You shall every day hear from me,
By my faithful page.
All. 'Tis a service I am proud of.
(Exeunt Lord Lovell, Lady Allworth, Allworth,
and Marrall.)
Over. Daughter, to your chambere.--
(Exit Margaret.)
You may wonder, nephew,
After so long an enmity between us,
I should desire your friendship.
Well. So I do, sir.
'Tis strange to me.
Over. But I'll make it no wonder;
And what is more, unfold my nature to you.
We worldly men, when we see friends and kinsmen
Past hope sunk in their fortunes, lend no hand
To lift them up, but rather set our feet
Upon their heads, to press them to the bottom,
As, I must yield, with you I practised it.
But, now I see in you a way to rise,
I can and will assist you. This rich lady--
And I am glad of't--is enamored of you.
'Tis too apparent, nephew.
Well. No such thing.
Compassion rather, sir.
Over. Well, in a word,
Because your stay is short, I'll have you seen
No more in this base shape; nor shall she say,
She married you like a beggar, or in debt.
Well. (Aside.) He'll run into the noose, and save
my labor.
Over. You have a trunk of rich clothes, not far
hence,
In pawn. I will redeem 'em; and that no clamor
May taint your credit for your petty debts,
You shall have a thousand pounds to cut 'em off,
And go a free man to the wealthy lady.
Well. This done, sir, out of love, and no ends else--
Over. As it is, nephew--
Well. Binds me still your servant.
Over. No compliments, you are stayed for. Ere you
have supped
You shall hear from me. My coach, knaves, for my
nephew.
To-morrow I will visit you.
Well. Here's an uncle
In a man's extremes! How much they do belie you,
That say you are hard-hearted!
Over. My deeds, nephew,
Shall speak my love. What men report I weigh not.
(Exeunt.)
(A Room in Lady Allworth's House. Enter Lord
Lovell and Allworth.)
Lov. 'Tis well; give me my cloak. I now discharge
you
From further service. Mind your own affairs,
I hope they will prove successful.
All. What is blest
With your good wish, my lord, cannot but prosper.
Let aftertimes report, and to your honor,
How much I stand engaged, for I want language
To speak my debt. Yet if a tear or two
Of joy, for your much goodness, can supply
My tongue's defects, I could--
Lov. Nay, do not melt.
This ceremonial thanks to me's superfluous.
Over. (Within.) Is my lord stirring?
Lov. 'Tis he! O, here's your letter. Let him in.
(Enter Overreach, Greedy, and Marrall.)
Over. A good day to my lord!
Lov. You are an early riser.
Sir Giles.
Over. And reason, to attend your lordship.
Lov. And you, too, Master Greedy, up so soon!
Greedy. In troth, my lord, after the sun is up,
I cannot sleep, for I have a foolish stomach
That croaks for breakfast. With your lordship's favor,
I have a serious question to demand
Of my worthy friend Sir Giles.
Lov. Pray you use your pleasure.
Greedy. How far, Sir Giles, and pray you answer
me
Upon your credit, hold you it to be
From your manor-house, to this of my lady's All-
worth's?
Over. Why, some four mile.
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