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Chapters (43)
  1. Cover Page
  2. The Witch
  3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
  4. ABBREVIATIONS
  5. INTRODUCTION
  6. FURTHER READING
  7. The Witch
  8. [DRAMATIS PERSONAE]
  9. THE WITCH
  10. [Act I,] Scene ii
  11. Act II, Scene i
  12. [Act II,] Scene ii
  13. [Act II,] Scene iii
  14. Act III, Scene i
  15. [Act III,] Scene ii
  16. [Act III,] Scene iii
  17. Act IV, Scene i
  18. [Act IV,] Scene ii
  19. [Act IV,] Scene iii
  20. Act V, Scene i
  21. [Act V,] Scene ii
  22. [Act V,] Scene iii
  23. APPENDIX
  24. In a maiden time profess’d
  25. Come Away, Hecate!
  26. Notes
  27. Thomas Holmes, Esquire
  28. Act I, Scene i
  29. [Act I,] Scene ii
  30. Act II, Scene i
  31. [Act II,] Scene ii
  32. [Act II,] Scene iii
  33. Act III, Scene i
  34. [Act III,] Scene ii
  35. [Act III,] Scene iii
  36. Act IV, Scene i
  37. [Act IV,] Scene ii
  38. Act IV Scene iii
  39. Act V, Scene i
  40. [Act V,] Scene ii
  41. [Act V,] Scene iii
  42. Appendix
  43. Footnotes
SEBASTIAN [Aside]      Now my fortune!
[To ISABELLA] By your kind favour madam.
ISABELLA      With me sir?
SEBASTIAN
The words shall not be many but the faithfulness 180
And true respect that is included in ’em
Is worthy your attention, and may put upon me
The fair repute of a just, honest servant.
ISABELLA
What’s here to do, sir? There’s such great preparation toward.
SEBASTIAN
In brief, that goodness in you is abused madam. 185
You have the married life but ’tis a strumpet
That has the joy on’t and the fruitfulness;
There goes away your comfort.
ISABELLA      How? A strumpet?
SEBASTIAN
Of five years’ cost and upwards; a dear mischief,
As they are all of ’em. His fortnight’s journey 190
Is to that country, if it be not rudeness
To speak the truth. I have found it all out madam.
ISABELLA
Thou’st found out thine own ruin; for to my knowledge
Thou dost belie him basely. I dare swear
He’s a gentleman as free from that folly 195
As ever took religious life upon him.
SEBASTIAN
Be not too confident to your own abuse madam.
Since I have begun the truth, neither your frowns –
The only curses that I have on earth,
Because my means depends upon your service – 200
Nor all the execration of man’s fury
Shall put me off. Though I be poor, I’m honest,
And too just in this business. I perceive now
Too much respect and faithfulness to ladies
May be a wrong to servants.
ISABELLA      Art thou yet 205
So impudent to stand in’t?
SEBASTIAN      Are you yet so cold, madam,
In the belief on’t? There my wonder’s fixed,
Having such blessed health and youth about you,
Which makes the injury mighty.
ISABELLA      Why I tell thee,
It were too great a fortune for thy lowness 210
To find out such a thing! Thou dost not look
As if thou’rt made for’t. By the precious sweets of love,
I would give half my wealth for such a bargain,
And think ’twere bought too cheap. Thou canst not guess
Thy means and happiness, should I find this true. 215
First, I’d prefer thee to the lord, my uncle;
He’s governor of Ravenna; all the advancements
I’th’ kingdom flows from him. What need I boast that
Which common fame can teach thee?
SEBASTIAN      Then thus madam –
Since I presume now on your height of spirit 220
And your regard to your own youth and fruitfulness,
Which every woman naturally loves and covets –
Accept but of my labour in directions;
You shall both find your wrongs, which you may right
At your own pleasure, yet not missed tonight 225
Here in the house neither. None shall take notice
Of any absence in you, as I have thought on’t.
ISABELLA
Do this, and take my praise and thanks for ever.
SEBASTIAN
As I deserve, I wish ’em and will serve you.
Exeunt

[Act III,] Scene iii