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PRINTED FOR THE MALONE SOCIETY BY

HORACE HART M.A. AT THE

OXFORD UNIVERSITY

PRESS

THE WIT

OF A WOMAN

1604

■

t -> p f >

THE MALONE SOCIETY REPRINTS

I91 3

This reprint of the Wit of a Woman has been prepared under the direction of the General Editor.

Dec. 1 9 1 3. W. W. Greg.

zftt

No entry of the Wit of a Woman has been found in the Stationers' Register. The quarto printed with the date 1 6o\ for Edward White contains ornaments used by Edward Allde. It is in roman type of a size approximating to modern pica (20 11.= 83 mm.). There are copies at the British Museum, at the Bodleian Library, and in the collection of the Duke of Devonshire. The second of these has formed the basis of the present reprint, while the first has been constantly and the third occasionally consulted.

Nothing whatever is known as to the authorship or date of this play, or as to the circumstances either of its pro- duction or printing.

List of Doubtful Readings, &c.

N.B. — The following is primarily a list of those passages in which the reading of the original is open to question, and of those in which different copies of the original have been found to vary. It also includes a number of readings which are evident typographical blunders of the original, or which are liable to be mistaken for such, this being necessary as a defence of the accuracy of the reprint. It makes, however, no pretence of supplying a complete list of errors and corruptions, still less of offering any criticism or emendation, nor does the appearance of a reading in this list necessarily imply that it is incorrect.

The present play is extremely corrupt, particularly as regards the dramatic arrangement of the text. Speakers' names are frequently misprinted, speeches are wrongly assigned, and stage directions repeated, misplaced and omitted. We also frequently find commas and colons in place of periods at the ends of speeches. In some instances this is probably intentional. Periods are also present or absent incorrectly after such words as Exit. The following list does not necessarily take notice of such irregularities.

The observed variations between copies are confined to the two pages B 4. recto and verso. On the first of these a single letter has dropped out in the Bodleian copy (1. 318), on the second that copy has several errors not found in the one at the British Museum, showing that the sheet was printed from an uncorrected outer forme.

Dram. Pers. 1. i Interlocutors.] original Interlocutors- ix Dei •lo. 14 Borio.

18 woman.] /w;/'^ woman, Prol. 1. 3 prooue :] possibly proouc.

5: N ature Text. 1. 13 it,] possibly it • 30 AY. 32 Icould ; 41 Intruth 72 maneut 79, &c. Gie. 122 Ne. 128 enou gh, 13^ Ner.

138 therefore] possibly the refore 202 Doctor, Lino. 283 face :] possibly fa ce : 288 Gri. 3 10 vndcr 318 what] so B.M., Devon. : wha

Bodl. 34.7 foollifli

352 am louing] possibly amlouing

353 Gianetta] so B.M., Devon.:

Giauetta Bodl. 3 56 nothing :] so B.M., Devon. :

nothing Bodl. 362 Foggo.] so B.M., Devon. : Faggo.

Bodl. 379 veronte 304. anolde 466 mindecan 4.70 lean, 500 thin ke

5-21 Bar <;66 Neofi 603 woney, 606 c.w. Maid 666 arcfor 6<)<) wiil

718	Balio.
726	Erin,
739-	40 Iuft|ticc
800	then
802	Dod.
803	Feof.
88z	Bizar.
891	Bar.
896	Bar
923	tomy
936 Br agar do
	copanic
911	Biz
948	milheffe, as
95\	speeches reversed
9<>6	hangesat
919	of, Sir
962	ama
987	lenrning,
990	yon] really turned u
996	fweetnes
1 025	Manent\frst n really turned u
105?	Baz.
1088	yon] really turned u
1090	will come] belongs at 1091	end of
1092	forfooth
1093	Erinto
1097	t 0
1103	they] probably error for	then
1107	ftreigth
1119	haue] possibly hau c
1127	grouud
IX35-	Sir fhe] possibly Sirfhe
1172	but
1 179	confen]^V.s* n really turned u
1 1 80	them.
1183	Gia.
1 184. (Ithinkc)
1187	Ezeunt.
1225	will
iz6i	Rim,

VI

1277 1317-

1385, 1396

1400 1417 1429

1470 15-0? 1508 1524

lW 1680

eueuing,

-8 Lod.\Lodonica.

Lod,

Fir. it

mas

clontes,] really turned u

warning-pan,

laft

Ver

They Deuill the

to, her

perfeft

resolution

aipin leafe] possibly afpinleafe

worde,] comma doubtful

hell

lone

16% 9 Latt.

1 692 before, 1

1693 Bau. 1697 Fie. 1708 youronely 1736' Ferio

invaine, 1738 Boyeshaue

I74-** J744> i7T9 F/*« 1743 Dorf.

Epil. 1. 11 If

hearp] really turned d

14 plandite

Running- titles :

A 3V ivonan.

A 4V, D 1, E 3, F 4, G 3V woman

A list of characters is printed on the second leaf. Several of the names are misprinted, but even apart from this the list is neither accurate nor complete. All attempt to con- struct a satisfactory list in its place has, however, failed. In the text names are persistently misprinted and speeches wrongly assigned. The fact is that the names of some characters cannot be ascertained and their relationship is uncertain throughout. Dorio, who is evidently one of the fathers in the printed list, appears quite incidentally in the last scene only. The rich citizen, Dives, who figures as Dano in the list, is evidently treated as one of the fathers in Sc. viii ; so, in Sc. iii, is Giro, who either does not appear in the list at all or else is confused with c Gero.', the vintner's boy of Sc. xvi. In the important stage direction to the final scene the four fathers are Ferio, Bario, the Lawyer, and the Doctor. But according to the list Ferio is the Lawyer. To attempt to disentangle the confusion would practically mean editing the play, while it is extremely doubtful whether even the most drastic editing would serve to straighten

b

vu

matters out. The most helpful thing would appear to be to add some notes on the printed list of characters, indicating the first scene in which each appears and the subsequent passages which throw most light upon it. But the evidence of paternity is too intricate and contradictory to be worth collecting here.

Balia. Sc. i, &c. In Sc. iii (J. 237) a speech is assigned to her pre- sumably by error for the Doctor, since there is no reason to suppose that she is present.

Bario. Sc. iii, &c, Sc. xvii.

Nemo. Sc. iii, &c, Sc. xvii. The name is almost certainly wrong. In the text he is apparently called Doctor Lino at 1. 201, and possibly Doctor Lovers at 1. 506. Elsewhere he is simply the Doctor. Lord Nemo is an imaginary character in 1. 397, and one of the youths, when disguised as a physician, is called Doctor Nemo in a stage direction, 1. 712.

Ferio. Sc. iii (1. 25-0), See, Sc. xvii. The stage direction to the last scene implies that he is distinct from the Lawyer.

Doric Sc. xvii (11. 1707, 174.7, possibly 174.2). Not recognized in any stage direction.

Veronte. Sc. ii, &o, Scs. iv, x. His disguise is that of a writing master. Hence in 11. 539-4.0 c Painter' must be an error. His sweetheart is Erinta, as appears from Sc. x, though the list makes her his sister. There must also be an error in Sc. xii where he is coupled with Gianetta.

Filenio. Sc. ii, &c, Scs. iv, x. His name is given both as Filenio, 3. 361, and Fileno, 1. 14.2; when he is disguised, as Niofell, 1. 361, or Neofilo, 1. 987. If a perfect anagram is intended we should expect Fileno and Niofel or Neofil. His disguise is that of a physician, and his sweetheart is Lodovica. In Sc. xvii the three speeches with the prefix Fi. (11. 174.1, 1744, 1 7 5 9) belong not to him but to Ferio. He has a servant Goffo, who only appears in disguise with the transposed name Foggo, and who is ignored by the list.

Gerillo. Sc. ii, &c, Scs. iv, x. His disguise is that of a dancing master, and he appears accompanied by a Fidler, who is a mute (1. 388). When disguised he once gives his name as Logire, 1. 1008. The speech in Sc. iv assigned to Rinaldo (1. 390) clearly belongs to Gerillo. His sweetheart is Gianetta, as is plain from Sc. x ; yet the list makes her his sister and he speaks of her as such in Sc. xii (1. 1251).

• » •

vm

Rinaldo. Sc. ii, &c, Scs. iv, x. His name appears both as Rinaldo, 1. 14.2, and Rimaldo, 1. 14.15: it is most frequently abbreviated Rim. in the later scenes. His disguise is that of a painter. At the beginning of Sc. x, however, he is addressed as Doctor and a stage direction calls him Doctor Nemo. But here the action itself makes it plain that speeches by Neofilo and Lodovica have been erroneously assigned to Rinaldo and Isabella. Isabella is his sweetheart.

Erinta. Sc. i, &c, Scs. x, xvii. Veronte's sweetheart.

Lodovica. Sc. i, &c, Scs. x, xvii. In Sc. i she is named Merilla, elsewhere Lodovica. Filenio's sweetheart. In the list she is the daughter of c Derio '. This is presumably a misprint for Ferio. If it is a misprint for Dorio, the list represents her as Filenio's sister, but see Isabella. In Sc. xi if Lodovica leaves the stage at 1. 1187 the speeches at 11. 115)3 and 1 1 9 7 cannot be hers.

Gianetta. Sc. i, &o, Scs. x, xvii. Gerillo's sweetheart.

Isabella. Sc. i, &c, Scs. x, xvii. Rinaldo's sweetheart. In the list she is the daughter of c Borio ', presumably Dorio.

Bragardo. Scs. x (1. 880), xv, xvi (1. i66z).

Bizardo. Scs. x (1. 880), xv, xvi. He is the Boy of 1. 1638.

Sir Lawrence. Scs. xiv, xvii. His speeches are marked Priest only, but he is addressed by name in 11. 15-31 and i^fj.

Misa. Scs. iv (1. 394.), vi. Nowhere named.

Billa. Scs. iv (1. 394.), vi, viii (1. 581). The only place in which she is named is 11. 63 1-2, where she is called Figga, probably in jest.

Dano. Scs. iv (1. 3 95-), viii. Nowhere named. In Sc. iv he is called a rich citizen merely, and the heading to his speech is omitted (1. 416"); in Sc. viii he appears as Dives, calls himself a cousin of Balia's, and is evidently one of the four fathers. 'Dano' may possibly be a misprint for c Diues '.

Giro. (A) Sc. iii (1. 2?o). He enters with Ferio and is manifestly one of the four fathers.

(B) Sc. xvi. The vintner's boy who enters half drunk with Bizardo. The stage direction gives the name as <Gero.' as if it were an abbreviation ; his speeches have the prefix Boy merely.

The list does not mention the Servant and Maid or Balia's household who have speeches at 11. 161 7 and 1672 respectively. There are also the speakers of the Prologue and Epilogue.

ix

A

Plcafant Comoedie,

Wherein is merilyjhemm

The wit of a Woman.'

LONDON

Trixted for Edward White, and are to be fold at the little North

doore of Pauls Church at die Signe

oi the Gun. 160A,

__~. • ■ — — • *

2

A I RECTO (BODL.)

Aitusj* Scx.u Enter TSdia mth tbeWcmheu

Balia, Merilla* Isabella % Gianctta>, Eruita*

2a. /^ Entlewoiticti, in tructh Tam fory to fee haw you vJayfle out the time, without either good toy cur felues or credite to me: your parents think© their charge loft: I thinke my paints loft , ana you will finde your time lofti good Loid, what (hall I fay e to you ? Iknowlfhall hauc more anger for you , then euer I (hall g< t good by you : nay, it is too tiuc, looke on me as you lift: £>i#f<t,lttmefte hither your worke : good fturTe,is it noi ? in trueth not a true flitch inits in deed ,1 will haue itfilpicktcout-^whyjWhatdoeyee meane? ^hTrutlymiflrciTeJhaue had fueh a painein my head, that 1 can fcaiccholde open mine eyes, and chercfote blame me net iormv worke, when I amrbtfter it JhaU Lcc amen- ded.

A 3 **WcIl.

A 3 RECTO (BODL.)

A

Pleafant Comoedie,

Wherein is merilyjhewen:

The wit of a Woman.

LONDON

Printed for Edward White , and are to be fold at the little No rth

doore of Pauls Church at the Signe of the Gun. 1604.

The Interlocutors.

Balia an olde Schoolemiftris.

Bario an olde Merchant.

Nemo a Phiiitian : and aged.

Ferio a Lawyer : and in yeares.

Dorio an olde Captaine.

Veronte a young Gentleman, Sonne to Bario.

Filenio Sonne to Dorio.

Gerillo Sonne to Nemo.

Rinaldo Sonne to Ferio.

Erinta Daughter to Bario.

Lodouica. Daughter to Derio.

Gianetta Daughter to Nemo.

Ifabella Daughter to Borio.

Bragardo a Ruffian.

Bizardo his man.

Sir Lawrence, a priefl.

