The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: H4v - Comedies, p. 92

Left Column


The Comedie of Errors. Anti.

What claime laies she to thee?

Dro.

Marry sir, such claime as you would lay to your

horse, and she would haue me as a beast, not that I bee­ing

[815]

a beast she would haue me, but that she being a ve­rie

beastly creature layes claime to me.

Anti.

What is she?

Dro.

A very reuerent body: I such a one, as a man

may not speake of, without he say sir reuerence, I haue

[820]

but leane lucke in the match, and yet is she a wondrous

fat marriage.

Anti.

How dost thou meane a fat marriage?

Dro. Marry sir, she's the Kitchin wench, & al grease,

and I know not what vse to put her too, but to make a

[825]

Lampe of her, and run from her by her owne light. I

warrant, her ragges and the Tallow in them, will burne

a Poland Winter: If she liues till doomesday, she'l burne

a weeke longer then the whole World.

Anti.

What complexion is she of?

Dro.
[830]

Swart like my shoo, but her face nothing like

so cleane kept: for why? she sweats a man may goe o­uer­shooes

in the grime of it.

Anti.

That's a fault that water will mend.

Dro.

No sir, 'tis in graine, Noahs flood could not

[835]

do it.

Anti.

What's her name?

Dro.

Nell Sir: but her name is three quarters, that's

an Ell and three quarters, will not measure her from hip

to hip.

Anti.
[840]

Then she beares some bredth?

Dro.

No longer from head to foot, then from hippe

to hippe: she is sphericall, like a globe: I could find out

Countries in her.

Anti.

In what part of her body stands Ireland?

Dro.
[845]

Marry sir in her buttockes, I found it out by

the bogges.

Ant.

Where Scotland?

Dro.

I found it by the barrennesse, hard in the palme

of the hand.

Ant.
[850]

Where France?

Dro.

In her forhead, arm'd and reuerted, making

warre against her heire.

Ant.

Where England?

Dro.

I look'd for the chalkle Cliffes, but I could find

[855]

no whitenesse in them. But I guesse, it stood in her chin

by the salt rheume that ranne betweene France, and it.

Ant.

Where Spaine?

Dro.

Faith I saw it not: but I felt it hot in her breth.

Ant.

Where America, the Indies?

Dro.
[860]

Oh sir, vpon her nose, all ore embellished with

Rubies, Carbuncles, Saphires, declining their rich As­pect

to the hot breath of Spaine, who sent whole Ar­madoes

of Carrects to be ballast at her nose.

Anti.

Where stood Belgia, the Netherlands?

Dro.
[865]

Oh sir, I did not looke so low. To conclude,

this drudge or Diuiner layd claime to mee, call'd mee

Dromio, swore I was assur'd to her, told me what priuie

markes I had about mee, as the marke of my shoulder,

the Mole in my necke, the great Wart on my left arme,

[870]

that I amaz'd ranne from her as a witch. And I thinke, if

my brest had not beene made of faith, and my heart of

steele, she had transform'd me to a Curtull dog, & made

me turne i'th wheele.

Anti. Go hie thee presently, post to the rode,
[875]
And if the winde blow any way from shore, I will not harbour in this Towne to night. If any Barke put forth, come to the Mart,

