SCENA II.

Enter Celia, and Governess.

Cel. Governess, from whom was this Gown sent me? Prethee be serious true; I will not wear't else: 'Tis a handsom one.

Gov. As though you know not?

Cel. No faith: But I believe, for certain too, yet I wonder, Because it was his caution, this poor way, Still to preserve me from the curious searchings Of greedy eyes.

Gov. You have it: does it please you?

Cel. 'Tis very rich, methinks too, prethee tell me?

Gov. From one that likes you well, never look coy, Lady; These are no gifts, to be put off with powtings.

Cel. Powtings, and gifts? is it from any stranger?

Gov. You are so curious, that there is no talk to ye. What if it be I pray ye?

Cel. Unpin good Governess, Quick, quick.

Gov. Why, what's the matter?

Cel. Quick, good Governess: Fie on't, how beastly it becomes me! poorly! A trick put in upon me? well said Governess: I vow I would not wear it—out, it smells musty. Are these your tricks? now I begin to smell it, Abominable musty; will you help me? The Prince will come again—

Gov. You are not mad sure?

Cel. As I live I'le cut it off: a pox upon it; For sure it was made for that use; do you bring me Liveries? Stales to catch Kites? dost thou laugh too, thou base woman?

Gov. I cannot chuse, if I should be hang'd.

Cel. Abuse me, And then laugh at me too?

Gov. I do not abuse ye: Is it abuse, to give him drink that's thirsty? You want cloaths; is it such a hainous sin I beseech ye, To see you stor'd?

Cel. There is no greater wickedness Than this way.

Gov. What way?

Cel. I shall curse thee fearfully, If thou provok'st me further: and take heed, woman; My curses never miss.

Gov. Curse him that sent it.

Cel. Tell but his name—

Gov. You dare not curse him.

Cel. Dare not? By this fair light—

Gov. You are so full of passion—

Cel. Dare not be good? be honest? dare not curse him?

Gov. I think you dare not: I believe so.

Cel. Speak him.

Gov. Up with your valour then, up with it bravely, And take your full charge.

Cel. If I do not, hang me; Tell but his name.

Gov. 'Twas Prince Demetrius sent it: Now, now, give fire, kill him i'th' eye now Lady.

Cel. Is he come home?

Gov. It seems so; but your curse now.

Cel. You do not lie, I hope.

_Gov. You dare not curse him.

Cel. Prethee do not abuse me: is he come home indeed? For I would now with all my heart believe thee.

Gov. Nay, you may chuse: alas, I deal for strangers, That send ye scurvie musty Gowns, stale Liveries: I have my tricks.

Cel. 'Tis a good gown, a handsome one; I did but jest; where is he?

Gov. He that sent it—

Cel. How? he that sent it? is't come to that again? Thou canst not be so foolish: prethee speak out, I may mistake thee.

Gov. I said he that sent it.

Cel. Curse o' my life: why dost thou vex me thus? I know thou meanest Demetrius, dost thou not? I charge thee speak truth: if it be any other, Thou knowst the charge he gave thee, and the justice His anger will'inflift, if e're he know this, As know he shall, he shall, thou spightfull woman, Thou beastly woman; and thou shalt know too late too, And feel too sensible, I am no ward, No sale stuff for your money Merchants that sent if? Who dare send me, or how durst thou, thou—

Gov. What you please: For this is ever the reward of service. The Prince shall bring the next himself.

Cel. 'Tis strange That you should deal so peevishly: beshrew ye, You have put me in a heat.

Gov. I am sure ye have kill'd me: I ne're receiv'd such language: I can but wait upon ye, And be your drudge; keep a poor life to serve ye.

Cel. You know my nature is too easie, Governess, And you know now, I am sorry too: how does he?

Gov. O God, my head.

Cel. Prethee be well, and tell me, Did he speak of me, since he came? nay, see now, If thou wilt leave this tyranny? good sweet governess, Did he but name his Celia? look upon me, Upon my faith I meant no harm: here, take this, And buy thy self some trifles: did he good wench?

Gov. He loves ye but too dearly.

Cel. That's my good Governess.

Gov. There's more cloaths making for ye.

Cel. More cloaths?

Gov. More: Richer and braver; I can tell ye that news; And twenty glorious things.

Cel. To what use Sirrah?

Gov. Ye are too good for our house now: we poor wretches Shall lose the comfort of ye.

Cel. No, I hope not.

Gov. For ever lose ye Lady.

Cel. Lose me? wherefore? I hear of no such thing.

Gov. 'Tis sure it must be so: You must shine now at Court: such preparation, Such hurry, and such hanging rooms—

Cel. To th' Court wench? Was it to th' Court thou saidst?

Gov. You'l find it so.

Cel. Stay, stay, this cannot be.

Gov. I say it must be: I hope to find ye still the same good Lady.

Cel. To th' Court? this stumbles me: art sure for me wench, This preparation is?

Gov. She is perilous crafty: I fear too honest for us all too. Am I sure I live?

Cel. To th' Court? this cannot down: what should I do there? Why should he on a suddain change his mind thus, And not make me acquainted? sure he loves me; His vow was made against it, and mine with him: At least while this King liv'd: he will come hither, And see me e're I goe?

Gov. Wou'd some wise woman Had her in working. That I think he will not, Because he means with all joy there to meet ye. Ye shall hear more within this hour.

Cel. A Courtier? What may that meaning be? sure he will see me If he be come, he must: Hark ye good Governess, What age is the King of?

Gov. He's an old man, and full of business.

Cel. I fear too full indeed: what Ladys are there? I would be loth to want good company.

Gov. Delicate young Ladys, as you would desire; And when you are acquainted, the best company.

Cel. 'Tis very well: prethee goe in, let's talk more. For though I fear a trick, Fie bravely try it.

Gov. I see he must be cunning, Knocks this Doe down. [Exeunt.