[Throwing away the one she holds.]
Wal. [Snatching it.] For what?
Wouldst read it? He’s a bankrupt! stripped of title,
House, chattels, lands, and all! A naked bankrupt,
With neither purse, nor trust! Wouldst read his letter?
A beggar! Yea, a very beggar!—fasts, unless
He dines on alms! How durst he send thee a letter!
A fellow cut on this hand, and on that;
Bows and is cut again, and bows again!
Who pays you fifty smiles for half a one,—
And that given grudgingly! To you a letter!
I burst with choler! Thus I treat his letter!
[Tears and throws it on the ground.]
So! I was wrong to let him ruffle me;
He is not worth the spending anger on!
I prithee, Master Modus, use despatch,
And presently make ready for our ride.
You, Helen, to my Julia look—a change
Of dresses will suffice. She must have new ones,
Matches for her new state! Haste, friends. My Julia!
Why stand you poring there upon the ground?
Time flies. Your rise astounds you? Never heed—
You’ll play my lady countess like a queen!
[They go out.]
ACT IV.
SCENE I.—A Room in the Earl of Rochdale’s
[Eater Helen.]
Helen. I’m weary wandering from room to room;
A castle after all is but a house—
The dullest one when lacking company.
Were I at home, I could be company
Unto myself. I see not Master Walter,
He’s ever with his ward. I see not her.
By Master Walter’s will she bides alone.
My father stops in town. I can’t see him.
My cousin makes his books his company.
I’ll go to bed and sleep. No—I’ll stay up
And plague my cousin into making love!
For, that he loves me, shrewdly I suspect.
How dull he is that hath not sense to see
What lies before him, and he’d like to find!
I’ll change my treatment of him. Cross him, where
Before I used to humour him. He comes,
Poring upon a book. What’s that you read?
[Enter Modus.]