Mifa an olde Sicke woman.

Billa a young wench.

Dano a ficke Mar chant.

Giro a Vinteners Boy.

A 2.

IO

20

The Prologue.

"XTOuth and Age were both in loue, ■*■ Either fought their haps to prooue When in fine, a womans wit : Did in Reafon, N ature fit. Age was cofened, yet contented, Youth was pleas'd, and not repented : Loath I am to tell you all: Ye fhall fee what will befall, Merrie fporte without hurt ment, Is the end of our intent.

IO

Actus i. Seas. i.

Sc. i

Enter Balia with the JVenches.

Balia , Merilla , Ifabella , Gianetta, Erinta.

Ba. /^Entlewomen, in trueth I am lory to fee how you VJtryfle out the time, without either good to your felues or credite to me : your parents thinke their charge loft: I thinke my paines loft, and you will finde your time loft: good Lord, what fhall I faye to you ? I know I fhall haue more anger for you, then euer I fhall get good by you: nay, 10 it is too true, looke on me as you lift: Erinta^x. me fee hither your worke: good ftuffe,is it not? in trueth not a true ftitch in it, in deed, I will haue it all pickte out: why, what doe yee meane ?

Er. Truely miftreffe, I haue had fuch a paine in my head, that I can fcarce holde open mine eyes, and therefore blame me not for my worke, when I am better it fhall bee amen- ded.

A i Ba. Well

The wit of a wonan.

Ba. Well, it is an olde faying, I heard my Grand-mo- ther fpeake it many a daie agoe, that good wordes makes a- 20 mendes for mifdeedes: but in earnefl, if you bee not well, I praie you lay by your worke, and take your pleafure, either at your Lute or dauncing, or what it pleafe you : and if you thinke it not amifle, you (hall haue maifter Doctors opinion for your health ?

Er. I thanke you forfooth, euen as it fhall pleafe you.

Ba. Well Merilla^ let me lee your Cufhin-work: oh Lord, heere is a great fault, in trueth your colours are not wel ming- led, belides it is not euen laid.

Ne. Truely forfooth, I had not enough of the white, 30 and therefore I was forced to take of the Carnation, as neere it as Icould; which being of a bigger fort, could not lye fo euen as I would haue had it, but truely I haue done my befl in the working of it.

Ba. A fufficient excufe can not be refufed, and there- fore I will blame my felfe for this fault. But, Ifabella, I pray you what flourifh is this that you haue made heere ?

If a. Why ? forfooth, fuch as you bad mee for the Coife: for there is not threed ynough for the kirtell, till you fend for more. 40

Ba. Intruth you faie true: good Lord helpe mee, I fee I grow olde, my memory doth fb fayle me : but I praye you beare with me, and put me in minde to fend for fbme in the morning.

Ifa. Yes forfooth.

Ba. Now Gianettay what haue you written ? looke you, a faire maide, and make fuch foule blottes, and not a ftreight line? all awry, all awry, I pray you let it be mended.

Gia. Truely forfooth my pen is nought, and my fchoole- maifler will not mende it, befides my booke was not ruled, he $0 was in fuch hafle that hee would fcarce tary to write my co- pie.

Ba. Yes

The wit of a woman,

Ba. Yea, is thegentleman fo luftie? marrie hee fhall be tal- ked with all ; what doth he thinke to haue his money for no- thing ? wel, I am glad I know it : but gentlewome, let me in- treate you, euen for Gods fake, as you are together in my houfe, as lifters, you will Hue, agree, and loue togeither as li- fters. Your parents are friends, and fo I hope will continue, and fo I pray you, doe yee. I haue no children of mine owne, and therefore fhe that vfeth me moft kindly, (hall not finde 60 me leaft thankfull : and to begin with a bonde of loue, let me intreat you to ioyne hands and hearts together, and let there be no name henceforth, but lifter among yee ; nor call me o- ther then mother : For though in my perfon I am not wor- thy, in my loue I will deferue it.

They all ioyne hands with this word Sijlet. We are content moft willingly.

Balia. "Well gentlewemen,I doubt not but this kindnes wil continue : I fhall bee glad to fee it, and for that I know yee would be glad to take the ayre, I will euen leaue ye awhile to 70 your felues : take your pleafures, and at your good times come in. Exit Balia, maneut cateri.

Erin. Sifter Ifabella, what ayles thy melancholly of late ? come, put it off, it becomes thee not : I am fure you are not making of verfes : And for State matters, let vs gouerne men, and men gouerne matters.

I fa. Yea, twere well if it could be fo.

Mer. And why not ?

Gie. Becaufe we haue nothing but eyes and tongues, and they haue eares and hearts. 80

Er. Yea, but our Eyes may gouerne their hearts, and our tongues their eies.

Gia. Ha, ha, ha.

Mer. What laugh you at ?

Gi. At your idle humors, to thinke that the will of a woman fhould rule the wit of a man.

Er. Of

The wit of a woman

Er. Of a man? yea a thoufand and more to: for if euer thou haft red (lories, or markt courfes, then thou wilt finde that al the wit they haue,all the bookes they read, al the cour- fes they take, is but to pleafe vs. 9°

Gte. Mary Buffe.

Mer. Why, when wee haue our wils, are we not at their wils ? we laugh at a litle time of their fuing, but thinke not of long time of our feruing.

Er. Seruing, what our felues ? For doeth not the Lawyer pleade all his cafes, to beautifie our cafes ? doe not the Cly- ents gold come to our golden Iewels ? doeth not the fbl- diers perils maintaine our peace? the Phyfitians fees are they not our tribute ? and the merchants aduenture our gaine ? in briefe, who fb flout as dare offend vs ? who fo rich but will ioo be poore for vs ? who fb wife but will commend vs ? who fb noble, but will honour vs ? and who fb mad but will fweare to loue vs ?

Gte. Oh, but when they flatter vs, they abufe vs, and whe we flatter our felues, they haue the hand of vs. But how doe they vfe vs when they haue vs ?

Er. How I pray you ?

Gte. I will tell you as I haue heard : if we be wittie, they will play with vs like Apes : If foolifh, they will skorne vs like Afles : if fay re, like pictures make vs gaye to looke vp- 1 10 on ; if fbule, keepe vs like Owles to laugh at : And the houfe mull bee kept as a prifon, or elfe called gazers, or gofsips : cookes of their dyet, Launders for their linnen, feruants for charge, and companions but for idlenes.

Er. Who told thee this tale ? but what faifl thou? Merilla^ art thou of her minde ?

Me. No, we will be the treafures of their charge, the com- manders of their feruice, the comfort of their hearts, the ho- nour of their thoughts, and the ioy of their fpirits: or els wee will none. i2o

Gie. Then

The wit of a woman.

Gia. Then I feare yee will leade Apes in hell.

Ne. No, tufh, thats but a ieft of a deuill in the world?

Er. Well fillers, Let not vs difagree vpon husbandes, but, if there come any to our mindes, let vs haue a-bout with our witts, to fit our wils to the full.

Gre. I pray God it be not ill fpeede, to the foole.

Er. Tufb, ware had I wift, and good enough : but harke Sirra,tell me one thing,if it fall out,as tis like enou gh,that we hap to light on fbme fuch creatures, as wee call louers: fhall we playe the good girles, and aske, and keepe one an others 130 counfell.

Ifa. The tone is eafier then the tother.

Er. A forfeit in them that fayle.

Ifa. What?

Ner. Breach of friendfhippe.

Er. Content ; but I doubte wee haue pratled too long, our mother will hange the lippe, or knit the brow, or deuife one dumpifh countenance or other, and therefore let vs goe in, and keepe her in tune, while fhe is well.

Ifa. Content, a good motion ; for in trueth I haue a litle 140 worke to doe, that I had almoft forgotten. Exeunt

Enter Fileno, and Veronte at one doore, and Rinaldo, Sc. ii and Gerillo at an other doore. Fi. A matche : Ri. At what ? Ver. At Tennis. Get: Tis too hot. Fi. What then, fhall we be idle ? Ri. No, twere better be well occupied. Ver. About what ? 150

Ri. Will yee ioyne ifme, if I pleade the cafe? Ger. Wee two to yee two, at what ye will, and when you will.

B Ver. Nay

The wit of a woman,

Ver. Nay, we foure to other fbure, at a match worth the making.

Rino. It lhall bee a bad match liat I will refufe my friend.

Ft. And I am for yee.

Ger. Come on, fet our feete together, erode hands alofte: now let him lacke hands and feete, that with his heart faints, 160 or with his hand failes, the true duetie of a friend be it, life or death. Amen.

All fay Amen.

J^er. Now my maifters, wee foure wagges to fbure mad wenches, our crofle lifters, let vs to our wits, to laye them abroad for their Loues, and though fbme of our parents feeme not to fauour vs in fiich courfes, let vs doe them as little offence, and our felues as much good as we can.

Ft. A good motion.

Rin. He make one, lay the plot and let me alone for my 170 part.

Ger. And I mine.

Ver. Then haue at ye for a double game, wel, we will be more our felues : and yet our felues : you are Sir Ntmble- heeles, and you fhall bee a dauncing fchoole-maifter to teach the wenches to daunce : fo when you haue your mi- ftrefle, hange your felfe, if you can not teach her a right hit it, both in time and place to iumpe euen with the inftru- ment.

Ger. Well Sir, I vnderftand you, I am for you, and wil 180 be ruled by you.

Ver. For you Sir, you are dominus literatus, yee fhall be maifter Doctor of Fi-ficke, and now and then goe vifite your patient, and as you feele your Pulfe, fo thinke of the difeafe, with the fecrete of the Cure.

Ft. Sir, you are wife, I am not fimple: but I can confider of thofe compounds, and how to apply them to the

place

The wit of a woman.

place agrieued.

Ver. Now for you Sir, you are Apelles for your artificial ipirit, and when you come to the mount of t^enus, if your 190 Penfill fall, giue ouer your occupation : but in any wife be fiire of good Itones for the grinding of your colours.

Rim. Well Sir : I haue inftruction enough for the perfec- ting of my worke, which if it be not like my felfe, let me bee counted a Bungler.

fer. Now, for my felfe, I will be an odde prettie fellowe with a penne in mine eare, in the fhew of a Schoolemafter, that mall teach to read and write, and if I doe not learne my fchollers kindly to fpel, & put together, I wil loofe my wages for my labour. But, let vs loofe no time, but for now we know 100 what to do, be going about our bufines. Exeunt.

Enter Bario and Doctor, Lino. Sc. Hi

Bar. Maifter Doctor, in truth you haue a molt fweet child vnto your daughter, & if it were not to make you too proud, I would tell you fhee will need no great Dowry for her pre- ferment in manage.

Doc. Sir, you haue taught mee what to faie, if I could fpeake, but if fhe is a good foile to your Diamonde.

Bar. They faide, after the old prouerbe ; that the Crowe thinkes her bird of a fay re feather: but truely it is not fb with 1 10 me ; for, I mull confefle, though I can not thinke mine defor- med; yet for complexion, you haue a Paragon: I can not tell whither your Art help any thing in the perfecting or prefer- uing of it.

Doc. Well Sir, your commendation cannot mifconceite mine opinion, I hold her fayre that is gratious, and wife that is thrifty, and honorable, that is vertuous ; fo may I liue to fee my daughter, I mall be a glad father : if otherwife, what I cannot helpe, I mufl be fbry for.

B. 2 Bar. In-

The wit of a woman.

Bar. Indeede patience is a remedy for many hurts, and no for my felfe, I will follow my wifes counfell, who often- times in her life time, would tell mee this touching my chil- dren : Nature is no brother, and youth is an age of imper- fection, and labour without pleafure, is but a dulling of the fpirit ; and therefore haue an eye, but not a hand ouer them: for a good nature is rather awed with loue, then amended with feare : and, euen as fhe wifhed me, haue I done, and will doe ; commende what I fee good, and wincke at a litle fault; for loue is tender, and griefe is fooner taken then remoo- ued. 230

Doc. You fpeake like a kinde father, that may bee ioyfull in fuch a daughter : But, what faye you of your fonne ?

Bar. A wagge, a wagge, I rather praye for him, then loue him, and yet being mine owne, when I remember my youth, I can the better hope of his elder yeeres.

Bal. Why, indeede, hee is a gallant gentleman, of a noble fpirite, and knoweth what he doth, how merrily foeuer hee make a countenance.

Bar. In trueth I hope fo well of him, that though hee 240 were a feather, hee will not throwe awaye his hat, but I would wifh that hee had a litle of your fbnnes fait in his braynes.

Doct. My boyes, alas, hee is a meere frefh-man, and yet though I hope hee will be no knaue, I would be loath to fee him a foole : but looke you who commeth yonder : Gentle-men, a fayre daie befall yee : no offence to your kindnefle : whence come yee ? I will not aske whither goe yee.

