Act 5 — SCENE V.
Reading edition
Enter the Alimony Ladies.
Fri. Convened to court! Some masque or princely ball, I'll gage mine honour on't. We must be employed, sisters.
Cav. And usefully too, I hope.
Jul. I see well the court can do nothing without our city revellers. Trust me, I am with child till I get to't: but my desires are enlivened for a sight of my lord especially.
Joc. Or your special lord, madam. We smell your meaning. As I am virtuous, he deserves your smile, or whatsoever may most endear him. I have known none at any time court love with a more graceful nor accurate presence. He can be both seriously amorous and amorously serious.
Med. Surely, Lady Joculette, you set him at a rate far above th' market? you value him not as if you meant to sell.
Joc. No, nor buy neither. I have no property in such a rich pennyworth; for, if I had, I should wish——
Med. I know what, madam.
Joc. Good now! thy conceit?
Med. Shall I freely unbosom me?
All. Pray thee, madam; do, madam!
Med. You would wish that, his puny baker-legs had more Essex[178] growth in them, for else they would make ill butcher's ware!
Joc. Thou art a shrewd wench, trust me.
Tin. Well, ladies, I know a new-minted lord, that can act the Spanish Don, with a peaked beard and a starched look, to an hair.
Fri. O Madam Tinder, I guess where you are; but he wants a little of your spirit. He can cringe and caress better than he dare fight. A lady's honour might perish under such a feverish champion.
Car. For love's sake, let's make haste. Nothing will be done till we come.
Enter Christabel with a crutch.
Chris. Good madam landlady, take lame Christabel along with you; she means to have a bout for her ale-money.
Joc. We shall not want, then, for handsome attendance.
[Exeunt.