PROLOGUE. LANGUAGE and matter, with a fit of mirth, But where's now such a one, in which these three, Are understood by all who hear or see? Wit, wit's the word in fashion, that alone He who will venture on a jest, that can A goodly approbation, which must bring Your favours in what we present to-day; In which, if so he have not hit all right, MASTER BIRD.1 1 See the Dedication to the Sun's Darling. THE LADY'S TRIAL. ACT I. SCENE I. A Room in the House of AURIA. Enter PIERO and FUTELLI, at opposite doors. Piero. ACCOMPLISHED man of fashion! Fut. The times' wonder! Gallant of gallants, Genoa's Piero! Piero. Italy's darling, Europe's joy, and so forth! The newest news? unvamp'd?1 Fut. I am no footpost, No pedler of avisos, no monopolist Of forged corantos, monger of gazettes. Piero. But, in pure earnest now, my fine Futelli, How trowls the common noise? Fut. Auria, who lately Wedded and bedded to the fair Spinella, Tired with the enjoyments of delights, is hasting Of the great duke of Florence. Piero. Blockhead! To run from such an armful of pleasures, Fut. Wicked, Shameful, and cowardly, I will maintain. 1 The newest news? unvamp'd?] i. e. fresh, genuine, not patched up. -GIFFORD. VOL. II.-2 Piero. Is all my signor's hospitality, Huge banquetings, deep revels, costly trappings, Fut. Hold thy peace, man; It makes for us: he comes, let's part demurely. [They take different sides. Enter ADURNI and AURIA. Adur. We wish thee, honour'd Auria, life and safety; Return crown'd with a victory, whose wreath Aur. My lord, I shall not live to thrive in any action Piero. I present you My service for a farewell; let few words Fut. For my own part, Kill or be kill'd (for there's the short and long on 't), Call me your shadow's hench-boy.1 Aur. Gentlemen, My business, urging on a present haste, Enforceth short reply. Adur. We dare not hinder Your resolution wing'd with thoughts so constant. All happiness! Piero and Fut. Contents! [Exeunt ADURNI, PIERO, and FUTELLI. Aur. So leave the winter'd people of the north, The minutes of their summer, when the sun Departing leaves them in cold robes of ice, As I leave Genoa. 1 Call me your shadow's hench-boy.] A common expression in our old writers for a page; a state attendant on court or municipal officers. -GIFFORD. Enter TRELCATIO, SPINELLA, and CASTANNA. Now appears the object Of my apprenticed heart: thou bring'st, Spinella, Such will our next embraces be, for life; Will force our sleeps to steal upon our stories. Trel. I dare promise My husbanding that trust with truth and care. Aur. Gentle Castanna, thou 'rt a branch of goodness Grown on the self-same stock with my Spinella.But why, my dear, hast thou lock'd up thy speech [To Spin. In so much silent sadness? Oh! at parting, Belike one private whisper must be sigh'd. Uncle, the best of peace enrich your family! I take my leave. Trel. Blessings and health preserve you! [Exit. Aur. Nay, nay, Castanna, you may hear our counsels; A while you are design'd your sister's husband. 1 And then to take the wreck of our divisions,] i. e. to enjoy the remnant of time which our separations have left us.-GIFFORD. |