.
FLOWERDALE.
Will you so put me to it?
LANCELOT.
Aye, afore God, either take me now, or take me never. Else
what I thought should be our match, shall be our parting; so
fare you well forever.
FLOWERDALE.
Stay: fall out what may fall, my love is above all: I will come.
LANCELOT.
I expect you, and so fare you well.
[Exit Sir Lancelot.]
FATHER.
Now, sir, how shall we do for wedding apparel?
FLOWERDALE.
By the mass, that’s true: now help, Kit;
The marriage ended, we’ll make amends for all.
FATHER.
Well, no more, prepare you for your bride,
We will not want for clothes, what so ere betide.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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