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The works of Thomas Middleton, Volume 4 (of 5)

Act 2 — SCENE IV.

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Before Allwit’s house.

Enter from the house[62] Midwife with the child, Lady Kix and other Gossips, who exeunt; then Maudlin, Puritans, and other Gossips.

First Gos. Good mistress Yellowhammer——

41Maud. In faith, I will not.

First Gos. Indeed it[63] shall be yours.

Maud. I have sworn, i’faith.

First Gos. I'll stand still then.

Maud. So, will you let the child

Go without company, and make me forsworn?

First Gos. You are such another creature!

[Exeunt First Gossip and Maudlin.

Sec. Gos. Before me?

I pray come down a little.

Third Gos. Not a whit;

I hope I know my place.

Sec. Gos. Your place? great wonder, sure!

Are you any better than a comfit-maker’s wife?

Third Gos. And that’s as good at all times as a pothecary’s.

Sec. Gos. Ye lie! yet I forbear you too.

[Exeunt Second and Third Gossips.

First Pur. Come, sweet sister; we go

In unity, and shew the fruits of peace,

Like children of the spirit.

Sec. Pur. I love lowliness. [Exeunt Puritans.

Fourth Gos. True, so say I, though they strive more;

There comes as proud behind as goes before.

Fifth Gos. Every inch, i’faith. [Exeunt.

42

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