Right Column


Where I will walke till thou returne to me: If euerie one knowes vs, and we know none,
[880]
'Tis time I thinke to trudge, packe, and be gone.
Dro. As from a Beare a man would run for life, So flie I from her that would be my wife. Exit. Anti. There's none but Witches do inhabite heere, And therefore 'tis hie time that I were hence:
[885]
She that doth call me husband, euen my soule Doth for a wife abhorre. But her faire sister Possest with such a gentle soueraigne grace, Of such inchanting presence and discourse, Hath almost made me Traitor to my selfe:
[890]
But least my selfe be guilty to selfe wrong, Ile stop mine eares against the Mermaids song.
Enter Angelo with the Chaine. Ang. Mr Antipholus. Anti. I that's my name. Ang. I know it well sir, loe here's the chaine,
[895]
I thought to haue tane you at the Porpentine, The chaine vnfinish'd made me stay thus long.
Anti. What is your will that I shal do with this? Ang. What please your selfe sir: I haue made it for you. Anti. Made it for me sir, I bespoke it not. Ang.
[900]
Not once, nor twice, but twentie times you haue: Go home with it, and please your Wife withall, And soone at supper time Ile visit you, And then receiue my money for the chaine.
Anti. I pray you sir receiue the money now.
[905]
For feare you ne're see chaine, nor mony more.
Ang. You are a merry man sir, fare you well. Exit. Ant. What I should thinke of this, I cannot tell: But this I thinke, there's no man is so vaine, That would refuse so faire an offer'd Chaine.
[910]
I see a man heere needs not liue by shifts, When in the streets he meetes such Golden gifts: Ile to the Mart, and there for Dromio stay, If any ship put out, then straight away.
Exit.
Actus Quartus. Scoena Prima. Enter a Merchant, Goldsmith, and an Officer. Mar. You know since Pentecost the sum is due,
[915]
And since I haue not much importun'd you, Nor now I had not, but that I am bound To Persia, and want Gilders for my voyage: Therefore make present satisfaction, Or Ile attach you by this Officer.
Gold.
[920]
Euen iust the sum that I do owe to you, Is growing to me by Antipholus, And in the instant that I met with you, He had of me a Chaine, at fiue a clocke I shall receiue the money for the same:
[925]
Pleaseth you walke with me downe to his house, I will discharge my bond, and thanke you too.
Enter Antipholus Ephes.Dromio from the Courtizans. Offi. That labour may you saue: See where he comes. Ant. While I go to the Goldsmiths house, go thou And

