_Duch._ Shall this move me? If all my royal kindred Lay in my way unto this marriage, I'd make them my low footsteps: and even now, Even in this hate, as men in some great battles, By apprehending danger, have achieved Almost impossible actions (I have heard soldiers say so), So I through frights and threatenings will assay This dangerous venture. Let old wives report I winked and chose a husband.--Cariola, To thy known secrecy I have given up More than my life--my fame. _Cari._ Both shall be safe; For I'll conceal this secret from the world As warily as those that trade in poison Keep poison from their children. _Duch._ Thy protestation Is ingenious[110] and hearty: I believe it. Is Antonio come? _Cari._ He attends you. _Duch._ Good, dear soul, Leave me; but place thyself behind the arras, Where thou mayst overhear us. Wish me good speed; For I am going into a wilderness Where I shall find nor path nor friendly clue To be my guide. [CARIOLA _goes behind the arras._ _Enter_ ANTONIO.[111] I sent for you: sit down; Take pen and ink, and write: are you ready? _Ant._ Yes. _Duch._ What did I say? _Ant._ That I should write somewhat. _Duch._ O, I remember. After these triumphs and this large expense, It's fit, like thrifty husbands, we inquire What's laid up for to-morrow. _Ant._ So please your beauteous excellence. _Duch._ Beauteous! Indeed, I thank you: I look young for your sake; You have ta'en my cares upon you. _Ant._ I'll fetch your grace The particulars of your revenue and expense. _Duch._ O, you are An upright treasurer: but you mistook; For when I said I meant to make inquiry What's laid up for to-morrow, I did mean What's laid up yonder for me. _Ant._ Where? _Duch._ In Heaven. I am making my will (as 'tis fit princes should, In perfect memory), and, I pray, sir, tell me, Were not one better make it smiling, thus, Than in deep groans and terrible ghastly looks, As if the gifts we parted with procured That violent distraction? _Ant._ O, much better. _Duch._ If I had a husband now, this care were quit: But I intend to make you overseer. What good deed shall we first remember? say. _Ant._ Begin with that first good deed began i' the world After man's creation, the sacrament of marriage: I'd have you first provide for a good husband; Give him all. _Duch._ All! _Ant._ Yes, your excellent self. _Duch._ In a winding-sheet? _Ant._ In a couple. _Duch._ Saint Winifred, that were a strange will! _Ant._ 'Twere stranger if there were no will in you To marry again. _Duch._ What do you think of marriage? _Ant._ I take't, as those that deny purgatory, It locally contains or Heaven or hell; There's no third place in't. _Duch._ How do you affect it? _Ant._ My banishment, feeding my melancholy, Would often reason thus. _Duch._ Pray, let's hear it.