the Dutchesse of Malfy.
In my conceit, none are to be suspected
More then your selfe.
Bos.
You are a false steward.
Ant.
Sawcy slave: I'll pull thee up by the rootes;
Bos.
May be the ruyne will crush you to peeces.
Ant.
You are an impudent snake indeed (sir)
Are you scarce warme, and doe you shew your sting?
Ant.
You Libell well (sir.)
Bos.
No (sir,)
Copy it out: and I will set my hand to't.
Ant.
My nose bleedes: One that were superstitious, would count
This ominous: when it meerely comes by chance.
Two letters, that are wrought here, for my name
Are drown'd in blood: meere accedent: for you (sir) I'll take order:
I'th morne you shall be safe: 'tis that must colour
Her lying-in: sir, this doore you passe not:
I doe not hold it fit, that you come neere
The Dutchesse lodgings, till you have quite your selfe;
The Great are like the Base; nay, they are the same.
When they seeke shamefull waies, to avoid shame.Ex.
Bos.
Antonio here about, did drop a Paper,
Some of your helpe (falce-friend) oh, here it is:
What's here? a childes Nativitie calculated?
The Dutchesse was deliver'd of a Sonne, 'tweene the houres twelve, and one, in the night: Anno Dom: 1504. (that's this yeere) decimo nono Decembris, (that's this night) taken according to the Meridian of Malfy (that's our Dutchesse: happy discovery) The Lord of the first house, being combust in the ascendant, signifies short life: and Mars being in a human signe, joyn'd to the taile of the Dragon, in the eight house, doth threaten a violent death; Cæteta non scrutantur.
Why now 'tis most apparant: This precise fellow
Is the Dutchesse Bawde: I have it to my wish:
This is a parcell of Intelligency
Our Courtiers were caside-up for? It needes must follow,
That I must be committed, on pretence
Of poysoning her: which I'll endure, and laugh at:
If
