 |
THE SCORNFUL LADY,
A COMEDY.
Persons Represented in the Play.
Elder Loveless, a Sutor to the Lady. Young Loveless, a Prodigal. Savil, Steward to Elder Loveless. Lady and ) Martha, )Two Sisters. Younglove, or Abigal, a waiting Gentlewoman. Welford, a Sutor to the Lady. Sir Roger, Curate to the Lady. (Captain ) (Travailer ) Hangers on to Young Loveless. (Poet ) (Tabaco-man ) Wenches. Fidlers. Morecraft, an Usurer. A Rich Widow. Attendants.
* * * * *
Actus primus. Scena prima.
* * * * *
Enter the two Lovelesses, Savil the Steward, and a Page.
Elder Love. Brother, is your last hope past to mollifie Morecrafts heart about your Morgage?
Young Love. Hopelesly past: I have presented the Usurer with a richer draught than ever Cleopatra swallowed; he hath suckt in ten thousand pounds worth of my Land, more than he paid for at a gulp, without Trumpets.
El. Lo. I have as hard a task to perform in this house.
Yo. Lo. Faith mine was to make an Usurer honest, or to lose my Land.
El. Lo. And mine is to perswade a passionate woman, or to leave the Land. Make the boat stay, I fear I shall begin my unfortunate journey this night, though the darkness of the night and the roughness of the waters might easily disswade an unwilling man.
Savil. Sir, your Fathers old friends hold it the sounder course for your body and estate to stay at home and marry, and propagate and govern in our Country, than to Travel and die without issue.
El. Lo. Savil, you shall gain the opinion of a better servant, in seeking to execute, not alter my will, howsoever my intents succeed.
Yo. Lo. Yonder's Mistres Younglove, Brother, the grave rubber of your Mistresses toes.
Enter Mistres Younglove the waiting woman.
El. Lo. Mistres Younglove.
Young. Master Loveless, truly we thought your sails had been hoist: my Mistres is perswaded you are Sea-sick ere this.
El. Lo. Loves she her ill taken up resolution so dearly? Didst thou move her from me?
Young. By this light that shines, there's no removing her, if she get a stiffe opinion by the end. I attempted her to day when they say a woman can deny nothing.
El. Lo. What critical minute was that?
Young. When her smock was over her ears: but she was no more pliant than if it hung about her heels.
El. Lo. I prethee deliver my service, and say, I desire to see the dear cause of my banishment; and then for France.
Young. I'le do't: hark hither, is that your Brother?
El. Lo. Yes, have you lost your memory?
Young. As I live he's a pretty fellow. [Exit.
Yo. Lo. O this is a sweet Brache.
El. Lo. Why she knows not you.
Yo. Lo. No, but she offered me once to know her: to this day she loves youth of Eighteen; she heard a tale how Cupid struck her in love with a great Lord in the Tilt-yard, but he never saw her; yet she in kindness would needs wear a Willow-garland at his Wedding. She lov'd all the Players in the last Queens time once over: she was struck when they acted Lovers, and forsook some when they plaid Murthers. She has nine Spur-royals, and the servants say she hoards old gold; and she her self pronounces angerly, that the Farmers eldest son, or her Mistres Husbands Clerk shall be, that Marries her, shall make her a joynture of fourscore pounds a year; she tells tales of the serving-men.
El. Lo. Enough, I know her Brother. I shall intreat you only to salute my Mistres, and take leave, we'l part at the Stairs.
Enter Lady and waiting women.
Lady. Now Sir, this first part of your will is performed: what's the rest?
El. Lo. First, let me beg your notice for this Gentleman my Brother.
Lady. I shall take it as a favour done to me, though the Gentleman hath received but an untimely grace from you, yet my charitable disposition would have been ready to have done him freer courtesies as a stranger, than upon those cold commendations.
Yo. Lo. Lady, my salutations crave acquaintance and leave at once.
Lady. Sir I hope you are the master of your own occasions.
[Exit Yo. Lo. and Savil.
El. Lo. Would I were so. Mistris, for me to praise over again that worth, which all the world, and you your self can see.
Lady. It's a cold room this, Servant.
