University of Virginia Library

Scena I.

Aurelia
. Dorcas.
Why we shall have you get in time the turne
Up of your Eyes, speak in the Nose, draw sighes
Of an ell long, and rayle at Discipline.
Would I could heare from Baneswright, ere Ile be torturd
With your precisenesse thus, Ile get dry palmes
With starching, and put on my smocks my selfe.

Dor.
Surely you may, and ayre'em too, there have been
Very devout and holy women that wore
No shift at all.

Aur.
Such Saints you meane as wore
Their Congregations, and swarm'd with Christian Vermin.
You'l hold cleane linnen Heresie?

Dor.
Surely yes,
Cleane linnen in a Surplesse; That and powders
Doe bring dry summers, make the sicknesse rage,
And th'Enemy prevaile, It was revealed
To Ms Scruple and her husband, who
Doe verily ascribe the German warre,
And the late persecutions, to curling,
False Teeth, and Oyle of Talck.

Aur.
Now she is in
A Lecturer will sooner hold his peace
Then she.

Dor.
And surely, as Master Scruple saies,

Aur.
That was her Schoole-master. One that cooles a feast
With his long grace, and sooner eats a Capon
Then blesses it.

Dor.
And proves it very well
Out of a book that sufferd Martyrdome
By fire in Cheapside, since Amulets, and Bracelets,
And Love-locks were in use, the price of sprats,
Ierusalem Artichocks, and Holland Cheese,
Is very much increased, so that the Brethren,
Botchers I meane, and such poore zealous Saints,
As earne five groats a week under a stall,
By singing Psalmes, and drawing up of holes,
Can't live in their vocation, but are faine
To turne—

Aur.
Old breeches.

Dor.
Surely, Teachers and Prophets.