Wrap'd in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, 40 1 Hunt. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose. 2 Hunt. It would seem strange unto him when he wak'd. Lord. Even as a flattering dream, or worthless fancy. Then take him up, and manage well the jest :- And hang it round with all my wanton pictures : 50 And say-Will't please your lordship cool your hands? Some one be ready with a costly suit, And ask him what apparel he will wear; 60 For For he is nothing but a mighty lord. This do, and do it kindly, gentle sirs ; If it be husbanded with modesty. 1 Hunt. My lord, I warrant you, we'll play our part, As he shall think, by our true diligence, He is no less than what we say he is. Lord. Take him up gently, and to bed with him And each one to his office, when he wakes. 70 ; [Some bear out SLY. Sound Trumpets. Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds :Belike, some noble gentleman; that means, [Exit Servant. Travelling some journey, to repose him here.— Re-enter a Servant. How now who is it? Ser. An't please your honour, players, That offer service to your lordship. Lord. Bid them come near : Enter Players. Now, fellows, you are welcome. Play. We thank your honour. Lord. Do you intend to stay with me to-night? 80 2 Play. So please your lordship to accept our duty. Lord. With all my heart. This fellow I remember, Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son ; 'Twas 'Twas where you woo'd the gentlewoman so well: I have forgot your name; but, sure, that part Was aptly fitted, and naturally perform'd. Sincklo. I think, 'twas Soto that your honour means. 91 Lord. 'Tis very true;-thou didst it excellent.— Well, you are come to me in happy time; The rather for I have some sport in hand, Wherein your cunning can assist me much. There is a lord will hear you play to-night : But I am doubtful of your modesties; Lest, over-eying of his odd behaviour (For yet his honour never heard a play), You break into some merry passion, And so offend him; for I tell you, sirs, should smile, he grows impatient. Play. Fear not, my lord; we can contain ourselves, Were he the veriest antick in the world. If you Lord. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery, 100 [Exit one with the Players. Sirrah, go you to Bartholomew my page, And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady: 110 That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber, Such Such duty to the drunkard let him do, To see her noble lord restor`d to health, 120 See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst; 130 Anon I'll give thee more instructions. I know, the boy will well usurp [Exit Servant. the grace, Voice, gait, and action of a gentlewoman; I long to hear him call the drunkard, husband; When they do homage to this simple peasant, [Exit Lord. SCENE SCENE II. A Room in the Lord's House. Enter SLY, with Attendants, some with Apparel, Bason and Ewer, and other Appurtenances. Re-enter Lord. Sly. For God's sake, a pot of small ale. 140 1 Man. Will't please your lordship drink a cup of sack? 2 Man. Will't please your honour taste of these conserves? 3 Man. What raiment will your honour wear to day? Sly. I am Christophero Sly; call not me-honour, nor lordship: I ne'er drank sack in my life; and if you give me any conserves, give me conserves of beef: Ne'er ask me what raiment I'll wear; for I have no more doublets than backs, no more stockings than legs, nor no more shoes than feet; nay, sometimes, more feet than shoes, or such shoes as my toes look through the overleather. 151 Lord. Heaven cease this idle humour in your ho nour! Oh, that a mighty man, of such descent, Sly. What, would you make me mad? Am not I Christopher Sly, old Sly's son of Burton-Heath; by birth a pedlar, by education a card-maker, by transmutation a bear-herd, and now by present pro fession |