Page:The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy (1623).pdf/10

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The Tragedy of

Ant.
The Lord Cardinalls
And other strangers, that are now in Court,
I shall: here comes the great Calabrian Duke.

Ferd.
Who tooke the ring oftnest?

Sil.
Antonio Bologna (my Lord)

Ferd.
Our Sister Duchesse great Master of her household?
Give him the Jewell: when shall we leave this sportive-action,
And fall to action indeed?

Cast.
Me thinks (my Lord)
You should not desire to go to war, in person.

Fer.
Now, for some gravity: why (my Lord?)

Cast.
It is fitting a Souldier arise to be a Prince, but not necessary
A Prince descend to be a Captaine?

Ferd.
Noe?

Cast.
No, (my Lord)
He were far better do it by a Deputy.

Ferd.
Why should he not aswell sleepe, or eate, by a Deputy?
This might take idle, offensive, and base office from him,
Whereas the other deprives him of honour.

Cast.
Beleeve my experience: that Realme is never long in quiet,
Where the Ruler, is a Souldier.

Ferd.
Thou toldst me
Thy wife could not endure fighting.

Cast.
True (my Lord.)

Ferd.
And of a jest she broke of a Captaine,
she met, full of wounds: I have forgot it.

Cast.
She told him (my Lord) he was a pittiful fellow, to lie
Like the Children of Ismael, all in Tents.

Ferd.
Why, there's a wit were able to undoe
All the Chyrurgeons o'the City, for although
Gallants should quarrell, and had drawne their weapons,
And were ready to goe to it; yet her perswasions would
Make them put up.

Cast.
That she would (my Lord)
How doe you like my Spanish Gennit?

Rod.
He is all fire.

Ferd.
I am of Pliney's opinion, I thinke he was begot by the wind.

He