Luc. As of a knight well-spoken, neat and fine; But, were I you, he never should be mine.

Jul. What think'st thou of the rich Mercatio?
Luc. Well of his wealth ; but of himself, so, so.
Jul. What think'st thou of the gentle Proteus ?
Luc. Lord, lord! to see what folly reigns in us!
Jul. How now! what means this passion at his

name?
Luc. Pardon, dear madam ; 'tis a passing shame,
That I, unworthy body as I am,
Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen..

Jul. Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest?
Luc. Then thus, of many good I think him

best.
Jul. Your reason?

Luc. I have no other but a woman's reason;
I think him so, because I think him so.
Jul. And would'st thou have me cast my love on

him?
Luc. Ay, if you thought your love not cast away.
Jul. Why, he of all the rest hath never mov'd me.
Luc. Yet he of all the rest, I think, best loves ye.
Jul. His little speaking shows his love but small

. Luc. Fire, that is closest kept, burns most of all. Jul. They do not love, that do not show their

love. Luc. O, they love least, that let men know their

love. Jul. I would, I knew his mind. Luc.

Peruse this paper, madam. Jul. To Julia, -Say, from whom? Luc.

That the contents will shew. Jul. Say, say; who gave it thee?

3 Should censure thus, &c.] To censure, in our author's time, generally signified to give one's judgment.

9

Luc. Sir Valentine's page; and sent, I think,

from Proteus : He would have given it you, but I, being in the way, Did in your name receive it; pardon the fault, I pray.

Jul. Now, by my modesty, a goodly broker!
Dare you presume to harbour wanton lines?
To whisper and conspire against my youth ?
Now, trust me, 'tis an office of great worth,
And

you an officer fit for the place.
There, take the paper, see it be return'd;
Or else return no more into my sight.
Luc. To plead for love deserves more fee than

hate. Jul. Will

you

be gone? Luc.

That you may ruminate. [E.cit. Jul. And yet, I would, I had o'erlook'd the letter. It were a shame to call her back again, And pray

her to a fault for which I chid her. What fool is she, that knows I am a maid, And would not force the letter to my view? Since maids, in modesty, say No, to that Which they would have the profferer construe, Ay, Fie, fie! how wayward is this foolish love, That, like a testy babe, will scratch the nurse, And presently, all humbled, kiss the rod! How churlishly I chid Lucetta hence, When willingly I would have had her here! How angrily I taught my brow to frown, When inward joy enforc'd my heart to smile! My penance is, to call Lucetta back, And ask remission for my folly past :What họ! Lucetta!

4- a goodly broker!) A broker was used for matchmaker, sometimes for a procuress. Johnson.

5 say No, to that, &c.) A paraphrase on the old proverb “ Maids say nay, and take it.”

you might kill

took up

Re-enter LUCETTA. Luc.

What would

your ladyship? Jul. Is it near dinner time? Luc.

I would it were ; That

your

stomach on your meat," And not upon your maid. . Jul.

What is't

you So gingerly?

Luc. Nothing
Jul.

Why didst thou stoop then?
Luc. To take a paper up that I let fall.
Jul. And is that paper nothing.
Luc.

Nothing concerning me. Jul. Then let it lie for those that it concerns.

Luc. Madam, it will not lie where it concerns, Unless it have a false interpreter. Jul. Some love of yours hath writ to you in

rhyme. Luc. That I might sing it, madam, to a tune: Give me a note: your ladyship can set.

Jul. As little by such toys as may be possible : Best sing it to the tune of Light o love.

Luc. It is too heavy for so light a tune.
Jul. Heavy? belike, it hath some burden then.
Luc. Ay; and melodious were it, would you sing

it.
Jul. And why not you ?
Luc.

I cannot reach so high. Jul. Let's see your song ;-How now, minion?

Luc. Keep tune there still, so you will sing it out: And yet, methinks, I do not like this tune:

Jul. You do not?

stomach on your meat,] Stomach was used for passion or obstinacy. Johnson.