Was not Sir John Daw here to ask for him and the company?

MISTRESS OT. I cannot assure you, Master Truewit. Here was a very melancholy knight in a ruff, that demanded my subject for somebody, a gentleman, I think.

CLE. Aye, that was he, lady.

MISTRESS OT. But he departed straight, I can resolve you.

DAU. What an excellent choice phrase, this lady expresses in!

TRU. Oh, sir! She is the only authentical courtier, that is not naturally bred one, in the city.

MISTRESS OT. You have taken that report upon trust, gentlemen.

TRU. No, I assure you, the court governs it so, lady, in your behalf.

MISTRESS OT. I am the servant of the court and courtiers, sir.

TRU. They are rather your idolaters.

MISTRESS OT. Not so, sir.

 

Enter Cutbeard

 

DAU. How now, Cutbeard! Any cross?

CUT. Oh, no, sir: omnia bene. 'Twas never better o' the hinges, all's sure. I have so pleased him with a curate, that he's gone to't almost with the delight he hopes for soon.

DAU. What is he, for a vicar?

CUT. One that has catched a cold, sir, and can scarce be heard six inches off; as if he spoke out of a bulrush, that were not picked, or his throat were full of pith: a fine quick fellow, and an excellent barber of prayers. I came to tell you, sir, that you might omnem movere lapidem (as they say) be ready with your vexation.

DAU. Gramercy, honest Cutbeard, be thereabouts with thy key to let us in.

CUT. I will not fail you, sir: ad manum.

 

Exit

 

TRU. Well, I'll go watch my coaches.

CLE. Do; and we'll send Daw to you, if you meet him not.

 

Exit Truewit

 

MISTRESS OT. Is Master Truewit gone?

DAU. Yes, lady, there is some unfortunate business fallen out.

MISTRESS OT. So I judged by the physiognomy of the fellow that came in; and I had a dream last night too of the new pageant, and my Lady Mayoress, which is always very ominous to me. I told it my Lady Haughty t'other day; when her honour came hither to see some China stuffs: and she expounded it, out of Artemidorus, and I have found it since very true. It has done me many affronts.

CLE. Your dream, lady?

MISTRESS OT. Yes, sir, anything I do but dream o' the city. It stained me a damask table-cloth, cost me eighteen pound at one time; and burnt me a black satin gown, as I stood by the fire at my Lady Centaur's chamber in the college, another time.