University of Virginia Library

Scena Tertia.

Three Serving Men.
1. Man.

Come then, my friends, let's to our businesse, though
I must confesse I never went about any in my life with so ill
a will; but they that are bound must obey.

2. Man.

Would I were bound for the furthest part of the
earth, so I were not bound for this voyage. D's lud, that I
were but a Gentleman for his sake, I'de teach his Lordship,
as goodly as he is, to peech, with a pockes to him.

1. Man.

Were you with the Carpenter? is the Scaffold
finish't, and all things in a readinesse belonging thereunto?

3. Man.

'Twas e'ne as good as done three houres agoe, 'tis
surely done by this. I'le goe and see, and if it be ready I'le
bring you word presently.

1. Man.

Pray thee doe, and see you loyter not by the way,
for they say 'tis as good to have one's head off as ever aking,
and in my conscience the sweet Princesses head is not well at
ease at this time. Know you that Gentleman that walkes so
(Enter Bellamour disguis'd.)
melancholly yonder, he hath somewhat surely in his pate we
know not of.

2. Man.

I never saw him before, he is sure some stranger.
I am sure he belongs not to the Court; who knowes but having
heard of the Princesse her accusation, he may be come to
shame all the Gentry of Corsica, and take her defense upon
him.

1. Man.

O that that were true! but what's the haste with
thee? why com'st thou so soon backe? thou can'st not have
beene there, and heere again so soone.

3. Man.

Let me take breath before I speake, and in the
meantime take you courage and comfort. I am so glad!

2. Man.

Of what? man. If there be any cause of gladnesse,
pray thee let us share with thee in it; any thing belonging
to joy never could come in a more needful time.

1. Man.

Speake then, and hold us not upon the racke of
expectation.

3. Man.

As I was going to the Carpenter about the
businesse you wot of, I met a pretty little Gentleman, who
ask't me if none had yet undertaken the Lady Florabella's
defense? I told him no, and that if they came not the sooner,
'twould be too late, for within less than an houre, as she had
lost her mayden-head, she was likely to loose woman's-head.
He said, I lyed like a paultry knave, for neither had she lost
the one, neither should she loose the other, for he was come
to prove Lord Garamont a lyer.

Bell.

What's that my friend? pray say it o're againe.

3. Man.

Nothing Sir, but that there is one come who will
defend the Lady Florabella's cause against Lord Garamont.

Bell.

That must not be.

1. Man.

Why so Sir, I pray? if you doe no good, I hope
you will do no harme.

Bell.
No surely friend, but all the good I can
To the fayre Princessse falsely slaundered.
And to that purpose I my selfe am come
To be her champion. I nor must, nor will
Permit another robbe me of that glory.

1. Man.

Nay then Sir, I crave you mercy: so her cause be
defended I doe not care by whom.

3. Man.

Marry, but this is the likelyer Gentleman to make
it good, he hath something of strength and bones in him.
The other I tell you is a very little timber'd Gentleman, and
I am afraid will not be able to hold out against Lord
Garamont, therefore this for my money.

Bell.
Pray which way went that other Gentleman?

3. Man.
Straight towards the Court, as I conceived.

Bell.
Then pray, friend, let me begge your company,
To go alone with me to the Court,
And let the Lords appointed to see
The this daye's business performed, know
That there another combattant is come
Who first desires the combat.

3. Man.

With all my heart Sir, and I thanke you too,
heartily. I'le wayte upon your worship, and hope for some
reward for my good newes.

(Exeunt Bellamour and the third Man. Manent the first and second Man.
1. Man.

Whye, so then, this is somewhat, better late than
never, goe get you gone, and bring the women hither presently.

2. Man.

I'm gone.

1. Man.

I pray God, the Ladye's defense fall to the share of
this Gentlemen that was heere. I like his aspect wondrous
well, me thinkes he promiseth victory; and yet who can tell;
your little men are all fire, they have no drosse in them, they
are true mettle from head to heele. Well, I will hope the best.
See here comes Hodge, with his leash of Conyes. Well say'd
Hodge; Thou hast made haste indeede. Not a word, but
stand close there.

Enter Feredo, with people bringing in the Scaffold.
Fer.
So, well said, my friends, bring in the Scaffold,
And set it up there on that side:
Make ready on that other side the place
Appointed for the challanger,
And see all things be in a readinesse.
Set up the chayre for the Lord Constable
And Lord high Chamberlaine. The King will not
For all this possibility of freedom to
His daughter be persuaded to looke on.
H'as made a vow never to see her face
Till she or be acquitted or be dead,
And she on her part too hath made a vow
That 'till or dead or freed from what is laid
Unto her charge, no man shall see her face,
And to that purpose she hath leave obtayn'd
To appeare vayl'd; and to say trueth't had beene
Much misbecomming otherwise t'have done.
Her vayle may hide the blush, which certainely
Guilty or not will have recourse unto
Her cheekes, and yet who knowes? perhaps
A looke from her might have put life and strength
Into her Champion. So now all is well,
And see, the Lords doe come.