MAR.  Come hither, maid. 
Here, take my keys, and fetch the galley-pot;
Bring a fair napkin and some fruit-dishes. 
Despatch, and make all ready presently;
Miles Forrest will come straight to drink with me.

NAN.  I will, forsooth. [Exit NAN.

MAR.  Why am I young, but to enjoy my years? 
Why am I fair, but that I should be lov’d? 
And why should I be lov’d, and not love others? 
Tut, she is a fool that her affection smothers: 
’Twas not for love I was the doctor’s wife,
Nor did he love me, when he first was mine. 
Tush, tush, this wife is but an idle name! 
I purpose now to try another game. 
Art thou return’d so soon?  O, ’tis well done.

    Enter NAN with the banquet.

And hear’st thou, Nan? when Forrest shall return,
If any happen to inquire for me,
Whether’t be Captain Clinton or Ralph Harvey,
Call presently, and say, thy master’s come;
So I’ll send Forrest o’er the garden pale.

NAN.  I will, forsooth.

MAR.  Meantime, stay thou and make our banquet ready. 
I’ll to my closet, and be here again,
Before Miles Forrest shall come visit me.
                                     [Exit MARIAN.

NAN.  I wonder what my mistress is about? 
Somewhat she would not have my master know: 
Whate’er it be, ’tis nothing unto me;
She’s my good mistress, and I’ll keep her counsel. 
I have oft seen her kiss behind his back,
And laugh and toy, when he did little think it. 
O, what a winking eye the wanton hath
To cosen him, even when he looks upon her! 
But what have I to do with what she doth? 
I’ll taste her junkets since I am alone: 
That which is good for them cannot hurt me. 
Ay, marry, this is sweet! a cup of wine
Will not be hurtful for digestion.
                            [She drinks.]

Enter CASTILIANO.

CAS.  I would I had been wiser once to-day;
I went on purpose to my Lord of Kent
To give him some good counsel for his wife,
And he, poor heart, no sooner heard my news,
But turns me up his whites, and falls flat down: 
There I was fain to rub and chafe his veins,
And much ado we had to get him live. 
But for all that he is extremely sick,
And I am come in all the haste I may
For cordials to keep the earl alive. 
But how now?  What, a banquet!  What means this?

NAN.  Alas! my master is come home himself. 
Mistress, mistress! my master is come home!

CAS.  Peace, you young strumpet, or I’ll stop your speech!
                                    [He stops her mouth. 
Come hither, maid:  tell me, and tell me true,
What means this banquet? what’s your mistress doing? 
Why call’dst[457] thou out, when as thou saw’st me coming? 
Tell me, or else I’ll hang thee by the heels,
And whip thee naked.  Come on, what’s the matter?