Page 316
Scene 20.
My fair Maid, what Message have you brought me now?
My Mistris remembers her loving love unto you, and bids me tell you, that she takes it wondrous unkindly that you shew'd the young La∣dies the Letter, and that she heard you mock'd and jeer'd at her.
Tell her I did but as all Lovers use to do, vaunt of their Mistris's love, and boast of their Mistris's favours.
She doth not like your boasting; but howsoever, to shew and ex∣press her constant love and affectionate heart, she hath sent you two hun∣dred pounds to buy you a Nag.
I accept of the Present, and tell her I will ride the Nag for her sake.
My Mistris will be a joy'd Woman, to hear that you will ride for her sake.
But is thy Mistris rich?
Yes by my truth is she; for she hath store of bags in her Chests.
But are they full of gold and silver?
Yes: for I have seen her tell the money in the bags, bag after bag.
Is it all her own?
Yes certainly it is all her own.
How came she to be so rich?
Why the young Ladies Parents give her money or moneys worth to Govern and Educate their Daughters, and the young Ladies bribe her to keep their counsels, and fee her to be their Agent, and their Courtly Servants present her with rich gifts to prefer their Sutes, and to speak in their behalfs to the young Ladies; and thus she gains on every side, and takes gifts on both hands, and she being miserable and sparing, must needs be rich; but now she is become a Lover, she begins to grow prodigal, as all Lovers are; but if she had a million, she says, nay swears, she could bestow it all on her beloved, which beloved is your Worship.
I could be well content to marry her wealth, and lie with her Maid, but I would not be troubled with the Mistris.
My Mistris, I believe, will be a very fond Wife.
And that fondness is the second obstacle I stick at: for first to be old, and then to be fond, will be a double misery, as being an intolerable trouble, and a nauseous vexation; for there is nothing more hateful, than an amorous fond old woman: But if thou wilt be fond of me, I shall like it well; and if any thing could perswade me to marry thy Mistris, next to her wealth, will be in hopes of thy kindness. What say you, will you be kind?
I shall not be undutiful: when you are my Master, I shall deny no service I can do your Worship.
That's well promis'd: In the mean time remember me to thy Mi∣stris, and thank her for her Present, and tell her, the more such Presents she sends, the welcomer they shall be.