Act 2, Scene VII

Enter HUMPHREY and VENTUREWELL.

[Wife.    

Oh, George, here's Master Humphrey again now that lost Mistress Luce, and Mistress Luce's father. Master Humphrey will do somebody's errand, I warrant him.]

Humphrey.

Father, it's true in arms I ne'er shall clasp her; For she is stoln away by your man Jasper.

[Wife.    

I thought he would tell him.]

Venturewell.

Unhappy that I am, to lose my child!
Now I begin to think on Jasper's words,
Who oft hath urged to me thy foolishness:
Why didst thou let her go? thou lov'st her not,
That wouldst bring home thy life, and not bring her.

Humphrey.

Father, forgive me. Shall I tell you true?
Look on my shoulders, they are black and blue:
Whilst to and fro fair Luce and I were winding,
He came and basted me with a hedge-binding.

Venturewell.

Get men and horses straight: we will be there
Within this hour. You know the place again!

Humphrey.

l know the place where he my loins did swaddle;
I'll get six horses, and to each a saddle.

Venturewell.

Meantime I will go talk with Jasper's father.

[Exeunt severally.

[Wife.    

George, what wilt thou lay with me now, that Master Humphrey has not Mistress Luce yet? speak, George, what wilt thou lay with me?

Citizen.

No, Nell; I warrant thee, Jasper is at Puckeridge with her by this.

Wife.    

Nay, George, you must consider Mistress Luce's feet are tender; and besides 'tis dark; and, I promise you truly, I do not see how he should get out of Waltham forest with her yet.

Citizen.

Nay, cony, what wilt thou lay with me, that Ralph has her not yet?

Wife.    

I will not lay against Ralph, honey, because I have not spoken with him.]