able,
For truth and honour's sake; and such a woman,
That man who wins, the gods themselves may envy.

CECILIA (_going_).

Considering all things, this is bitter sweet.

MARLOWE.

And I may come? (_following her_)

CECILIA (_firmly_).

You shall not.

MARLOWE.

I obey you.

CECILIA (_tenderly_).

Ah! Kit Marlowe,--
You think too much of me--and of yourself
Too little!

MARLOWE.

Then I may----(_advancing_)

CECILIA (_firmly_).

No--no!

MARLOWE.

Wilt promise
To see me for one "good night" ere you sleep?

CECILIA.

On my way home I will.

(_She turns to look at him--then steps through the
Window--Exit_.)

MARLOWE.

Be sure--be sure!

(HEYWOOD _and_ MIDDLETON _approach_.)

HEYWOOD.

Now, Marlowe!--you desert us!

MARLOWE.

Say not so;--
Or, saying so, add--that I have lost myself!
Nay, but I _have_; yonder I go in the dark!
(_pointing after_ CECILIA)

_Street Music._--JACCONOT, _singing outside._

Ram out the link, boys; ho, boys![685]
There's daylight in the sky!
While the trenchers strew the floor,
And the worn-out grey beards snore,
Jolly throats continue dry!
Ram out the link, boys, &c.

MIDDLETON.

What voice is that?

MARLOWE (_through his teeth_).

From one of the hells.

HEYWOOD.

The roystering singer approaches.

_Enter_ JACCONOT, _with a full tankard._

JACCONOT.

Ever awake and shining, my masters! and here am I, your twin lustre,
always ready to herald and anoint your pleasures, like a true Master of
the Revels. I ha' just stepped over the drawer's body, laid nose and
heels together on the door-mat, asleep, and here's wherewith to continue
the glory!

MIDDLETON.

We need not your help.

HEYWOOD.

We thank you, Jack-o'-night: we would be alone.

JACCONOT.

What say _you_, Master Marlowe? you look as grim as a sign-painters'
first sketch on a tavern bill, after his ninth tankard.

MIDDLETON.

Cease your death-rattle, night-hawk!

MARLOWE.

That's well said.

JACCONOT.

Is it? So 'tis my gallants--a night-bird like yourselves, am I.

MARLOWE