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

 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.