SCENE V.—Levidulcia's Apartment.
Enter Levidulcia manned[151] by Fresco.
Lev. Thou art welcome into my chamber, Fresco.
Prithee shut the door.—Nay; thou mistakest me.
Come in and shut it.
Free. 'Tis somewhat late, madam.
Lev. No matter. I have somewhat to say to thee.
What, is not thy mistress towards a husband yet?
Fres. Faith, madam, she has suitors, but they will not suit her, methinks. They will not come off lustily, it seems.
Lev. They will not come on lustily, thou wouldst say.
Fres. I mean, madam they are not rich enough.
Lev. But ay, Fresco, they are not bold enough. Thy mistress is of a lively attractive blood, Fresco, and in truth she is of my mind for that. A poor spirit is poorer than a poor purse. Give me a fellow that brings not only temptation with him, but has the activity of wit and audacity of spirit to apply every word and gesture of a woman's speech and behaviour to his own desire, and make her believe she's the suitor herself; never give back till he has made her yield to it.
Fres. Indeed among our equals, madam; but otherwise we shall be put horribly out o' countenance.
Lev. Thou art deceived, Fresco. Ladies are as courteous as yeomen's wives, and methinks they should be more gentle. Hot diet and soft ease makes 'em like wax always kept warm, more easy to take impression.—Prithee, untie my shoe.—What, art thou shamefaced too? Go roundly to work, man. My leg is not gouty: 'twill endure the feeling, I warrant thee. Come hither, Fresco; thine ear. S'dainty, I mistook the place, I missed thine ear and hit thy lip.
Fres. Your ladyship has made me blush.