Playes written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

Scene 26.

Enter the Lady Bashfull, Sir Serious Dumb following her, where Reformer her Woman meets them.

REformer.

Madam, now the Gentleman is here, you must use him civilly, and not strive to run away from him, wherefore pray turn, and entertain him.

The Lady Bashfull turns to him, but is so out of countenance, and trembles so much, as she cannot speak, but stands still and mute; All the while he fixes his eyes upon her.

Reformer.

Pray speak to him, Madam, and not stand trembling, as if you were like to fall.

Lady Bashfull.

My spirits is seized on by my bashfull and innocent fears, in∣somuch, as they have not strength to support my body without trem∣bling.

Reformer.

Sweet Madam, try not speak to him?

Lady Bashfull.

Honourable Sir? give me leave to tell you, that my bash∣fullness

doth smother the senses and reason in my brain, and chokes the words in my throat I should utter, but pray do not think it proceeds from crimes, but an imperfection of nature, which I have strove against, but cannot as yet rectifie

Sir Serious Dumb Civily bows to her, and then gives Reformer his Table-book to read.

She reads.

Madam,

He hath writ here, that had his tongue liberty to speak, all that he could say, would be so far below, and inferiour to what might be said in your praise, as he should not adventure to presume to speak.

Lady Bashfull.

I will presume to break my brain, but I will invent some ways to be rid of his company.

He follows her, Exeunt.