University of Virginia Library

Scena 12.

Laurentio, Stipes.
Laur.

But see, I will enquire; honest man, a word.

Stip.

Honest man in your face, whosoe're owes you; 'sduds,
haue I nothing to doe, but to prittle, prattle, with euery one I
meet, thinke you?

Exit.
Lau.
What an unheard of rudenesse haue we here?
Are these the manners of the countrey? well.
This is the place, as I am told, wherein
That Lucius liues, who not long since prevayl'd
With his faire flattering speeches, for to haue
My sonne Endymion to be his Page.
But oh yee awfull powers!
I had no father in mee should I suffer
Mine onely sonne to lead a servile life
With one that is mine enemy, nay more,
The ruine and subversion of my family.
O daughter Isabella!
Whilst thy false Lover melts within the armes
Of his new purchac'd Mistris, thou (poore girle)
Embracest scorne and povertie, or else
(Which I doe rather wish were true) cold death.
But I doe heare,
Since my arrivall, of some Country people,
That they haue seene, some fortnight since or more,
A pretty boy, lingring about this village
Much about her stature, and complexion,
Which did enquire for a Gentleman
That was without a Page; this may be shee,
Who for the loue of Lucius, has put on
Some strange disguise. Whom cannot loue transforme?