SCENE II.--_The Garden of_ Old Wincott’s _House_.

_Enter the_ Clown.

Clown. This is the garden gate; and here am I set to stand sentinel, and to attend the coming of young master Geraldine. Master Delavil’s gone to his chamber, my mistress to hers. ’Tis now about midnight; a banquet prepared, bottles of wine in readiness, all the whole household at their rest, and no creature by this honestly stirring, saving I and my old master; he in a bye-chamber, prepared of purpose for their private meeting, and I here to play the watchman against my will! [_Enter_ Young Geraldine.] Chavelah?[3.41] Stand! Who goes there?

Young Geraldine. A friend.

Clown. The word?

Young Geraldine. Honest Roger.

Clown. That’s the word indeed; you have leave to pass freely without calling my corporal.

Young Geraldine. How go the affairs within?

Clown. According to promise: the business is composed, and the servants disposed; my young mistress reposed; my old master, according as you proposed, attends you, if you be exposed, to give him meeting; nothing in the way being interposed, to transpose you to the least danger: and this I dare be deposed, if you will not take my word, as I am honest Roger.

Young Geraldine. Thy word shall be my warrant, but secured Most in thy master’s promise, on which building, By this known way I enter.

Clown. Nay, by your leave, I that was late but a plain sentinel will now be your captain conductor: follow me.

[_Exeunt_.