University of Virginia Library

Scena Prima.

Three Women, three Men.
1. Man.

My friends, it is no laughing matter, nor ought we
be in our jollitye when our good King and all the Court are
so afflicted, and yet I am of your opinion too that we ought
to keepe our appointment, our Rendezvous, for else the
maydes would not take our words another time, and therefore
am I come hither along with you, onely to desire them
to have us excused for this time, and promise to make amends
another day.

2. Man.

I cannot gaynesay anything you have said, for you
are the greater clerke of the two. But yet methinkes it is
pitty to deceive the poore silly-soules, and see where like
honest wenches they stand expecting us.

3. Man.

I would it might have stood with the good liking of
the higher powers, our Lords and Counsellours, to have put off
this sad businesse till some other day, my mouth waters to
have one friske for all this.

1. Man.

There will be no feare of your miscarrying, though
you loose your longing. Well met, fayre maydes, I see you
are women of your words, and to the end we might appeare
as true as you, we are come, though onely to make our
appearance and bid you farewell.

1. Wom.

How so sir, I pray? what may the matter be that
hath thus marred our intended mirth.

1. Man.

The matter is shortly this, This is not a day for
revelling. The Princesse Florabella is this day to loose her
head.

2. Wom.

Her head! Marry God forefend: I hope you doe
but mocke.

2. Man.

He tells you true.

2. Wom.

For what, I pray?

2. Man.

For that, which had you all your dues, I am
afraid your's would not sit long upon your shoulders: for
loosing of her mayden-head.

3. Wom.

Why then, that head's lost already. Come, I see
they do but jeast with us, strike up, and let us loose no time.

1. Man.

Beleeve me, we are in too good earnest, and
therefore, by your leave, no dauncing this day, but fayrely fare
you well.

3. Wom.

Nay then by your leave Sir, we will not part so.
I'le see some thing surely for my comming abroad. I'le goe
along and see what passes.

2. Wom.

My heart will never give me to looke on so
pittious a spectacle. A Princesse loose her head for such a
trifle. Mine stands fast yet, and therefore I'le believe her's
may do so too, and in that hope I'le goe along.

3. Wom.

You'll not breake company, Madge, will you?

1. Wom.

I'le goe, if it be but to curse the peeching rascall
that accuseth her.

1. Man.

On these tearmes we shall not breake company.
W'ell wayte upon you to the Towne, and do you the best
service we can in placing of you.

Omnes.
We thanke your worship heartily.