English drama -- Early modern and Elizabethan, 1500-1600; Heywood, Thomas, approximately 1574-1641
2nd Luce.
Then you have no reason, but to enjoy both them and me too, and so
you are like; I should be loth to divorce man and wife.
Boyster.
I am fooled. But what cracked ware are you, forsooth?
2nd Luce.
I belong to the old gentlewoman of the house.
Boyster.
I’ll set her house on fire. I am finely bobbed.[4.35]
2nd Luce.
But I hope you will not bob me.
Boyster.
No, I’se warrant thee. What art thou? girl or boy?
2nd Luce.
Both, and neither; I was a lad last night, but in the morning I was
conjured into a lass; and, being a girl now, I shall be translated
to a boy anon. Here’s all I can at this time say for myself.
Farewell. [_Exit_.
Boyster.
Yes, and be hanged withal! O for some gunpowder to blow up this
witch, this she-cat, this damned sorceress! Oh, I could tear her to
fitters[4.36] with my teeth! Yet I must be patient, and put up
all, lest I be made a jeer to such as know me. Fooled by a boy! Go
to! of all the rest, the girl Luce must not know it. [_Exit_.
_Enter_ Young Chartley _and his_ Man, _and_ Luce, _meeting_.
Young Chartley.
So, now am I the same man I was yesterday. Who can say I was
disguised? or who can distinguish my condition now, or read in my
face, whether I be a married man or a bachelor?
Luce.
Who’s that?
Young Chartley.
Luce?
Luce.
Sweet husband, is it you?
Young Chartley.
The news?
Luce.
Never so frighted in my days.
Young Chartley.
What’s become of the lord and the lady?
Luce.
The lord fled after you; the lady stayed,
Who, masked and half-unready, ran fast after
Her poor affrighted husband. Now all’s quiet.
Young Chartley.
This storm is then well past, and now convey yourself home as
privately as you can; and see you make this known to none but your
father.
Luce.
I am your wife and servant. [_Exit_.
Young Chartley.
The name of Luce hath been ominous to me: one Luce I should have
married in the country, and, just the night before, a toy[4.37]
took me in the head, and mounting my horse, I left capons, ducks,
geese, poultry, wildfowl, father, and bride, and all, and posted up
to London, where I have ever since continued bachelor, till now. And
now--
_Enter_ Gratiana _in haste, a_ Serving-man _before her, and_
Taber _after her_.
Gratiana.
Nay, on, I prithee, fellow, on! my father will wonder where I have
been visiting. Now, what had I forgot! Taber, there’s money; go to
the goldsmith’s, bid him send me my fan, and make a quick return.
On, fellow, on.
[_Exeunt_ Gratiana _and_ Serving-man.
Taber.
Her fan at the goldsmith’s! now had I forgot to ask her his name, or
his sign; but I will after to know. [_Exit_.
Young Chartley.
Sirrah, go call me back that serving-man,
And ask him what’s the gentlewoman’s name.
Serving-man.
I shall. Ho, you, friend, you!
_Re-enter_ Taber.
Taber.
Who’s that calls?
Serving-man.
’Twas I.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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