More people cross the stage.
Butts. Cheapside on a holiday!
Re-enter Mother Carey, dressed for walking.
Carey. O, dear! O, dear! I'll be late; I'm sure I'll be late. Oh! dear, dear, dear! why will that Ursula still lag?
Butts. What's the matter, Mother?
Carey. Matter? Matter enough! a gentlewoman tried for adultery and me sure to miss it all! [Looks around.] Why doesn't Ursula come? O, dear! O, dear!—why, here she is!
Enter Ursula.
What kept thee, Ursula?
Ursula. Such a crowd! Whew! I'm out o' breath. [Sits; one or two pass over.] The town's run mad to look upon a gentlewoman shamed. [Citizens still pass.] Ah! there's no room for me now, but when her labor came God knows there was no press! I had room enough then, not one would lend a hand—fie! they are serpents, all of them; they have double tongues to hiss, but ne'er a hand to help.
Carey. Still talking to herself. Here, Ursula, take the keys and wait upon the gentlemen.