SIR JOHN. How, Master Skelton; what, at study hard?
[Opens the door.
SKEL. Welcome and wish'd-for honest Sir John Eltham.
I have sent twice, and either time he miss'd
That went to seek you.
ELT. So full well he might:
These two hours it pleased his majesty
To use my service in surveying maps,
Sent over from the good King Ferdinand,
That to the Indies, at Sebastian's suit,
Hath lately sent a Spanish colony.
SKEL. Then 'twill trouble you,
After your great affairs, to take the pain
That I intended to entreat you to,
About rehearsal of our[158] promis'd play.
ELT. Nay, Master Skelton; for the King himself,
As we were parting, bid me take great heed
We fail not of our day: therefore, I pray,
Send for the rest, that now we may rehearse.
SKEL. O, they are ready all, and dress'd to play.
What part play you?
ELT. Why, I play Little John,
And came on purpose with this green suit.
SKEL. Holla, my masters! Little John is come.
[At every door all the players run out, some crying "Where? where?" others, "Welcome, Sir John:" among others the boys and Clown.
SKEL. Faith, little Tracy, you are somewhat forward:
What, our Maid Marian leaping like a lad?
If you remember, Robin is your love—
Sir Thomas Mantle yonder—not Sir John.