The Duchess of Malfi

The Duchess of Malfi

John Webster

[Enter] BOSOLA and Old Lady

BOSOLA. So, so, there 's no question but her techiness and most vulturous eating of the apricocks are apparent signs

of breeding, now?

OLD LADY. I am in haste, sir.

BOSOLA. There was a young waiting-woman had a monstrous desire

to see the glass-house——

OLD LADY. Nay, pray, let me go. I will hear no more

of the glass-house. You are still abusing women!

BOSOLA. Who, I? No; only, by the way now and then, mention your

frailties. The orange-tree bears ripe and green fruit and blossoms

all together; and some of you give entertainment for pure love,

but more for more precious reward. The lusty spring smells well;

but drooping autumn tastes well. If we have the same golden showers

that rained in the time of Jupiter the thunderer, you have the same

Danaes still, to hold up their laps to receive them. Didst thou

never study the mathematics?

OLD LADY. What 's that, sir?

BOSOLA. Why, to know the trick how to make a many lines meet in one

centre. Go, go, give your foster-daughters good counsel: tell them,

that the devil takes delight to hang at a woman's girdle, like

a false rusty watch, that she cannot discern how the time passes.

[Exit Old Lady.]

[Enter ANTONIO, RODERIGO, and GRISOLAN]

ANTONIO. Shut up the court-gates.

RODERIGO. Why, sir? What 's the danger?

ANTONIO. Shut up the posterns presently, and call

All the officers o' th' court.

GRISOLAN. I shall instantly.

[Exit.]

ANTONIO. Who keeps the key o' th' park-gate?

RODERIGO. Forobosco.

ANTONIO. Let him bring 't presently.

[Re-enter GRISOLAN with Servants]

FIRST SERVANT. O, gentleman o' th' court, the foulest treason!

BOSOLA. [Aside.] If that these apricocks should be poison'd now,

Without my knowledge?

There was taken even now a Switzer in the duchess' bed-chamber——

SECOND SERVANT. A Switzer!

FIRST SERVANT. With a pistol——

SECOND SERVANT. There was a cunning traitor!