El. Lo. Mistris.
La. What think you if I have a Chimney for't, out here?
El. Lo. Mistris, another in my place, that were not tyed to believe all your actions just, would apprehend himself wrong'd: But I whose vertues are constancy and obedience.
La. Younglove, make a good fire above to warm me after my servants Exordiums.
El. Lo. I have heard and seen your affability to be such, that the servants you give wages to may speak.
La. 'Tis true, 'tis true; but they speak to th' purpose.
El. Lo. Mistris, your will leads my speeches from the purpose. But as a man—
La. A Simile servant? This room was built for honest meaners, that deliver themselves hastily and plainly, and are gone. Is this a time or place for Exordiums, and Similes and Metaphors? If you have ought to say, break into't: my answers shall very reasonably meet you.
El. Lo. Mistris I came to see you.
La. That's happily dispatcht, the next.
El. Lo. To take leave of you.
La. To be gone?
El. Lo. Yes.
La. You need not have despair'd of that, nor have us'd so many circumstances to win me to give you leave to perform my command; is there a third?
El. Lo. Yes, I had a third had you been apt to hear it.
La. I? Never apter. Fast (good servant) fast.
El. Lo. 'Twas to intreat you to hear reason.
La. Most willingly, have you brought one can speak it?
El. Lo. Lastly, it is to kindle in that barren heart love and forgiveness.
La. You would stay at home?
El. Lo. Yes Lady.
La. Why you may, and doubtlesly will, when you have debated that your commander is but your Mistris, a woman, a weak one, wildly overborn with passions: but the thing by her commanded, is to see Dovers dreadful cliffe, passing in a poor Water-house; the dangers of the merciless Channel 'twixt that and Callis, five long hours sail, with three poor weeks victuals.
El. Lo. You wrong me.
La. Then to land dumb, unable to enquire for an English hoast, to remove from City to City, by most chargeable Post-horse, like one that rode in quest of his Mother tongue.
El. Lo. You wrong me much.
La. And all these (almost invincible labours) performed for your Mistris, to be in danger to forsake her, and to put on new allegeance to some French Lady, who is content to change language with your laughter, and after your whole year spent in Tennis and broken speech, to stand to the hazard of being laught at, at your return, and have tales made on you by the Chamber-maids.
El. Lo. You wrong me much.
La. Louder yet.
El. Lo. You know your least word is of force to make me seek out dangers, move me not with toyes: but in this banishment, I must take leave to say, you are unjust: was one kiss forc't from you in publick by me so unpardonable? Why all the hours of day and night have seen us kiss.
La. 'Tis true, and so you told the company that heard me chide.
Elder Lov. Your own eyes were not dearer to you than I.
Lady. And so you told 'em.
Elder Lo. I did, yet no sign of disgrace need to have stain'd your cheek: you your self knew your pure and simple heart to be most unspotted, and free from the least baseness.
Lady. I did: But if a Maids heart doth but once think that she is suspected, her own face will write her guilty.
Elder Lo. But where lay this disgrace? The world that knew us, knew our resolutions well: And could it be hop'd that I should give away my freedom; and venture a perpetual bondage with one I never kist? or could I in strict wisdom take too much love upon me, from her that chose me for her Husband?
Lady. Believe me; if my Wedding-smock were on, Were the Gloves bought and given, the Licence come, Were the Rosemary-branches dipt, and all The Hipochrist and Cakes eat and drunk off, Were these two armes incompast with the hands Of Bachelors to lead me to the Church, Were my feet in the door, were I John, said, If John should boast a favour done by me, I would not wed that year: And you I hope, When you have spent this year commodiously, In atchieving Languages, will at your return Acknowledge me more coy of parting with mine eyes, Than such a friend: More talk I hold not now If you dare go.
Elder Lo. I dare, you know: First let me kiss.
Lady. Farewel sweet Servant, your task perform'd, On a new ground as a beginning Sutor, I shall be apt to hear you.
Elder Lo. Farewel cruel Mistres. [Exit Lady.
Enter Young Loveless, and Savil.
Young Lo. Brother you'l hazard the losing your tide to Gravesend: you have a long half mile by Land to Greenewich?
