[ Cit . Hark thee, Ralph: there’s money for thee [ Gives money ]; give something in the King of Cracovia’s house; be not beholding to him.]

Ralph . Lady, before I go, I must remember
Your father’s officers, who truth to tell,
Have been about me very diligent:
Hold up thy snowy hand, thou princely maid!
There’s twelve-pence for your father’s chamberlain;
And another shilling for his cook,
For, by my troth, the goose was roasted well;
And twelve-pence for your father’s horse-keeper,
For’nointing my horse-back, and for his butter
There is another shilling; to the maid
That washed my boot-hose there’s an English groat
And two-pence to the boy that wiped my boots;
And last, fair lady, there is for yourself
Three-pence, to buy you pins at Bumbo-fair.

Pomp . Full many thanks; and I will keep them safe
Till all the heads be off, for thy sake, Ralph.

Ralph . Advance, my squire and dwarf! I cannot stay.

Pomp . Thou kill’st my heart in passing thus away.

[ Exeunt .

[ Wife . I commend Ralph yet, that he will not stoop to a Cracovian; there’s properer women in London than any are there, I-wis.]

SCENE III.— A Room in the House of Venturewell .

Enter VENTUREWELL, HUMPHREY, LUCE, and Boy.

[ Wife . But here comes Master Humphrey and his love again now, George.

Cit . Ay, cony; peace.]

Vent . Go, get you up; I will not be entreated;
And, gossip mine, I’ll keep you sure hereafter
From gadding out again with boys and unthrifts:
Come, they are women’s tears; I know your fashion.—
Go, sirrah, lock her in, and keep the key
Safe as you love your life.

[ Exeunt Luce and Boy .

Hum . I see this love you speak of, through your daughter,
Although the hole be little; and hereafter
Will yield the like in all I may or can,
Fitting a Christian and a gentleman.

Vent . I do believe you, my good son, and thank you;
For’twere an impudence to think you flattered.

Hum . It were, indeed; but shall I tell you why?
I have been beaten twice about the lie.

Vent . Well, son, no more of compliment. My daughter
Is yours again: appoint the time and take her;
We’ll have no stealing for it; I myself
And some few of our friends will see you married.

Hum . I would you would, i’faith! for, be it known,
I ever was afraid to lie alone.

Vent . Some three days hence, then.

Hum . Three days! let me see: ’Tis somewhat of the most; yet I agree,
Because I mean against the appointed day
To visit all my friends in new array.

Enter Servant.

Serv . Sir, there’s a gentlewoman without would speak with your worship.