SCENE III. The Piazza.
Enter Ludovico Singing.
Give me but Wine, that Liquor of Life,
And a Girl that is wholesome and clean,
Two or three Friends, but the Devil a Wife,
And I'd not change state with a King.
Luc.
What singing, Signior! Well, you're a pleasant Gentleman —
Lud.
Ah! My little female Mercury, what message bringst Thou?
Ha — will thy Lady bless me with another sight — Ha — How —
When? where? I am all in a Flame.
Luc.
Come along with me, Sir, I'll help you to an Extinguisher presently.
Lud.
If Thou meanest thy Lady with all my heart — But I can tell Thee, she'll rather prove Oyl, than what you speak of — But, say, where am I to see my lovely Charmer?
Lud.
Good! But how the Devil can that be done?
Lucy.
Nay, without the help of a Conjurer, I assure you: if you dare take me for your Pilot, I'll warrant you success in your Voyage — I'll set you safe in the Island of Love; 'tis your business to improve the Soil.
Page 24Lud.
I warrant Thee, Girl; do you but bring me there once, and if I play not my part, may I never more know the pleasure of an intrigue
Luc.
Which, if I mistake not, is the greatest curse can fall on you —
Well, you must suffer a small Metamorphosis: What think you of per∣sonating me a little? That is, dressing in my Cloaths, and waiting on your Mistress in her Bed-chamber — Ha —
Lud.
Egad, I'm afraid I shall make but an awkward Chamber-maid.
I'm undisciplin'd in Dressing a Lady's head —
Lucy.
Oh! Sir, your Commission won't reach so high as the head: I believe my Lady will excuse little matters: You can undress, I suppose
Lud.
Oh! The best and the quickest of any man in Venice. Buta Pox on't — Canst find no other way? — I, I, I — I like Petticoats in their proper Places, but I don't care to have my Legs in 'em.
Luc.
And so you resolve against it! Ha —
Lud.
No, not absolutely resolve, Child: But — a —
Lud.
Nothing — I will follow thy Directions, what ever comes on't
Now lead the way: for nothing sutes better with my Humour than a Friend, a Bottle, a new Mistress, and a Convenient Place.
Ex. Lucy Ludovico.
