the Dutchesse of Malfy.
Ant.
What's your conceit in this?
Duch.
I would have you leade your Fortune by the hand.
Unto your marriage bed:
(You speake in me this, for we now are one)
We'll onely lie, and talke together, and plot
T'appease my humorous kindred; and if you please
(Like the old tale, in Alexander and Lodewicke)
Lay a naked sword betweene us, keepe us chast:
Oh, let me shrowd my blushes in your bosome,
Since 'tis the treasury of all my secrets.
Car.
Whether the spirit of greatnes, or of woman
Raigne most in her, I know not, but it shewes
A fearefull madnes, I owe her much of pitty. Exeunt.
ACTUS II. SCENA I.
Bosola, Castruchio, an Old Lady, Antonio, Delio,
Duchesse, Rodorico, Grisolan.
Bos.
You say, you would faine be taken, for an eminent Courtier?
Cast.
'Tis the very main of my ambition.
Bos.
Let me see: you have a reasonable good face for't already,
And your night-cap expresses your eares sufficient largely,
I would have you learne to twirle the strings of your band with a
Good grace; and in a set speech, (at th'end of every sentence,)
To hum, three, or foure times, or blow your nose (till it smart againe,)
To recover your memory, when you come to be a president in
Criminall causes, if you smile upon a prisoner, hang him, but if
You frowne upon him, and threaten him, let him be sure to scape
The Gallowes.
Cast.
I would be a very merrie president.
Bos.
Do not sup a nights, 'twill beget you an admirable wit.
Cast.
Rather it would make me have a good stomake to quarrel,
For they say, your roaring-boyes eate meat seldome,
And that makes them so valiant:
But how shall I know whether the people take me
For
