HONESTY.
Fare well? [Aside.] Nay, you will scant fare well
By that time I have done: but I must about my business,
To find some knack to know this knave at large.
[Exit.
Enter ETHENWALD.
ETHENWALD.
The night draws on,
And Phoebus is declining towards the west.
Now shepherds bear their flocks unto the folds,
And wint'red oxen, foddered in their stalls,
Now leave to feed, and 'gin to take their rest:
Black, dusky clouds environ round the globe,
And heaven is covered with a sable robe.
Now am I come to do the king's command;
To court a wench, and win her for the king:
But if I like her well, I say no more,
'Tis good to have a hatch before the door.
But first I will move her father to prefer
The earnest suit I have in canvassing,
So may I see the maid, woo, wed,
Ay, and bed her too. Who is here? what ho!
Enter OSRICK.
OSRICK.
Earl Ethenwald, welcome. How fares our friends at court?
What cause constrains your honour, that thus late
You visit us, that dream not of your coming?
ETHENWALD.
My lord, I am come unlooked-for, very true;
So is my coming yet conceal'd from you.
OSRICK.
Your honour shall repose you here to-night,
And early as you please begin your task;
Time serves not now. Come, Ethenwald,
As welcome as the king himself to me.
ETHENWALD.
Now, Ethenwald, if fortune favour thee,
Thou may'st prove happy love to Alfrida. [Exeunt.
Enter HONESTY, and the KING disguised.
HONESTY.
This is the place, and this th'appointed time. I know
He'll keep his word, for he thinks me his friend.