which looks like a correction made by the author himself, currente calamo. The hand of The Second Maiden's Tragedy does not resemble that of Believe as You List. The hand of Sir John Van Olden Barnavelt is uniform throughout. It is neat and full of flourishes, especially in the letter L. It is, of course, possible that Massinger wrote this in 1619. The stage directions are in a bolder hand and deep black ink. They are plainly part of the MS., and not later insertions like those in Believe as You List. I incline to think the writing is all due to an amanuensis. There is very little correction in the play, except that several long passages are very thoroughly scrawled out.
The line would make better sense if it were emended thus:
I'll have no other penance than to practise,
To find some means that he deserves thee best.
Compare A Trick, I., 1:
What trick is not an embryon at first?
“Embryon” is a favourite word of Massinger's.
I., 1: Witgood. I shall go nigh to catch that old fox, mine Uncle; though he make but some amends for my undoing, yet there's some comfort in't, he cannot otherwise choose, though it be but in hope to cozen me again, but supply any hasty want that I bring to town with me.
II., 1: Lucre. There may be hope some of the widow's lands too may one day fall upon me if things be carried wisely.
A New Way, IV., 1, 77:
Overreach. 'Tis not alone
The Lady Allworth's land, for these once Wellborn's,
As by her dotage on him I know they will be,
Shall soon be mine.