Enter Giro and Ferio. z?o

Gir. Well faid Maifter Doctor, take a fcholler without

a tricke

The wit of a woman.

3. tricke, and fet a fyre on his Library. But Sir, to leaue elo- quence in plaine honeftie : we came from miftrefle Balias noufe, where if you had beene with vs, yee might haue heard fbme muficke : and for you miftrefle Bario, let mee not make you proude, your daughter lings like a Nighting- gale ; and maifter Doctors daughter playes, it would do one good to heere her.

Bar. I thanke you Sir, for your good reporte wee will euen make a fteppe to fee howe they doe, and yours to: *6o For I am fure they are not behinde hande with defarts of commendations : What faie you Signior Ferio ?

Fer. Faith mine, her miftrefle fayeth, hath an excellent hande at her needle, and for an apt hand to writing: I muft confefle, fhee is worthy prayfe: But I perceiue yee are going thither, and therefore we will leaue you to your iudge- ments of our reporters.

Bar. I thanke you maifter Doctor, you will beare mee company.

Doc. Yea fir, with all my hart. Exeunt Bar. &> Doctor. 170

Manent Ferio & Giro

Ferio. Maifter Giro, truely miftrefle Balia is a good old woman, howe carefull and how kinde, fhee is rather like vnto a mother, then a miftrefle : and truely me thinkes the wenches loue like fifters,it were pittie that they fhould be parted.

Giro. For mine, fhee (hall not part from her miftrefle, till (he haue a mafter that (he may be bold with, and for your daughter, I would Ihe had as good a husband as I could wifli her. 28°

Fer. I am fure you would wifh her no bad one for her mothers fake : but I would that fhee had no worfe then your Wife had ; though I faye it to your face : and

for

The wit of a woman.

for mine owne part, young fellowes are fo light-headed, that it is twentie to one, to bee well bellowed, except he be ey- ther a foole, that will bee ruled, or a Phcenix that cannot bee found.

Gri. Nay fbfte, fay not fo, Some cokes are back to young and fome at full age, a good rider doth much that can and will marke the nature of the horfe. z9°

Fe. So, fome Mares may bee younger bellied then other, and then the Cokes will bee but Tittes, except the Sire bee the better, but let the lades alone, and fpeake plainely to the purpofe,

G i. Then to the purpofe, liberty is a way to will, and eafe to wantonnes, and when wenches haue the head, a fnaffle wil not holde them in.

Fe. Why then to be a bridell, and yet too much keeping in makes them the madder to get out, but as for ours we haue no neede to bee affraide of fparrow -blading, their miflris3oo keepes them euer fo well occupied, that they haue no time to be idle.

Gi. I cannot tell what you talke of occupying, this wri- ting in a wench may make ill worke with a man, which let- ters may conuey more knauerie, then tongues may bee heard to fpeake of.

Fe. Yea but what thinke you of dauncing and finging ?

Grin. Pretty qualeties, the one to bee witche them that heare them, the other to heare fuch as will talke with them, and vndcr the (hape of a man, to heare a Deuill in a Maske. 3 10

Fe. Oh you are an old Colt, but yet, fpeake more charita- bly ; the vfe is it that makes or marres,the qualities are decent, and neceflary.

Gi. Yea but they mar re hufwifery, they drawe companie, and aske coffc.

Fe. Why, is it not better to honour wit, then to be troubled with folly ?

Gi. Oh

The wit of a woman,

Gi. Oh the cunning of nature needes no art, and what wemen, are we, men can tell.

Fe. Why, haue you ben Co met with all ? truely, I am per- 320 fwaded, that you are not yet fo pafte the worlde, that you would call your cappe at a fweete creature.

Gir. I am content to make you my iudge, becaufe I will be quittance with your conceite : but, mee thought I hard you faie euen now, that you were to goe to the part about your pinnifles, that is lately come in from the Straites : let not me be a hinderance to your bufines, wee fhall meete againe, and whenfoeuer you will, I will beare you company to mi- ftrefle Balias.

Fe. I thanke you Sir, with all my hart for putting mee in 330 remembrance, I had almofl forgotten my felfe : you may fee how good companie pafleth the time awaye : when I goe I will fend you word.

Gi. I thanke you fir. Exit Ferio.

Giro folus.

Well, I fee wit goes not all by age, nor loue by reafon : for then (hould not I exceed my felfe in affecting that which will increafe my folly : but againft death there is no medi- cine, nor any argument to ftand with loue : and therefore fince I am in by the weeke, let me looke to the yeere : Ferios 340 daughter is fayre, well, and beautie is worth the looking on, fo, and fhe is wittie : and that is worth the thinking on, true: and fhe is kinde and that is worth the lighting on : well, but I am olde, and that is not worth the looking on ; true, and I am foolifh, and that is not worth the thinking on, fo : and I froward, and that is not worth the lighting on, right : fo the fhe is fayre, witty, and kinde, and I am old, foollifh and fro- ward : and how then fhall wee come to the matter : no rea- fon to hope of it ; yet fortune doth much in fanfie, & wealth pleades ftrongely with a wench : yea to make a foole of him 350 that hath it, and will part with it: well, I am rich, and will be

bountiful 1

The wit of a woman.

bountifull, for I am louing and fo farre in loue, that I will be a foole to haue my fortune : and therefore Gianetta I will come to fee my daughter, but it Ihall bee for thy fake, for tis thee I loue, thine eyes haue holde of my hart, and thy hand lhall rule the whole world that I haue: but all this is nothing: I mull, If I haue any wit, now worke it to her will, and fo I will, my daughter (hall be the meane, and miftris Balia fhall not fay me nay: crownes mull flye, and they fhall walke,for they neuer did me better feruice. Exit 360

Enter Filenio now called Niof ell, and his feruantGoffb, Sc. iv

now called Foggo.

Fi. Foggo, Set vp the Table, now fir, firfl fecrezy for your life, not to reueale my trufl, and for our better gaine to draw our patients.

Gof. You Sirs, for I am neither Phifitian nor Apothecary nor Surgen, but for a woman, and that for one difeafe.

Nio. What is that fir ?

Fog. The vnila: putting vp of the vnila.

Neof. Go to fir knaue, no more rogry, but tend your bu- 370 fines, and marke what I tell you.

Fog. "Well fir, mine eares, mine eyes, my minde and heart and all are prepared, to heare, note, remember and performe your commaund.

Niof. Then Sir waite without the doore, and talke with the patient of the difeafe, and tell me what they fay before they come in, but bring in their Vrinalls.

Fog. Tis done Sir, he wayteth there.

Enter veronte with his Table. Ver. Well heere will I hang vp my Table: and if my 380 hand faile me not, and my penne carry Inke, well, I beleeue I will teach fome fuch a leflbn, as fhall make them remem- ber mee the better while they liue, but I long to heare of

Miftris

The wit of a woman,

miflris Balia, who I heard wonted one to teach a young- Gentlewoman or two in her houfe, I wil flay within awhile it may be I (hall haue better lucke then I looke for. Exit, to his houfe.

Enter Gerillo with a Fidler.

Rinaldo hanges out pictures. Rin. Come let vs goe, the clocke hath flrooke, & Miftris 39° Bali a, will chide if we keepe not houres : play mee a galiard that I made lali.

He plates, the other daunceth, and Jo Exit.

Enter diuers patients : one neate Maiden, and anolde wo- man, one rich Cittizen, Foggo entertaine them.

Fog. Sifter you are welcome : I pray you my maifters, flay a little, my maifler is bufie with my Lord Nemo, and is lent for to my Lady Nulla : yee did well to come betimes, hee had bin gone elfe before your comming, but harke you Sif- ter, tell truely how long you haue bin ill, when your paine 4°o tooke you firfl, and where it holdes you mofl ?

Maide. Truely fir a month agoe, it tooke mee with a flitch fomewhat lower then my heart, and makes mee fall in- to qualmes many times, efpecially falling.

Fog. Enough, you Granam what ayle you, the tooth- ache ?

Olde wo. Oh fir you are a merrie man, no tis my head : I haue had it this Hue yeares and vpwards : I tooke it with a colde, and thereupon falles fb in mine eyes, that I can fcarce zee. 4i°

Fog. Oh you are almofl blinde for age, and yet with the little owlight fhee hath, fhe hath fpyed fome young knaue, that mufl rippe vp her gold bagges, to rumble her olde

C bones,

The wit of a woman,

bones, well you fhall fpeake with my Maifler by and by, but Hand by a little : now to you Sir, I pray, where is your moll paine ? lies in my left fide, and fomewhat fluffed in my ftomacke, and a little fwelling in my feete.

Fog. Well enough, he hath the Gout, the droppfie and the pox, and yet all will not kill him : well I pray yee come in with me, I will bring ye to him one after an other. Exeunt 420

Enter Bario and the Doctor from Sc. v

Balias houfe.

Bar. Now maifler Doctor how thinke you of my daughter, hath fhee not profited well for the little time that fhee hath been heere at miflris Balias houfe ? I hope to fee her a fine girle : and her miflris tels mee of an excellent fine dancer, that teacheth verie well, if he be not to deere he fhall goe to her.

Doc. Nay fland not vpon cofl, for had my wench fb good a grace, and fuch a perfon, I fhould thinke no cofl to 430 much, to inflruct her in any thing that might doe her good, yet indeede thefe dauncers, fbmetimes do teach them trickes, aboue trenchmore, yea & fometimes fuch la voltas, that they mount fb high, that you may fee their hey nony, nony, nony no.

Bar. Why how now, a Mufitian Maifler Doctor ? what fhall we haue a fong ?

Doct. You may fee a man thinkes not alwaies of that which hee fpeakes : my minde to tell you truth was of an o- ther matter : But Sir, I perceaue your daughter is fomewhat 440 inclined towards the greene ficknes,and if it pleafe you, I will fee her now and then, & minifler fomething vnto her, that fhal bee for her health.

Ba. I thanke you fir, I pray you doe fb : I will not bee

vngratefull

The wit of a woman.

vngratefull for any good that you (hall doe her, but for that I thinke you are going homeward, and I muft to the State houfe about a little common-wealthes bufinefle, I will take my leaue of you, til wee meete againe, & thanke you for your good company. Exit.

Doc. Sol. I thanke you fir, well, is hee gon ? nowe let mee 470 talke a little to the winde : for I hope there is no body heares mee : a hem, well I mufl cleere this fame rough throate of mine, ah how age alters the condition of nature ? I was when I was young, a fine fellowe, and had my fpirit as full of life as a wagtayle, but now the cafe is altered, and yet me thinkes I am this day younger by twentie yeares then I tooke my felfe for : Why ? God helpe me, I am not olde, and befides I hope IJiaue an Elixar, that fhal reflore flrength to me at my plea- fure : But let me fee, there is a difeafe called loue, that is in many incurable : for eyes and harts and hands, & other parts 460 are much troubled, in the trying of meanes for the true curing Medicine: now the difeafe I haue, and what fbllowes ? Medi- cuscurrf teipfum. Phifitian cure thy felfe: no it is Erin ta, mutt. helpe me, or els, contra vim mortis non ejie medicamor in hor- tis: When the eye hath wounded the heart the fpirits muffc be pleafed ere the mindecan be at reft : Loue or death : there is but two pointes, and which is moft fittefl for age ? I feare the Sonne can teach the father, but foft awhile, proximus e- gomet mihi: I loue my fonne, but I loue my felfe better, and Erinta beft, who I hope thou doft perceiue it : but if lean, ere 470 long fhe fhal better vnderfland it, for there is not a fecret in nature, nor a tricke in Arte that I wil not trie for my loue: but I doubt I haue fome patients flaying for me at home, and therefore I will difpatch them, and then plot the befl I can for my bufinefle. Exit.

Enter C 2

The wit of a woman.

Enter the patients going home : Sc. vi

Old wo. Daughter, how like you of this young doctor ? truely hee is a great learned man : why, hee told mee my paine, and when it tooke me, and how it holdes me, and e- uery thing fo right ; truely he is a wondrous fine man. 48o

Maid. And fb hee is, no man in the world could haue gone finelyer to work with me : I had not fcarce Hue wordes with him, but hee told mee euery thing as true as I am heere, and difpatcht me prefently, and I thanke him of his kindnes: hearing me faye I was but a poore wenche, would take no- thing of me, but willed me to come to him in the morning, and he would minifter that to mee fhould helpe me ; I war- rant him he is a kinde man, and if I Hue I wil be with him be- times.

Old wo. And he tooke not much of me, but that he had, I 49° gaue him with a good will: For, indeed he is a gentle perfon, and a litle powder he hath giuen me to drinke with a cup of Sacke to bedward : And I will follow his counfell truely, that I will. Oh, thefe Outlandifh-men are full of skill, I fee by them. I would I could get him home to my houfe, truely I may hap trye whither he willtafle of an olde Hen,as well as a young Pullet, for in trueth he is a fine man.

