FORTUNATUS.
Why, nurse, I am sure that Lelia hears
From Sophos once a day at least by Churms
The lawyer, who is his only friend.
NURSE. What, young master! God bless mine eyesight. Now, by my maidenhead, y'are welcome home: I am sure my mistress will be glad to see you. But what said you of Master Churms?
FORTUNATUS.
Marry, I say he's a well-wisher to my sister Lelia,
And a secret friend to Sophos.
NURSE. Marry, the devil he is! trust him, and hang him. Why, he cannot speak a good word on him to my old master; and he does so ruffle before my mistress with his barbarian eloquence,[153] and strut before her in a pair of Polonian legs, as if he were a gentleman-usher to the great Turk or to the devil of Dowgate. And if my mistress would be ruled by him, Sophos might go snick-up: but he has such a butter-milk face, that she'll never have him.
SOPHOS.
Can falsehood lurk in those enticing looks!
And deep dissemblance lie, where truth appears?
FORTUNATUS.
Injurious villain, to betray his friend!
NURSE.
Sir, do you know the gentleman?
FORTUNATUS.
Faith, not well.
NURSE.
Why, sir, he looks like a red herring at a nobleman's table on
Easter-day, and he speaks nothing but almond-butter and sugarcandy.
FORTUNATUS.
That's excellent.