That bond of sponsorship--How now, good dame--
Whence then so sad?

Woman. An't please your nobleness,
My neighbour Gretl is with her husband laid
In burning fever.

Eliz. I will come to them.

Woman. Alack, the place is foul for such as you;
And fear of plague has cleared the lane of lodgers;
If you could send--

Eliz. What? where I am afraid
To go myself, send others? That's strange doctrine.
I'll be with you anon. [Goes up into the Hall.]

[Isentrudis enters with a basket.]

Isen. Why, here's a weight--these cordials now, and simples,
Want a stout page to bear them: yet her fancy
Is still to go alone, to help herself.--
Where will 't all end? In madness, or the grave?
No limbs can stand these drudgeries: no spirit
The fretting harrow which this ruffian priest
Calls education--
Ah! here comes our Count.

[Count Walter enters as from a journey.]