Maid. Mother, I promife you, he no fooner had me by the hand, and felt mee by the wreftes, but he made my heart tickle in my belly. But mother, my way I thin ke lyeth not joo your waie, and therefore I will take my leaue on you, till we meete againe.

Old wo. I thanke you hartely for your kinde company, God bleflTe you, and fend you well to doe.

Maid. And you to good mother. Exeunt

Enter Doctor Louers with Sig. Bario. Sc. vii

Bar. Maifter Doctor, I heare that there is an excellent Painter come lately to the Towne, & for that, fathers fbme-

time

The wit of a woman,

time loue to looke vpon their children, though it bee in a picture : I will fee if I can agree with this new flranger for 51° the drawing of my daughters counterfeit.

Doc. A good motion, and if he be fo good a workeman, as he hath the name for, he (hall earne fome money of me to for mine : Come I pray you, let vs goe to his houfe and en- quire for him : and now I remember me, my girle told mee, that her miflrefle promifed to helpe her to a good fchoole- mafler, fhall wee fee what this fellow doth that hangs out his Table ?

Ban. Content: They knock at the doore.

Ri. You are welcome Sir: what is your pleafure ? J20

Bar Are you the writer of thefe hands?

Ri. For fault of a better.

Bar. And what take you for a head ?

Ri. Ten crownes.

Doc. And in what time ?

Ri. Three moneths.

Ba. Well, I haue a daughter, and fo hath this gentleman my friend an other, they are both heere at miflrefle Balias houfe : if you will take paines, and that they profit, you fhall haue fixteene Crownes for them both. 530

Ri. Sir, I fildome take lefle then my pryce : yet being to- gether, I can the better attend them: I am content with your worfhips good will.

Bar. Then hold you, there is foure crownes, goe to mi- flrefle Balias, and aske for miflrefle Ifabella and Gianetta, and faie you came from their fathers : I pray you do fb.

Ri. I will Sir : I know the houfe,it is neere the Church.

Bar. The fame ; God be with you. Exit.

Now maifler Doctor, I pray you let vs talke with the Pain- ter. $4°

Doc. With all my heart, by your leaue Sir : Who is with- in heere?

C 3 Enter

The wit of a woman.

Enter Verante. Fer. What would you Gentlemen ? Doc . Is this your worke ?

Fer. It is Sir: if it pleafe you to goe in,I will fhew you bet- ter pieces. Exeunt into his houfe.

Enter Neofilo^ Diues, and Foggo. Sc. via

Di. Maifter Doctor, I thanke you for your kindnefle, & I beleech you beare me company to my cofen Balias houfe, jjo where I know you fhall be welcome : there is a yong gentle- woman, fomew hat giuen to the greene ficknes, and if you can cure her,I tell you fhe hath a father that will fbundly recom- pence your paines.

Neof. Sir, I will willingly beare you company, and doe my belt endeuour to do you good, and for the gentlewoma, I will warrant you helpe her.

Diu. I pray you Sir, then let vs be going, for I would e- uen bring you thither, and be going about a little earned bu- fines : but after a day or two, I will fee you againe. ?6o

Neof. At your pleafure Sir.

Fog. Mailer, will you leaue no body at home to talke with your patients ? you may loofe you know not what.

Neof. Thou fay eft well, and therefore do you goe home and ftaie till I come, I will haften home againe.

Exeunt Neofi and Diues, manet Foggo.

Fog. Oh, heere is no knauery, olde men may teach to fpell, but young folkes will put together. My maifter a phy- fition for a wench that is ficke of the Rabbot : I thinke there was neuer fuch a wagge borne : oh, how hee can counterfeit 570 fbbriety, talke fo learnedly, and tell wonders Co truely, that fooles admire him, wife men come to him, and wenches loue him out of all reafon ; hee hath gotten his wordes fb fit for

his

The wit of a woman,

his purpofe, his complexions, and conftitutions, and obfer- uations, the time of the moone, and the houre of the daye, and fuch a deale of tittle tattle, that who but maifter doctor? but well, all this winde (hakes no come: he is gone to a pati- ent, that if hee finde the right vaine, hee will helpe her of a greene ficknes : well, good fortune bee his guide : but who commeth yonder, a Patient ? I muft be wile. 5 80

Enter the Maide with an Frinall.

Maid. By your leaue, good Maifter Foggo : I pray you is your fweete maifter within ?

Fog. No indeed, but he will by and by: but here you me; your payne lyeth beneath your hart, you told me as I remem- ber.

Maid. True Sir.

Foggo. And it holdes you by fits ?

Maid. It is fb.

Foggo. A quaming ? 590

Maid. Right.

Foggo. And haue not you fbme-time a minde to many things ?

Maid. Now and then, if a thing like me, I fhall thinke of it, a good while after.

Fog. And you are not well till you haue it ?

Maid. In trueth Sir, I thinke you haue fome of your mai- fters skill ; good Lord, how happie are you that can learne fuch cunning? you can neuer want money nor friends.

Fog. Indeed wee do not beg for money, though we praye 600 for the ill-health of rich people : for one mans hurt is an o- thers good ; it is an euill winde blowes no man to goods ; but for friendes, a man may haue woney, and yet bee without a friend to his minde : for if I had a minde to fuch a friend, as your faire felfe, how fhould my cunning compafle your kindnefle?

Maid Oh

The wit of a woman.

Maid. Oh then, I perceiue your maifter hath not yet taught you that poynt of his skill : But you are a merrie man that loues to ieft.

Fog. Why ? hang forrow, twill not buy a Pipe, but if in 610 earnefl I might hope to haue but my loue accepted, which is more then I fpake of before : I will learne fo much of my maifters cunning, as fhall ridde thee of all difeafes, and wee will Hue as merrily as the day long.

Maid. What meane you? Winter or Summer?

Fog. Why, what skilles whither ?

Maid. Oh yes, a winters night is long, and the daye is fhort.

Fog. And what then ?

Ma. Oh, we may laugh at firffc, and weepe at laft. 620

Fog. Tuih, feare no fbule weather, a faint heart neuer fol- lowed a fay re wench to the high wood, and fhe that will not venter her egges, fhall neuer haue Chickens.

Maid. Good Lord, who would haue thought you had bene iiich a hufwife? a husband I would haue faid : for in- deed, fometime groomes will grope Hennes : but truely Sir, men are fo full of mockes, that I knowe not what to faye.

Fog. Why faie as I bidde you.

Maid. Affe how I pray you ? 630

Fog. I Figga, take thee Foggo,

Fig. I Figga take thee Foggo,

Fog. To my wedded husband,.

Fig. What a prieft to ? in trueth you are a merry man in- deed ; but you haue nere a ring nor a booke ; go to, go to, I fee you do nothing but floute ; I pray you will you helpe mee to your maifter?

Fog. If you will flay his comming.

Fig. Yes with all my heart.

Fog. Come on your waies then, and wee will talke further 64°

of

The wit of a woman

of the matter. Exeunt.

Enter Bario and Mafter Doctor Sc. lx

with the Painter.

Bar. I pray you Sir bring home that peice in your owne Chamber, to mee to my houfe, we will not breake for a little, and the perfpectiue in your Hall to my friend Mailer Doct- ors, you fhall haue ready money for them, but in any wife I pray you goe to miflris Ba/ias, and looke vpon the Gen- tlewomen, and let them fit you out of hande, you fhall bee pleafed to your content. ^5°

Rin. I thanke you Sir.

Bar. What fay you Maifler Doctor ? fhall it be fo ?

Doct. With al my heart: I pray you doe fo, and I pray you haue a care in your worke, it will not gaine you a little cre- dit in this towne.

Rin. I warrant you fir, take mee for a fhadowe if I touch not the fubflance of the life. Exit.

Bar. Well maifler Doctor, how goes the worlde that you are fb melancholly ?

Doc. An ill humor that I haue, a defire to haue any qual- 660 litie that is commendable in any man, I could wifh that I could drawe a counterfet as well as he.

Bar. Tufh man you would not leaue your deerer flud- dies for fuch idle Imaginations, you are for the life, and hee is for the death.

Doc. Nay we arefor the death, and hee for the life,for poets and Painters, are euer bound to pleafing fecrets: to me for the body, the tother for the minde, and we are bound to fecrezie but tis when minde and body are both out of temper.

Ba. The more is your gaine. 67°

Doc. Yea but that is not alwaies bell pleafing.

Bar. Why fo ?

D Doc. Becaufe

The wit of a woman.

Doc. Becaufe fbmetime we are like women, wee long for that wee fee but cannot haue.

Bar. Go to Ifay,Ifee you are your felfeflil,your wife would fay you would not be pleafed with one difh, but I pray you tell me in rules of Phificke, haue you no medicine for the malady of the minde ?

Doc. Yes, for any but loue, and for that nothing but the beloued : for it is an olde true verfe before wee were borne. 6%o Hec mihi quod nullis amor eft medicabilis herbis.

Bar. No ? yes they fay there is an herbe called good fpeed, that laide vnder the beds-head all night, and carried in ones bofbme in the morning,

Doc. Will make him a foole all day after, tufh thefe are flale ieffces: but what fhould we talke of thefe toyes? I am fure I am paft it, and I hope you doe not fo much as dreame of it: but Bark if you or any of yours bee at any time difea- ied, acquaint mee with it, and you fhall finde mee your honelt friend. 690

Ba. I knowe it Sir and will deferue it, but I doubt you haue fome halt home, and therefore I will not holde you to long.

Doc. I thanke you fir, indeede I appointed a patient or two, to bee at my houfe about this houre, and therefore I wiil take my leaue.

Bar. Nay wee will goe to the Crofle and there wee will part. Exeunt.

Enter Balia with thefoure wenches, the Phtjitian the Pain- &. x ter, and Schoolemaifter, and the Dauncer.

Bat. Mailer Doctor you are hartely welcome, I wil caufe 702 her father to thanke you, indeede fhee muffc bee flirring about, and (he inufr. leaue eating of fower thinges : I pray

you

The wit of a woman.

you tell her fb : and as you will haue me your friend, hafte you hither with your medicine, for the longer it growes vpon her, the worfe it will be.

Rim. I haue talked with her, and tolde her as much, and you fhall fee a fpeedie amendment. Lady I will but goe home and come againe to you prefently. 710

Iff a. I thanke you fir, and I wil thanke you better, you fhal be heartilie welcome. Exit. Doctor Nemo.

Bal. Gentlewomen, you fee how carefull your parents are for yee : I pray you loofe no time, fall to worke out of hand, you to your dauncing, you to your writing, and you fet the Painter, and you to your worke : I pray you goe not out of the Hall, till I come againe, I will bee with you euen anon. Exit Balio.

Erinta. Now maifter Schoolemafter what fay you to the world? you haue taken your profefsion, but for fbme two 7io houres.

Ver. Yes Lady, many yeeres for your feruice,for onely for your fake, haue I taken this poore trade vpon mee to haue the better accefle vnto your perfon : and to creepe in- to your fauour.

Erin, Oh if you loue me fpeake not of creeping, for of all creatures, I can not abide them creepers, why creepers are wormes in the earth, todes in the ditches, Catterpillers in the trees, and Lice in the heads of poorer people. God bleffe me from al fuch vermin: I pray thee fpeake of no more 730 fuch figures, creepe not vp right man, and looke mee in the face, or neuer looke for fauour at my hands.

F'er. Then let mee tell you, that I haue taken this meane courfe to attaine the beft meanes for my comfort.

Erin. Meane courfe, why is not the meane courfe the befl courfe ? the moft quiet and fafe ? high climers may haue fore falls, if they fit not exceeding faft: & rich mifers are moftfeard of theeues: to much beautie is more followed then honoured,

D 2 while

The wit of a woman.

while louely browne is worthy, Gramercy, doth not the Iuft tice clarke, fbmetimes Hue merier then his mafter ? and is not 74° a penne, a profitable profeflion ? Oh Sir count it not meane that is honeft : but what coppie will you let me ?

Ver. This that I haue written.

Er. I pray you reade it.

Ver. From your faire eyes, firfl fprang my fweet of Loue And from fweet Loue, the fweet of my defire : From fweet defire, the pafsions fweete I prooue. And from fweet pafsion, fweete confuming fire. Of which fweet fire, doth my fweet forrow fpring, And forrow e fweet, doth my fweet death procure: 7jo

Of whofe fweet deathe, my fweet content doth fing, That all is fweet, which I for you endure.

Er. Sweet and twenty, all fweet and fweet,why thou fweet Schoole mafter, all my leflbn is of Loue, a fweet Loue leffbn, but foft, let not vs haue all the talk, Sifter Ifabella, what faies your Painter? doth he worke all by fignes?

