Wid. Will you yet, sir, after your needless trouble?
Begone, and bid the maids dress dinner!
Clown. Mistress, 'tis fasting day to-day, there's nothing
But fish.
Wid. Let there be store of that; let bounty
Furnish the table, and charity
Shall be the voider. What fish is there, sirrah?
Clown. Marry, there is salmon, pike, and fresh cod, soles, maids,[57] and plaice.
Wid. Bid 'em haste to dress 'em then.
Clown. Nay, mistress, I'll help 'em too; the maids shall first dress the pike and the cod, and then [Aside] I'll dress the maids in the place you wot on. [Exit Clown.
Doc. You sent for me, gentlewoman?
Wid. Sir, I did: and to this end:
I have some scruples in my conscience;
Some doubtful problems which I cannot answer
Nor reconcile; I'd have you make them plain.
Doc. This is my duty; pray [you], speak your mind.
Wid. And as I speak, I must remember heaven,
That gave those blessings which I must relate:
Sir, you now behold a wond'rous woman;
You only wonder at the epithet;
I can approve it good: guess at mine age.