Act I

SCENE.—Paris.

SCENE I.—A Room in La Castre’s House.

Enter De Gard, and a Footboy.

De Ga. Sirrah, you know I have rid hard; stir my horse well, And let him want no litter.

Boy. I am sure I have run hard;
’Would somebody would walk me, and see me litter’d,
For I think my fellow horse cannot in reason
Desire more rest, nor take up his chamber before me:
But we are the beats now, and the beasts are our masters.

De Ga. When you have done, step to the ten-crown ordinary—

Boy. With all my heart, sir; for I have a twenty-crown stomach.

De Ga. And there bespeak a dinner.

Boy. [Going.] Yes, sir, presently.

De Ga. For whom, I beseech you, sir?

Boy. For myself, I take it, sir.

De Ga. In truth, you shall not take it; ’tis not meant for you;
There’s for your provender. Bespeak a dinner
For Monsieur Mirabel, and his companions;
They’ll be in town within this hour. When you have done, sirrah,
Make ready all things at my lodgings, for me,
And wait me there.

Boy. The ten-crown ordinary?

De Ga. Yes, sir, if you have not forgot it.

Boy. I’ll forget my feet first:
’Tis the best part of a footman’s faith.

[Exit Boy.

De Ga. These youths,
For all they have been in Italy to learn thrift,
And seem to wonder at men’s lavish ways,
Yet they cannot rub off old friends, their French itches;
They must meet sometimes to disport their bodies
With good wine, and good women; and good store too.
Let ’em be what they will, they are arm’d at all points,
And then hang saving, let the sea grow high!
This ordinary can fit ’em of all sizes.
They must salute their country with old customs.

Enter La Castre and Oriana.

Ori. Brother!

De Ga. My dearest sister!

Ori. Welcome, welcome!
Indeed, you are welcome home, most welcome!

De Ga. Thank ye!
You’re grown a handsome woman, Oriana:
Blush at your faults. I am wond’rous glad to see you!—
Monsieur La Castre, let not my affection
To my fair sister make me held unmannerly:
I am glad to see you well, to see you lusty,
Good health about you, and in fair company;
Believe me, I am proud—

La Ga. Fair sir, I thank you.
Monsieur De Gard, you are welcome from your journey!
Good men have still good welcome: Give me your hand, sir.
Once more, you are welcome home! You look still younger.