_Fra_. I, from my horse; observe me, then--
_Do_.--My confederate, I hope, by this time is at gate Enquiring for Sir _Richard_ 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.
_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.
_Enter Sir Richard, opening a Letter; a Footman waiting_.
_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.
_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.
_Foo_. Why not, as well as eate dry land? they are lin'd with butter, Sir, and feare no Dropsie.
_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.
_Foo_. With all my hart, Sir, you may comand.
_Ri_. _Thomas_, pray entertaine this footman in the butterie; let him drinke and refresh himselfe, and set the cold chine of Beefe before him: he has ranne hard.