_Wid._ I have told my neighbour how you have been solicited by a gentleman his companion.
_Mar._ I know that knave; hang him! one Parolles: a 15 filthy officer he is in those suggestions for the young earl. Beware of them, Diana; their promises, enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of lust, are not the things they go under: many a maid hath been seduced by them; and the misery is, example, that so terrible shows in the wreck 20 of maidenhood, cannot for all that dissuade succession, but that they are limed with the twigs that threaten them. I hope I need not to advise you further; but I hope your own grace will keep you where you are, though there were no further danger known but the modesty which is so lost. 25
_Enter_ HELENA, _disguised like a Pilgrim._
Look, here comes a pilgrim: I know she will lie at my house; thither they send one another: I'll question her. God save you, pilgrim! whither are you bound? 30
_Hel._ To Saint Jaques le Grand. Where do the palmers lodge, I do beseech you?
_Wid._ At the Saint Francis here beside the port.
_Wid._ Ay, marry, is't. [_A march afar._] Hark you! they come this way. 35 If you will tarry, holy pilgrim, But till the troops come by, I will conduct you where you shall be lodged; The rather, for I think I know your hostess As ample as myself.
_Hel._ I thank you, and will stay upon your leisure.
_Wid._ Here you shall see a countryman of yours That has done worthy service.
_Dia._ The Count Rousillon: know you such a one?
_Hel._ But by the ear, that hears most nobly of him: His face I know not.
_Dia._ Whatsome'er he is, He's bravely taken here. He stole from France, As 'tis reported, for the king had married him 50 Against his liking: think you it is so?
_Hel._ Ay, surely, mere the truth: I know his lady.
_Dia._ There is a gentleman that serves the count Reports but coarsely of her.
_Hel._ O, I believe with him, 55 In argument of praise, or to the worth Of the great count himself, she is too mean To have her name repeated: all her deserving Is a reserved honesty, and that I have not heard examined.
_Dia._ Alas, poor lady! 60 'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife Of a detesting lord.
_Wid._ I write good creature, wheresoe'er she is, Her heart weighs sadly: this young maid might do her A shrewd turn, if she pleased.