Page:The Lamentable and True Tragedie of M. Arden of Feversham in Kent (1592).pdf/49

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of Feuershame.

Ard.
I, where the gentleman did chek his wife.

Fran.
She being reprehended for the fact.
Witnes produced that tooke her with the deed,
Her gloue broght in, which there she left behind,
And many other assured Arguments:
He husband askt her whether if were not so.

Ard.
her answer then, I wonder how she lookt,
Hauing forsworne it with such vehement oathes,
And at the instant so approued vppon her,

Fra.
First did she cast her eyes down to the earth,
Watching the drops that fell amaine from thence,
Then softly drawes she foorth her hand kercher,
And modestly she wypes her teare staind face:
Then hemd she out to cleare her voice should seeme,
And with a maiesty addrest her selfe,
To encounter all their accusations.
Pardon me M. Arden I can no more:
This fighting at my hart, makes shorte my wynde.

Ard.
Come we are almost now at Raynum downe,
Your pretty tale beguiles the weary way:
I would you were in state to tell it out.

Shak.
Stand close Will I heare them cumming.

Here enters Lord Cheiny with his men.


Wil.
Stand to it Shakbag, and be resolute,

Lord Che.
Is it so neere night as it seemes,
Or wil this black faced euening haue a showre?
What M. Arden, you are well met,
I haue longd this fortnights day to speake with you,
You are a stranger man in the ile of Shepny,

Ard.
Your honors alwayes bound to do you seruice,

Lord Che.
Come you from London & nere a man with you?

Ard
My man's comming after,
But her's my honest freend that came along with me.

Lord Che.
My Lord protectors man I take you to bee

Fran.
I my good Lord, and highly bound to you,

Lord Che.
You & your frend come home & sup with me.

Ard.