How now? who is it?

Ser.
An't please your Honour, Players
That offer service to your lordship.

Lord.
Bid them come near: Enter Players.
Now, Fellows, you are welcome.

Play.
We thank your Honour.

Lord.
Do you intend to stay with me to night?

2 Play.
So please your Lordship to accept our duty.

Lord.
With all my heart. This fellow I remember,
Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son:
'Twas where you woo'd the gentlewoman so well:

I have forgot your name; but, sure, that part
Was aptly fitted, and naturally perform'd.

Sim.
I think, 'twas Soto that your Honour means.

Lord.
'Tis very true; thou didst it excellent:
Well, you are come to me in happy time,
The rather for I have some sport in hand,
Wherein your cunning can assist me much.
There is a Lord will hear you play to night;
But I am doubtful of your modesties,
Lest, over-eying of his odd Behaviour,
(For yet his honour never heard a Play,)
You break into some merry Passion,
And so offend him: for I tell you, Sirs,
If you should smile, he grows impatient.

Play.
Fear not, my lord, we can contain ourselves;
Were he the veriest antick in the world.

2 Play. [to the other.]

Go get a Dishclout to make clean your shoes, and I'll speak for the properties.

My lord, we must have a shoulder of mutton for a property, and ^{4 note}a little Vinegar to make our devil roar.

Lord.
Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery,
And give them friendly welcome, every one:
Let them want nothing that the house affords. [Exit one with the Players.

Sirrah, go you to Bartholmew my page,
And see him drest in all suits like a lady.
That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber,
And call him Madam, do him all obeisance.
Tell him from me, (as he will win my love)
He bear himself with honourable action,
Such as he hath observ'd in noble ladies
Unto their Lords, by them accomplished;
Such duty to the drunkard let him do,
With soft low tongue, and lowly courtesie;
And say; what is't your Honour will command,
Wherein your lady, and your humble wife,
May shew her duty, and make known her love?
And then with kind embracements, tempting kisses,
And with declining head into his bosom,
Bid him shed tears, as being over-joy'd
To see her noble lord restor'd to health,
Who for twice seven years hath esteem'd himself
No better than a poor and loathsome beggar:
And if the boy have not a woman's gift
To rain a shower of commanded tears,
An Onion will do well for such a shift;
Which in a Napkin being close convey'd,
Shall in despight enforce a wat'ry eye.
See this dispatch'd, with all the haste thou canst;
Anon I'll give thee more instructions. [Exit Servant.
I know the boy will well usurp the grace,
Voice, gate, and action of a gentlewoman.
I long to hear him call the drunkard, husband;
And how my men will stay themselves from laughter,
When they do homage to this simple peasant;
I'll in to counsel them: haply, my presence
May well abate the over-merry spleen;
Which otherwise will go into extreams. [Exit Lord.

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