IJfa. No, wee fat ftill to heare you talke,but now you fhall heare our chat, for I will not heare any thing but you fhall be priuie to it : and now Maifter Painter what fay you to me for my drawing? 160

Rim. Lady I would craue your pleafure to let me know how you will be drawne, either but a little below the breft or at full length, and eyther as you came into the world, or as you walke in the world, with the ornaments of nature, or the furniture of Art: or as a Sunne in the clowde, with a lawne ouer your Beautie.

IJfa. How now Sir ? what can you paint words as well as faces ? why, you will make your Arte admirable : but to draw me at length, what part will you begin ?

Rim. Lady my Maifter began at the pointe called pray 770 you away, for the needle ftanding right in the middle, will leade vs the better to our iuft meafure.

IJfa. Well

The wit of a woman.

IJfa. Well faid Sir, but though Appelles were your mai- fter, your miftris is no Venus.

Rim. But if you will be drawne as fhee was, I muft doe as hee did.

Iffa. How I pray you ?

Ri. Firft take my meafure, and then fall to worke, and if you do not lit me with patience, I lhal neuer touch the life kindely. 780

IJfa. Goe to goodman wagge : you are a Painter of the new fafhion : but what faies mailer Dancer, to my filler Gia- netta ?

Gia. Little yet, but I thinke hee will fay fomething anon, for I thinke hee hath done as I did,harken to you awhile: but looke where comes maifler Doctor, now truely welcome, Sifter Lodouica, what faies your Phifitian ? good maifler Doctor be briefe for long diets kill the flomacke.

Lod. Maifler Doctor, I pray you tell mee who is ficker you or I ? ■ 790

Neof. I thinke my felfe.

Lod. And in faith what is your difeafe ?

Neof. Shall I tell you truelye.

Lod. True but not lie :

Neof. The name of it is loue.

Lod. I pray you how is it to be cured ?

Neof With nothing but Loue.

Lod. What, one difeafe driues out an other ?

Neof. No, there is the difeafe loue, and the remedie Loue,

Lod. then there are two loues. 800

Neof. No but one loue in two natures.

Bod. Which are they ?

Feof The one in defire, the other in poflefsion : Loue to haue, and haue to loue.

Lod. Well this is too mifticall, but I pray you how tooke

you it ?

D 1 Neof. By

The wit of a woman,

Neof, By a looke.

Lod. Where?

Neof. In your eyes.

Lod. And how holdes it? 810

Neof. Continually burning.

Lod. Where?

Neof. In my heart.

Lod. And what will helpe you ?

Neof Your hand.

Lod. Good in faith, my hand mult helpe your heart of the hurt mine eye hath done you : is this a receipt or conceite in your rules of loues Phificke ?

Neof. From me a conceite, but from you a receite.

Iff a. Well faid filler, you are the Phyfitian,and hee is the 8io patient, but if you be at a full point,holde your peace: there is an other fute to bee heard, what fay you to your Maifler Dauncer ?

Gia. You are to haflie fifler,flay a little, wee will not haue many words before wee fall to our meafure : Maifler what daunce fhall I begin with ?

Ger. If it pleafe you, a daunce that pleafeth the befl fpirits of the worlde, and pleafeth mee aboue all other.

Gia. Is it a fine daunce ?

Ger. Without comparifon. 830

Gia. How doe you call it ?

Ger. The eye.

Gia. Who followes ?

Ger. The heart.

Gia. And how then ?

Ger. Then when fpirits ioyne handes, the mindes keepe true meafure.

Gian. And howe manie may daunce ?

Ger. Two may doe it alone, but the more the merrier, for thogh one Nightingale fing the fweet, yet when the wood is 840

full,

The wit of a woman,

full, the harmony is the fweeter : fo though a couple may kindely, yet manie couples giue loue the better grace.

Gia. Then I fee tis loues meafure : haue you it prickt, or can you play it? if you can come on, wee will daunce it all to- gether, I am fure there is fome kifsing in it. Sillers leaue your prattle, and let vs bee merrie, and daunce all one daunce if our affections be pleafed, take care for no worldes comfort: I haue a knacke in my head, that will put vs quicke- lie into crownes, as much as fhall ferue vs and all our friends? 8jo

IJfa. Agreed.

Lod. And I.

Erin. I am for yee: come on Gentlemen, euen a turne and away.

They daunce : and take their leaues^ with thefe

words.

Gia. Gentlemen time makes vs briefe, our olde Miftris houre is at hand, your loues you haue vow'd: your Ladies you know: vertue be your intent,and honour yourTriumph: be wife in kindnes, and happie in comfort, at your next com- 860 ming wee will talke further.

They take their leaue s with thefe words: All honour,health and happines, to vertues beauties worthines.

Exeunt Ladies to Balias houfe, Manent youthes.

Ver. Brethren, our fubtilty found,our profefsio, wil be vn- profitable : pull downe your Tables, fute our felues, our pa- rents will mifle vs, but when they fee vs, they will but

kindely

The wit of a womait.

kindely frowne on vs,and there is all the hurt they will dovs: they will thinke we haue bin together playing the wagges, 870 and fo leaue vs to our better courfes : fhall we euerie one fute himfelfe and goe home? it is good pleafing of olde men, they will eyther bee kinde in their liues, or bountifull at their deathes.

Ger. Content is pleafed I like your counfaile.

Ri. And I.

Neof. Away then, what flay wee euen for now? the wen- ches are gone, and yet flay a little : let vs take a little view of this gallant, what he may be for a man.

Enter Bragardo with his man Bizardo. 880

Bragardo and Bizardo.

Bizar. How hanges my raiper ? point blanke, or falles it not to Lowe? I doubt my hangers are fomewhat to fhort.

Bizar. No Sir, it hanges fbole euen : but your Tailor hath abufed you in your apparell, hee hath not put in filke e- nough in drawing out.

Bra. Alas it is his trade, to faue a fhred to keepe for a pat- terne againft an other time, if the colour be enquired for.

Biz. Why fir ? fhall hee take out of your garment to put into anothers ? 890

Bar. Sir you are fo farre in hell, that thou wilt neuer come at heauen, but leaue you knauie-mary and come to a better reckenning, and anfwer mee to that I aske you and nothing elfe.

Biz. I fhall Sir:

Bar How hanges my cloake ?

Biz. Careles like your felfe, as you fhould feeme, I meane for him that feemes carefull of his apparell, is counted a neate youth, or a fprufe Affe, but if hee buie it to day, weare it out

to

The wit of a woman.

to morrow, and giue it away, the next day then hee is a gal- 900 lant, right bred, of a true fpirit, and a worthy fellow.

Brag. Why how nowe ? I bad thee onely anfwere mee to that I demaunded : and you are commenting vpon the text.

Biz. I crie you mercy fir : what fay you ?

Brag. How hang my garters ?

Biz. Well fir, and if euerie taffell had a bell you might be taken for a morris Dauncer : but that you want a Hobbie- Horfe.

Bra. Whither now ?

Biz. Oh fir: I had forgot my felfe, 9io

Bra. What faifl thou to my beard ?

Biz. I feare fome will fay you haue robbed a Mufcouit : another will take your face for a vizard, fome will call it a lowzie bufh, and fome a beefome, or a broome, and fome a horfe taile : but for my felfe, I thinke it is a goodly fight, and fets out your face with fuch a Maieffcie, that it makes you looke like a man.

Bra. Like a man you rafcall, what ? no more ?

Biza. Nay fir : I pray you be no more, for if you be a Gi- ant, poore folkes, and women and children will bee affraide 910 of you ?

Bra. Well fir, but what thinkeft thou of the Ladies; will not one of them fall tomy (hare ?

Biz. Why fir ? if they goe by lots, I k now not how fortune will fauoure her good friendes.

Bra. Nay then, in defpight of fortune, I wil lay one of them aboord : and for Miftris Ba/ia, I wil not make any great fute, for if fhee make the matter coy, I haue the vnguentum Au- reum, the golden oyle, that once tickling her in the hand, will make her worke for me like a Mole : But what are yon- 93° der fellowes ? by your leaue my maifters, what are you ? whence come yee ? wheither goe yee ? and where dwell yee ?

J^er. Sir, wee are men, men of qualitie, honeft men, wee

E come

The wit of a woman.

come from a place, wee are going to a place, and wee dwell at a place.

Brag. Hah, Bragardo what thinkefl: thou of this copanie

Biz It may beeheeis a Ieffcer,but if hee be,hee is nofoole: but him fir: trie him further, fee what hee is.

Brag. Sir, by your nimble tongue it feemes our wit is at commaund, but may I bee beholding to you for your name, 940 and your profefsion ?

Ver. Sir my name is Ventero, my profefsion the Arte of Charactering, writing and reading and fo forthe.

Brag. So fir, then with al your finical eloquence, you wold be a piece of a Schoolemafter : but are you skilful! in Cha- racters of loue?

Ver. Yes fir, and more then that, I can make you a Charac- ter, which if you haue a miftrefle, as I doubt not but you haue many) if (hee take but a view of it, it hath a vertue fo to worke in her eyes, that her heart lhall be yours for euer. 950

Brag. And what fhall I giue you for one of them ?

Brag. I pray you let mee fee one ? Ver. Ten crownes.

Ver. No Sir, for the firffc that lookes on it is drawne to the loue of them that fend it: beleeue it Sir, and as it workes the effect where you would haue it, come to me for other of more vertue, my houfe is but here by, my table hangesat my doore.

Brag. I thanke you fir, there is your money : and what profefsion are you of, Sir and your name.

Rim. Sir I am called, my qualitie is in the explaning of 96° P/ji/iognomy: or in the drawing of a counterfet neerethe life, & in pure colours, in brie fe I ama painter, at your feruice : and I fell complexion.

Brag. What faieft thou to this fpringall ?

Biz. Why Sir, let him goe among the wenches, for there is his beft market, and yet I heerefay, wenching fellow es begin to play the fooles fo out of crie, but I hope you will

come.

The wit of a woman*

come.

Brag. Yes, but I will Sir, holde your peace, Maifler pain- ter, I will be better acquainted with you, one of thele daies I 970 will haue you at my lodging, and you fhall not finde your paines loft, but I pray you haue you any complexion heere about you ?

Rim. Yes marry haue I fir, and that mofle pure of eight crownes a Boxe, heere is two Boxes, the one white, the other red, but I would not wifh to open them, til you haue neede, & then in a clofe chamber, for the ayre is very hurtfull to them.

Brag. I thanke you fir: as thefe prooue you fhal haue more of my money, and perhaps I will not bee your worfl cuf- 980 tomer.

Rim. I thanke you fir, my houfe is in the high flreete, eue- ry body can fhew you to it.

Brag. Well fir, but Maifler Doctor, what are you ? a Law- yer or a Phifitian, and how you are called of moffc men Mai- fler Doctor.

Doc. My name Neojilo^ my profefsion, lenrning, my fluddie the fecrets of Nature, the cures of Malladies, and preferuatiues of healthes.

Brag. And fir, I pray you tell me haue yon any of thofe re- 990 ceipts about you, that may make a man feeme fweet when he comes to his miflrefle, and flrengthen his back, and fettle his heate.

Neof. I haue fir heere a pill, and a balle : the pill you may take any time of the day, but it is befl a little before meales, for it procures appetite, and fweetnes euery thing that is ea- ten or drunken, and giues the breath an odoriferous fauoure, the Bal if you hold it but a little, in your hand and after flrok, your Beard, it will giue a fent, fweeter then a violet : but you mufl do itofte that the fent may hold the better: heere is both 1000 the ball and the pil,the price at one worde,fourtie crownes.

E 1 Bra. I

The wit of a woman.

Bra. I know in deede things of fiich vertue are coftly,you feeme not a man to diffcmble, but as I finde the operation of thefe, I will bee further bountifull for your counfaile : in the meane time there is your demaund : and I thanke you but now lafb of all, what may you bee Sir, your name, and your quallitie ?

Ger. My name is Login : my quallitie, the Inftruction of the Limmes, in the Lineal pafTages, of the cocords of mufick to fpeake more plainely I am a dauncer, and teach the Arte, roio

Bra. Ha Sir : and what daunce is the eafieft to learne for one of my yeares ?

Ger. Sir, if you like it, the woing daunce.

Bra. Mary with all my heart, what (hall I giue you to learne it mee ?

Ger. Sir for flue crownes I will teach it you prefently,and for io much more by the month, Iwilmake you an excellent dauncer within a while, for you haue a noble body, and I am perfwaded your Iointes are not fbiffe.

Bra. No, that they doe not, there is thy money, giue mee 1020 thy hand.

Ger. Come on Sir, marke how I doe, you rauft firfl kifle your hand, and then follow me.

He leades him a Lauolta, andjirikes vp his hee/es, and there leaues him. Exeunt Ger. Ver. Neo. Rim. Manent Br agar do.

Bra. Oh, my backe, Bizardo, is the dauncer gone ?

Biz. Yea fir, and all the reft, I feare me to, a thoufand to one they haue all plaide the knaues with vs.

