University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Hall, with tables prepared for supper.
Netherstein and Rachel.
RACHEL.
Set seats for five: but when the guests are placed,
Prithee keep out of sight awhile.

NETHERSTEIN.
How long?
Were keeping out of sight my business here,
I might have spared the Saltsberg belt and hose
'Till All Saints eve or wake at Martinmas.
Places should have respect to use and fitness.
If so, and eating be the end of feasts,
Mine would stand highest of all.

RACHEL.
The Count is sick.

NETHERSTEIN.
Let him keep out of sight, and me eat for him.

RACHEL.
My lady could not answer when I spake.
Her kinsman's death hangs heavily; and yet
She will sit down. Catherine is nobly born,
So takes her place: till asked for, I stand by.

NETHERSTEIN.
Art less than she is?

RACHEL.
Now—in honor, I am:
In nature, more.

NETHERSTEIN.
But which of these is greatest?
My sour yeast spoils our batch.

RACHEL.
Look, thou dost carve:
'Till called keep back, I say; then show thyself.
The roast will stand at bottom—I shall ask it.

NETHERSTEIN.
Catherine goes with them home?

RACHEL.
She does to-morrow.
We two are bidden for Christmas. One thing grieves me.

NETHERSTEIN.
If only one, forget it, or defy it.

RACHEL.
I fain had supped the Baron ere his end,
And counted three great nobles at the board.

NETHERSTEIN.
This trout has slipped thine handling.

RACHEL.
Go and shift.
Look that the knives be steeled, then fill the flasks.
We serve at eight o'clock:—bid Tauss be ready—
The fawn is roasted whole and needs two bearers.

[Exeunt.