Act 4 — Scene V.[1296]
Reading edition
Scene V.[1296]
[Enter] E. Knowell, Wellbred, Stephen, and Brainworm, [disguised as before.]
E. Know. Well, Brainworm, perform this business happily, and thou makest a purchase of my love for ever.
Wel. I’ faith, now let thy spirits use their best faculties: but, at any hand, remember 5 the message to my brother; for there’s no other means to start him.
Brai. I warrant you, sir; fear nothing; I have a nimble soul has wakt all forces of my phant’sie by this time, and put ’em in true 10 motion. What you have possest[1297] me withal, I’ll discharge it amply, sir; make it no question.
[Exit.]
Wel. Forth, and prosper, Brainworm. Faith, Ned, how dost thou approve of my abilities in this device? 16
E. Know. Troth, well, howsoever; but it will come excellent if it take.
Wel. Take, man! why it cannot choose but take, if the circumstances miscarry not: 20 but, tell me ingenuously, dost thou affect my sister Bridget as thou pretend’st?
E. Know. Friend, am I worth belief?
Wel. Come, do not protest. In faith, she is a maid of good ornament, and much modesty; 25 and, except I conceiv’d very worthily of her, thou should’st not have her.
E. Know. Nay, that, I am afraid, will be a question yet, whether I shall have her, or no.
Wel. ’Slid, thou shalt have her; by this light thou shalt. 31
E. Know. Nay, do not swear.
Wel. By this hand thou shalt have her; I’ll go fetch her presently. ’Point but where to meet, and as I am an honest man I’ll bring her.
E. Know. Hold, hold, be temperate. 36
Wel. Why, by——what shall I swear by? Thou shalt have her, as I am——
E. Know. Pray thee, be at peace, I am satisfied; and do believe thou wilt omit no 40 offered occasion to make my desires complete.
Well. Thou shalt see, and know, I will not.
[Exeunt.]