Brag. Oh no, hope the beft, and come on, lince I haue no 1030 more hurt : let vs along to the Ladies.

Biz. Nay fofte maifter, firfl looke to your wares that you haue bought: trye, you they will prooue, thefe pigges in the

poakes

The wit of a woman

poakes, I haue no minde to.

Brag. Thou faieffc well, come on firfl, for my pill, fhatl I put him downe ?

Biza. It is no matter if yee doe,Ithinke,for I hope they bee not Deuils to poyfbn you for your money.

Brag. Come on then, there it goes,itis fweet in the mouth, we lhall fee anon what it will doe: now to the complexio, ha, 1040 what is here? black Soape? Bizardo, how likes thou this lent?

Biz. Foh, fwoundes Sir, tis a Sir reuerence.

Bra. Well, he is a villaine, the Doctor is an honefl man, and therefore I will trie a little with his Ball: yea marythisis of a right fent, well, I will rub my hand with it a little, and then fee the vertue of it: but let me fee, (hall I fee my Charac- ter?

Biz. Doe Maifler for I feare there is knauerie.

Brag. Oh coufning villaine, I will kill him.

Biz. Why Maifler ? iojo

Bra. Why, heeres nothing but a fboles cap with a cockes- combe and a Bell.

Biza. Oh Roge, but what doe you meane maifler ?

Bra. Why doll thou aske ? what ay left thou ?

Baz. Why what ailes you to pull away your Beard? Oh Lord,looke maifler, heere is a little glade, looke how you are mifufed,this is your honefl Phifitian, a poxe take him.

Bra. Oh Bizardo^ thou faifl true, I am vndone, goe to the Ladies, alas I may goe where I will, oh my belly, now the pill workes, go let vs begon, vntrufle, goe. Exeunt. \o6o

Enter Balia with thefoure Ladies. &. xi

Bat. Gentlewomen, I am glad to fee your kinde agreemet God blefle it, and continue it, and Miftris Erinta, I pray you make hafle of that handkercher, I know your father will bee glad to fee you fb good a work- woman, and I know it wil be

E 3 worth

The wit of a woman.

worth a double ruffe to you, and fbmewhat elfe : befides an ell or two of fine Cambrick, for your crofle cloathes & night railes, & fuch other neceflaries, I heare he hath a fhip come home from Holland, if he haue ere an odde piece of ordinary fhephards Holland, I wil not beg it of him, but I pray you 1070 be my friend to him that I may haue a penny-worth in it.

Erin, Mother I dare vndertake, my Father will notftand with you for a little thing, and for my felfe you are lure of my belt, furtherance.

Ba. I thanke you Daughter, truely I fee you are your mothers daughter, franke and free hearted, oh fhe was a good creature as broke bread : but heere you Miftris Lodouica, for my houfe, haue you ipoken for my leafe ? I am olde, and my life time is but a little: will hee take mine offer ?

Lod. Why mother my father wil not take a pennie of you, 1080 hee hath promifed mee you {hall haue it for a bunch of Aprkokes.

Ba. I thanke you good daughter, marry and hee fhall haue the faireft that I can get for loue or money and I will deferue his goodnes,if it lie in my power, and I will pray for him day and night, God fend many fuch Lawyers as will not onely take no forfeitures, nor racke no rents. I thanke yon with all my heart, but Miftris Erinta and Miftris Ladoutca, I pray you let mee intreate you two, to walk a little into the Garden, while I talke a fewe wordes will come 1090 with Miflris TJfabella and her lifter heere, by and by, wee to yee, yes forfooth

Exeunt Erinto and Lodouica, Manent, Balia and IJfabella Gianetta.

Ba. Now Miftris IJfabella, heere you are a fore your Sifter, & you know I loue you, as deerely as you were mine own, &

fo

The wit of a woman.

fo I doe in truth, but I haue a fecret t o tell you,that If you wil conceale, and follow my counfaile, it will bee for your good another day.

IJfa. Why indeede Mother I will. noo

Gia. And I will be her furety.

Ba. Why then let me tell you, youth is fickle, and giddy- headed, and will fooner talke of loue, they meane it: olde men are wife and kinde and ftaied, and wealthie, and where they loue, they will fuffer no lacke.

IJfa. Why, what of this ?

Ba. Is not a neate fine, comely, fhreigth old man that hath his head and his beard well combed, his ruffes well fet, his doublet well buttoned, his pointes wel trufled, his gloues and his napkin vnder his Girdell, his hofe well gartred, mo and his fhooes black't til they fhine againe, that cannot walk in the ftreete without cap and courtefie almofb of euery one that meetes him, better then a fwaggering gallant with a hayre like a Water-dogge, his band halfe in his necke, foule and wrinckled like a difh-cloute, his doub- let vnbuttoned, his hofe vngartered, his pointes vntruf-^ fed, and in his bootes for lacke of fhooes, and a payre of gloues perfumed with fweate, and affraide to walke the ftreete, for the daunger of, whofe fuite, and haue at yee all, that comes, and fhee haue a kerchiffe fhee is corrantnzo mettle? Oh thinke fweet Miflris, whether is the better choife ?

IJfa. What meanes all this ?

Ba. I will tell you there is a Gentleman of fome yeares, in playne tearmes, Maiffcer Bario, as fine a man of his age, as liueth this day in this Cittie, who bee the other ? and I dare fweare hee loues the grouud the better where you goe : And if you can finde in your heart to loue him, you (hall haue a life like a Lady, why there fhall bee

nothing

The wit of a woman.

nothing to deere for you, and you dial commaund euen what 1 130 you will, you (hall bee miflrefle euen of all his lands, goods, yea and himfelfe and all : how fay you miflrefle?

Iff a. Yes, I thinke I could loue him a little, but if I mould call my liking vpon him, what would the world fay ? a young faire fweet wench, mary fuch a grimme, Sir (he furely married his purfe and not himfelfe, and (he wil haue a gallant in a cor- ner, that fhall and fo foorth : why he mull bee but a counte- nance : alas his date is out, hee may pray for them that may : and for her it is pittie fhee mould bee put to fuch purgatorie, and thus with a great deale of like fluffe I mould bee held a 1140 good minion, but yet I care not, Mother I knowe you are wife, and therefore it is like enough I may folio we yourcoun- faile, and the rather for my fillers fake heere, whomel loue as my felfe: and being her father I cannot like him the worfe.

Bar. Say you mee fo Daughter ? well, it may bee an other day when I meete you in your Coach abroad, or finde you on your Couch at home, with your chaines and your pearles, & your cophers full of gold, then you will thanke me for my counfaile: but Daughter I know hee will be heere anon, and therefore I pray you vfe him well, and you fhallfee what will 1 1 j o folio we, but I leaue you heere with your filler a while, anon I will come to you againe,in the meane time, I pray you thinke on my fpeech, I pray you doe fo. Exit. Balia.

IJfa. Is not this a prettie world ? Ianuary and May make a match ? it cannot be, the yeare will not fuffer fuch vnna- turall coniunctions, but what faiefl thou to it ?

Gia. I fay as you faie, I haue no minde to bee married to the Coughe,the Rewme,the flone,theStrangurie,the Gowte and the Dropfie, I loue not to bee a Nurfe, to fuckle fuch a babie: why wench? Iamaswelcumbred,withinconuenience, 1160 my filler Lodoutcas Father hath made her his fpokes man to me, and heere his wife worfhip will be by and bie : fb perfu- med with Tobacco, that my head will ake with the fent of

him

The wit of a woman.

him : but looke where they bee, Sifters come on let vs fit downe, and make a fhort harueft of a little corne.

Erin. Why how now? what is the matter?

Gia. Loue fauing your reuerence, Saturne is in loue with Virgo >, but the planets will not agree to the match: Age is in loue with youth, and nature admits no reafon for the Capta- tion : but how feele you your femes in that vaine? 1170

Er. Troubled to, for Maifter Doctor would faine bee a patient in fteede of a Phifitian, and I muft bee his cure: but

Gia. And what fay you Lodouical

Loci. Why the Lawyer is become a Louer, and hath for- gotten all his cafes, which ftand of a loue cafe : but I neither care for his tittles, nor his tattles : but yet I giue him faire words, becaufe he is my fathers friend.

Gia. Yea and doe fo ftill, for if my wittes faile mee not, wee will confen them of their fonnes, of their wealth, and of their wits, ere wee haue done with them, and make them all r 180 pleafed, in fpight of their owne hearts.

Lod. Yea marrie Sir, that were to fome purpofe.

Gia, Well I will doe it: heere anon will my olde Maifter and (Ithinke) my father bee : but how ere it bee, or how ere it come, my Sifter fhall heare all, and as I begin, follow you.

Lod. Content: but look where an old Fox is peering out of his hoole : wee will be gone. Ezeunt. Lod. and Erin fa.

Enter Bario.

Gentlewomen God fpeede you, a faire euening, how doe you? how doe you? what Daughter, how doe you with your 1 190 fhort breath? haue you taken any thing for it, was Maifter Doctor with you ?

Lod. Yes forfooth, and hee gaue mee a Iulappe, that doth me much good.

Bar. I am glad of it, and how doth Miftris Bali a and your

F good

The wit of a woman.

good company ? all well ?

Lod. Yea for (both.

Ba. And miftris Gianetta how doe you ? I am beholding to you for my Daughter heere : I would it lay in me to re- quite your kindenes, I wis I would. noo

Gia. Oh Sir, it is your pleafure to fay fo, I thanke you for your acceptation of nothing: but I wold it were in me to plea- sure you, for I know my father loues you.

Ba. And fo doe I him, and haue done a long time, and truely I haue loued you of a little one,and I remember I haue faid many times, oh that I could Hue to haue fuch a wife.

Gia. Alas Sir then you were well fped indeede, nay giue mee leaue to be your feruant :

Ba. Nay marry will I not,I can tell you,if you will like of an olde mans loue you fhall bee ferued and not ferue : you uio fhall bee miflris of me and mine.

Gia. Sir I doubt you fpeake merrily : though I muft con- fefle my miflris beate fuch a matter vnto mee.

Bar. Oh, did fhee, fhee is an honefl woman, and Daugh- ter, you know what I faide to you, and fo haue I faid to your Brother, loue her if you loue me.

Gia. In deede fir, I doe know fhe loueth mee, and fo doe I her, but if I fhould be glad to deferue your kindenes, I hope you would not haue me to doe any thing to my difhonour:

Ba. Not for a worlde. mo

Gia. Then Sir for that the world fhall not fay that I come to rob your children of their portions, if you will make ouer fuch portions vnto them, as may be fit to giue them mainte- nance, if wee fhould chaunce to difagree, then perhaps you fhould finde mee kinder then I will promife till that bee done.

Ba. Kindely and wifely fpoken : it fhall bee done, what you will fet downe I will performe.

Gia. To my Sifter flue thoufand crownes, and your fbnne

twentie

The wit of a woman.

twentie thoufand: for you are reputed to be worth a hun- 1230 dreth.

Ba. I am fo, and will difpatch fpeedily what you haue re- quired; neither will I fee you before it be done, in the meane time, be kinde and true. Exit Bar.

Gia. Doubt you not fir.

Gia. IJfabella how likeft thou this beginning ?

Iff a. Excellent: but how fhall we doe forourloues? howe fhall we come by them ?

Gia. Let me alone: when his goods are giuen away, I will make him giue thee away, but let vs goe in, leaft wee be mift 1 240 to long,worke and then we will talke further of the matter.

IJfa. Content. Exeunt.

Enter the youthes. Sc. xii

File. Now my Maifters this geere workes like wagges, the wenches are our owne, but how fhall wee doe for liuing to maintaine our loues ?

Ver. Take care for nothing : Gianetta wrote mee worde to day, that if I would be honeft I fhould be rich.

Rim. Oh Brother fhee will make you beleeue that if you haue her, you haue enough. IZ50

Ger. Nay let mee fay for my Sifter, I know her to haue a moft perilous wit, and therefore if there be not fome intent of good vnto vs more then we are aware of, I will neuer truft my Iudgement.

Fit. What canft thou Imagine ?

Ger. I will tell you when I knowe further, for I loue no conceites.

Ver. Thus much I holde with him, fome good Alethere is a brewing, for as I heare by my lifters maide who was with me this morning, fhe hath your father at her fingers endes. 1 260

Rim, Nay that is true, and I am affraid my father bee as farre in the foole with your filler : but if there bee a plot, God profper the good meanings, in the meane time,

F 2 let

The wit of a woman.

let vs hope the beft, the worft will helpe it felfe.

Fil. Nay for my felfe I am readie, for all fortunes, He take no thought, hap what will : but looke if the wenches come not abroad : fome knauerie is in their heades,they are fb merry: well let vs trie their patience if wee may bee priuie to their humors.

Enter the Ladies. 1170

Ver. Agreed.

Fil. Faire Laydies,faire fortune to your faire thoughts.