Elder Lo. I go: but Brother, what yet unheard of course to live, doth your imagination flatter you with? Your ordinary means are devour'd.
Young Lo. Course? why Horse-coursing I think. Consume no time in this: I have no Estate to be mended by meditation: he that busies himself about my fortunes may properly be said to busie himself about nothing.
Elder Lo. Yet some course you must take, which for my satisfaction resolve and open; if you will shape none, I must inform you that that man but perswades himself he means to live, that imagines not the means.
Young Lo. Why live upon others, as others have lived upon me.
Elder Lo. I apprehend not that: you have fed others, and consequently dispos'd of 'em: and the same measure must you expect from your maintainers, which will be too heavy an alteration for you to bear.
Young Lo. Why I'le purse; if that raise me not, I'le bet at Bowling-alleyes, or man Whores; I would fain live by others: but I'le live whilst I am unhang'd, and after the thought's taken.
Elder Love. I see you are ty'd to no particular imploiment then?
Young Lo. Faith I may choose my course: they say nature brings forth none but she provides for them: I'le try her liberality.
Elder Lo. Well, to keep your feet out of base and dangerous paths, I have resolved you shall live as Master of my House. It shall be your care Savil to see him fed and cloathed, not according to his present Estate, but to his birth and former fortunes.
Young Lo. If it be refer'd to him, if I be not found in Carnation Jearsie-stockins, blew devils breeches, with the gards down, and my pocket i'th' sleeves, I'le n'er look you i'th' face again.
Sa. A comelier wear I wuss it is than those dangling slops.
Elder Lo. To keep you readie to do him all service peaceably, and him to command you reasonably, I leave these further directions in writing, which at your best leasure together open and read.
Enter Younglove to them with a Jewell.
Abig. Sir, my Mistress commends her love to you in this token, and these words; it is a Jewell (she sayes) which as a favour from her she would request you to wear till your years travel be performed: which once expired, she will hastily expect your happy return.
Elder Lo. Return my service with such thanks, as she may imagine the heart of a suddenly over-joyed man would willingly utter, and you I hope I shall with slender arguments perswade to wear this Diamond, that when my Mistris shall through my long absence, and the approach of new Suitors, offer to forget me; you may cast your eye down to your finger, and remember and speak of me: She will hear thee better than those allied by birth to her; as we see many men much swayed by the Grooms of their Chambers, not that they have a greater part of their love or opinion on them, than on others, but for that they know their secrets.
Abi. O' my credit I swear, I think 'twas made for me: Fear no other Suitors.
Elder Love. I shall not need to teach you how to discredit their beginning, you know how to take exception at their shirts at washing, or to make the maids swear they found plasters in their beds.
Abi. I know, I know, and do not you fear the Suitors.
Elder Lo. Farewell, be mindfull, and be happie; the night calls me.
[Exeunt omnes praeter Younglove.
Abi. The Gods of the Winds befriend you Sir; a constant and a liberal Lover thou art, more such God send us.
Enter Welford.
Wel. Let'em not stand still, we have rid.
Abi. A suitor I know by his riding hard, I'le not be seen.
Wel. A prettie Hall this, no Servant in't? I would look freshly.
Abi. You have delivered your errand to me then: there's no danger in a hansome young fellow: I'le shew my self.
Wel. Lady, may it please you to bestow upon a stranger the ordinary grace of salutation: Are you the Lady of this house?
Abi. Sir, I am worthily proud to be a Servant of hers.
Wel. Lady, I should be as proud to be a Servant of yours, did not my so late acquaintance make me despair.
Abi. Sir, it is not so hard to atchieve, but nature may bring it about.
Wel. For these comfortable words, I remain your glad Debtor. Is your Lady at home?
Abi. She is no stragler Sir.
Wel. May her occasions admit me to speak with her?
Abi. If you come in the way of a Suitor, No.
Wel. I know your affable vertue will be moved to perswade her, that a Gentleman benighted and strayed, offers to be bound to her for a nights lodging.
Abi. I will commend this message to her; but if you aim at her body, you will be deluded: other women of the household of good carriage and government; upon any of which if you can cast your affection, they will perhaps be found as faithfull and not so coy. [Exit Younglove.
