[Exeunt Adriana and the other women.
Bout. Married! and to-day?
Dissension, jealousy, hate, beggary,
With all the dire events which breed dislike
In nuptial beds, attend her bridal steps!
Can vows and oaths with such protesting action,
As if their hearts were spit forth with their words,
As if their souls were darted through their eyes,
Be of no more validity with women?
Have I for her contemn'd my fixéd fate,
Neglected my fair hopes, and scorn'd the love
Of beauteous, virtuous, and honour'd Constantia?
Con. Now works it with my wish: my hopes are full. [Aside.
Bout. And I engag'd my worth, and ventur'd life
On yonder buffling[437] face, to have men scorn,
And point at my disgrace? first will I leave to live!
There take my purse, live thou to better fate,
[Boutcher hangs himself.
Better thus die than live unfortunate.
Con. Ay me accurs'd! help, help, murther! murther!
Curs'd be the day and hour that gave me breath!
Murther, murther! if any gentleman
Can hear my plaints, come forth, and assist me.
W. Small.[438] What out-cries call me from my naked bed?
Who calls Jeronimo? speak, here I am.
Con. Good sir, leave your struggling and acting,
And help to save the life of a distressed man;
O, help, if you be gentlemen!
W. Small. What's here?
A man hang'd up, and all the murtherers gone,
And at my door, to lay the guilt on me?
This place was made to pleasure citizens' wives,
And not to hang up honest gentlemen.
Enter Taffata.
Taf. Where be these lazy knaves? some raise the house.
What meant the cry of murther? where's my love?