DANDALINE

Now you little peevish harlotry, one day make you spit your meat more handsome lie. By my truth truly, had I not come in the rather, She had laid me to the fire, the loyne of veil and Capon both together, Not weighing, (Like and unwitty gyrlish mother) That the one would ask more roasting then the other; So that either the Veil had been left stark raw, Or else the Capon burned, and so not worth a straw; And that had been pity: for I assure you at a word, A better bird, a fairer bird, a finer bird, A sweeter bird, a younger bird, a tenderer bird, A daintier bird, a crisper bird, a more delicate bird, Was there never set upon any Gentleman's board. But I lack my guests, that should pay for this gear: And sure my mind gives me, I should find them here, Two of mine acquaintance, familiar grown, The third to me yet a Gentleman unknown, More then by hearsay, that he is fresh and lusty, Full of money, and by name Prodigality. Now, sir, to link him sure to his Hostis Dandaline, Dandaline must provide to have all things very fine. And therefore already it is definitum, The Gentleman shall want nothing may please his appetitum. And because most meats vnsawced, are motives to drouth, He shall have a Leman to moisten his mouth, A Lymon I mean, no Leman I trow: Take heed, my fair maids, you take me not so: For though I go not as graven as my Grandmother, Yet I have honesty as well as another. But hush, now shall I hear some news. Dick boy, mine own boy, how dost thou? what cheer? I came of purpose to inquire for thee. What, he you told me ? indeed is it he? A good boy of mine honesty. But when come you? Seek him, good Dick, and find him speedily: For this I assure you, your Supper is ready. I will, farewell. Farewell to Tomkin too. But hear ye? bring him. Tush a Gods name, you know who I mean, the Gentle man.