It will be pastime passing excellent, If it be husbanded with modesty.First Huntsman My lord, I warrant you we will play our part, As he shall think by our true diligence He is no less than what we say he is.Lord Take him up gently and to bed with him;And each one to his office when he wakes.
Some bear out SLY.A trumpet sounds Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds:
Exit Servingman Belike, some noble gentleman that means, Travelling some journey, to repose him here.
Re-enter Servingman How now! who is it? Servant An't please your honour, players That offer service to your lordship.Lord Bid them come near.
Enter Players Now, fellows, you are welcome.Players We thank your honour.Lord Do you intend to stay with me tonight? A Player So please your lordship to accept our duty.Lord With all my heart.This fellow I remember, Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son:
'Twas where you woo'd the gentlewoman so well:
I have forgot your name; but, sure, that part Was aptly fitted and naturally perform'd.A Player I think 'twas Soto that your honour means.Lord 'Tis very true: thou didst it excellent.
Well, you are come to me in a happy time;The rather for I have some sport in hand Wherein your cunning can assist me much.
There is a lord will hear you play to-night:
But I am doubtful of your modesties;
Lest over-eyeing of his odd behavior,--
For yet his honour never heard a play--
You break into some merry passion And so offend him; for I tell you, sirs, If you should smile he grows impatient.A Player Fear not, my lord: we can contain ourselves, Were he the veriest antic in the world.Lord Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery, And give them friendly welcome every one:
Let them want nothing that my house affords.
Exit one with the Players Sirrah, go you to Barthol'mew my page, And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady:
That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber;And call him 'madam,' do him obeisance.
Tell him from me, as he will win my love, He bear himself with honourable action, Such as he hath observed in noble ladies Unto their lords, by them accomplished:
Such duty to the drunkard let him do With soft low tongue and lowly courtesy, And say 'What is't your honour will command, Wherein your lady and your humble wife May show her duty and make known her love?'
And then with kind embracements, tempting kisses, And with declining head into his bosom, Bid him shed tears, as being overjoy'd To see her noble lord restored to health, Who for this seven years hath esteem'd him No better than a poor and loathsome beggar:
And if the boy have not a woman's gift To rain a shower of commanded tears, An onion will do well for such a shift, Which in a napkin being close convey'd Shall in despite enforce a watery eye.
See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst:
Anon I'll give thee more instructions.
Exit a Servingman I know the boy will well usurp the grace, Voice, gait and action of a gentlewoman:
I long to hear him call the drunkard husband, And how my men will stay themselves from laughter When they do homage to this simple peasant.
I'll in to counsel them; haply my presence May well abate the over-merry spleen Which otherwise would grow into extremes.
Exeunt
