the Dutchesse of Malfy
To live i'th Court, here: and observe the Duchesse,
To note all the particulars of her haviour:
What suitors doe sollicite her for marriage
And whom she best affects: she's a yong widowe,
I would not have her marry againe.
Bos.
No, Sir?
Ferd.
Doe not you aske the reason: but be satisfied,
I say I would not.
Bos.
It seemes you would create me
One of your familiars.
Ferd.
Familiar? what's that?
Bos.
Why, a very quaint invisible Divell, in flesh:
An Intelligencer.
Ferd.
Such a kind of thriving thing
I would wish thee: and ere long, thou maist arrive
At a higher place by't.
Bos.
Take your Divels
Which Hell calls Angels: these curs'd gifts would make
You a corrupter, me an impudent traitor,
And should I take these they 'll'd take me Hell.
Fer.
Sir, I'll take nothing from you, that I have given:
There is a place, that I procur'd for you
This morning: (the Provisor-ship o'th' horse)
Have you heard out?
Bos.
Noe.
Fer.
'Tis yours, is't not worth thankes?
Bos.
I would have you curse your selfe now, that your bounty
(Which makes men truly noble) ere should make
Me a villaine: oh, that to avoid ingratitude
For the good deed you have done me, I must doe
All the ill man can invent: Thus the Divell
Candies all sinnes are: and what Heaven termes vild,
That names he complementall.
Fer.
Be your selfe:
Keepe your old garbe of melencholly: 'twill expresse
You envy those that stand above your reach,
Yet strive not to come neere'em: This will gaine
Accesse,
