University of Virginia Library

Scene VII.

To them
Tuck. John. Much. Scarlet.
Tuc.
Heare you how
Poore Tom, the Cooke, is taken! All his joynts
Do crack, as if his Limbes were tied with points:
His whole frame slackens; and a kind of rack
Runs downe along the Spondylls of his back;
A Gowt, or Crampe, now seizeth on his head,
Then falls into his feet; his knees are lead;
And he can stirre his either hand, no more
Then a dead stumpe, to his office, as before.

Alk.
Hee is bewitched.

Cla.
This is an Argument
Both of her malice, and her power, wee see.

Alk.
Shee must by some device restrained bee,
Or shee'll goe farre in mischiefe.

Rob.
Advise how,
Sage Shep'ard, wee shall put it straight in practice.

Alk.
Send forth your woodmen, then, into the walkes,
Or let 'em prick her footing hence; A Witch
Is sure a Creature of Melancholy,
And will be found, or sitting in her fourme,
Or els, at releife, like a Hare.

Cla.
You speake
Alken, as if you knew the sport of Witch-hunting,
Enter George to the Huntsmen; who by themselves continue the Scene. The rest going off.
Or starting of a Hag.

Rob.
Go sirs about it,
Take George here with you, he can helpe to find her;
Leave Tuck, and Much behind to dresse the Dinner,
I' the Cookes stead.

Much.
Wee'll care to get that done.

Rob.
Come Marian, lets withdraw into the bowre.