HOST Fear not, I will obey you;--but One so young, And One so fair, it goes against my heart That you should travel unattended, Lady!-- I have a palfrey and a groom: the lad Shall squire you, (would it not be better, Sir?) And for less fee than I would let him run For any lady I have seen this twelvemonth. IDONEA You know, Sir, I have been too long your guard Not to have learnt to laugh at little fears. Why, if a wolf should leap from out a thicket, A look of mine would send him scouring back, Unless I differ from the thing I am When you are by my side. HERBERT Idonea, wolves Are not the enemies that move my fears. IDONEA No more, I pray, of this. Three days at farthest Will bring me back--protect him, Saints--farewell! [Exit IDONEA.] HOST 'Tis never drought with us--St. Cuthbert and his Pilgrims, Thanks to them, are to us a stream of comfort: Pity the Maiden did not wait awhile; She could not, Sir, have failed of company. HERBERT Now she is gone, I fain would call her back. HOST (calling) Holla! HERBERT No, no, the business must be done.-- What means this riotous noise? HOST The villagers Are flocking in--a wedding festival-- That's all--God save you, Sir. [Enter OSWALD] OSWALD Ha! as I live, The Baron Herbert. HOST Mercy, the Baron Herbert! OSWALD So far into your journey! on my life, You are a lusty Traveller. But how fare you? HERBERT Well as the wreck I am permits. And you, Sir? OSWALD I do not see Idonea. HERBERT Dutiful Girl, She is gone before, to spare my weariness. But what has brought you hither? OSWALD A slight affair, That will be soon despatched. HERBERT Did Marmaduke Receive that letter? OSWALD Be at peace.--The tie Is broken, you will hear no more of _him_.