Wel. What a skin full of lust is this? I thought I had come a wooing, and I am the courted partie. This is right Court fashion: Men, Women, and all woo, catch that catch may. If this soft hearted woman have infused any of her tenderness into her Lady, there is hope she will be plyant. But who's here?
Enter Sir Roger the Curate.
Roger. Gad save you Sir. My Lady lets you know she desires to be acquainted with your name, before she confer with you?
Wel. Sir, my name calls me Welford.
Roger. Sir, you are a Gentleman of a good name. I'le try his wit.
Wel. I will uphold it as good as any of my Ancestors had this two hundred years Sir.
Roger. I knew a worshipfull and a Religious Gentleman of your name in the Bishoprick of Durham. Call you him Cousen?
Wel. I am only allyed to his vertues Sir.
Roger. It is modestly said: I should carry the badge of your Christianity with me too.
Wel. What's that, a Cross? there's a tester.
Roger. I mean the name which your God-fathers and God-mothers gave you at the Font.
Wel. 'Tis Harry: but you cannot proceed orderly now in your Catechism: for you have told me who gave me that name. Shall I beg your name?
Roger. Roger.
Wel. What room fill you in this house?
Roger. More rooms than one.
Wel. The more the merrier: but may my boldness know, why your Lady hath sent you to decypher my name?
Roger. Her own words were these: To know whether you were a formerly denyed Suitor, disguised in this message: for I can assure you she delights not in Thalame: Hymen and she are at variance, I shall return with much hast. [Exit Roger.
Wel. And much speed Sir, I hope: certainly I am arrived amongst a Nation of new found fools, on a Land where no Navigator has yet planted wit; if I had foreseen it, I would have laded my breeches with bells, knives, copper, and glasses, to trade with women for their virginities: yet I fear, I should have betrayed my self to a needless charge then: here's the walking night-cap again.
Enter Roger.
Roger. Sir, my Ladies pleasure is to see you: who hath commanded me to acknowledge her sorrow, that you must take the pains to come up for so bad entertainment.
Wel. I shall obey your Lady that sent it, and acknowledge you that brought it to be your Arts Master.
Rog. I am but a Batchelor of Art, Sir; and I have the mending of all under this roof, from my Lady on her down-bed, to the maid in the Pease-straw.
Wel. A Cobler, Sir?
Roger. No Sir, I inculcate Divine Service within these Walls.
Wel. But the Inhabitants of this house do often imploy you on errands without any scruple of Conscience.
Rog. Yes, I do take the air many mornings on foot, three or four miles for eggs: but why move you that?
Wel. To know whether it might become your function to bid my man to neglect his horse a little to attend on me.
Roger. Most properly Sir.
Wel. I pray you doe so then: the whilst I will attend your Lady. You direct all this house in the true way?
Roger. I doe Sir.
Wel. And this door I hope conducts to your Lady?
Rog. Your understanding is ingenious. [Ex. severally.
Enter young Loveless and Savil, with a writing.
Sa. By your favour Sir, you shall pardon me?
Yo. Lo. I shall bear your favour Sir, cross me no more; I say they shall come in.
Savil. Sir, you forget who I am?
Yo. Lo. Sir, I do not; thou art my Brothers Steward, his cast off mill-money, his Kitchen Arithmetick.
Sa. Sir, I hope you will not make so little of me?
Yo. Lo. I make thee not so little as thou art: for indeed there goes no more to the making of a Steward, but a fair Imprimis, and then a reasonable Item infus'd into him, and the thing is done.
Sa. Nay then you stir my duty, and I must tell you?
Young Lo. What wouldst thou tell me, how Hopps grow, or hold some rotten discourse of Sheep, or when our Lady-day falls? Prethee farewel, and entertain my friends, be drunk and burn thy Table-books: and my dear spark of velvet, thou and I.
Sa. Good Sir remember?
Young Lo. I do remember thee a foolish fellow, one that did put his trust in Almanacks, and Horse-fairs, and rose by Hony and Pot-butter. Shall they come in yet?
