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

Scene 11.

Enter Excess, VVanton, Idle, and Surfet.

Excess.

Where shall we go for pastime to day? for our Lady hath left us to our own: pleasures to day.

Idle.

Let us go and swim in a Boat upon the River.

Wanton.

That is but a watrish Recreation; besides it is very dangerous, for many have been drowned in their idle pastimes.

Surfet.

If you will take my Counsel, let us go to the Lodge in the Park, and drink Sullybubs.

Wanton.

Yes, let us go, for the Lodge puts me into a good humour, and Sullybubs make me merry.

Idle.

You have reason, for it is a cheerly Cup, and a Cup of good fellow∣ship, for we may all eat and drink together.

Surfet.

Yes by spoonfuls.

Excess.

I love to be drunk by spoonfuls, for then I am drunk by degrees, and not at one draught, as a pinte, or a quart at a draught, as men do; be∣sides, though it be allowable for the sobrest noblest Women to be drunk with Wine-caudles, Sullybubs, Sack-possets, and the like, so it be by spoon∣fuls, yet it were abominable and most dishonourable for Women to be

drunk with plain Wine, and great draught, as men are; besides, in great draughts there is not that pleasure of taste, as in a little at a time.

Idle.

I believe that is the reason that Flemmings love to sip their Wine, be∣cause they would have the pleasure of Taste.

Wanton.

No question but they learn'd that of the Effeminate Sex, who love to taste of every thing.

Surfet.

I do believe it; for all women love spoon-meat.

Excess.

'Tis true, and to drink in spoons.

Idle.

Talk no more of eating and drinking, but eat and drink without talk∣ing, and afterwards talk to digest it.

Excess.

And after it is digested, let's eat and drink again.

Wanton.

So we shall do nothing but eat, drink, and talk.

Surfet.

Women do nothing else all their life-long.

Wanton.

By your favour but we do.

Excess.

Come, come, let us go.

Exeunt.