Er. Fine Gentlemen, fine wits haue fine words, you are as welcome as you can wifh, but wee muft craue your prefent abfence, for there is a plotlaide for your good, if you hinder not the proceeding : onely this to you all, as on to morrowe in the eueuing, bee yee all heere in your beft apparell, for yee fhall come to fuch a marriage as I hope you fhall neuer fee a- gaine : ftand not vpon queftions, for time is pretious, and ex- pectation muft bee fatisfied : get yee home to your parents 1180 and fee what they will doe for yee. God bee with yee.

Fil. Wee goe. Exeunt. Manent Ladies.

IJfa. Sifters, what fay you to this worlde ? fhall wee al ftud- die olde Chronicles ? bee bound prentizes to Age during life, and marry our felues to filuer heads, and fhowie beardes: the Cough, the Rewme, the Palfie, and the Gowte ? befide a deafe Eare, a bleere eye and a Iealious humor ? in truth mee thinkes it goeth againft the harie of a good wit, to giue na- ture to better pleafure.

Gia. Why haue we not be thought our felues, of a better 1290' courfe ? haue wee not laide downe the way for our wills ? there reftes nothing now but the plot for the wedding : what faift thou Erinta ?

Er. Marie I cannot tell what to fay: but what you wil de- uife, I will agree vnto.

Gia. What

The wit of a woman.

Gia. What faieft than Lodouka ? what is in your braines that you are fo ftill ?

Lod. Marie I will tell thee, my olde woer is fo far in good will, that I will commaund his wits, and doe you,as I will, and lee what will fall out. 1300

Gia. Why what wilt thou doe ?

Lod. Marie my Sifter fhall confefle that fhee is aflured to her fweet heart, and that to morrowe the marriage is heere to bee folemnized, when, if hee will for my fake bring a Prieft with him, and giue thee as his daughter the next weeke after I am his owne : or elfe,

Gia. Or elfe what ?

Lod. I liue : and yet I will giue him my faith and troth vpon it.

Er. Nay I like not that,, haue you not giuen it already to 1 3 10 my brother ?

Lod. Why yes, and therfore I cannot giue him that I haue not, hee mull: goe to your brother for it, if he will haue it.

Er. Oh vnhappie wench! but looke who comes yonder, it is your olde ftout heart, away lifters, let vs two ftay heere to difpatch our buiineffe. Exeunt Gia. Iff a. ManentErint. Lfid. Lodonica.

Enter Ferio the olde Lawyer.

Feri. MiftrhTe Lodouka all good fortune befall you, I am i3zo glad to fee my Daughter & you fuch louing friends: I would it were in her fathers power, to deferue as much of your afecti- on.

Lod. Sir if I loue your Daughter, I cannot hate you, and knowing the home that you wifh mee, I would hate my felfe to bee vnthankefull, but Sir : as I haue by my letter, which I hope you keepe fecret, allured you of my good will, fo if I

F 3 may

The wit of a woman*

may obtaine one kindenes at your handes, I wil feale my pro- mise with my J&ith and troth to bee youres for euer.

Feri. One kindenes, nay my loue, if it were the lofle of all 1330 my goods, and almofl my life, and all the friends I haue for thy fake, forfake me, If I doe it not.

Lod. Sir, then thus it is, my Sifter Gianet. is to be married to M. Doctors fonne: his father is notwillingtothe Marriage, but time will worke him kinde enough to his owne Sonne, and the Gentlewoman is a kinde creature being a fcholler with you that may doe the deede: my miftrefTe hath aferuice- booke, and if you will bee a father in giuing her to her hus- band : he you know my brother, and in your kindenefle to him, you binde me for euer. 1340

Fer. Truely loue, your father is my friend, but I will loofe him and all the world for thy loue, and let me tell thee this for thy comfort in his good, it fhall be done: and whither his father take it wel,for his liuing it is no great matter, for I haue made him fet to his hand to a deede of my drawing where he hath pafled, irreuocable twentie thoufand crownes to bee paide within one moneth, and flue to thee : all which I will giue to thee to beftowe vpon him againe : for albeit I haue made my daughter and my Sonne an eftate prefent of good, as is according to my late promife vntoit, my profesfion,& 13 jo poflefsion fhall bee enough for our maintenance, I warrant you.

Zjod, Sir I humbly thanke you, and therfore that al things may the fooner be difpatched, I pray you prouide this fchol- lar, and bee heere to morrow in the euening, and I am yours,

Fir. it fhall bee don, my deere, onely loue mee and lacke nothing.

Daughter vpon my blefsing I charge you that you holde your Sifter in as good regarde as if fhee were your mother: for fo I meane fhee fhall bee, and I tell 1360 you, if fhee thinke well of you, it fhall bee nere the

worfe

The wit of a woman

worfe for you, and fo God bee with you. I will fee you againe to morrowe, and if you lacke any thing, let mee knowe it. Exit.

Manent. Lodouica. Eninta.

Erin. How now lifter ? how like you this geere ? will it fadge or not ? fhall wee not laugh at large, to fee the olde Cokes fetcht ouer in their kindes ?

Lodouica. In truth I could fmile to thinke what will fall out, but that I am forry to fee my Father one of the com- 1370 panie.

Er. Why peace foole, is not mine in too ? why if they were not all alike, there were no fport, but let vs firfl pittie our felues, and then them : for if they were not madde they would not let vs runne away with their wittes as they doe.

Lod. Why how fo ?

Er. Why doe they thinke that wee can loue them for husbands ?

Lod. And Why not? 1380

Er. Becaufe it will not be: for if eyther for fafhions fake, wee looke foberly, and fo feeme twentie yeares elder then wee would bee, to counterfeit the young matron, it goes againft the woll howfoeuer wee weare the cloth : and to bee matched to fuch a peice of fiefh, as would choake in the goe- ing downe or bee neuer digefled in the flomacke, were it not better be failing from fuch a banquet ?

Lod. Come, come, you fpeake idely : I doe not thinke but twere better be an old mas darling, the a young mans world- ling: and yet in truth they are fo il to bee pleafed when they 139° are angrie.

Er. Go to fifler, to fee a toothles chappes fit mumbling of a honie fop, a fpectacle eye as red as a Fox run all day on the Rewme, a breath as fweet as garlicke, Belch after his Aqua- uitie, a gowtie legge with fhroncke finewes, and a flompe

foote,

The wit of a woman.

foote lapt vp in a loade of clontes, with a palfie hand, and a malmefie nofe fit at the Table like the Maifter beggar of a fpittle,and then at night before day-light, to leaue good com- panie with a watch-ltock two trufles, at night a cap and two vndercapes of a warning-pan, after a good heat, to be laid in 1400 his bed like a log of the Indies : Oh were not this a fine com- fort for a young wench ? fie, fie, it is a left to thinke that young wenches can loue olde feathers, if they had wit, they would know their owne weakenes, and neuer trouble our pa- tience : but let them alone lifter, doe as I doe, and wee will haue a day of it, that fhall bee fpoken on when wee are dead : ferue the father and loue the Sonne as I doe, and if they bee not both fitted, blame me.

Lod. I am content, leade the daunce and I will follow, but let vs goe in to lay our heads together for the fpeedier dif- 14 10 patch, for Gianetta is a mad wench, and her counfailewill not doe amifle.

Er. Content but keepe all from our olde miflris.

Lod. I warrant thee. Exeunt

Enter the f owe wagges : Filenioy Rzmaldo, Gerillo, Sc xm

Veronte.

Fit My maifters, now to the matter, what is to bee done ? will our fathers bee made fuch olde men by the young wen- ches ? what faift thou Gerillo ?

Ger. I fay women haue flrange wits in thefe daies, for if 1420 they bee difpofed to play the wagges, it is not almoft to bee thought what they can bring to pafle: how fay you brother?

Rim. I fay and knowe it, that nature hath taught them more fubtilty, then our wits haue vnderftanding. I thinke Veronte you will fay no lefle.

Fer. If I fhould fay what I haue hearde, I thinke them mofle happie, that haue lafl to doe with them.

Fit. And

The wit of a woman.

Ft. And why fo brother ?

Ver Forthat as I haue heard, they haue eies to blind mens, tongues to enchaunt men, hands, to binde men, and fome o- i4?o ther thinges, that vndoe men.

Rim. Ha, ha, ha !

Fil. Why brother what laugh you at ?

Rim. At my brothers opinion of women.

Fil. Why ? is hee not in the right ?

Rim. Not rightly confidered : aske Gerillo ?

Ger. Indeede I haue heard they are flarres to looke on, Angells to heare Saintes to loue, GoddefTes to liue with.

Ver. They Deuill the bee.

Ft. Whatsthat? a parentheifis ? 1440

F'er. Better fo then a foole point.

Ger. Well fhali I fpeake a truth, they are as they are vfed: wilfull, thats the belt: couetous thats indifferent, and proude and thats the worfb.

Fi. Oh but theres a helpe for that.

Ver. As howe ?

Fil. Why be as proude as (hee, as couetous as (hee, as wil- full as fhee: if fhee frowne I would lowre: iffhe would fcrape I would fcratch, and if (he would bee gaie, I would bee as ga- rifh : for when fhee faw her humor once equalled, (he would 14 50 bee quickely out of it.

Ger. Oh but iffhe (were vnquiet and out of aboundance of little wit) will batten with brawling and fcoulding, howe then ?

Rim. Oh my fathers lefTbn, either fay nothing to, her that will fret her: orout-fcolde her, and that will mad her: orcud- gell her, and that will tame her : or keepe her bare, and that will kill her.

F'er. Peace man, then fhe will either poyfbn thee, or cutthythroate,or do fome other mifchiefe vntothee,or make 146c thy head like Cuckoldes hauen.

G Fil. No

The wit of a woman.

Fi. No not awhit brother: for He tell you a fhort and a true tale of a fine Taming of a Bedlam queane who would neuer let her husband be at quiet : and after order taken with her, became the belt wife in the world.

Ger. Yea but fofte, wilt thou vfe thy wife fo when thou hall her? (if fhe put thee to it.)

Fil. Yea as fure as death.

Ver. Then come on, we wil all to fchoole to thee and haue thy leffon perfeft by heart. x47°

Fil. I will tell yee: An honeft kinde proper man, neither a beggar, nor of the belt purfe, but endued with many good quallities, married a wench poore enough, nothing faire and yet proud enough, but fo wilfull and with fo little wit, that it was out of reafon to endure her clacke, if her humor were once crofled.

Vir. Mary God blelTe me from fuch a one.

Fil. She would fcolde till fhe flauerd, and looked blacke in the face, fweare like a ruffln, and curfe like a hel-hounde, frowne and leere like a Bearewhelpe, and fling that was next 1480 her at her husband, fweare fhee loued him not, reuile him out of order: and fo grieue him with bitter wordes, it had al- moft kild him ere hee was aware, but :

Ger. But fie vpon her, but what meanes your, but:

Fil. But the goodman weary of his life, and minding ei- ther to mend her or leaue her, deuifed this tricke for her, learning : one day in the midft of all her madnes, when fhee would haue eaten the great Oyfter, following her into her chamber, there with his people vpon the fodaine feazed vp- on her, and fetting her in a chaire, bound her fo faft that fhe 1490 could not get out : which done, caufed her maides and fer- uants, & fome of his next neighbors, to come into her cham- ber and to aduife her to patience, and to pray for her :

Ver. Why this would madde her more ? Fil. Why fo it did awhile : but, then hee caufed the win-

dowes

The wit of a woman.

dowes to be fhut, and the chamber to be kept darke, & with a little waxe-light, warme broathe and a manchet to be fet a- fore her, with a cruze of fmal beere,&fb fed her like a childe : then the clarke of the Church and his wife, whome fhe hated, came to giue her good counfaile, & now & than him- 1 joo felfe, and now and than to looke into the Chamber and blefTe himfelfe and pray for her amendment.

f^er. And did not all this kill her ?

Fil. No it brought her into the belt, life in the worlde : for feeing this refoloution to put her to it : either mende or mad, fhe grew fo milde, that within a fewe monthes fhee was an o- ther woman : the winde of her tongue was fb calme, that it would fcarce haue mooued an afpin leafe when it had blow- en : and thus, what neither counfaile nor crosfing could doe, this conclufion brought to paffe : and fhe of a notable fcoulde i $ 10 was a mofl fweet creature.

Ger. A good worke : but Brother Filenio, doth not the howre drawe on, that wee mull be with our loues?

Fil. Yes indeede doth it, and therefore let vs vfe our wen- ches as wee finde caufe, and if we be made as good fooles as many are, fay nothing as they doe: but ere wee goe, let vs fee our ringes,what is your Inuention ? and your woord ?

Ger. My inuention is an eye without, and a hart within: my worde vide, tene: fee and holde,

Fil. Veronte what is yours? iJzo

f^er. A diall with a hande for the direction : my worde: quo tend is} where you leade mee?