Sa. Nay then I must unfold your Brothers pleasure, these be the lessons Sir, he left behind him.
Young Lo. Prethee expound the first.
Sa. I leave to maintain my house three hundred pounds a year; and my Brother to dispose of it.
Young Lo. Mark that my wicked Steward, and I dispose of it?
Sav. Whilest he bears himself like a Gentleman, and my credit falls not in him. Mark that my good young Sir, mark that.
Young Lo. Nay, if it be no more I shall fulfil it, whilst my Legs will carry me I'le bear my self Gentleman-like, but when I am drunk, let them bear me that can. Forward dear Steward.
Sav. Next it is my will, that he be furnished (as my Brother) with Attendance, Apparel, and the obedience of my people.
Young Lo. Steward this is as plain as your old Minikin-breeches. Your wisdom will relent now, will it not? Be mollified or—you understand me Sir, proceed?
Sav. Next, that my Steward keep his place, and power, and bound my Brother's wildness with his care.
Young Lo. I'le hear no more of this Apocrypha, bind it by it self Steward.
Sav. This is your Brothers will, and as I take it, he makes no mention of such company as you would draw unto you. Captains of Gallyfoists, such as in a clear day have seen Callis, fellows that have no more of God, than their Oaths come to: they wear swords to reach fire at a Play, and get there the oyl'd end of a Pipe, for their Guerdon: then the remnant of your Regiment, are wealthy Tobacco-Marchants, that set up with one Ounce, and break for three: together with a Forlorn hope of Poets, and all these look like Carthusians, things without linnen: Are these fit company for my Masters Brother?
Young Lo. I will either convert thee (O thou Pagan Steward) or presently confound thee and thy reckonings, who's there? Call in the Gentlemen.
Sav. Good Sir.
Young Lo. Nay, you shall know both who I am, and where I am.
Sav. Are you my Masters Brother?
Young Lo. Are you the sage Master Steward, with a face like an old Ephemerides?
Enter his Comrades, Captain, Traveller, &c.
Sav. Then God help us all I say.
Young Lo. I, and 'tis well said my old peer of France: welcome Gentlemen, welcome Gentlemen; mine own dear Lads y'are richly welcome. Know this old Harry Groat.
Cap. Sir I will take your love.
Sav. Sir, you will take my Purse.
Cap. And study to continue it.
Sav. I do believe you.
Trav. Your honorable friend and Masters Brother, hath given you to us for a worthy fellow, and so we hugg you Sir.
Sav. Has given himself into the hands of Varlets, not to be carv'd out. Sir, are these the pieces?
Young Lo. They are the Morals of the Age, the vertues, men made of gold.
Sav. Of your gold you mean Sir.
Young Lo. This is a man of War, and cryes go on, and wears his colours.
Sav. In's nose.
Young Lo. In the fragrant field. This is a Traveller Sir, knows men and manners, and has plow'd up the Sea so far till both the Poles have knockt, has seen the Sun take Coach, and can distinguish the colour of his Horses, and their kinds, and had a Flanders-Mare leapt there.
Sav. 'Tis much.
Tra. I have seen more Sir.
Sav. 'Tis even enough o' Conscience; sit down, and rest you, you are at the end of the world already. Would you had as good a Living Sir, as this fellow could lie you out of, he has a notable gift in't.
Young Lo. This ministers the smoak, and this the Muses.
Sav. And you the Cloaths, and Meat, and Money, you have a goodly generation of 'em, pray let them multiply, your Brother's house is big enough, and to say truth, h'as too much Land, hang it durt.
Young Lo. Why now thou art a loving stinkard. Fire off thy Annotations and thy Rent-books, thou hast a weak brain Savil, and with the next long Bill thou wilt run mad. Gentlemen, you are once more welcome to three hundred pounds a year; we will be freely merry, shall we not?
Capt. Merry as mirth and wine, my lovely Loveless.
Poet. A serious look shall be a Jury to excommunicate any man from our company.
Tra. We will not talk wisely neither?
Young Lo. What think you Gentlemen by all this Revenue in Drink?
Capt. I am all for Drink.
Tra. I am dry till it be so.
