Will [slowly]. Thou—thou saidst I had a good spirit and would do well in London—in a stage company. Thou wert in jest, but—I will go with thee, if I may.
Peele [taken all aback]. Go with me?
Will [earnestly]. With the player's company—to London.
Peele [laughing]. 'S wounds! Thou hast assurance! Dost think to become a great player at once?
Will [impatiently]. Oh, I care not for the playing. Let me but be in London, to see the people there and be near the theatre. I'll be the players' servant, I'll hold the nobles' horses in the street—I'll do anything!
Peele [seriously]. And go with us all over England on hard journeys to play to ignorant rustics?
Will. Anywhere—I'll follow on to the world's end—only take me with you to London! [As he speaks Giles and Mistress Shakespeare, a kindly faced woman of middle age, dressed in housewife's cap and gown, appear at the door.]
Giles. There 'e be, Mistress Shixpur.
Mistress S. [as she enters]. Oh, Will. [He turns sharply.]
Will [confusedly]. Mother! I—I—did not know thou wert here.