Ft. And yours Rimaldo.

Ri. A Sunne: my worde, Clarior Sol, brighter then the Sunne. Now what is yours ?

Fil. Mine is a world, my woord. Hicmihimundus, heere is my world. A hell ringes.

Fil. But harke, the bell ringes, the houre is come let vs a- way leaft wee milfe our market.

G 2 f^er. Content,

The wit of a woman,

Ver. Content, let vs goe. Exeunt. 1*30

Enter Ferio and a Prieji with a booke. St. xiv

Fer. Sir Lawrence: you know as wel as I, that heere is no- thing fb pleafing as fecrecie in matters of Loue, and therefore performing your care in this, you may happen doe fbme- what for me that {hall bee worth a tithe-pigge, and a goofe to it.

Prieji. Teneo, that is I vnderf land your intent, or I haue of hold your minde,or I haue you at my fingers endes: I am for you, lure and fecret, and fufficient.

Fer. Then Sir : thus it is, you mufl ioyne the handes of 1540 two louing hearts : my neighbour Barios fonne, and Maifter Doctors Daughter, to whom, for fome priuat reafons : I mufl be a father.

Prie. Bene dictum: Amicorum omnia Commune,om friend will doe for another,it is a maxime, in ciuill gouernement: I am willing and readie to doe the endeuour of my function.

Fer. I pray thee leaue thy latine, and in plaine mother- tongue, doe that I will entreate thee to, and be fure of thy re- ward e.

Prie. Sir a Prielt without Latine, mary then turne him 15*0 to the Belferie, and make him a Sexton, but feare not any thing vnjacultate mea, I meane that is in mee : and Sir, for that walles haue eares, and windes whiffle daungeroufly in thefe daies, I pray you let vs bee going about our bufinefle, where none may heare vs : but necejfarii, that is the louers and their likers.

Fer. You fay well Sir Lawrence, I know we are expected. Exeunt.

Enter Brigardo and Bizardo. •&• m

Brag. Bizardo, is my beard growne to this proportion ? 15^0

Biz. Yes

The wit of a woman.

Biz. Yes Sir, if it were your naturall, I meane your owne, for it is like your hofterTe face.

Brag. Why how is that ? weares (he not her owne face ?

Biz. No Sir her owne is naturally fowle, and her borow- ed face is artificially faire.

Brag. Why then hath fhee two faces ?

Biz. Yea, fhee hath two, for fhee hath three :

Brag. Why, how I pray thee ?

Biz. Shee hath firft a foule ilfauourd face, then a faire vi- zard, and then lafb a blacke face called a maske, which I hold i %jo her beft face: for till that be off, there is fome hope of her face to be in fome good forme, but when that is off, oh her long nofe, her yellow eies, her great lippes, and her horfe Iawes, befides her worlde wide mouth makes fuch a face, as God blefle me from fuch a face.

Brag. Goe to Sirra, leaue your rayling, fhee is an honeft wench and my friend, but what faiefl thou of my hay re, is it fpied ?

Biz. No more then the nofe on your face : a periwig, a pox on it : and yet I curfe to late : for, but for the poxe, it 1 580 had neuer been vfed, for I haue heard that in olde time, balde men were had in great reuerence, and now fo many young fellowes take them vp, that they are with : mary in Sir reue- rence.

Brag. Hang rafcall, thou art fet vpon villanie, but nowe what faiefl thou to my perfumed gloues ?

Biz. Oh they are but rubd ouer with Lauender, or elfe it may bee they fmell of the paper that I bought the Pepper in, that you had for your vnala.

Brag. Peace flaue, and giue mee a pipe of Tobacco. 1590

Biz. You had neede Sir, for the garlicke you eate to bed- ward : for your colde is fo flrong, that you had neede haue fomewhat elfe to kill it.

Brag. Well fir, but heare you mee : I hope you will flicke

G 1 to

The wit of a woman

to me, to bee reuenged on thefe gallants that haue miflufed me.

Biz. I Sir, mary God forbid, you are good enough for fifteene of them, and befides, the Law perhaps will light heauie vpon me, for breaking the peace, while you perhaps may weare out after awhile well enough. 1600

Brag. Thou faieib wel, and wifely, but yet thou wilt Hand by for a witnefle howe I am vfed, and take thine oath vp- pon the quarrell.

Biz. Yes Sir that I will, and talke to them to.

Brag. Come on then, let vs to Miflris Ba/ias, and boorde the wenches before theire faces,that dare crofle vs,and if wee meete with any of our cheaters, He teach them a cheating tricke as long as this cudgell will holde : but what is heere to doe ? wine and cakes, and Rofemarie, and Nofe-gaies, what? a wedding ? l6l°

Enter feruants with Nofe-gaies, cakes and wine.

Biz. Yea Sir, a wedding fure, but will you goe no further ?

Brag. Yes marry will I, but I will firft knowe what they bee, and whence they come. Sirra you with the pot and the bum, what are you? whence come you, and whither goe you?

Ser. Sir fnuffe with your huffe, no offence to your ruffe, if you long for the cuffe, I am for you: my bum and my pot, cares not a groate, for fuch a lob-coate, farewell Siniorfnot. Exit. 16 zo

Brag. What a rafcall is this ? what are you Sirrah with the cakes ?

Ser. I am as you fee Sir ? what fay you to me Sir ? if my cakes doe offend you, goe farther and mende you ?

Brag. What are the knaues madde ?

Biz. No but perhappes, as you and I haue been fbme-

what

The wit of a woman,

what merrie in the head with the iuice of the grape: but who comes yonder ?

Enter Mi/iris Balia.

Mift. Balia. Good Lord Sir, are you heere ? in truth my 1530 folkes tould me there was a gallant gentelman at the doore I pray you come in, you fhall be my gueft : I tell you, you lhall finde good company; & you fhall be hartily welcome.

Brag. I thanke you heartily: I will wake vpon you. Sirra, giue the gentelwoma a leafhe of angells, to buy a fugar loafe : and goe you to the Sunne, and fetch me a gallon of Ipo- cras.

Boy. I will Sir.

Balia. Come Sir: in deed you are at to much cofl; I know not how to make you amends, but I will not be vnthankfull: 1640 will it pleafe you leade the way ?

Brag. I thanke you. Exeunt.

Enter Bizardo, with the Vintners boy, Gero. halfe Sc. xvi dronke, and the wine.

Biz. Boy is it right ?

Boy. Right ? Zblud I would you coulde goe right to the houfe, a pox of your righting.

Biz. Boy it taites of the Caske.

Boy. Caske ? in faith you haue a caske, a rope of fuch a caske, come will you goe along ? i^yo

Biz. Boy the pot runnes.

Boy. Come your wit runnes, and your tongue runnes, I would your feete would either runne or goe, and leaue this reeling running.

Bizardo. Boy, it taftes to much ot the fpice, and the pepper.

Boy. A

The wit of a woman.

Bote. A vengeance pepper fuch braines, as cannot beare one draught of Ipocras.

Biz. Boy let me fee the pot.

Boy. Come will you walke? you haue pot enough, but 1660 looke who is this?

Enter Bragardo without hayre or beard. Solus.

Brag. Why how now flaue, what a cafe art thou in ?

Biz. Such a cafe as you are I hope, what haue you bin in a birdes nefle ? why how fcapt your eyes ?

Brag. Oh Bizardo Miflris Balia hath betrayed me, there was a wedding: and the dogges that the tother day mifufed me were there, and fell vpon mee, and vfed me as you fee, and but that I beflirred me with my curtilax, I had neuer come away aliue, but I will be reuenged on this houfe. 1670

Enter a Maide with a broome.

Maid. What Rafcall is this that keepes fuch a ray ling at my miflris doore, what Captaine Swappes is it you ? lie be with you by and by, He haue a medicine for you. Exit in a- gaine.

Brag. Bizardo let vs be gone, wee fhall be betrayed, boy get you home with your pot : He fend to you anon, or come on with me to my lodging, He pay you : goe poore Bizardo, He beare with thee, for this is not often. Exeunt. 1679

Enter Balia with Ferio and the Doctors daughter, and her lone Sc. xvii fets them to the Table : thenjhe brings in Bario and Ferios daughter and he? hue : then the Lawyer and Barios Daugh- ter, and her Boy : and lafi the Doctor with the Lawyers Daughter and het hue, and the Prieji, and Jit all together.

Bal. Gentle men yee are all welcome, blefled bee the day that I haue feene you all together in my houfe: God bleffe

ye

The wit of a woman,

yee all and fend you ioy one of another. I pray God.

Prieji. Amen.

Lau. Miftreffe Bali a, I thanke you, but by this meanes you are ridde of your guefle and wee of our children. \69o

Bal. Not a whit, not a whit, I hope I fhal haue them heere many a faire .day before, I die yet, If I liue to it.

Bau. Oh but miilris Ba/?a, heere hath been double dealing, how fay you Maifter Doctor?

Doct. Mary, I thinke heere hath been treble dealing, what fay you Maifter Ferio ?

Fie. Mary I thinke it hath been a fong of foure parts : what fay you Maifter Bario ?

Bar. I fay I know not what to fay, but we fing all one tune, what fay you Miftris Erinta? 1700

Erin. Forfooth I thanke you father?

Bar. Well laid wench, thou art fiire enough, of the fathers fide : I that got thee, hee that gaue thee, and hee by thy huf- band fhall gouerne thee.

Erin. No forfooth father, I haue but one father : though three fathers : you are my onely father in loue, my husbands in loue, and maifter Dorio for a church-father, and therefore I befeech you, as I am youronely Daughter, bee you ftill my onely father.

Bar. And I will wench, but what faieth Miftris Iffabella? 1710

Iff a. Aske my father if it pleafe you, for he frownes fb, that I feare to fpeake.

Doct. Speake Ape, I am not angrie, for I know your hand was in this pye.

IJfa. In truth Sir, the meate was drefl ere I knew of the dinner, but I hope you will not bee angrie that I tooke my part of good cheere.

Doct. I will not wifh no man choaked becaufe I cannot eate, and I can the better eate, and I can the better fait, when my friendes beare mee companie : but what fay you Miftris 1720 Gianetta ?

H Gia. Sir, I

The wit of a wo?nan.

Gia. Sir I fay that age is kinde that pittieth youth, aske Mailler Ferio^ if I fay true or not.

Fer. But youth is fubtil that deceiueth age, and fo are you mifbrelTe,if I might fay what I thin ke: but what fay you mif- trefle Lodouka ?

Lod. I fay that flowers and froft.es cannot agree, but nature hath her pleafures and witt her deuifes, and I hope where youth is kinde, age will be comfortable.

Fer. Like enough, but a froft in the fpring may nip a 1730 flower in the bud, and Nature without reafon may haue wit without difcrefion, and age being decerned, may fmile at youthe difeafed: but doe you remember your faith and troth, Lod. yes, I had giuen it my husband before, and he would not part with it in any wife.

Ferio Mailler Bario, I fee it is invaine, to talk to the wen- ches, they wil haue it if they fet on it: if they die for it, and they fhall haue it forme: theyhauetheirLoues,theBoyeshaue our handes and we haue the whirligige I gaue your Daugh- ter to his fonne. 174°

Ft. And I yours to his.

Doct. And I yours

Doct. And I yours.

Ft. And this was my fonne and your daughter.

Bar. And this was my Daughter and your fonne.

Doct. And this fhall bee my fonne and Daughter.

Dor. And this is my Daughter and my Sonne, and there- fore fince the wenches by their wits haue coufned vs of our wealthe, and our Boies, for fhame let vs giue them fomewhat, for they are not yet beholding to vs. 1750

Fer. Begin and ile folio we.

Doct. And I.

Bario. And I.

Doct. Come on then boyes and wenches, your hands are fall enough alreadie, now let vs holde handes together: when

wee

The wit of a woman,

wee die : they fhall haue our Landes, and goods : and while wee liue our kinde loues : and fo God fend them as their hearts can wifh,and vpon this, as many as clap handes.

Ft. Amen, Amen, this night, I well entreate you all to my houfe, to morrow I am at your direction. Exeunt. 1760

Enter Epilogus.

7\/T Y Maifters heere is a feaffc fpoken of, and a company bidde, but let me tel you, their houfes are fo farre hece,& their meate fcarce : yet far from the market, Co that I aflure you, I doe fhrewdly doubt, that either your ftomakes will be gone ere the meate bee readie,or elfe there will beefo manie: that their will not bee halfe enough for the third parte, that will bee there, and therefore to auoide all inconueniences, I would wifh you all that either haue any meate at home or are bidden to your better friendes, not to leaue your fupper in » ° earneft for a banquet in left, & yet If this that you haue hearp haue anie thing pleaied the tafle of your kinde vnderftading that with a token of contentment, you will giue a plandite to our conceites. Exit.

FINIS.

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