Scene II The Garden of Old Wincott’s House
Enter the Clown.
Clown.
This is the garden gate; and here am I set to stand sentinel, and to attend the coming of young master Geraldine. Master Delavil’s gone to his chamber, my mistress to hers. ’Tis now about midnight; a banquet prepared, bottles of wine in readiness, all the whole household at their rest, and no creature by this honestly stirring, saving I and my old master; he in a bye-chamber, prepared of purpose for their private meeting, and I here to play the watchman against my will! [Enter Young Geraldine.] Chavelah?41 Stand! Who goes there?
Young Geraldine.
A friend.
Clown.
The word?
Young Geraldine.
Honest Roger.
Clown.
That’s the word indeed; you have leave to pass freely without calling my corporal.
Young Geraldine.
How go the affairs within?
Clown.
According to promise: the business is composed, and the servants disposed; my young mistress reposed; my old master, according as you proposed, attends you, if you be exposed, to give him meeting; nothing in the way being interposed, to transpose you to the least danger: and this I dare be deposed, if you will not take my word, as I am honest Roger.
Young Geraldine.
Thy word shall be my warrant, but secured
Most in thy master’s promise, on which building,
By this known way I enter.
Clown.
Nay, by your leave, I that was late but a plain sentinel will now be your captain conductor: follow me.
[Exeunt.