Fee. Ha, pox! hang him, old gouty fool! He never brought me up to any lordly exercise, as fencing, dancing, tumbling, and such like; but, forsooth, I must write and read, and speak languages, and such base qualities, fit for none but gentlemen. Now, sir, would I tell him, "Father, you are a count, I am a lord. A pox o' writing and reading, and languages! Let me be brought up as I was born."
Sub. But how, my lord, came you first not to endure the sight of steel?
Fee. Why, I'll tell you, sir. When I was a child, an infant, an innocent[80]—
Maid. 'Twas even now.
[Aside.]
Fee. I being in the kitchen, in my lord my father's house, the cook was making minced pies: so, sir, I standing by the dresser, there lay a heap of plums. Here was he mincing: what did me I, sir, being a notable little witty coxcomb, but popped my hand just under his chopping-knife, to snatch some raisins, and so was cut o'er the hand, and never since could I endure the sight of any edge-tool.
Wid. Indeed, they are not fit for you, my lord. And now you are all so well satisfied in this matter, pray, ladies, how like you this my gentlewoman?
Maid. In troth, madam, exceedingly well, I. If you be provided, pray, let me have her.
Wife. It should be my request, but that I am full.
Wid. What can you do? What's her name, my lord?
Fee. Her name? I know not. What's her name, Master Welltried?