University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

EUGENIUS's Castle.
Enter SOPHIA, CORISCA, and HILLARIO.
SOPHIA.
Are they then so humble?

CORISCA.
Hunger and hard labour
Have tamed 'em, Madam;—at first they bellow'd
Like stags ta'en in a toil, and would not work
For sullenness.

HILLARIO.
I do remember that they stopp'd their noses
At the sight of beef and mutton, as coarse feeding
For their fine palates; but now, their work being ended,
They leap at a barley crust, and hold cheese-parings,
With a spoonful of pall'd wine pour'd in their water,
For festival dainties.

CORISCA.
When I examine
My spinster's work, he trembles like a 'prentice,
And takes a box on the ear, when I spy faults
And botches in his labour, as a favour
From an angry mistress.

HILLARIO.
The other too reels well
For his time; and if your Ladyship would please
To see 'em, they'd much delight you
With their hungry dialogues—

SOPHIA.
But should they grow rebellious in their prison
When we enter?

HILLARIO.
Ne'er fear't: I'll undertake
To lead them out by th' nose, with a coarse thread
Of the one's spinning, and make the other
Reel after, without grumbling.

CORISCA.
Dear Madam,
'Twill help to drive away your melancholy.

SOPHIA.
And so they've voluntarily confess'd,
That by the Queen they're sent to taint me, in
My loyalty to my Lord?

CORISCA.
'Twas the main cause
That brought 'em hither.—

SOPHIA.
I'm glad I know it,
For at the height I'll therefore be reveng'd.

Enter SERVANT.
SERVANT.
This instant, Madam,
Signior Baptista 'lighting from his horse,
Has brought assurance of my Lord's return.

SOPHIA.
How! and do I stand trifling here? away!
—See that those pamper'd lordlings are secur'd,
And wait my further orders.—

[To Hillario.
[Exit Sophia.