hard_ very formally
From the old knight, his Master, and good Ladie.
The fellow has witt to manage it.

_Fra_. My footman shall pretend himselfe the Surgeon
To attend me; is't not rare?
Stand but to'th fate of this, and if it faile
I will sitt downe a Convert and renounce
All wanton hope hereafter. Deerest Madam,
If you did meane before this honour to me,
Let not your loving thoughts freeze in a Minuit.
My genius is a prophet.

_Do_. Sir _Richard_, Madam,
Is comeing this way.

_Fra_. Shall I hope agen?

_La_. I wo'not say you shall despaire.

_Fra_. You blesse me. [_Exit_.

_Do_. My busines is a foote; your Jewell, Madam,
Will credit much the cause.

_La_. Wee will withdraw
And let me know how you have cast the plott.

[_Exeunt_.

(SCENE 3.)

_Enter Sir Richard, opening a Letter; a Footman waiting_.

_Ri_. From thy Master? his name?

_Foo_. Sir _Walter Littleland_.

_Ri_. I doe not know him.

_Foo_. His name is well knowne in _Lincolnsheire_ neere the fenns: there
were his family antient gentlemen before the Conquest; some say ever
since the flood.

_Ri_. _Littleland_!

_Foo_. But he has now more land then three of the best in the shire,
thanke the _Duchmen_ that have drunk up all the water.

_Ri_. They water drinkers?

_Foo_. Why not, as well as eate dry land? they are lin'd with butter,
Sir, and feare no Dropsie.

_Sir Richard reades_.

_She has been absent theis two yeares; the occasion, her dislike and
disaffection to a gentleman whome I confesse I did too seveerely urge
her to marry. If she have liv'd with you, as my late intelligence hath
enformed me, in the nature of a servant, which is beneath my wishes and
her condition, I hope upon this knowledge you will with consideration of
her quality (she being the onely Child and heire to my fortune) use her
like a gentlewoman. And though my yeares have made me unfitt for
travell, I do intend, upon returne of your Letters, personally to give
you thankes for your respects to my Daughter, whome I shall receave as
new blessing from you, and be happie upon any turne presented to
expresse my selfe for your favours, your true friend and servant_
_W. Littleland._

My maide _Dorothy_ a Knights Daughter and heire! Doe you know your yong
Mistresse.

_Foo_. I shall be happie to see her and present her with a Letter & some
token from her Ladie Mother.

_Ri