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Actus Quartus. Scoena Prima. Enter a Merchant, Goldsmith, and an Officer. Mar. You know since Pentecost the sum is due,
[915]
And since I haue not much importun'd you, Nor now I had not, but that I am bound To Persia, and want Gilders for my voyage: Therefore make present satisfaction, Or Ile attach you by this Officer.
Gold.
[920]
Euen iust the sum that I do owe to you, Is growing to me by Antipholus, And in the instant that I met with you, He had of me a Chaine, at fiue a clocke I shall receiue the money for the same:
[925]
Pleaseth you walke with me downe to his house, I will discharge my bond, and thanke you too.
Enter Antipholus Ephes.Dromio from the Courtizans. Offi. That labour may you saue: See where he comes. Ant. While I go to the Goldsmiths house, go thou And buy a ropes end, that will I bestow
[930]
Among my wife, and their confederates, For locking me out of my doores by day: But soft I see the Goldsmith; get thee gone, Buy thou a rope, and bring it home to me.
Dro. I buy a thousand pound a yeare, I buy a rope. Exit Dromio Eph.Ant.
[935]
A man is well holpe vp that trusts to you, I promised your presence, and the Chaine, But neither Chaine nor Goldsmith came to me: Belike you thought our loue would last too long If it were chain'd together: and therefore came not.
Gold.
[940]
Sauing your merrie humor: here's the note How much your Chaine weighs to the vtmost charect, The finenesse of the Gold, and chargefull fashion, Which doth amount to three odde Duckets more Then I stand debted to this Gentleman,
[945]
I pray you see him presently discharg'd, For he is bound to Sea, and stayes but for it.
Anti. I am not furnish'd with the present monie: Besides I haue some businesse in the towne, Good Signior take the stranger to my house,
[950]
And with you take the Chaine, and bid my wife Disburse the summe, on the receit thereof, Perchance I will be there as soone as you.
Gold. Then you will bring the Chaine to her your selfe. Anti. No beare it with you, least I come not time e­nough. Gold.
[955]
Well sir, I will? Haue you the Chaine about you?
Ant. And if I haue not sir, I hope you haue: Or else you may returne without your money. Gold. Nay come I pray you sir, giue me the Chaine: Both winde and tide stayes for this Gentleman,
[960]
And I too blame haue held him heere too long.
Anti. Good Lord, you vse this dalliance to excuse Your breach of promise to the Porpentine, I should haue chid you for not bringing it, But like a shrew you first begin to brawle. Mar.
[965]
The houre steales on, I pray you sir dispatch.
Gold. You heare how he importunes me, the Chaine. Ant. Why giue it to my wife, and fetch your mony. Gold. Come, come, you know I gaue it you euen now. Either send the Chaine, or send me by some token. Ant.
[970]
Fie, now you run this humor out of breath, Come where's the Chaine, I pray you let me see it.
Mar. My businesse cannot brooke this dalliance, Good sir say, whe'r you'l answer me, or no: If not, Ile leaue him to the Officer. Ant.
[975]
I answer you? What should I answer you.
Gold. The monie that you owe me for the Chaine. Ant. I owe you none, till I receiue the Chaine. Gold. You know I gaue it you halfe an houre since. Ant. You gaue me none, you wrong mee much to say so. Gold.
[980]
You wrong me more sir in denying it. Consider how it stands vpon my credit.
Mar. Well Officer, arrest him at my suite. Offi. I do, and charge you in the Dukes name to o­bey me. Gold. This touches me in reputation.
[985]
Either consent to pay this sum for me, Or I attach you by this Officer.
Ant. Consent to pay thee that I neuer had: Arrest me foolish fellow if thou dar'st. Gold. Heere is thy fee, arrest him Officer.
[990]
I would not spare my brother in this case, If he should scorne me so apparantly.
Offic. I do arrest you sir, you heare the suite. Ant. I do obey thee, till I giue thee baile. But sirrah, you shall buy this sport as deere,
[995]
As all the mettall in your shop will answer.
Gold. Sir, sir, I shall haue Law in Ephesus, To your notorious shame, I doubt it not. Enter Dromio Sira. from the Bay. Dro. Master, there's a Barke of Epidamium, That staies but till her Owner comes aboord,
[1000]
And then sir she beares away. Our fraughtage sir, I haue conuei'd aboord, and I haue bought The Oyle, the Balsamum, and Aqua‑vitæ. The ship is in her trim, the merrie winde Blowes faire from land: they stay for nought at all,
[1005]
But for their Owner, Master, and your selfe.
An. How now? a Madman? Why thou peeuish sheep What ship of Epidamium staies for me. S. Dro. A ship you sent me too, to hier waftage. Ant. Thou drunken slaue, I sent thee for a rope,
[1010]
And told thee to what purpose, and what end.
S. Dro. You sent me for a ropes end as soone, You sent me to the Bay sir, for a Barke. Ant. I will debate this matter at more leisure And teach your eares to list me with more heede:
[1015]
To Adriana Villaine hie thee straight: Giue her this key, and tell her in the Deske That's couer'd o're with Turkish Tapistrie, There is a purse of Duckets, let her send it: Tell her, I am arrested in the streete,
[1020]
And that shall baile me: hie thee slaue, be gone, On Officer to prison, till it come
Exeunt. S.Dromio. To Adriana, that is where we din'd, Where Dowsabell did claime me for her husband, She is too bigge I hope for me to compasse,
[1025]
Thither I must, although against my will: For seruants must their Masters mindes fulfill.
Exit.
 

