The Case is Altered/Act I Scene III

1211365The Case is Altered — Act I Scene IIIBen Jonson

SCENE III.

Enter Juniper, Antonio, Sebastian, Martino, Vincentio, Balthasar and Christophero.

Seb. Valentine! welcome I faith; how

dost, sirrah?

Mart. How do you, good Valentine?

Vinc. Troth, Valentine, I am glad to see you.

Balth. Welcome, sweet rogue.

Seb. Before god he never lookt better in

his life.

Balth. And how is't, man? what alla

coragio?

Val. Never better, gentlemen, I faith.

Junip. 'Swill, here comes the steward.

Chr. Why how now, fellows! all here,

and nobody to wait above, now they are

ready to rise? look up, one or two; signior

Francisco Colonia's man, how does your

good master?

[Exeunt Juniper, Martino, Vincentio.]

Val. In health, sir; he will be here anon.

Chr. Is he come home then?

Val. I, sir, he is not past six miles hence;

he sent me before to learn if count Ferneze

were here, and return him word.

Chr. Yes, my lord is here, and you may

tell your master, he shall come very happily

to take his leave of lord Paulo Ferneze,

who is now instantly to depart, with other

noble gentlemen, upon special service.

Val. I will tell him, sir.

Chr. I pray you do; fellows, make him

drink.

Val. Sirs, what service is't they are employed in?

Seb. Why, against the French; they

mean to have a fling at Milain again, they

say.

Val. Who leads our forces, can you tell?

Seb. Marry, that does signior Maximilian,

he is above now.

Val. Who! Maximilian of Vicenza?

Balt. I, he; do you know him?

Fal. Know him! O yes, he's an excellent

brave soldier.

Balt. I, so they say; but one of the

most vain-glorious men in Europe.

Val. He is indeed marry exceeding valiant.

Seb. And that is rare.

Balth. What?

Seb. Why, to see a vain-glorious man

valiant.

Val. Well, he is so, I assure you.

Enter Juniper.

Junip. What no farther yet! come on,

you precious rascal, Sir Valentine, I'll give

you a health i' faith; for the heavens, you

mad Capricio, hold hook and line.