Cynthia's Revels Part 18

MORUS. Aunt, my master thanks you.

MOR. Call him hither.

MORUS. Yes; master.

MOR. Yes, in verity, and gave me this purse, and he has promised me a most fine dog; which he will have drawn with my picture, he says: and desires most vehemently to be known to your ladyships.

PHA. Call him hither, 'tis good groping such a gull.

MORUS. Master Asotus, master Asotus!

ASO. For love's sake, let me go: you see I am call'd to the ladies.

ARG. Wilt thou forsake me, then?

ASO. Od so! what would you have me do?

MOR. Come hither, master Asotus.--I do ensure your ladyships, he is a gentleman of a very worthy desert: and of a most bountiful nature.--You must shew and insinuate yourself responsible, and equivalent now to my commendment.--Good honours grace him.

ASO. I protest, more then most fair ladies, "I do wish all variety of divine pleasures, choice sports, sweet music, rich fare, brave attire, soft beds, and silken thoughts, attend these fair beauties". Will it please your ladyship to wear this chain of pearl, and this diamond, for my sake?

ARG. O!

ASO. And you, madam, this jewel and pendants?

ARG. O!

PHA. We know not how to deserve these bounties, out of so slight merit, Asotus.

PHI. No, in faith, but there's my glove for a favour.

PHA. And soon after the revels, I will bestow a garter on you.

ASO. O lord, ladies! it is more grace than ever I could have hoped, but that it pleaseth your ladyships to extend. I protest it is enough, that you but take knowledge of my--if your ladyships want embroidered gowns, tires of any fashion, rebatues, jewels, or carcanets, any thing whatsoever, if you vouchsafe to accept--

CUP. And for it they will help you to shoe-ties, and devices.

ASO. I cannot utter myself, dear beauties, but; you can conceive--

ARG. O!

PHA. Sir, we will acknowledge your service, doubt not-- henceforth, you shall be no more Asotus to us, but our goldfinch, and we your cages.

ASO. O Venus! madams! how shall I deserve this? if I were but made acquainted with Hedon, now,--I'll try: pray you, away.

[TO ARGURION.]

MER. How he prays money to go away from him.

ASO. Amorphus, a word with you; here's a watch I would bestow upon you, pray you make me known to that gallant.

AMO. That I will, sir.--Monsieur Hedon, I must entreat you to exchange knowledge with this gentleman.

HED. 'Tis a thing, next to the water, we expect, I thirst after, sir. Good monsieur Asotus.

ASO. Good monsieur Hedon, I would be glad to be loved of men of your rank and spirit, I protest. Please you to accept this pair of bracelets, sir; they are not worth the bestowing--

MER. O Hercules, how the gentleman purchases, this must needs bring Argurion to a consumption.

HED. Sir, I shall never stand in the merit of such bounty, I fear.

ASO. O Venus, sir; your acquaintance shall be sufficient. And if at any time you need my bill, or my bond--

ARG. O! O! [SWOONS.]

AMO. Help the lady there!

MOR. G.o.ds-dear, Argurion! madam, how do you?

ARG. Sick.

PHA. Have her forth, and give her air.

ASO. I come again straight, ladies.

[EXEUNT ASOTUS, MORUS, AND ARGURION.]

MER. Well, I doubt all the physic he has will scarce recover her; she's too far spent.

RE-ENTER ANAIDES WITH GELAIA, PROSAITES, AND COS, WITH THE BOTTLES.

PHI. O here's the water come; fetch gla.s.ses, page.

GEL. Heart of my body, here's a coil, indeed, with your jealous humours! nothing but wh.o.r.e and b.i.t.c.h, and all the villainous swaggering names you can think on! 'Slid, take your bottle, and put it in your guts for me, I'll see you pox'd ere I follow you any longer.

ANA. Nay, good punk, sweet rascal; d--n me, if I am jealous now.

GEL. That's true, indeed, pray let's go.

MOR. What's the matter there?

GEL. 'Slight, he has me upon interrogatories, (nay, my mother shall know how you use me,) where I have been? and why I should stay so long? and how is't possible? and withal calls me at his pleasure I know not how many c.o.c.katrices, and things.

MOR. In truth and sadness, these are no good epitaphs Anaides, to bestow upon any gentlewoman; and I'll ensure you if I had known you would have dealt thus with my daughter, she should never have fancied you so deeply as she has done. Go to.

ANA. Why, do you hear, mother Moria? heart!

MOR. Nay, I pray you, sir, do not swear.