Volume Ix Part 52 (1/2)

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Marry, with my lands and livings my father has promised me.

LELIA.

I have heard much of your wealth, but I never knew you manners before now.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Faith, I have no manors, but a pretty home-stall; and we have great store of oxen and horses, and carts and ploughs and household-stuff 'bomination, and great flocks of sheep, and flocks of geese and capons, and hens and ducks. O, we have a fine yard of pullen! And, thank G.o.d, here's a fine weather for my father's lambs.

LELIA.

I cannot live content in discontent: For as no music can delight the ears, Where all the parts of discords are composed.

So wedlock-bands will still consist in jars, Where in condition there's no sympathy; Then rest yourself contented with this answer-- I cannot love.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

It's no matter what you say: for my father told me thus much before I came, that you would be something nice at first; but he bad me like you ne'er the worse for that, for I were the liker to speed.

LELIA.

Then you were best leave off your suit till Some other time: and when my leisure serves me To love you, I'll send you word.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Will you? well then I'll take my leave of you; and if I may hear from you, I'll pay the messenger well for his pains. But stay--G.o.d's death! I had almost forgot myself! pray ye, let me kiss your hand, ere I go.

NURSE.

Faith, mistress, his mouth runs a-water for a kiss; a little would serve his turn, belike: let him kiss your hand.

LELIA.

I'll not stick for that. [_He kisseth her hand_.

PETER PLOD-ALL.

Mistress Lelia, G.o.d be with you.

LELIA.

Farewell, Peter. [_Exit_ PETER.

Thus lucre's set in golden chair of state, When learning's bid stand by, and keeps aloof: This greedy humour fits my father's vein, Who gapes for nothing but for golden gain.

_Enter_ CHURMS.

NURSE.

Mistress, take heed you speak nothing that will bear action, for here comes Master Churms the pettifogger.

CHURMS.

Mistress Lelia, rest you merry: what's the reason you and your nurse walk here alone?

LELIA.

Because, sir, we desire no other company but our own.

CHURMS.

Would I were then your own, that I might keep you company.

NURSE.

O sir, you and he that is her own are far asunder.