 | The Humorous Lieutenant |  |
Scæne 2.
Enter Celia, and Governesse.Cel.
Governesse, from whom was this Gown sent me?
Prethee be serious true; I will not wear't else:
'Tis a handsome one.
Gov.
As though you know not?
Cel.
No faith:
But I believe, for certaine too, yet I wonder,
Because it was his caution, this poore way,
Still to preserve me from the curious searchings
Of greedy eyes.
Gov.
You have it: does it please you?
Cel.
'Tis very rich, methinks too, prethee tell me?
Gov.
From one that likes you wel, never look coy, Lady;
These are no gifts, to be put off with poutings.
Cel.
Powtings, and gifts? is it from any stranger?
Gov.
You are so curious, that there is no talk to ye.
What if it be I pray ye?
Cel.
Unpin good Governesse,
Quick, quick.
Gov.
Why, what's the matter?
Cel.
Quick, good Governesse:
Fie on't, how beastly it becomes me? poorely?
A trick put in upon me? well said Governesse:
I vow I would not weare it—out, it smells musty.
Are these your tricks? now I begin to smell it
Abominable musty; will ye help me?
The Prince will come againe—
Gov.
You are not mad sure?
Cel.
As I live ile cut it off: a pox upon it;
For sure it was made for that use; do you bring me Livories?
Stales to catch Kites? dost thou laugh too, thou base woman?
Gov.
I cannot chuse, if I should be hang'd.
Cel.
Abuse me,
And then laugh at me too?
Gover.
I doe not abuse ye:
Is it abuse, to give him drink that's thirsty?
You want cloathes; is it such a hainous sin I beseech ye,
To see you stor'd?
Cel.
There is no greater wickednesse
Then this way.
Gov.
What way?
Cel.
I shall curse thee fearefully,
If thou provok'st me further: and take heed, woman;
My curses never misse.
Gov.
Curse him that sent it.
Cel.
Tell but his name—
Gov.
You dare not curse him.
Cel.
Dare not?
By this faire light—
Gov.
You are so full of passion—
Cel.
Dare not be good? be honest? dare not curse him?
Gov.
I think you dare not: I beleeve so.
Cel.
Speak him.
Gov.
Up with your valour then, up with it bravely,
And take your full charge.
Cel.
If I doe not, hang me;
Tell but his name.
Gov.
'Twas Prince Demetrius sent it:
Now, now, give fire, kill him ith' eye now Lady.
Cel.
Is he come home?
Gov.
It seems so; but your curse now.
Col.
You doe not lie, I hope.
Gov.
You dare not curse him.
Cel.
Prethee do not abuse me: is he come home indeed?
For I would now with all my heart beleeve thee.
Gov.
Nay, you may chuse: alas, I deale for strangers,
That send ye scurvie musty Gownes, stale Livories:
I have my tricks.
Cel.
'Tis a good gowne, a handsome one;
I did but jest; where is he?
Gov.
He that sent it—
Cel.
How? he that sent it? is't come to that againe?
Thou canst not be so foolish: prethee speak out,
I may mistake thee.
Gov.
I said he that sent it.
Cel.
Curse o' my life: why dost thou vex me thus?
I know thou meanst Demetrius, dost thou not?
I charge thee speak truth: if it be any other,
Thou knowst the charge he gave thee, and the justice
His anger will inflict, if 'ere he know this,
As know he shall, he shall, thou spightfull woman,
Thou beastly woman; and thou shalt know too late too,
And feele too sensible, I am no ward,
No sale stuffe for your money Merchants that sent it?
Who dare send me, or how durst thou, thou—
Gov.
What you please:
For this is ever the reward of service.
131
Cel.
'Tis strange
That you should deale so peevishly: beshrew ye,
You have put me in a heat.
Gov.
I am sure ye have kild me:
I ne're receiv'd such language: I can but wait upon ye,
And be your drudge; keep a poore life to serve ye.
Cel.
You know my nature is too easie, Governesse,
And you know now, I am sorry too: how does he?
Gov.
O God, my head.
Cel.
Prethee be wel, and tell me,
Did he speak of me, since he came? nay, see now,
If thou wilt leave this tyranny? good sweet governesse,
Did he but name his Celia? look upon me,
Upon my faith I meant no harme: here, take this,
And buy thy selfe some trifles: did a'good wench?
Gov.
He loves yee but too dearely.
Cel.
That's my good Governesse.
Gov.
There's more cloathes making for yee.
Cel.
More cloathes?
Gov.
More:
Richer and braver; I can tell yee that newes;
And twenty glorious things.
Cel.
To what use sirrah?
Gov.
Ye are too good for our house now: we poore wretches
Shall lose the comfort of ye.
Cel.
No, I hope not.
Gov.
For ever lose ye Lady.
Cel.
Lose me? wherefore?
I heare of no such thing.
Gov.
'Tis sure it must be so:
You must shine now at Court: such preparation,
Such hurrie, and such hanging roomes—
Cel.
Toth' Court wench?
Was it toth' Court thou saidst?
Gox.
You'll finde it so.
Cel.
Staie, stay, this cannot be.
Gov.
I say it must be:
I hope to finde ye still the same good Lady.
Cel.
Toth' Court? this stumbles me: art sure for me, wench,
This preparation is?
Gov.
She is peilous crafty:
I feare too honest for us all too. Am I sure I live?
Cel.
Toth' Court? this cannot down: what should I do there?
Why should he on a suddain change his mind thus,
And not make me acquainted? sure he loves me;
His vow was made against it, and mine with him:
At least while this King liv'd: he will come hither,
And see me ere I goe?
Gov.
Wou'd some wise woman
Had her in working: that I think he will not,
Because he means with all joy there to meet ye.
Ye shall heare more within this houre?
Cel.
A Courtier?
What may that meaning be? sure he will see me
If he be come, he must: Hark ye good Governesse,
What age is the King of?
Gov.
Hee's an old man, and full of businesse.
Cel.
I feare too full indeed: what Ladies are there?
I would be loath to want good company.
Gov.
Delicate young Ladies, as you would desire;
And when you are acquainted, the best company.
Cel.
'Tis very well: prethee goe in, let's talk more.
For though I feare a trick, Ile bravely try it.
Gov.
I see he must be cunning,
Knoks this Doe downe.
Exeunt.
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