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

Scene. 36.

Enter the Lady Hypocondria and her Maid.

LAdy Hypocondria.

My Husband hath been a long time abroad, pray Iove he be safe, if he should chance to have a quarrel and fight, a hundred to one but he is killd: for otherwise he would have come home; do you think he is well Ioan?

Maid.

You need not fear, for my master is of so civil a behaviour, and of so sweet a disposition, as he can have no enemies.

Lady Hypocon.

O But he is a man that is very valiant, and one that is very sensible of disgrace, and affronts.

Maid.

Truly I believe you have no reason to fear.

Lady Hypocon.

Do you but believe so, nay then you doubt, and therefore I know he is kill'd and I will go and find out the murtherer, and kill him my self.

The Lady Hypocondria offers to run out of the room, as in a frighted passion, the maid stops her.

Maid.

My Noble Lady, do not run in this passion: for all the idle men, and women, and boyes, and girles will run after you, as thinking you mad; for they make no difference betwixt melancholy, and madnesse.

Lady Hypocon.

I am not able to overcome this fear, I shall die.

Maid.

Pray stay and send out one of our men to inquire where he is.

Lady Hypocon.

Call Roger Trusty.

The Maid goes out.

The Lady alone.

Lady Hypocon.

O You defendant Gods assist my Husband.

Enter Joan, and Roger Trusty.

Lady Hypocon.

Trusty go presently, and seek out your master, and bring me word where he is, and how he doth, and be sure if you see a grim look't fellow near him, that you stir not from your Master, but wait upon him home, for fear some trechery should beset him.

Trusty.

Who shall bring you word of his health, or sicknesse, life, or death?

Lady Hypocon.

Death do you say, O you have heard he is kill'd.

Trusty.

By Pluto I have heard no such thing.

Lady Hypocon.

Why do you talk of death then?

Trusty.

Because you send me to know whether he be dead, or alive.

Lady Hypocon.

That is true, wherefore let one of the Foot-boyes go a∣long with you to bring me an answer; but be sure you stay with your Master.

Trusty.

I shall.

Lady Hypocon.

Make all the haste you can to find him.

Exeunt.