This text is part of:
Enter to them the Duke of Vanholt and the Duchess;
the Duke speaks.
Du.
Believe me, Master Doctor, this merriment hath
much pleased me.
Fau.
My gracious lord, I am glad it contents you so
well. But it may be, madam, you take no delight in this; I
have heard that great bellied women do long for some dain-
ties or other. What is it, madam? Tell me, and you shall have
it.
Dutch.
Thanks, good Master Doctor,
And for I see your courteous intent to pleasure me, I will not
hide from you the thing my heart desires, and were it now
summer, as it is January, and the dead time of the winter, I
would desire no better meat then a dish of ripe grapes.
Fau.
Alas, madam, that's nothing. Mephistophilis, be
gone: Exit Mephistophilis. Were it a greater thing than this, so
it would content you, you should have it. Enter Mephistophilis with the grapes.
Here they be, madam; wil't please you taste
on them.
Du.
Believe me, Master Doctor, this makes me wonder
above the rest, that being in the dead time of winter, and in
the month of January, how you should come by these grapes.
Fau.
If it like your Grace, the year is divided into two
circles over the whole world, that when it is here winter
with us, in the contrary circle it is summer with them, as in
India, Saba, and farther countries in the East; and by means
of a swift spirit that I have, I had them brought hither, as ye
see, how do you like them madam? Be they good?
Dut.
Believe me, Master Doctor, they be the best grapes
that e'er I tasted in my life before.
Fau.
I am glad they content you so, madam.
Du.
Come, madam, let us in, where you must well re-
ward this learned man for the great kindness he hath showed
to you.
Dut.
And so I will my Lord, and whilst I live,
rest beholding for this courtesy.
Fau.
I humbly thank your Grace.
Du.
Come, Master Doctor, follow us and receive your
reward. Exeunt.
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