Poet. He that will not cry Amen to this, let him live sober, seem wise, and dye o'th' Coram.
Young Lo. It shall be so, we'l have it all in Drink, let Meat and Lodging go, they are transitory, and shew men meerly mortal: then we'l have Wenches, every one his Wench, and every week a fresh one: we'l keep no powdered flesh: all these we have by warrant, under the title of things necessary. Here upon this place I ground it, The obedience of my people, and all necessaries: your opinions Gentlemen?
Capt. 'Tis plain and evident that he meant Wenches.
Sav. Good Sir let me expound it?
Capt. Here be as sound men, as your self Sir.
Poet. This do I hold to be the interpretation of it: In this word Necessary, is concluded all that be helps to Man; Woman was made the first, and therefore here the chiefest.
Young Lo. Believe me 'tis a learned one; and by these words, The obedience of my people, you Steward being one, are bound to fetch us Wenches.
Capt. He is, he is.
Young Lo. Steward, attend us for instructions.
Sav. But will you keep no house Sir?
Young Lo. Nothing but drink Sir, three hundred pounds in drink.
Sav. O miserable house, and miserable I that live to see it! Good Sir keep some meat.
Young Lo. Get us good Whores, and for your part, I'le board you in an Alehouse, you shall have Cheese and Onions.
Sav. What shall become of me, no Chimney smoaking? Well Prodigal, your Brother will come home.
[Exit.
Young Lo. Come Lads, I'le warrant you for Wenches, three hundred pounds in drink.
[Exeunt omnes.
Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.
_Enter Lady, _her Sister_ Martha, Welford, Younglove, _and others_.
Lady. Sir, now you see your bad lodging, I must bid you good night.
Wel. Lady if there be any want, 'tis in want of you.
Lady. A little sleep will ease that complement. Once more good night.
Wel. Once more dear Lady, and then all sweet nights.
Lady. Dear Sir be short and sweet then.
Wel. Shall the morrow prove better to me, shall I hope my sute happier by this nights rest?
Lady. Is your sute so sickly that rest will help it? Pray ye let it rest then till I call for it. Sir as a stranger you have had all my welcome: but had I known your errand ere you came, your passage had been straiter. Sir, good night.
Welford. So fair, and cruel, dear unkind good night. [Exit Lady. Nay Sir, you shall stay with me, I'le press your zeal so far.
Roger. O Lord Sir.
Wel. Do you love Tobacco?
Rog. Surely I love it, but it loves not me; yet with your reverence I'le be bold.
Wel. Pray light it Sir. How do you like it?
Rog. I promise you it is notable stinging geer indeed. It is wet Sir, Lord how it brings down Rheum!
Wel. Handle it again Sir, you have a warm text of it.
Rog. Thanks ever promised for it. I promise you it is very powerful, and by a Trope, spiritual; for certainly it moves in sundry places.
Wel. I, it does so Sir, and me especially to ask Sir, why you wear a Night-cap.
Rog. Assuredly I will speak the truth unto you: you shall understand Sir, that my head is broken, and by whom; even by that visible beast the Butler.
Wel. The Butler? certainly he had all his drink about him when he did it. Strike one of your grave Cassock? The offence Sir?
Rog. Reproving him at Tra-trip Sir, for swearing; you have the total surely.
Wel. You told him when his rage was set a tilt, and so he crackt your Canons. I hope he has not hurt your gentle reading: But shall we see these Gentlewomen to night.
Rog. Have patience Sir until our fellow Nicholas be deceast, that is, asleep: for so the word is taken: to sleep to dye, to dye to sleep, a very figure Sir.
Wel. Cannot you cast another for the Gentlewomen?
Rog. Not till the man be in his bed, his grave: his grave, his bed: the very same again Sir. Our Comick Poet gives the reason sweetly; Plenus rimarum est, he is full of loope-holes, and will discover to our Patroness.
Wel. Your comment Sir has made me understand you.
Enter Martha the Ladies Sister, and Younglove, to them with a Posset.
Rog. Sir be addrest, the graces do salute you with the full bowl of plenty. Is our old enemy entomb'd?
Abig. He's safe.
