ACT IV SCENE I A Room in Lady Allworth's House. Enter Lord Lovell and Allworth. Lov. 'Tis well; give me my cloak; I now discharge you From further service: mind your own affairs, I hope they will prove successful. All. What is blest With your good wish, my lord, cannot but prosper. How much I stand engaged, for I want language Of joy, for your much goodness, can supply Lov. Nay, do not melt : This ceremonial thanks to me's superfluous. Over. [within.] Is my lord stirring? Lov. 'Tis he! oh, here's your letter: let him in. Enter Overreach, Greedy, and Marrall. Over. A good day to my lord! IO Lov. You are an early riser, Sir Giles. Over. And reason, to attend your lordship. favour, 20 With your lordship's I have a serious question to demand Of my worthy friend Sir Giles. Lov. Pray you use your pleasure. Greedy. How far, Sir Giles, and pray you answer me From your manor-house, to this of my Lady's All- Over. Why, some four mile. Greedy. How! four mile, good Sir Giles Upon your reputation, think better ; For if you do abate but one half-quarter That can be in the world; for four miles riding As I feel gnawing on me. Mar. Whether you ride, Or go afoot, you are that way still provided, Over. How now, sirrah? prating 30 40 Before my lord! no difference! Go to my nephew, See all his debts discharged, and help his worship To fit on his rich suit. Mar. I may fit you too. Tossed like a dog still! Lov. I have writ this morning [Aside, and exit. A few lines to my mistress, your fair daughter. Over. 'Twill fire her, for she's wholly yours already :Sweet Master Allworth, take my ring; twill carry you To her presence, I dare warrant you; and there plead For my good lord, if you shall find occasion. That done, pray ride to Nottingham, get a licence, And suddenly, my lord, that I may say, 50 My honourable, nay, right honourable daughter. Greedy. Take my advice, young gentleman, get your breakfast; 'Tis unwholesome to ride fasting: I'll eat with you, And eat to purpose. Over. Some Fury's in that gut: Hungry again! did you not devour, this morning, 60 Greedy. Why, that was, sir, only to scour my stomach, I will not have you feed like the hangman or Alone, while I am here. Lov. Haste your return. All. I will not fail, my lord. Greedy. Nor I, to line My Christmas coffer. [Exeunt Greedy and Allworth. Over. To my wish: we are private. I come not to make offer with my daughter A certain portion, that were poor and trivial : In lands or leases, ready coin or goods, 70 With her, my lord, comes to you; nor shall you have One motive to induce you to believe I live too long, since every year I'll add Something unto the heap, which shall be yours too. Lov. You are a right kind father. Over. You shall have reason To think me such. How do you like this seat? Lov. 'Tis a wholesome air, And well-built pile; and she that's mistress of it, Over. She the mistress! It may be so for a time: but let my lord 80 90 Lov. Impossible. Over. You do conclude too fast, not knowing me, Nor the engines that I work by 'Tis not alone (As by her dotage on him I know they will be,) Lov. I dare not own What's by unjust and cruel means extorted; Over. You run, my lord, no hazard. Your reputation shall stand as fair, Nor can my actions, though condemned for ill, Of what concerns you, in all points of honour, Shall e'er be sullied with one taint or spot 100 |