_Tha._ Faith, you little one, if I please him in one thing, he shall please me in all, that's certain. Who shall I have to keep my counsel if I miss thee? who shall teach me to use the bridle when the reins are in mine own hand? what to long for? when to take physic? where to be melancholy? Why, we two are one another's grounds,[162] without which would be no music. 242 _Abi._ Well said, wench; and the prick-song we use shall be our husbands. _Tha._ I will long for swine's-flesh o' the first child. _Abi._ Wilt 'ou, little Jew? And I to kiss thy husband upon the least belly-ache. This will mad 'em. _Tha._ I kiss thee, wench, for that, and with it confirm our friendship. _Men._ By these sweet lips, widow! 250 _Lady Lent._ Good my lord, learn to swear by rote; Your birth and fortune makes my brain suppose That, like a man heated with wines and lust, She that is next your object is your mate, Till the foul water have quench'd out the fire. You, the duke's kinsman, tell me I am young, Fair, rich, and virtuous. I myself will flatter Myself, till you are gone that are more fair, More rich, more virtuous, and more debonair: All which are ladders to an higher reach. 260 Who drinks a puddle that may taste a spring? Who kiss a subject that may hug a king? _Men._ Yes, the camel always drinks in puddle-water; And as for huggings, read antiquities. Faith, madam, I'll board thee one of these days. _Lady Lent._ Ay, but ne'er bed me, my lord. My vow is firm, Since God hath called me to this noble state, Much to my grief, of virtuous widow-hood, No man shall ever come within my gates. _Men._ Wilt thou ram up thy porch-hold? O widow, I perceive 270 You're ignorant of the lover's legerdemain! There is a fellow that by magic will assist To murder princes invisible; I can command his spirit. Or what say you to a fine scaling-ladder of ropes? I can tell you I am a mad wag-halter; But by the virtue I see seated in you, And by the worthy fame is blazon'd of you; By little Cupid, that is mighty nam'd, And can command my looser follies down, I love, and must enjoy, yet with such limits 280 As one that knows enforcèd marriage To be the Furies' sister. Think of me. _Abig._ } _Tha._ } Ha, ha, ha! _Men._ How now, lady? does the toy take you, as they say? _Abi._ No, my lord; nor do we take your toy, as they say. This is a child's birth that must not be delivered before a man, Though your lordship might be a midwife for your chin. _Men._ Some bawdy riddle, is 't not? You long till 't be night. 290 _Tha._ No, my lord, women's longing comes after their marriage night. Sister, see you be constant now. _Abi._ Why, dost think I'll make my husband a cuckold? O here they come!