MRS SPLAY. And, as I told you, being fair, I wish,
Sweet daughter, you were as fortunate.
When any suitor comes to ask thy love,
Look not into his words, but into his sleeve;
If thou canst learn what language his purse speaks,
Be ruled by that; that's golden eloquence.
Money can make a slavering tongue speak plain.
If he that loves thee be deform'd and rich,
Accept his love: gold hides deformity.
Gold can make limping Vulcan walk upright;
Make squint eyes straight, a crabbed face look smooth,
Gilds copper noses, makes them look like gold;
Fills age's wrinkles up, and makes a face,
As old as Nestor's, look as young as Cupid's.
If thou wilt arm thyself against all shifts,
Regard all men according to their gifts.
This if thou practise, thou, when I am dead.
Wilt say: Old Mother Splay, soft lie[14] thy head.
Enter YOUNG MASTER ARTHUR.
MRS MA. Soft, who comes here? begone, good Mistress Splay;
Of thy rule's practice this is my first day.
MRS SPLAY. God, for thy passion, what a beast am I To scare the bird, that to the net would fly! [Exit.
Y. ART. By your leave, mistress.
MRS MA. What to do, master?
Y. ART. To give me leave to love you.
MRS MA. I had rather afford you some love to leave me.
Y. ART. I would you would as soon love me, as I could leave you.
MRS MA. I pray you, what are you, sir?