Alb.  How now, wife! would’st thou not have them come?

Chloe.  Come!  Come, you are a fool, you.—­He knows not the trick on’t.  Call Cytheris, I pray you:  and, good master Crispinus, you can observe, you say; let me entreat you for all the ladies’ behaviours, jewels, jests, and attires, that you marking, as well as I, we may put both our marks together, when they are gone, and confer of them.

Cris.  I warrant you, sweet lady; let me alone to observe till I
turn myself to nothing but observation.—­
                                                 [Enter Cytheris. 
Good morrow, cousin Cytheris.

Cyth.  Welcome, kind cousin.  What! are they come?

Alb.  Ay, your friend Cornelius Gallus, Ovid, Tibullus, Propertius, with Julia, the emperor’s daughter, and the lady Plautia, are ’lighted at the door; and with them Hermogenes Tigellius, the excellent musician.

Cyth.  Come, let us go meet them, Chloe.

Chloe.  Observe, Crispinus.

Crisp.  At a hail’s breadth, lady, I warrant you.

                        [As they are going out, enter
                         Cornelius Gallus, Ovid, tibullus,
                         propertius, Hermogenes, Julia, and Plautia.

Gal.  Health to the lovely Chloe! you must pardon me, mistress, that
I prefer this fair gentlewoman.

Cyth.  I pardon and praise you for it, sir; and I beseech your excellence, receive her beauties into your knowledge and favour.

Jul.  Cytheris, she hath favour and behaviour, that commands as much of me:  and, sweet Chloe, know I do exceedingly love you, and that I will approve in any grace my father the emperor may shew you.  Is this your husband?

Alb.  For fault of a better, if it please your highness.

Chloe.  Gods my life, how he shames me!

Cyth.  Not a whit, Chloe, they all think you politic and witty; wise women choose not husbands for the eye, merit, or birth, but wealth and sovereignty.

Ovid.  Sir, we all come to gratulate, for the good report of you.

Tib.  And would be glad to deserve your love, sir.

Alb.  My wife will answer you all, gentlemen; I’ll come to you again presently.
          
                                            [Exit. 
Plau.  You have chosen you a most fair companion here, Cytheris, and a very fair house.

Cyth.  To both which, you and all my friends are very welcome, Plautia.

Chloe.  With all my heart, I assure your ladyship.

Plau.  Thanks, sweet mistress Chloe.

Jul.  You must needs come to court, lady, i’faith, and there be sure your welcome shall be as great to us.

Ovid.  She will deserve it, madam; I see, even in her looks, gentry, and general worthiness.

Tib.  I have not seen a more certain character of an excellent disposition.