Chapter 14

Chester. Before the Citizen’s House.

[Enter the Citizen of Chester, and his daughter Elner, and Manville.]

CITIZEN. In deed, sir, it would do very well if you could intreat your father to come hither: but if you think it be too far, I care not much to take horse and ride to Manchester. I am sure my daughter is content with either. How sayest thou, Elner, art thou not?

ELNER. As you shall think best I must be contented.

MANVILLE. Well, Elner, farewell. Only thus much, I pray: make all things in a readiness, either to serve here, or to carry thither with us.

CITIZEN. As for that, sir, take you no care; and so I betake you to your journey.

[Exit Manville.]

[Enter Valingford.]

But soft, what gentleman is this?

VALINGFORD. God speed, sir. Might a man crave a word or two with you?

CITIZEN. God forbid else, sir; I pray you speak your pleasure.

VALINGFORD. The gentleman that parted from you, was he not of Manchester, his father living there of good account?

CITIZEN. Yes, marry is he, sir. Why do you ask? Belike you have had some acquaintance with him.

VALINGFORD. I have been acquainted in times past, but, through his double dealing, I am growen weary of his company. For, be it spoken to you, he hath been acquainted with a poor millers daughter, and diverse times hath promist her marriage. But what with his delays and flouts he hath brought her into such a taking that I fear me it will cost her her life.

CITIZEN. To be plain with you, sir, his father and I have been of old acquaintance, and a motion was made between my daughter and his son, which is now throughly agreed upon, save only the place appointed for the marriage, whether it shall be kept here or at Manchester; and for no other occasion he is now ridden.

ELNER. What hath he done to you, that you should speak so ill of the man?

VALINGFORD. Oh, gentlewoman, I cry you mercy: he is your husband that shall be.

ELNER. If I knew this to be true, he should not be my husband were he never so good: And therefore, good father, I would desire you to take the pains to bear this gentleman company to Manchester, to know whether this be true or no.

CITIZEN. Now trust me, gentleman, he deals with me very hardly, knowing how well I meant to him; but I care not much to ride to Manchester, to know whether his fathers will be he should deal with me so badly. Will it please you, sir, to go in? We will presently take horse and away.

VALINGFORD. If it please you to go in, I’ll follow you presently.

[Exit Elner and her father.]

Now shall I be revenged on Manville, and by this means get Em to my wife; and therefore I will straight to her fathers and inform them both of all that is happened.

[Exit.]