Act 2 — SCENE III.

A hall in Allwit’s house.

Enter Allwit in one of Sir Walter’s suits, and Davy trussing him.^[57]

Allwit. ’Tis a busy day at our house, Davy.

Davy. Always the kursning-day,^[58] sir.

Allwit. Truss, truss me, Davy.

Davy. No matter and^[59] you were hang’d, sir. [Aside.

Allwit. How does this suit fit me, Davy?

Davy. Excellent neatly;

My master’s things were ever fit for you, sir,

E'en to a hair, you know.

Allwit. Thou’st hit it right, Davy;

We ever jump’d in one this ten years, Davy;

So, well said.—

Enter Man with a box.

What art thou?

Man. Your comfit-maker’s man, sir.

Allwit. O sweet youth!

In to the nurse, quick, quick, ’tis time, i’faith.

Your mistress will be here?

Man. She was setting forth, sir. [Exit.

Allwit. Here come^[60] our gossips now: O, I shall have

Such kissing work to-day!—

Enter two Puritans.

Sweet mistress Underman,

Welcome, i’faith.

39First Pur. Give you joy of your fine girl, sir:

Grant that her education may be pure,

And become one of the faithful!

Allwit. Thanks to your sisterly wishes, mistress Underman.

Sec. Pur. Are any of the brethren’s wives yet come?

Allwit. There are some wives within, and some at home.

First Pur. Verily, thanks, sir. [Exeunt Puritans.

Allwit. Verily you’re an ass, forsooth:

I must fit all these times, or there’s no music.

Here comes a friendly and familiar pair:

Enter two Gossips.

Now I like these wenches well.

First Gos. How dost, sirrah?

Allwit. Faith, well, I thank you, neighbour;—and how dost thou?

Sec. Gos. Want nothing but such getting, sir, as thine.

Allwit. My gettings, wench? they’re poor.

First Gos. Fie, that thou’lt say so;

Thou’st as fine children as a man can get.

Davy. Ay, as a man can get, and that’s my master.

[Aside.

Allwit. They’re pretty foolish things, put to making in minutes,

I ne’er stand long about ’em. Will you walk in, wenches?

[Exeunt Gossips.

Enter Touchwood junior and Moll.

Touch. jun. The happiest meeting that our souls could wish for!

40Here is the ring ready; I'm beholding^[61]

Unto your father’s haste, has kept his hour.

Moll. He never kept it better.

Enter Sir Walter Whorehound.

Touch. jun. Back, be silent.

Sir Wal. Mistress and partner, I will put you both

Into one cup.

Davy. Into one cup? most proper;

A fitting compliment for a goldsmith’s daughter.

[Aside.

Allwit. Yes, sir, that’s he must be your worship’s partner

In this day’s business, master Touchwood’s brother.

Sir Wal. I embrace your acquaintance, sir.

Touch. jun. It vows your service, sir.

Sir Wal. It’s near high time; come, master Allwit.

Allwit. Ready, sir.

Sir Wal. Wilt please you walk?

Touch. jun. Sir, I obey your time. [Exeunt.