swer him by law: I'll not budge an inch, boy; let him come, and kindly. [Lies down on the ground, and falls asleep. Wind Horns. Enter a Lord from hunting, with Huntsmen and Servants. Lord. Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds: Brachs Merriman,-the poor cur is emboss'd, And couple Clowder with the deep mouth'd brach. 1 Hun. Why, Belman, is as good as he, my lord; He cried upon it at the merest loss, And twice to-day pick'd out the dullest scent: Lord. Thou art a fool; if Echo were as fleet, I would esteem him worth a dozen such. But sup them well, and look unto them all; 1 Hun. I will, my lord. Lord. What's here? one dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe? 2 Hun. He breathes, my lord: Were he not warm'd with ale, This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly. Lord. O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies! Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image! Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man. A most delicious banquet by his bed, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, 1 Hunt. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose. 2 Hunt. It would seem strange unto him when he wak'd. Lord. Even as a flattering dream, or worthless fancy. Then take him up, and manage well the jest: Carry him gently to my fairest chamber, And hang it round with all my wanton pictures: And say, Will't please your lordship cool your hands? And ask him what apparel he will wear; Persuade him, that he hath been lunatick; And, when he says he is, say, that he dreams 7, 1 Hunt. My lord, I warrant you, we'll play our part, As he shall think, by our true diligence, He is no less than what we say he is. Lord. Take him up gently, and to bed with him; And each one to his office, when he wakes. [Some bear out Sly. A trumpet sounds. Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds: [Exit Servant. Belike, some noble gentleman; that means, Re-enter a Servant. How now? who is it? Ser. An it please your honour, Players that offer service to your lordship. Lord. Bid them come near: Enter Players. Now, fellows, you are welcome, 1 Play. We thank your honour. Lord. Do you intend to stay with me to-night? 2 Play. So please your lordship to accept our duty, Lord. With all my heart.-This fellow I remem ber, Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son;— 1 Play. I think, 'twas Soto 10 that your honour means. Lord. 'Tis very true;-thou didst it excellent.Well you are come to me in happy time; The rather for I have some sport in hand, Wherein your cunning can assist me much. There is a lord will hear you play to-night: But I am doubtful of your modesties: Lest, over-eying of his odd behaviour, (For yet his honour never heard a play,) You break into some merry passion, And so offend him; for I tell you, sirs, If you should smile, he grows impatient. 1 Play. Fear not, my lord; we can contain our selves, Were he the veriest antick in the world". Lord. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery, And give them friendly welcome every one; Let them want nothing that my house affords.[Exit Servant and Players. Sirrah, go you to Bartholomew my page, [To a servant. And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady: That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber, And call him-madam, do him obeisance. To see her noble lord restor'd to health, Who, for twice seven years, hath esteemed him No better than a poor and loathsome beggar: See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst; [Exit Servant. I know, the boy will well usurp the grace, I long to hear him call the drunkard, husband; I'll in to counsel them: haply, my presence |