she has the most best, true, feminine wit in Rome!

CRI. I have heard so, sir; and do most vehemently desire to participate the knowledge of her fair features.

ALB. Ah, peace; you shall hear more anon: be not seen yet, I pray you; not yet: observe.

 

Exit

 

CHL. 'Sbody, give husbands the head a little more, and they'll be nothing but head shortly; what's he there?

1ST MAI. I know not forsooth.

2ND MAI. Who would you speak with, sir?

CRI. I would speak with my cousin Cytheris.

2ND MAI. He is one forsooth would speak with his cousin Cytheris.

CHL. Is she your cousin, sir?

CRI. Yes, in truth, forsooth, for fault of a better.

CHL. She is a gentlewoman.

CRI. Or else she should not be my cousin, I assure you.

CHL. Are you a gentleman born?

CRI. That I am, lady; you shall see mine arms, if't please you.

CHL. No, your legs do sufficiently show you are a gentleman born, sir: for a man born upon little legs is always a gentleman born.

CRI. Yet, I pray you, vouchsafe the sight of my arms, mistress; for I bear them about me to have 'em seen: my name is Crispinus, or Cri-spinas indeed; which is well expressed in my arms, a face crying in chief; and beneath it a bloody toe, between three thorns pungent.

CHL. Then you are welcome, sir; now you are a gentleman born, I can find in my heart to welcome you: for I am a gentlewoman born too; and will bear my head high enough, though 'twere my fortune to marry a tradesman.

CRI. No doubt of that, sweet feature, your carriage shows it in any man's eye that is carried upon you with judgement.

 

Albius is still going in and out

 

ALB. Dear wife, be not angry.

CHL. God's my passion!

ALB. Hear me but one thing; let not your maids set cushions in the parlour windows; nor in the dining- chamber windows; nor upon stools, in either of them, in any case; for 'tis tavern-like; but lay them one upon another, in some out-room, or corner of the dining-chamber.

CHL. Go, go, meddle with your bedchamber only, or rather with your bed in your chamber, only; or rather with your wife in your bed only; or on my faith, I'll not be pleased with you only.

ALB. Look here, my dear wife, entertain that gentleman kindly, I prithee; –– mum.

CHL. Go, I need your instructions indeed; anger me no more, I advise you. Citi-sin, quoth'a! She's a wise gentlewoman, i' faith, will marry herself to the sin of the city.

ALB. But this time, and no more (by heaven) wife: hang no pictures in the hall, nor in the dining- chamber, in any case, but in the gallery only, for 'tis not courtly else, o' my word, wife.

CHL. 'Sprecious, never have done!

 

She strikes him

 

ALB. Wife –

 

Exit

 

CHL. Do I not bear a reasonable corrigible hand over him, Crispinus?

CRI. By this hand, lady, you hold a most sweet hand over him.

 

Enter Albius

 

ALB.