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Play her part naturally, more to the life

Than she's aware on.

BELLARIUS

There must I be pleased.

Thou'rt one of the actors; thou't be missed anon.

LEONELLA

Alas, a woman's action's always ready.

Yet I'll down now I think on't.

BELLARIUS

Do; 'tis time, i'faith.

Descendet Leonella.

ANSELMUS

[Aside] I know not yet where I should plant belief,

I am so strangely toss'd between two tales.

I'm told by my wife's woman the deed's done,

And in Votarius' tongue 'tis yet to come:

The castle is but upon yielding yet;

'Tis not delivered up. Well, we shall find

The mystery shortly. I will entertain

The patience of a prisoner i' th' meantime.

Locks himself in. Enter Anselmus' [Wife] and Leonella.

WIFE

[Aside to her] Is all set ready, wench?

LEONELLA

Push, madam, all.

WIFE

[Aloud] Tell me not so. She lives not for a lady

That has less peace than I.

LEONELLA

Nay, good sweet madam,

You would not think how much this passion alters you.

It drinks up all the beauty of your cheek;

I promise you, madam, you have lost much blood.

WIFE

Let it draw death upon me, for till then

I shall be mistress of no true content.

Who could endure hourly temptation

And bear it as I do?

LEONELLA

Nay, that's most certain,

Unless it were myself, again. I can do't;

I suffer the like daily. You should complain, madam.

WIFE

Which way? Were that wisdom? Prithee, wench, to whom?

LEONELLA

To him that makes all whole again, my lord,

To one that, if he be a kind, good husband,

Will let you bear no more than you are able.

WIFE

Thou know'st not what thou speak'st. Why, my lord's he

That gives him the house-freedom, all his boldness,

Keeps him a' purpose here to war with me.

LEONELLA

Now I hold wiser of my lord than so.

He knows the world; he would not be so idle.

WIFE

I speak sad truth to thee. I am not private

In mine own chamber, such his imprudence is.

Nay, my repenting time is scarce blessed from him;

He will offend my prayers.

LEONELLA

Out upon him!

I believe, madam, he's of no religion.

WIFE

He serves my lord, and that's enough for him,

And [preys] upon poor ladies like myself:

There's all the gentleman's devotion!

LEONELLA

Marry, the devil of hell give him his blessing!

WIFE

Pray watch the door, and suffer none to trouble us

Unless it be my lord.

LEONELLA

[Aside] 'Twas finely spoke, that;

My lord indeed is the most trouble to her.

Now must I show a piece of service here.

How do I spend my days! Life, shall I never

Get higher than a lady's doorkeeper?

I must be married as my lady is, first,

And then my maid may do as much for me.

WIFE

Oh, miserable time! Except my lord

Do wake in honourable pity to me

And rid this vicious gamester from his house,

Whom I have checked so often, here I vow

I'll imitate my noble sister's fate,

Late mistress to the worthy Govianus,

And cast away my life as [she] did hers.

Enter Votarius to the door within.

LEONELLA

Back! Y'are too forward, sir. There's no coming for you.

VOTARIUS

How, Mistress Len, my lady's smock-woman!

Am I no farther in your duty yet?

LEONELLA

Duty! Look for't of them you keep under, sir.

VOTARIUS

You'll let me in?

LEONELLA

Who would you speak withal?

VOTARIUS

With the best lady you make curtsy to.

LEONELLA

She will not speak with you.

VOTARIUS

Have you her mind?

I scorn to take her answer of her broker.

LEONELLA

Madam!

WIFE

What's there? How now, sir, what's your business?

We see your boldness plain.

VOTARIUS

I came to see you, madam.

WIFE

Farewell, then; though 'twas impudence too much

When I was private.

VOTARIUS

Madam!

WIFE

Life, he was born

To beggar all my patience!

VOTARIUS

I'm bold

Still to prefer my love. Your woman hears me not.

WIFE

Where's modesty and honour? Have I not thrice

Answered thy lust?

LEONELLA

[Aside] Byrlady, I think oft'ner.

WIFE

And dar'st thou yet look with temptation on us?

Since nothing will prevail, come death, come vengeance!

I will forget the weakness of my