To that young damsel, if not wedded yet.
Jaundiced envy touch all married ones,
And they who're not, may weep with rage in vain.
Tamar. Heaven bless you all, good folk!
Are you of this village, pray?
Roselo. Ferrara is our native home.
Tamar. Odds, life! take off thy hat and cloak, my child.
Julia. All through the night we've journey'd on
Our cheerless, dull, and weary way. Let me retire,
And anon I'll at your service be.
Tamar. Now, which of ye three the damsel claims?
Marin. She should be mine.
Tamar. You should look wiser, for her choice
Shows crabbed taste when two
Such pretty fellows did remain.
Julia. And which wouldst thou choose,
Hadst thou the choosing now?
Tamar. The taller; for his bearing and his eye
Doth promise love and wit and honesty.
Roselo. Perhaps my companion here might be the wiser choice.
Julia (aside). Although I feel his words to be but jest,
My heart owns pang of jealousy as passing guest.
Tamar. O Heaven pardon me, my child!
Methinks I see my Lady Julia's look, sweet girl.
Come, what seek ye here?
Anselmo. Honest labour and its worth.
Tamar. My father's in the fields, and with
My brother seeks some help to tend
Upon my lord, who comes with friends to-day.
Julia. Comes your lord here to-day?
