the Dutchesse of Malfy.
Duch.
Why might not I marry?
I have not gone about, in this, to create
Any new world, or custome.
Ferd.
Thou art undone:
And thou hast ta'ne that massiy sheete of lead
That hid thy husbands bones, and foulded it
About my heart.
Dutch.
Mine bleedes for't.
Ford.
Thine? thy heart?
What should I nam't, unlesse a hollow bullet
Fill'd with unquenchable wild-fire?
Dutch.
You are, in this
Too strict: and were you not my Princely brother
I would say to wilfull: My reputation
Is safe.
Ferd.
Dost thou know what reputation is
I'll tell thee, to small purpose, since th'instruction
Comes now too late:
Upon a time Reputation, Love, and Death,
Would travell ore the world: and it was concluded
That they should part, and take three severall wayes:
Death told them, they should find him in great Battailes:
Or Cities plagu'd with plagues: Love gives them councell
To enquire for him 'mongst unambitious shepheards,
Where dowries were not talk'd of: and sometimes
'Mongst quiet kindred, that had nothing left
By their dead Parents: stay (quoth Reputation)
Doe not forsake me: for it is my nature
If once I part from any man I meete
I am never found againe: And so, for you:
You have shooked hands with Reputation,
And made him invisible: So fare you well.
I will never see you more.
Dutch.
Why should onely I,
Of all the other Princes of the World
Be cas'de-up, like a holy Relique? I have youth,
And a litle beautie.
Ferd.