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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="1">
   <head rend="italic center">Actus Quartus. Scoena Prima.</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter a Merchant, Goldsmith, and an Officer.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-err-mer">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <l n="914">You know since Pentecost the sum is due,</l>
      <l n="915">And since I haue not much importun'd you,</l>
      <l n="916">Nor now I had not, but that I am bound</l>
      <l n="917">To<hi rend="italic">Persia</hi>, and want Gilders for my voyage:</l>
      <l n="918">Therefore make present satisfaction,</l>
      <l n="919">Or Ile attach you by this Officer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="920">Euen iust the sum that I do owe to you,</l>
      <l n="921">Is growing to me by<hi rend="italic">Antipholus</hi>,</l>
      <l n="922">And in the instant that I met with you,</l>
      <l n="923">He had of me a Chaine, at fiue a clocke</l>
      <l n="924">I shall receiue the money for the same:</l>
      <l n="925">Pleaseth you walke with me downe to his house,</l>
      <l n="926">I will discharge my bond, and thanke you too.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Antipholus Ephes.Dromio from the Courtizans.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-err-off">
      <speaker rend="italic">Offi.</speaker>
      <l n="927">That labour may you saue: See where he comes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="928">While I go to the Goldsmiths house, go thou</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0113-0.jpg" n="93"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="929">And buy a ropes end, that will I bestow</l>
      <l n="930">Among my wife, and their confederates,</l>
      <l n="931">For locking me out of my doores by day:</l>
      <l n="932">But soft I see the Goldsmith; get thee gone,</l>
      <l n="933">Buy thou a rope, and bring it home to me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-sdr">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dro.</speaker>
      <l n="934">I buy a thousand pound a yeare, I buy a rope.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Dromio</stage>
   <sp who="#F-err-ean">
      <speaker rend="italic">Eph.Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="935">A man is well holpe vp that trusts to you,</l>
      <l n="936">I promised your presence, and the Chaine,</l>
      <l n="937">But neither Chaine nor Goldsmith came to me:</l>
      <l n="938">Belike you thought our loue would last too long</l>
      <l n="939">If it were chain'd together: and therefore came not.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="940">Sauing your merrie humor: here's the note</l>
      <l n="941">How much your Chaine weighs to the vtmost charect,</l>
      <l n="942">The finenesse of the Gold, and chargefull fashion,</l>
      <l n="943">Which doth amount to three odde Duckets more</l>
      <l n="944">Then I stand debted to this Gentleman,</l>
      <l n="945">I pray you see him presently discharg'd,</l>
      <l n="946">For he is bound to Sea, and stayes but for it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Anti.</speaker>
      <l n="947">I am not furnish'd with the present monie:</l>
      <l n="948">Besides I haue some businesse in the towne,</l>
      <l n="949">Good Signior take the stranger to my house,</l>
      <l n="950">And with you take the Chaine, and bid my wife</l>
      <l n="951">Disburse the summe, on the receit thereof,</l>
      <l n="952">Perchance I will be there as soone as you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="953">Then you will bring the Chaine to her your
      <lb/>selfe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Anti.</speaker>
      <l n="954">No beare it with you, least I come not time e­nough.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="955">Well sir, I will? Haue you the Chaine about
      <lb/>you?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="956">And if I haue not sir, I hope you haue:</l>
      <l n="957">Or else you may returne without your money.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="958">Nay come I pray you sir, giue me the Chaine:</l>
      <l n="959">Both winde and tide stayes for this Gentleman,</l>
      <l n="960">And I too blame haue held him heere too long.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Anti.</speaker>
      <l n="961">Good Lord, you vse this dalliance to excuse</l>
      <l n="962">Your breach of promise to the<hi rend="italic">Porpentine</hi>,</l>
      <l n="963">I should haue chid you for not bringing it,</l>
      <l n="964">But like a shrew you first begin to brawle.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-mer">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <l n="965">The houre steales on, I pray you sir dispatch.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="966">You heare how he importunes me, the Chaine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="967">Why giue it to my wife, and fetch your mony.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="968">Come, come, you know I gaue it you euen now.</l>
      <l n="969">Either send the Chaine, or send me by some token.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="970">Fie, now you run this humor out of breath,</l>
