Indeed, sir, it would do very well 1059if you could entreat your father to come hither; 1060but if you think it be too far, 1061I care not much to take horse and ride to Manchester. 1062I am sure my daughter is content with either: 1063how sayʼst thou, Elinor, art thou not?

As you shall think best, I must be contented.

1065Well, Elinor, farewell. Only thus much 1066I pray: make all things in a readiness, 1067either to serve here or to carry thither with us.

As for that, sir, take you no care, 1069and so I betake you to your journey.

14.4.31071But soft, what gentleman is this?

God speed, sir. Might a man crave a word or two with you?

God forbid else, sir. I pray you speak your pleasure.

The gentleman that parted from you, was he not 1075of Manchester, his father living there of good account?

Yes, marry, is he, sir. Why do you ask? 1077Belike you have had some acquaintance with him?

I have been acquainted in times past, 1079but through his double-dealing 1080I am grown weary of his company. 1081For be it spoken to you, 1082he hath been acquainted with a poor millerʼs daughter, 1083and divers times hath promised her marriage. 1084But what with his delays and flouts, 1085he hath brought her into such a taking 1086that I fear me it will cost her her life.

To be plain with you, sir, 1088his father and I have been of old acquaintance, 1089and a motion was made 1090between my daughter and his son, 1091which is now throughly agreed upon, 1092save only the place appointed for the marriage,

14.1093whether it shall be kept here or at Manchester; 1094and for no other occasion he is now ridden.

1095What hath he done to you, 1096that you should speak so ill of the man?

Oh, gentlewoman, I cry you mercy – 1098he is your husband that shall be!

If I knew this to be true, 1100he should not be my husband, were he never so good. 1101And therefore, good father, 1102I would desire you to take the pains 1103to bear this gentleman company to Manchester 1104to know whether this be true or no.

1105Now trust me, gentleman, he deals with me very hardily, 1106knowing how well I meant to him. 1107But I care not much to ride to Manchester 1108to know whether his fatherʼs will be 1109he should deal with me so badly. 1110Will it please you, sir, to go in? We will presently take horse and away.

If it please you to go in, 1112Iʼll follow you presently.

14.15.21113Now shall I be revenged on Manville, 1114and by this means get Em to my wife. 1115And therefore I will straight to her fatherʼs 1116and inform them both of all that is happened.