University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

The Piazza.
Enter Ludovico Singing.
Give me but Wine, that Lïquor of Life,
And a Girl that is wholesome and clean,
Two or three Friends, but the Devil a Wife,
And I'd not change state with a King.

Enter Lucy.
Luc.

What singing, Signior! Well, you're a pleasant Gentleman—

Lud.

Ah! My little female Mercury, what message bringst Thou?
Ha—will thy Lady bless me with another sight—Ha—How—
When? where? I am all in a Flame.

Luc.

Come along with me, Sir, I'll help you to an Extinguisher
presently.

Lud.

If Thou meanest thy Lady with all my heart—But I can tell
Thee, she'll rather prove Oyl, than what you speak of—But, say, where
am I to see my lovely Charmer?

Lucy.

In her Chamber—

Lud.

Good! But how the Devil can that be done?

Lucy.

Nay, without the help of a Conjurer, I assure you: if you dare
take me for your Pilot, I'll warrant you success in your Voyage—
I'll set you safe in the Island of Love; 'tis your business to improve the
Soil.

Lud.

I warrant Thee, Girl; do you but bring me there once, and if
I play not my part, may I never more know the pleasure of an intrigue

Luc.

Which, if I mistake not, is the greatest curse can fall on you—.
Well, you must suffer a small Metamorphosis: What think you of personating
me a little? That is, dressing in my Cloaths, and waiting on
your Mistress in her Bed-chamber—Ha—

Lud.

Egad, I'm afraid I shall make but an awkward Chamber-maid.
I'm undisciplin'd in Dressing a Lady's head—

Lucy.

Oh! Sir, your Commission won't reach so high as the head: I
believe my Lady will excuse little matters: You can undress, I suppose

Lud.

Oh! The best and the quickest of any man in Venice. But a Pox
on't—Canst find no other way?—I, I, I—I like Petticoats in
their proper Places, but I don't care to have my Legs in 'em.

Luc.

And so you resolve against it? Ha—

Lud.

No, not absolutely resolve, Child: But—a—

Lucy.

But what, Sir!

Lud.

Nothing—I will follow thy Directions, what ever comes on't
Now lead the way: For nothing sutes better with my Humour than a
Friend, a Bottle, a new Mistress, and a Convenient Place.

Ex. Lucy Ludovico.