SCENE II.—A Hall in the same Palace.

Enter Bosola.

Bos. So, so, there's no question but her techiness and most vulturous eating of the apricocks are apparent signs of breeding.

Enter an Old Lady.

Now?

Old Lady. I am in haste, sir.

Bos. There was a young waiting-woman had a monstrous desire to see the glass-house—

Old Lady. Nay, pray let me go.

Bos. And it was only to know what strange instrument it was should swell up a glass to the fashion of a woman's belly.

Old Lady. I will hear no more of the glass-house. You are still abusing women?

Bos. Who, I? no; only, by the way now and then, mention your frailties. The orange-tree bears ripe and green fruit and blossoms all together; and some of you give entertainment for pure love, but more for more precious reward. The lusty spring smells well; but drooping autumn tastes well. If we have the same golden showers that rained in the time of Jupiter the thunderer, you have the same Danäes still, to hold up their laps to receive them. Didst thou never study the mathematics?

Old Lady. What's that, sir?

Bos. Why to know the trick how to make a many lines meet in one centre. Go, go, give your foster-daughters good counsel: tell them, that the devil takes delight to hang at a woman's girdle, like a false rusty watch, that she cannot discern how the time passes. [Exit Old Lady.

Enter Antonio, Roderigo, and Grisolan.

Ant. Shut up the court-gates.

Rod. Why, sir? what's the danger?

Ant. Shut up the posterns presently, and call All the officers o' the court.

Gris. I shall instantly. [Exit.

Ant. Who keeps the key o' the park-gate?

Rod. Forobosco.

Ant. Let him bring't presently.

Re-enter Grisolan with Servants.

1st Serv. O, gentlemen o' the court, the foulest treason!

Bos. [Aside.] If that these apricocks should be poisoned now, Without my knowledge!

1st Serv. There was taken even now a Switzer in the duchess' bed chamber—

2nd Serv. A Switzer!

1st Serv. With a pistol in his great cod-piece.

Bos. Ha, ha, ha!

1st Serv. The cod-piece was the case for't.

2nd Serv. There was a cunning traitor: who would have searched his cod-piece?

1st Serv. True, if he had kept out of the ladies' chambers: and all the moulds of his buttons were leaden bullets.

2nd Serv. O wicked cannibal! a fire-lock in's cod-piece!

1st Serv. 'Twas a French plot, upon my life.

2nd Serv. To see what the devil can do!

Ant. Are all the officers here?

Servants. We are.

Ant. Gentlemen, We have lost much plate you know; and but this evening Jewels, to the value of four thousand ducats, Are missing in the duchess' cabinet. Are the gates shut? Serv. Yes. Ant. 'Tis the duchess' pleasure Each officer be locked into his chamber Till the sun-rising; and to send the keys Of all their chests and of their outward doors Into her bed-chamber. She is very sick. Rod. At her pleasure. Ant. She entreats you take't not ill: the innocent Shall be the more approved by it. Bos. Gentleman o' the wood-yard, where's your Switzer now?

1st Serv. By this hand, 'twas credibly reported by one o' the black guard.[120] [Exeunt all except Antonio and Delio.

Delio. How fares it with the duchess? Ant. She's exposed Unto the worst of torture, pain and fear. Delio. Speak to her all happy comfort. Ant. How I do play the fool with mine own danger! You are this night, dear friend, to post to Rome: My life lies in your service. Delio. Do not doubt me. Ant. O, 'tis far from me: and yet fear presents me Somewhat that looks like danger. Delio. Believe it, 'Tis but the shadow of your fear, no more: How superstitiously we mind our evils! The throwing down salt, or crossing of a hare. Bleeding at nose, the stumbling of a horse, Or singing of a cricket, are of power To daunt whole man in us. Sir, fare you well: I wish you all the joys of a blessed father: And, for my faith, lay this unto your breast,— Old friends, like old swords, still are trusted best. [Exit.

Enter Cariola.

Cari. Sir, you are the happy father of a son: Your wife commends him to you. Ant. Blessèd comfort!— For Heaven' sake tend her well: I'll presently Go set a figure for's nativity. [Exeunt.