University of Virginia Library

Scena. 6.

Anthenor, Leontius, Cleora after.
Leo.
Again at his complements?

Ant.
I and again at his dissembling,
mean time th'are either of them as jealous
as neighbouring States, and jealousie of all
vices in old mens is the greatest;
for 'tis not onely jealousie, but envy too.—
And what difference ifaith betwixt a Bawd
and Spy now?

Leo.
Why th'are i'th contrary extreams,
t'one hinders love matters, t'other furthers them;
besides a, Spy is a State Bawd, and a Bawd
a woman spy.

Ant.
Nay, if that be all,
Enter Cleora.
I shall love my employments the better for it,
& go about it with more chearfulness & alacrity;
but see Cleora, she tarries for somewhat: and
as women alwayes imagine there's some ill
in all men say, so we to be quit with them
alwayes imagine ther's some ill in all they do.—
I'le to her,—sweet Cleora if there be any thing
wherein I may serve you, you know.—

Cleo.
What do I know?
that y'are more troublesome and importune,
then Flyes and Wasps in summer:
and for your service
y'd best set up a Bill, or go to the office of
Address, to tell what a serviceable man you are,
and amongst your other good qualities be sure
you put in your short neck like a roasted Pig,
your smirking and fleering, as much as to say,
Who'l laugh at me?
and your stubble beard for kissing
costs us more Pomatum.—I'de as lief
kiss thorow a hair sive.

Ant.
I there 'tis now,
your smooth fac't boyes carry it clearly away
from us bearded men; and 'tis with kissing as 'tis
with bowling,
they love not rough grounds for fear of rubs,
but in a smooth Alley they trundle it away,
and so I will too, for I've enough of her.

Exit with Leontius.
Cleo.
My Lady sets me to watch Aurindo now,
and though this playing the spy in love matters
be no hard task, yet 'tis a ticklish one;
and I imagine to finde as much
pleasure and delight in it as they,
who look upon the Game whilst others play.