Lev. That shows thou art full o' lusty blood and thou knowest not how to use it. Let me see thy hand. Thou shouldst not be shamefaced by thy hand, Fresco. Here's a brawny flesh and a hairy skin, both signs of an able body. I do not like these phlegmatic, smooth-skinned, soft-fleshed fellows. They are like candied suckets[152] when they begin to perish, which I would always empty my closet of, and give 'em my chambermaid.—I have some skill in palmistry: by this line that stands directly against me thou shouldst be near a good fortune, Fresco, if thou hadst the grace to entertain it.
Fres. O what is that, madam, I pray?
Lev. No less than the love of a fair lady, if thou dost not lose her with faint-heartedness.
Fres. A lady, madam? Alas, a lady is a great thing: I cannot compass her.
Lev. No? Why, I am a lady. Am I so great I cannot be compassed? Clasp my waist, and try.
Fres. I could find i' my heart, madam—[Sebastian knocks within.
Lev. 'Uds body, my husband! Faint-hearted fool! I think thou wert begotten between the North Pole and the congealed passage.[153] Now, like an ambitious coward that betrays himself with fearful delay, you must suffer for the treason you never committed. Go, hide thyself behind yon arras instantly. [Fresco hides himself.
Enter Sebastian.
Sebastian! What do you here so late?