Wid.

Nay come. For if they do approach the city, we shall lose all the sight.

Dia.

They say the French Count has done most honourable service.

Wid.

It is reported that he has ta'en their greatest commander, and that with his own hand he slew the Duke's brother. We have lost our labour, they are gone a contrary way: hark, you may know by their trumpets.

Mar.

Come let's return again, and suffice our selves with the report of it. Well, Diana, take heed of this French Earl; the honour of a maid is her name, and no legacy is so rich as honesty.

Wid.

I have told my neighbour how you have been sollicited by a gentleman his companion.

Mar.

I know that knave, hang him, one Parolles, a filthy officer he is in those suggestions for the young Earl; beware of them, Diana; their promises, enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of lust are not the things they go under; many a maid hath been seduced by them, and the misery is, example, that so terrible shews in the wreck of maiden-hood, cannot for all that dissuade succession, but that they are limed with the twigs that threaten them. I hope I need not to advise you further, but I hope your own grace will keep you where you

are, tho' there were no further danger known, but the modesty which is so lost.

Dia.

You shall not need to fear me.

Wid.

I hope so. Look here comes a pilgrim; I know she will lye at my house; thither they send one another; I'll question her: God save you pilgrim, whither are you bound?

Hel.

To S. Jaques le Grand. Where do the palmers lodge, I do beseech you?

Wid.

At the St. Francis here beside the port.

Hel.

Is this the way?

Wid.

Ay marry is't. Hark you, they come this way. If you will tarry, holy pilgrim, but 'till the troops come by,

Hel.
Is it your self?

Wid.
If you shall please so, pilgrim.

Hel.
I thank you, and will stay upon your leisure.

Wid.
You came, I think, from France?

Hel.
I did so.

Wid.
Here you shall see a country-man of yours,
That has done worthy service.

Hel.
His name, I pray you?

Dia.
The Count Rousillon: know you see such a one?

Hel.
But by the ear that hears most nobly of him;
His face I know not.

Dia.
Whatsoe'er he is,
He's bravely taken here. He stole from France,
As 'tis reported; for the King had married him
Against his liking. Think you it is so?

Hel.
Ay surely, meer the truth, I know his lady.

Dia.
There is a gentleman that serves the Count
Reports but coursely of her.

Hel.
What's his name?

Dia.
Monsieur Parolles.

Hel.
Oh I believe with him,
In argument of praise, or to the worth
Of the great Count himself, she is too mean
To have her name repeated; all her deserving
Is a reserved honesty, and that
I have not heard examin'd.

Dia.
Ah poor lady!
'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife
Of a detesting lord.

Wid.
Ah! right good creature! wheresoe'er she is,
Her heart weighs sadly; this young maid might do her
A shrewd turn, if she pleas'd.

Hel.
How do you mean?
May be, the am'rous Count sollicites her
In the unlawful purpose.

Wid.
He does indeed,
And ^{c note}brokes with all that can in such a suit
Corrupt the tender honour of a maid:
But she is arm'd for him, and keeps her guard
In honestest defence.

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