A Tale of a Tub ACT 4. SCENE 4.

Puppy, Metaphor, Awdrey.

Pup.
You see we trust you, Mr. Metaphor,
With Mrs. Awdrey: 'pray you, use her well,
As a Gentlewoman should be us'd. For my part,
I do incline a little to the Serving-man;
We have been of a Coat —— I had one like yours:
Till it did play me such a sleeveless Errand,
As I had nothing where to put mine Arms in,
And then I threw it off. Pray you, go before her,
Serving-man-like, and see that your Nose drop not.
As for example, you shall see me: Mark,
How I go a-fore her: So do you. Sweet Miles,
She, for her own part, is a Woman cares not
What Man can do unto her, in the way
Of Honesty, and good Manners. So farewel,
Fair Mrs. Awdrey: Farewel, Mr. Miles.
I ha' brought you thus far, onward o' your way:
I must go back now to make clean the Rooms,
Where my good Lady has been. Pray you commend me

To Bridegroom Clay; and bid him bear up stiff.

Met.
Thank you, good Hannibal Puppy; I shall fit
The Leg of your Commands, with the straight Buskins
Of dispatch presently.

Pup.
Farewel, fine Metaphore.

Met.
Come, gentle Mistris, will you please to walk?

Awd.
I love not to be led: I'd go alone.

Met.
Let not the Mouse of my good meaning, Lady,
Be snap'd up in the Trap of your Suspicion,
To lose the Tail there, either of her Truth,
Or swallow'd by the Cat of Misconstruction.

Awd.
You are too finical for me; speak plain, Sir.