Maq. Yes, in reversion, as he had his office; as, in truth, he hath all things in reversion: he has his mistress in reversion, his clothes in reversion, his wit in reversion; and, indeed, is a suitor to me for my dog in reversion: but, in good verity, la, he is as proper a gentleman in reversion as—and, indeed, as fine a man as may be, having a red beard and a pair of warpt[560] legs.
Bian. But, i’faith, I am most monstrously in love with Count Quidlibet-in-quodlibet: is he not a pretty, dapper, unidle[561] gallant? 39
Maq. He is even one of the most busy-fingered lords; he will put the beauties to the squeak most hideously.
Re-enter Bilioso.
Bil. Room! make a lane there! the duke is entering: stand handsomely for beauty’s sake, take up the ladies there! So, cornets, cornets!
Re-enter Prepasso, joins to Bilioso; then enter two Pages with lights, Ferrardo, Mendoza; at the other door, two Pages with lights, and the Captain leading in Maria; Mendoza meets Maria and closeth with her; the rest fall back.
Men. Madam, with gentle ear receive my suit;
A kingdom’s safety should o’er-peise[562] slight rites;
Marriage is merely nature’s policy:
Then, since unless our royal beds be join’d,
Danger and civil tumults fright the state,
Be wise as you are fair, give way to fate. 50
Maria. What wouldst thou, thou affliction to our house?
Thou ever-devil, ’twas thou that banished’st
My truly noble lord!
Men. I!