Rog. And does he snore out supinely with the Poet?
Mar. No, he out-snores the Poet.
Wel. Gentlewoman, this courtesie shall bind a stranger to you, ever your servant.
Mar. Sir, my Sisters strictness makes not us forget you are a stranger and a Gentleman.
Abig. In sooth Sir, were I chang'd into my Lady, a Gentleman so well indued with parts, should not be lost.
Wel. I thank you Gentlewoman, and rest bound to you. See how this foul familiar chewes the Cud: From thee, and three and fifty good Love deliver me.
Mar. Will you sit down Sir, and take a spoon?
Wel. I take it kindly, Lady.
Mar. It is our best banquet Sir.
Rog. Shall we give thanks?
Wel. I have to the Gentlewomen already Sir.
Mar. Good Sir Roger, keep that breath to cool your part o'th' Posset, you may chance have a scalding zeal else; and you will needs be doing, pray tell your twenty to your self. Would you could like this Sir?
Wel. I would your Sister would like me as well Lady.
Mar. Sure Sir, she would not eat you: but banish that imagination; she's only wedded to her self, lyes with her self, and loves her self; and for another Husband than herself, he may knock at the gate, but ne're come in: be wise Sir, she's a Woman, and a trouble, and has her many faults, the least of which is, she cannot love you.
Abig. God pardon her, she'l do worse, would I were worthy his least grief, Mistris Martha.
Wel. Now I must over-hear her.
Mar. Faith would thou hadst them all with all my heart; I do not think they would make thee a day older.
Abig. Sir, will you put in deeper, 'tis the sweeter.
Mar. Well said old sayings.
Wel. She looks like one indeed. Gentlewoman you keep your word, your sweet self has made the bottom sweeter.
Abig. Sir, I begin a frolick, dare you change Sir?
Wel. My self for you, so please you. That smile has turn'd my stomach: this is right the old Embleme of the Moyle cropping of Thistles: Lord what a hunting head she carries, sure she has been ridden with a Martingale. Now love deliver me.
Rog. Do I dream, or do I wake? surely I know not: am I rub'd off? Is this the way of all my morning Prayers? Oh Roger, thou art but grass, and woman as a flower. Did I for this consume my quarters in Meditation, Vowes, and wooed her in Heroical Epistles? Did I expound the Owl, and undertook with labour and expence the recollection of those thousand Pieces, consum'd in Cellars, and Tabacco-shops of that our honour'd Englishman Ni. Br.? Have I done this, and am I done thus too? I will end with the wise man, and say; He that holds a Woman, has an Eel by the tail.
Mar. Sir 'tis so late, and our entertainment (meaning our Posset) by this is grown so cold, that 'twere an unmannerly part longer to hold you from your rest: let what the house has be at your command Sir.
Wel. Sweet rest be with you Lady; and to you what you desire too.
Abig. It should be some such good thing like your self then. [Exeunt.
Wel. Heaven keep me from that curse, and all my issue. Good night Antiquity.
Rog. Solamen Miseris socios habuisse Doloris: but I alone.
Wel. Learned Sir, will you bid my man come to me? and requesting a greater measure of your learning, good night, good Master Roger.
Rog. Good Sir, peace be with you. [Exit Roger.
Wel. Adue dear Domine. Half a dozen such in a Kingdom would make a man forswear confession: for who that had but half his wits about him, would commit the Counsel of a serious sin to such a cruel Night-cap? Why how now shall we have an Antick? [Enter Servant. Whose head do you carry upon your shoulders, that you jole it so against the Post? Is't for your ease? Or have you seen the Celler? Where are my slippers Sir?
Ser. Here Sir.
Wel. Where Sir? have you got the pot Verdugo? have you seen the Horses Sir?
Ser. Yes Sir.
Wel. Have they any meat?
Ser. Faith Sir, they have a kind of wholesome Rushes, Hay I cannot call it.
Wel. And no Provender?
Ser. Sir, so I take it.
Wel. You are merry Sir, and why so?
Ser. Faith Sir, here are no Oats to be got, unless you'l have 'em in Porredge: the people are so mainly given to spoon-meat: yonder's a cast of Coach-mares of the Gentlewomans, the strangest Cattel.
