Page:The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy (1623).pdf/47

 Duch. Why might not I marry? I have not gone about, in this, to create Any new world, or custome.

Ferd. Thou art undone: And thou hast ta'ne that massiy sheete of lead That hid thy husbands bones, and foulded it About my heart.

Dutch. Mine bleedes for't.

''Ford.Ferd. [sic]'' Thine? thy heart? What should I nam't, unlesse a hollow bullet Fill'd with unquenchable wild-fire?

Dutch. You are, in this Too strict: and were you not my Princely brother I would say to wilfull: My reputation Is safe.

Ferd. Dost thou know what reputation is I'll tell thee, to small purpose, since th'instruction Comes now too late: Upon a time Reputation, Love, and Death, Would travell ore the world: and it was concluded That they should part, and take three severall wayes: Death told them, they should find him in great Battailes: Or Cities plagu'd with plagues: Love gives them councell To enquire for him 'mongst unambitious shepheards, Where dowries were not talk'd of: and sometimes 'Mongst quiet kindred, that had nothing left By their dead Parents: stay (quoth Reputation) Doe not forsake me: for it is my nature If once I part from any man I meete I am never found againe: And so, for you: You have shooked hands with Reputation, And made him invisible: So fare you well. I will never see you more.

Dutch. Why should onely I, Of all the other Princes of the World Be cas'de-up, like a holy Relique? I have youth, And a litle beautie.