Merely his lady-love to please,
Sun, moon, and stars in sport would puff away.
(Exit.)

THE NEIGHBOUR'S HOUSE
MARTHA (alone)

God pardon my dear husband, he
Doth not in truth act well by me!
Forth in the world abroad to roam,
And leave me on the straw at home.
And yet his will I ne'er did thwart,
God knows, I lov'd him from my heart.
(She weeps.)

Perchance he's dead!--oh wretched state!--
Had I but a certificate!

(MARGARET comes)

MARGARET

Dame Martha!

MARTHA

Gretchen?

MARGARET