E _solus_.

GRIPE.
Every one tells me I look better than I was wont: my heart's lightened,
and my spirits are revived. Why, methinks I am e'en young again. It joys
my heart that this same peevish girl, my daughter, will be ruled at the
last yet; but I shall never be able to make Master Churms amends for the
great pains he hath taken.

_Enter_ NURSE.

NURSE.
Master, now out upon's. Well-a-day! we are all undone.

GRIPE.
Undone! what sudden accident hath chanced? Speak! what's the matter?

NURSE.
Alas! that ever I was born! My mistress and Master Churms are run away
together.

GRIPE.
'Tis not possible; ne'er tell me: I dare trust Master Churms with a
greater matter than that.

NURSE.
Faith, you must trust him, whether you will or no; for he's gone.

_Enter_ WILL CRICKET.

WILL CRICKET.
Master Gripe, I was coming to desire that I might have your absence at
my wedding; for I hear say you are very liberal grown o' late. For I
spake with three or four of your debtors this morning, that ought you
hundred pounds a piece; and they told me that you sent Master Churms to
them, and took of some ten pounds, and of some twenty, and delivered
them their bonds, and bad them pay the rest when they were able.

GRIPE.
I am undone, I am robbed! My daughter! my money! Which way are they
gone?

WILL CRICKET.
Faith, sir, it's all to nothing, but your daughter and Master Churms are
gone both one way. Marry, your money flies, some one way, and some
another; and therefore 'tis but a folly to make hue and cry after it.

GRIPE.
Follow them, make hue and cry after them. My daughter! my money! all's
gone! what shall I do?

WILL CRICKET.
Faith, if you will be ruled by me, I'll tell you what you shall do. Mark
what I say; for I'll teach you the way to come to heaven, if you stumble
not--give all you have to the poor but one single penny, and with that
penny buy you a good strong halter; and when you ha' done so, come to
me, and I'll tell you what you shall do with it. [_Aside_.

GRIPE.
Bring me my daughter: that Churms, that villain! I'll tear him with my
teeth.

NURSE.
Master, nay, pray you, do not run mad: I'll tell you good news; my young
Master Fortunatus is come home: and see where he comes.

_Enter_ FORTUNATUS.

GRIPE.
If thou hadst said Lelia, it had been something.

FORTUNATUS.
Thus Fortunatus greets his father,
And craves his blessing on his bended knee.

GRIPE.
Ay, here's my son; but Leli