      <l n="971">Come where's the Chaine, I pray you let me see it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-mer">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <l n="972">My businesse cannot brooke this dalliance,</l>
      <l n="973">Good sir say, whe'r you'l answer me, or no:</l>
      <l n="974">If not, Ile leaue him to the Officer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="975">I answer you? What should I answer you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="976">The monie that you owe me for the Chaine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="977">I owe you none, till I receiue the Chaine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="978">You know I gaue it you halfe an houre since.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="979">You gaue me none, you wrong mee much to
      <lb/>say so.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="980">You wrong me more sir in denying it.</l>
      <l n="981">Consider how it stands vpon my credit.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-mer">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <l n="982">Well Officer, arrest him at my suite.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-off">
      <speaker rend="italic">Offi.</speaker>
      <l n="983">I do, and charge you in the Dukes name to o­bey
      <lb/>me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="984">This touches me in reputation.</l>
      <l n="985">Either consent to pay this sum for me,</l>
      <l n="986">Or I attach you by this Officer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="987">Consent to pay thee that I neuer had:</l>
      <l n="988">Arrest me foolish fellow if thou dar'st.</l>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="989">Heere is thy fee, arrest him Officer.</l>
      <l n="990">I would not spare my brother in this case,</l>
      <l n="991">If he should scorne me so apparantly.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-off">
      <speaker rend="italic">Offic.</speaker>
      <l n="992">I do arrest you sir, you heare the suite.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="993">I do obey thee, till I giue thee baile.</l>
      <l n="994">But sirrah, you shall buy this sport as deere,</l>
      <l n="995">As all the mettall in your shop will answer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-gol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gold.</speaker>
      <l n="996">Sir, sir, I shall haue Law in<hi rend="italic">Ephesus</hi>,</l>
      <l n="997">To your notorious shame, I doubt it not.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Dromio Sira. from the Bay.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-err-sdr">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dro.</speaker>
      <l n="998">Master, there's a Barke of<hi rend="italic">Epidamium</hi>,</l>
      <l n="999">That staies but till her Owner comes aboord,</l>
      <l n="1000">And then sir she beares away. Our fraughtage sir,</l>
      <l n="1001">I haue conuei'd aboord, and I haue bought</l>
      <l n="1002">The Oyle, the<hi rend="italic">Balsamum</hi>, and Aqua‑vitæ.</l>
      <l n="1003">The ship is in her trim, the merrie winde</l>
      <l n="1004">Blowes faire from land: they stay for nought at all,</l>
      <l n="1005">But for their Owner, Master, and your selfe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-ang">
      <speaker rend="italic">An.</speaker>
      <l n="1006">How now? a Madman? Why thou peeuish sheep</l>
      <l n="1007">What ship of<hi rend="italic">Epidamium</hi>staies for me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-sdr">
      <speaker rend="italic">S. Dro.</speaker>
      <l n="1008">A ship you sent me too, to hier waftage.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="1009">Thou drunken slaue, I sent thee for a rope,</l>
      <l n="1010">And told thee to what purpose, and what end.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-sdr">
      <speaker rend="italic">S. Dro.</speaker>
      <l n="1011">You sent me for a ropes end as soone,</l>
      <l n="1012">You sent me to the Bay sir, for a Barke.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-err-san">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="1013">I will debate this matter at more leisure</l>
      <l n="1014">And teach your eares to list me with more heede:</l>
      <l n="1015">To<hi rend="italic">Adriana</hi>Villaine hie thee straight:</l>
      <l n="1016">Giue her this key, and tell her in the Deske</l>
      <l n="1017">That's couer'd o're with Turkish Tapistrie,</l>
      <l n="1018">There is a purse of Duckets, let her send it:</l>
      <l n="1019">Tell her, I am arrested in the streete,</l>
      <l n="1020">And that shall baile me: hie thee slaue, be gone,</l>
      <l n="1021">On Officer to prison, till it come</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-err-sdr">
      <speaker rend="italic">S.Dromio.</speaker>
      <l n="1022">To<hi rend="italic">Adriana</hi>, that is where we din'd,</l>
      <l n="1023">Where Dowsabell did claime me for her husband,</l>
      <l n="1024">She is too bigge I hope for me to compasse,</l>
      <l n="1025">Thither I must, although against my will:</l>
      <l n="1026">For seruants must their Masters mindes fulfill.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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