University of Virginia Library

SCENA. 2.

Mendacio, attired in a Taffata sute of a light colour changeable, like an ordinary page, Gloues, Hamper.
Lingva. Mendacio.
Ling.
I see the heauens nurse my new-borne deuise,
For loe my Page Mendacio comes already,
To file and Burnish that I hammerd out,
Neuer in better time Mendacio,
What hast thou done?

Men.
Done, yes long agoe.

Ling.
Ist possible thou shouldst dispatch so soone?

Men.
Madame, I had no sooner told
Tactus, that Gustus would faine speake with him:
But I spied Uisus, Gustus and the rest,
And serued them all with sauce of seuerall lyes,
Now the last Sense I spake with was Olfactus,
Who hauing smelt the meaning of my message,
Straight blew his nose, and quickly puft me hither,
But in the whirle-winde of his furious blast,
Had not by chance a Cobweb held me fast,
Mendacio had beene with you long ere this.

Ling.
Witnesse this lye, Mendacio's with me now,
But sirra out of iesting will they come?

Mend.
Yes and it like your Ladyship presently:
Here may you haue me prest to flatter them.

Ling.
Ile flatter no such proud Companions,
'Twill doe no good, therefore I am determined
To leaue such basenesse.

Men.
Then shall I turne and bid them stay at home.

Ling.
No, for their comming hither to this groue,
Shall be a meanes to further my deuise,
Therefore I pray thee Mendacio go presently,
Run you vile Ape.

Men.
Whether?

Ling.
What doost thou stand?

Men.
Till I know what to doe.

Ling.
S'pretious 'tis true,
So might thou finely ore-run thine errand.
Hast to my Chest.

Men.
I, I,

Ling.
There shalt thou find,
A gorgeous Robe, and golden Coronet,
Conuey them hither nimbly, let none see them.

Men.
Madam, I flie, I flie.
Exit Mendacio.

Ling.
But here you sirra?
Lock vp your fellow Seruant, Veritas.

Mend.
I warrant you,
You need not feare, so long as I am with you.
He goes out, and comes in presently.
What coulour is the Robe?

Ling.
There is but one.

Mendacio going, turnes in hast.
Men.
The Key Madam, the Key.

Ling.
By Iuno how forgetfull is suddaine speed.
Here take it, runne.

Men.
Ile be here instantly.
Exit Mendacio.