Act 3 — Scene III.[1650]

Volp. Mosca stays long, methinks.—Bring forth your sports, And help to make the wretched time more sweet. Nan. “Dwarf, fool, and eunuch, well met here we be. A question it were now, whether of us three, Being all the known delicates of a rich man,5 In pleasing him, claim the precedency can?” Cas. “I claim for myself.” And. “And so doth the fool.” Nan. “’T is foolish indeed: let me set you both to school. First for your dwarf, he’s little and witty, And everything, as it is little, is pretty;10 Else why do men say to a creature of my shape, So soon as they see him, ’It’s a pretty little ape’? And why a pretty ape, but for pleasing imitation Of greater men’s actions, in a ridiculous fashion?14 Beside, this feat[1651] body of mine doth not crave Half the meat, drink, and cloth, one of your bulks will have. Admit your fool’s face be the mother of laughter, Yet, for his brain, it must always come after: And though that do feed him, it ’s a pitiful case, His body is beholding to such a bad face.”20 One knocks. Volp. Who’s there? My couch; away! look! Nano, see: [Exeunt And. and Cas.] Give me my caps first—go, inquire. [Exit Nano.] Now, Cupid Send it be Mosca, and with fair return! Nan. [within.] It is the beauteous madam— Volp. Would-be——is it? Nan. The same. Volp. Now torment on me! Squire her in;25 For she will enter, or dwell here for ever: Nay, quickly. [Retires to his couch.] That my fit were past! I fear A second hell too, that my loathing this Will quite expel my appetite to the other: Would she were taking now her tedious leave. Lord, how it threats me what I am to suffer!31