University of Virginia Library

Scena 1a:

Achæa. Ariste. Lady
Ach.
Ariste I am Desperatlie sick.

Aris.
One of your Old ffitts, Madam!

Ach.
I. I. I.
Such Pangs I am not able to Endure,
A Woman bigg with Child, I am perswaded,
Could not feele greater Torments

Aris.
By My ffaith, Madam,
Your Doctour thinkes you are.

Ach.
Now fy upon thee, Wench
With Child?

Aris.
By My Troth, hee told mee Seriously

Ach.
The Gods forbidd;
And neuer knew Man! Had I gone Astray
I should haue fear'd as Much; But prithee mock not;
Hee's a Wise Doctour.

Lad.

I protest, Madam, I had neuer soe much adoe
in my yong Dayes, as to preserue my Maydenhead
from Dreames and Goblins. They are Dangerous Things
Madam

Ach.
Noe noe I haue some Tympanie, I doubt,
See how I'm swell'd, On Ayre!

La.
you hurt your Selfe
With Lacing you soe streat.

Ach.
Alas they'd say else
I were with Child indeed—Soe I am pritty well now.

La.
My Lord Florimond anon will worke
A perfect Cure upon you.

Ach.
Noe, noe; Well thought on;
When hee Comes (as't will not be Long too), Pray'ee
Say I am priuate; and will not be Seene.

Aris.
This is most Strang! why tis your Wedding Day.

Ach.
It should haue beene indeed, but Cupid hath
Forbidd those Bands. My Heart's asham'd; but I
Am not within—

Lad.
O wondrous wondrous strang!
If this be true I would I were a Man
ffor Women are most Vile, and faithlesse Creatu[«*»]res

Aris.

Things are not Right. My Heart would faine
feare some thing.