STELLIO

Risio, my daughter is passing amiable, but we rye simple. Faith I imply so much. I have penned her up in a chamber, having only a window to look out, that youths seeing her fair cheeks, may be enamoured before they hear her found speech. How likest thou this head? Dost thou think she took her foolishness of me? Well, Quod naturam dedit tollere nemo potest. Why? Nay Riscio, she is no natural fool, but in this consisteth her simplicity, that she thinketh herself self subtle in this her rudeness, that she imagines she is courtly, in this the overshooting of her self, that she overweeneth of her self. Risio this is my plot, Memphio hath a pretty stripling to his son, whom with cockering he hath made wanton, his girdle must be warmde, the air must not breath on him, he must lie a bed till noon, and yet in his bed break his fast, that which I do to conceal the folly of my daughter, that does he in too much cockering of his son. Now Risio how shall I compass a match between my girl and his boy? Tush, plot it for me, that never speaking one to another, they be in love one with another, I Like not solemn wooing, it is for courtiers, let country folks believe others reports as much as their own opinions. Not I, nor for a match neither, were it not I thirst after my neighbours farm. Whatsoever thou wilt ask. Then about it. Without doubt Risio hath gone beyond him self, in casting beyond the Moon, I fear the boy be run mad with studying, for I know he loved me so well, that for my favour he will venture to run out of his wits, and it may be, to quicken his invention, he is gone into this Ivy-bush, a notable nest for a grape owl, I'll firret him out, yet in the end use him friendly, I cannot be merry till I hear whats done in the marriages. A tavern is the Rendezvous, the Exchange, the staple for good fellows, I have herd my great grandfather tell how his great grandfather should say, that it was and old proverb when his great grandfather was a child, that it was a good wind that blue a man to the wine. Nay 'tis true; they say, Ale is out of request, 'tis hogs porridge, broth for beggars, a caudle for cunstables, watchmens mouth glew; the better it is the more Like bird lime it is; and never makes one stayed but in the stocks. Master, it is the soueraigntest drink in the world, and the safest for all times and weathers, if it thunder, though all the Ale and Beer in the town turn, it will be constant; if it lighten, and that any fire come to it, it is the aptest wine to burn and the most wholesomest when it is burned. So much for Summer. If it freeze, why it is so hight in operation, that no I'm can congeal it, if it rain, why then he that cannot abide the heat of it, may put in water. So much for winter. And so ran his way, but I'll overtake him. I cannot stay, but this good fellowship shall cost me the setting on at our next meeting, I am glad I blabd nothing of the marriage, now I hope to compass it, I know my boy hath been bung ling about it. It is all one in Venus wanton school, Who highest sits, the wiseman or the fool: Fools in loves college Have far more knowledge, To Read a woman over, Than a neat prating lover. Nay, 'tis confessed, That fools please women best. Silena, I pray you look homeward, it is a cold air, and you want your mufler. You see reports are no truths, I herd the Like of you, & we are both well. I perceive sober men tell most lies, for in vino veritas, If they had drunk wine, they would have told the truth. In good time Memphio, for I was about to crave your patience to depart, it stands me upon. Perhaps move his patience ere it be long. What is he? So 'twill cotton. My daughter would have made a wiser An swear. My mind misgives me, but whist, yonder is Memphio. My daughter, Risio thou hast cosened me. Wherefore came you hither Silena without leave? Poor wench, thy wit is improved to the utter most. Risio told me one should meet Memphios son, and plead in place of my daughter. But I see my daughter hath prattled with Acci us, and discovered her simplicity. Come in girl, this gear must be fetched about. Let the conveyance run as we agreed. This villain calls us knaves by craft. I forgive all, Silena come forth. Silena thou must be betrothed to Accius, & love him for thy husband. Why Silena? No Silena, lie by thee. True. And I am sure incredible. I cannot sink into my head. This is my daughter, more than thrice happy Stellio? I, with double joy, having found for a fool a wise maid, and finding between them both excee ding love. And I do maintain Accius in our house. Agreed, all are pleased now the boys are un punished This day we will feast at my house. And mine shall learn the odds between a stand and a hogshead, yet I cannot choose but laugh to see how my wag answered me, when I stroke him for drinking sack. But 'tis no matter, though they be fools they are no beggars. This frames to my wish; Memphio is Like to mar rye a fool to his son; Accius tongue shall tie all Man phios land to Silenas dowry, let his father's teeth undo them if he can; but here I see Memphio, I must seem kind, for in kindness lies cosnage. Come in Silena, I will talk with Memphios son, but as for Risio.