Chapter 4

_Enter_ Furnace, Amble, Order, _and_ Watchall.

_Order._ Set all things right; or as my name is Order, Whoever misses in his function, For one whole week makes forfeiture of his breakfast, And privilege in the wine-cellar.

_Amble._ You are merry, Good master steward.

_Fur._ Let him; I'll be angry.

_Amble._ Why, fellow Furnace, 'tis not twelve o'clock yet, Nor dinner taking up: then 'tis allow'd, Cooks by their places, may be choleric.

_Fur._ You think you have spoken wisely, goodman Amble, My lady's go-before.

_Order._ Nay, nay, no wrangling.

_Fur._ Twit me with the authority of the kitchen? At all hours, and at all places, I'll be angry: And, thus provok'd, when I am at my prayers I will be angry.

_Amble._ There was no hurt meant.

_Fur._ I am friends with thee, and yet I will be angry.

_Order._ With whom?

_Fur._ No matter whom: yet, now I think on't, I'm angry with my lady.

_Amble._ Heaven forbid, man!

_Order._ What cause has she given thee?

_Fur._ Cause enough, master steward: I was entertained by her to please her palate; And, till she foreswore eating, I perform'd it. Now, since our master, noble Allworth, died, Though I crack'd my brains to find out tempting sauces, And raise fortifications in the pastry, When I am three parts roasted, And the fourth part parboil'd, to prepare her viands, She keeps her chamber, dines with a panada, Or water-gruel, my skill never thought on.

_Order._ But your art is seen in the dining room.

_Fur._ By whom? By such as pretend to love her; but come To feed upon her. Yet, of all the harpies That do devour her, I am out of charity With none so much, as the thin-gutted squire, That's stolen into commission.

_Order._ Justice Greedy?

_Fur._ The same, the same. Meat's cast away upon him; It never thrives. He holds this paradox, Who eats not well, can ne'er do justice well. His stomach's as insatiate as the grave.

_Watch._ One knocks.

[Allworth _knocks, and enters._

_Order._ Our late young master.

_Amble._ Welcome, sir.

_Fur._ Your hand-- If you have a stomach, a cold bake-meat's ready. We are all your servants.

_All._ At once, my thanks to all: This is yet some comfort. Is my lady stirring?

_Enter_ Lady Allworth.

_Order._ Her presence answers for us.

_Lady A._ Sort those silks well. I'll take the air alone.

_Fur._ You air, and air; But will never taste but spoon meat more: To what use serve I?

_Lady A._ Pr'ythee, be not angry, I shall, ere long: i'th' mean time, there Is gold for thee.

_Fur._ I am appeas'd--and Furnace now grows cold.

_Lady A._ And, as I gave directions, if this morning I am visited by any, entertain them As heretofore: but say, in my excuse, I am indispos'd.

_Order._ I shall, madam.

_Lady A._ Do, and leave me.

[_Exeunt_ Order, Amble, Watchall _and_ Furnace.

Nay, stay you, Allworth.

_Allw._ I shall gladly grow here, To wait on your commands.

_Lady A._ So soon turn'd courtier?

_Allw._ Style not that courtship, madam, which is duty, Purchased on your part.

_Lady A._ Well, you shall o'ercome; I'll not contend in words. How is it With your noble master?

_Allw._ Ever like himself. No scruple lessen'd in the full weight of honour: He did command me (pardon my presumption), As his unworthy deputy, To kiss your ladyship's fair hands.

_Lady A._ I am honour'd in His favour to me. Does he hold his purpose For the Low Countries?

_Allw._ Constantly, good madam: But he will, in person, first present his service.

_Lady A._ And how approve you of his course? You are yet Like virgin parchment, capable of any Inscription, vitious or honourable. I will not force your will, but leave you free To your own election.

_Allw._ Any form you please I will put on: but might I make my choice, With humble emulation, I would follow The path my lord marks to me.

_Lady A._ 'Tis well answer'd, And I commend your spirit: you had a father, (Bless'd be his memory) that some few hours Before the will of Heaven took him from me, Did commend you, by the dearest ties Of perfect love between us, to my charge: And, therefore, what I speak, you are bound to hear With such respect, as if he liv'd in me.

_Allw._ I have found you, Most honour'd madam, the best mother to me; And with my utmost strength of care and service, Will labour that you never may repent Your bounties shower'd upon me.

_Lady A._ I much hope it. These were your father's words: If e'er my son Follow the war, tell him it is a school Where all the principles tending to honour Are taught, if truly follow'd: But for such As repair thither, as a place in which They do presume, they may with license practise Their lusts and riots, they shall never merit The noble name of soldiers. To dare boldly In a fair cause, and for the country's safety, To run upon the cannon's mouth undaunted; To obey their leaders, and shun mutinies; To bear with patience the winter's cold, And summer's scorching heat-- Are the essential parts make up a soldier; Not swearing, dice, or drinking.

_Allw._ There's no syllable You speak, but it is to me an oracle; Which but to doubt were impious.

_Lady A._ To conclude-- Beware ill company; for, often, men Are like to those with whom they do converse: And from one man I warn you, and that's Wellborn: Not cause he's poor, that rather claims your pity; But that he's in his manners so debauch'd, And hath to vitious courses sold himself. 'Tis true your father lov'd him, while he was Worthy the loving; but, if he had liv'd To have seen him as he is, he had cast him off, As you must do.

_Allw._ I shall obey in all things.

_Lady A._ Follow me to my chamber; you shall have gold To furnish you like my son, and still supplied As I hear from you. [_Exeunt._