University of Virginia Library

Scene IV.

Interest. Lady. Rut. Item.
Int.
I'am sure, the Rogue o' the house went all that way;
She was with Child, and Mr. Compasse got it.

Lad.
Why, that you see, is manifestly false,
H'has married the other; our true Neice he sayes:
He would not wooe 'hem both: hee is not such
A Stallion, to leape all. Againe, no Child
Appeares, that I can find with all my search,
And strictest way of Inquiry, I have made
Through all my family. A fit o' the Mother,
The women say she had, which the Mid-wife cur'd,
With burning bones and feathers: Here's the Doctor.

Enter Doctor.
Int.
O noble Doctor, did not you, and your Item,
Tell me our Neice was in labour?

Rut.
If I did,
What followes?

Int.
And that Mother Mid-night
Was sent for?

Rut.
So she was; and is i'the house still.

Int.
But here has a noise beene since, she was deliver'd
Of a brave boy, and Mr. Compasse's getting.

Rut.
I know no rattle of Gossips, nor their noyses.
I hope you take not me for a Pimpe errant,
To deale in smock Affaires? Where's the Patient?
The infirme man, I was sent for, Squire Needle?

Lad.
Is Needle sick?

Rut.
My 'Pothecary tels me
Enter Tim.
Hee is in danger; how is't Tim? where is he?

Ite.
I cannot hold him downe. Hee's up, and walkes,
And talkes in his perfect sleepe, with his eyes shut,
As sensibly, as he were broad awake.

Rut.
See, here he comes. Hee's fast asleepe, observe him.

Rut.
Hee'll tell us wonders: What doe these women here?