ALFONSO

Nay more, we are the sons of destiny: Vertu's our guide, our aim is dignity. I am Alphonso marshal of this realm, Who of Like tempered thoughts and Like desires, Have grounded this my sanctimonious zeal, And will approve the Dukes assertions, Or in this field lie slain and recreant. Call you that nothing? Mistress Prat, I am a soldier, and can better act my love then speak it, my suit you know by your neighbour, my love you shall prove by my merit, to both which my tokens have been petty witnesses and my body shall seal & deliver upon thee such a brave confirmatio ̄ , that not all the Orators in Sicily shall be able to cancel the deed. Tut wench, they be words of one signification, and cannot be separated. 'Sfoot, thou shouldst but do for him as he does for the whole world; why and Orator were a needle name, if it were not to defend wrong: then wench, do as he does, write by a president. What hour assures his absence? This kiss leave my faith with thee, farewell. Th'ast given me double glory from thy breath, Nothing shall loose me time but certain death. You may not, business of greater weight Imports both him and us: nay pray you cease; As for your suit 'tis with the Orator. That you would rather trouble him then me. Its strange indeed, to see you wrong your ease. I am not now for idle conferences, adieu. Patience great Lord, me thinks these ill raised storms Have not more violence then may be born, Come we will both go sue unto the King. We there will kneel and pray eternally, And never rise till he remit his dome: It shall be so, I will unto the King, To beg great favour for a small offence: But if she die for this, then King take heed, Thee and thy Fortune's by this hand shall bleed. Day be my speed, night shall not cloak my sin, If I have nought to do, its by the Sun, The light gives leave to all mine Idleness. Quick business and open eyes cease on mine orator, While I create him horny presidents. But heeres my bed broker. Now my great armefull of good intelli gence, where is my Mistress? Tut, tell me of no storms, but direct me to her bed chamber, my noble firelock of a flesh Pistol. Did ever slave come thus unluckily? What is he gone, may the Devil and his horns both follow him. How? I pray thee leave thy woman's phrase, and speak Like a man, plainly, plainly. Upon what accident? I would it were washed in the blood of a Centaur, that when he puts it off, his skin might follow it, but how shall I get to my cham ber? What a petticoat, you mad me with your mirth. Sfoot how shall I look in this Devils suit, sure I shall grow sick to see my shape. Now and eternal sleep, and apoplex, a swoon Cease on their senses, who in this disguise Shall view or note my vile deformity. I was bewitched with spells to my misfortune: Or else star crossed with some hags hellishness. Sure I said my prayers, rised on my right side, Washed hands and eyes, put on my girdle last; Sure I met no splea-footed baker, No hare did cross me, nor no bearded witch, Nor other ominous sign, Oh then why Should I be thus damn'nd in the devils nets? Pst possible? this habit which I wear Should become any man? now of my soul, I loath to see my self, and willingly I would even vomit at my counteneance. Arrest me, why I injure no man but my self. Well my Master's be careful, you may mistake me. Indeed at this time, I am hardly Like one of Gods making. Well yet I may hap to prove a noble man. Mistress God save: nay your lip I am a stranger; & how does Mistress Colloquintida, Oh you are and excellent seasoner of city sto mackes. Nay wench, if I were a fool, ther's no question but I would be honest; But to the purpose, say wench, shall I enjoy, shall I possess? Patience my Lord, I do not think this ill Is yet so big as unrecoverable. The king does hold you in most choice respect, And whom kings love, they study to oblige. Then call your reason home, make not this civil beware, To suffer makes woes lesser then they are. Sfoot if he enter, I will break his neck. This conjuration (believe it my Lord) shall make me leap out of all fetters, and briefly thus I have long time loved the fair wife of the Orator; & having no opportunity but his absence at the senate, I took that season: he out of negligence, omitting his papers returned unseasonably, found me insufficiently, and forced me to take san ctuary strangely, which however I purchased, yet he found mine apparel, and mistaken in the tenure, reached it presently, put it on im mediately: and now in the senate house is pleading in it seriously. We swear. Death of affection, if thou lovest me, as thou sayest thou dost, Thou canst invent some means for our delight. The rather sith it ever hath been said, That walls of brass withstand not willing minds: And women when th'are prove make love admired: For quaint endeavours, come instruct thy wit: And find some scale to our High hight of bliss.