Act 1 — Scene IV.[1844]

Sub. What says my dainty Dolkin? Dol. Yonder fish-wife Will not away. And there ’s your giantess, The bawd of Lambeth. Sub. Heart, I cannot speak with ’em. Dol. Not afore night, I have told ’em in a voice, Thorough the trunk, like one of your familiars. But I have spied Sir Epicure Mammon—— Sub. Where?5 Dol. Coming along, at far end of the lane, Slow of his feet, but earnest of his tongue To one that’s with him. Sub. Face, go you and shift. Dol, you must presently make ready too.10 [Exit Face.] Dol. Why, what’s the matter? Sub. O, I did look for him With the sun’s rising: marvel he could sleep! This is the day I am to perfect for him The magisterium, our great work, the stone; And yield it, made, into his hands; of which15 He has, this month, talk’d as he were possess’d. And now he’s dealing pieces on’t away. Methinks I see him ent’ring ordinaries, Dispensing for the pox, and plaguy houses, Reaching his dose, walking Moorfields for lepers,20 And off’ring citizens’ wives pomander[1845] bracelets, As his preservative, made of the elixir; Searching the ’spital, to make old bawds young; And the highways, for beggars to make rich. I see no end of his labours. He will make25 Nature asham’d of her long sleep; when art, Who’s but a step-dame, shall do more than she, In her best love to mankind, ever could. If his dream last, he’ll turn the age to gold. [Exeunt.]