Page:The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy (1623).pdf/27

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

the Dutchesse of Malfy.

Weare their hats on fore the King.

Ant.
I have seene it.

Duch.
In the Presence?

Ant.
Yes:
Why should not we bring up that fashion?
'Tis ceremony more then duty, that consists
In the remooving of a peece of felt:
Be you the example to the rest o'th' Court,
Put on your hat first.

Ant.
You must pardon me:
I have seene, in colder countries, then in France,
Nobles stand bare to th'Prince; and the distinction
My thought show'd reverently.

Bos.
I have a present for your Grace.

Duch.
For me sir?

Bos.
Apricocks (Madam.)

Duch.
O sir, where are they?
I have heard of none to yeare.

Bos.
Good, her colour rises.

Duch.
Indeed I thanke you: they are wondrous faire ones:
What an unskilfull fellow is our Gardiner?
We shall have none this moneth.

Bos.
Will not your Grace pare them?

Duch.
No, they tast of muske (me thinkes) indeed they doe:

Bos.
I know not: yet I wish your Grace had parde'em:

Duch.
Why?

Bos.
I forgot to tell you the knave Gardner,
(Onely to raise his profit by them the sooner)
Did ripen them in horse-doung.

Duch,
O you jest:
You shall judge: pray tast one.

Ant.
Indeed Madam,
I doe not love the fruit.

Duch.
Sir, you are loath
To rob us of our dainties: 'tis a delicate fruit,
They say they are restorative?

Bos.
'Tis a pretty

Art