Act 3 — ACT III.[582] SCENE I.
Reading edition
ACT III.[582] SCENE I.
A Room in Tailby’s Lodging.
Enter Tailby reading a letter.
Tai. [reads] My husband is rode from home: make no delay; I know, if your will be as free as your horse, you will see me yet ere dinner. From Kingston, this eleventh of November.—Hah! these women are such creatures, such importunate, sweet souls, they’ll scarce give a man leave to be ready;[583] that’s their only fault, i’faith: if they be once set upon a thing, why, there’s no removing of ’em, till their pretty wills be fulfilled. O, pity thy poor oppressed client here, sweet Cupid, that has scarce six hours’ vacation in a month, his causes hang in so many courts! yet never suffer my French adversary, nor his big swoln confederates, to overthrow me,
Who without mercy would my blood carouse,
And lay me in prison in a doctor’s house.
Thy clemency, great Cupid!—Peace, who comes here?
Enter Pursenet.
Pur. Sir gallant, well encountered.
Tai. I both salute and take my leave together.
264Pur. Why, whither so fast, sir?
Tai. Excuse me, pray; I’m in a little haste;
My horse waits for me.
Pur. What, some journey toward?[584]
Tai. A light one, i’faith, sir.
Pur. I’m[585] sorry that my business so commands me,
I cannot ride with you; but I make no question
You have company enough.
Tai. Alas, not any!—nor do I desire it.—[Aside.
Why, ’tis but to Kingston yonder.
Pur. O, cry you mercy, sir.
Tai. ’Scape but one reach, there’s little danger thither.
Pur. True, a little of Combe Park.[586]
Tai. You’ve nam’d the place, sir; that’s all I fear, i’faith.
Pur. Farewell, sweet master Tailby. [Exit Tail.
This fell out happily;
I’ll call this purchase[587] mine before I greet him;
E’en where his fear lies most, there will I meet him.