As quick about her work, that must be quickly sped
As any wench in twenty mile about her tread.
As fine a piece it is, as I know but a few,
Yet perchance her husband of her may have a shrew.
Cat after kind (say'th the proverb) sweet milk will lap;
If the mother be a shrew, the daughter cannot 'scape.
One sure[272] mark she hath: I marvel, if she slip:
For her nose is growing above her over lip.
But it is time, that I into the tent be gone,
Lest she come and chide me; she will come now anon.
ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA QUINTA.
ABRA.
ABRA. How say ye? have not I despatched me quickly?
A straw for that wench that doth not somewhat likely,
I have brought here good herbs, and of them plenty,
To make both broth and farcing,[273] and that full dainty,
I trust to make such broth that, when all things are in,
God Almighty self may wet his finger therein.
Here is thyme and parsley, spinach and rosemary.
Endive, succory, lacture, violet, clary,
Liverwort, marigold, sorrel, hart's-tongue, and sage:
Pennyroyal, purslane, bugloss, and borage,
With many very good herbs, mo than I do name.
But to tarry here thus long, I am much to blame.
For if Jacob should come, I not in readiness,
I must of covenant be shent of our mistress.
And I would not for twenty pound, I tell ye,
That any point of default should be found in me.
[_Exit_.
ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA SEXTA.
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