FATHER. Now therefore ask; what is thy petition?
SON. Lo, this it is, without further dilation;[312]
For so much as all young men for this my beauty,
As the moon the stars, I do far excel,
Therefore out of hand[313] with all speed possibly
To have a wife, methink, would do well,
For now I am young, lively, and lusty,
And welcome besides to all men's company.
FATHER. Good Lord, good Lord, what do I hear?
SON. Is this your beginning to perform my desire?
FATHER. Alas! my child, what meaneth thy doting?
Why dost thou covet thy own undoing?
SON (_Aside_). I know not in the world how to do the thing,
That to his stomach may be delighting.
FATHER. Why, foolish idiot, thou goest about a wife,
Which is a burthen and yoke all thy life.
SON. Admit she shall as a burthen with me remain,
Yet will I take one, if your good-will I attain.
FATHER. Son, it shall not be thus, by my counsel.
SON. I trust ye will not me otherwise compel.
FATHER. If thou were as wise as I have judged thee,
Thou wouldest in this case be ruled by me.
SON. To follow the contrary I cannot be turned;
My heart thereon is stifly fixed.
FATHER. What, I say, about thine own destruction?
SON. No, no, but about mine own salvation:
For if I be helped, I swear by the mass,
It is only marriage that brings it to pass.
It is not the school, it is not the book:
It is not science or occupation,
It is not to be a barber or cook,
Wherein is now set my consolation;
And since it is thus, be, father, content;
For to marry a wife I am full bent.
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