Scene 31.
Oh Nan I am undone for ever.
As how Mistriss?
Why by your neglect and carelessness; for your not watching my Fathers coming home, to give me notice, my Father hath found my Chair: for I hearing him come, run to hide a-way my Chair, he coming and seeing me scuttle about the room, imagined I desired to hide something from him, for which he searches all my Chamber over, at last he went and looked into the Cole-hole where I had flung my Chair, and finding it, he car∣ried it a-way in one hand, and led me a-long in the other hand, and causing a fire to be made of the Chair, made me stand by to see the Martyrdome, whereat I was so afflicted, as I lost my fight in tears, which tears I let run on the fire, hoping to quench it out, but they were so brind with grief, as they did rather augment the fury of the fire, than abate the rage of the flame; so that which I thought would have been a preserver did hasten the destruction.
Faith Mistriss it is none of my fault, for your Mother sent me of an errand, and whilst I was absent by your Mothers commands, it seem'd your Father came home.
This is an excuse.
You may believe it 'tis no excuse, but truth; for I that ventured the loss of my Soul by telling a lie to save your Chair, would not neglect the watch, had not I been commanded away.
I am of an opinion you were brib'd to betray the life of my Chair, and bribes are so powerfull as they corrupt promises and vows, even the Soul its self; though the Soul makes no use of bribes, yet it will venture to be damn'd for a bribes sake.
Well Mistriss, since a mistrust is all my reward, you shall tell the next lie your self.
No prethee Nan let us be friends, for I shall never get a Servant that will so readily tell lyes for me as you do; wherefore let us shake hands and be friends.
VVell Mistriss, let me tell you, that my hand and tongue is at your service, the one to work, the other to lie for your service.