Wel. Why?
Ser. Why, they are transparent Sir, you may see through them: and such a house!
Wel. Come Sir, the truth of your discovery.
Ser. Sir, they are in tribes like Jewes: the Kitchin and the Dayrie make one tribe, and have their faction and their fornication within themselves; the Buttery and the Landry are another, and there's no love lost; the chambers are intire, and what's done there, is somewhat higher than my knowledge: but this I am sure, between these copulations, a stranger is kept vertuous, that is, fasting. But of all this the drink Sir.
Wel. What of that Sir?
Ser. Faith Sir, I will handle it as the time and your patience will give me leave. This drink, or this cooling Julip, of which three spoonfuls kills the Calenture, a pint breeds the cold Palsie.
Wel. Sir, you bely the house.
Ser. I would I did Sir. But as I am a true man, if 'twere but one degree colder, nothing but an Asses hoof would hold it.
Wel. I am glad on't Sir, for if it had proved stronger, you had been tongue ti'd of these commendations. Light me the candle Sir, I'le hear no more. [Exeunt.
Enter young Loveless and his Comrades, with wenches, and two Fidlers.
Yo. Lo. Come my brave man of war, trace out thy darling, And you my learned Council, sit and turn boyes, Kiss till the Cow come home, kiss close, kiss close knaves. My Modern Poet, thou shalt kiss in couplets.
Enter with Wine.
Strike up you merry varlets, and leave your peeping, This is no pay for Fidlers.
Capt. O my dear boy, thy Hercules, thy Captain Makes thee his Hylas, his delight, his solace. Love thy brave man of war, and let thy bounty Clap him in Shamois: Let there be deducted out of our main potation Five Marks in hatchments to adorn this thigh, Crampt with this rest of peace, and I will fight Thy battels.
Yo. Lo. Thou shalt hav't boy, and fly in Feather, Lead on a March you Michers.
Enter Savill.
Savill. O my head, O my heart, what a noyse and change is here! would I had been cold i'th' mouth before this day, and ne're have liv'd to see this dissolution. He that lives within a mile of this place, had as good sleep in the perpetual noyse of an Iron Mill. There's a dead Sea of drink i'th' Seller, in which goodly vessels lye wrackt, and in the middle of this deluge appear the tops of flagons and black jacks, like Churches drown'd i'th' marshes.
Yo. Lo. What, art thou come? My sweet Sir Amias welcome to Troy. Come thou shalt kiss my Helen, and court her in a dance.
Sav. Good Sir consider?
Yo. Lo. Shall we consider Gentlemen? How say you?
Capt. Consider? that were a simple toy i'faith, consider? whose moral's that? The man that cryes consider is our foe: let my steel know him.
Young Lo. Stay thy dead doing hand, he must not die yet: prethee be calm my Hector.
Capt. Peasant slave, thou groom compos'd of grudgings, live and thank this Gentleman, thou hadst seen Pluto else. The next consider kills thee.
Trav. Let him drink down his word again in a gallon of Sack.
Poet. 'Tis but a snuffe, make it two gallons, and let him doe it kneeling in repentance.
Savil. Nay rather kill me, there's but a lay-man lost. Good Captain doe your office.
Young Lo. Thou shalt drink Steward, drink and dance my Steward. Strike him a horn-pipe squeakers, take thy striver, and pace her till she stew.
Savil. Sure Sir, I cannot dance with your Gentlewomen, they are too light for me, pray break my head, and let me goe.
Capt. He shall dance, he shall dance.
Young Lo. He shall dance, and drink, and be drunk and dance, and be drunk again, and shall see no meat in a year.
Poet. And three quarters?
Young Lo. And three quarters be it.
Capt. Who knocks there? let him in.
Enter Elder Loveless disguised.
Savill. Some to deliver me I hope.
Elder Lo. Gentlemen, God save you all, my business is to one Master Loveless?
Capt. This is the Gentleman you mean; view him, and take his Inventorie, he's a right one.
Elder Lo. He promises no less Sir.
Young Lo. Sir, your business?
Elder Lo. Sir, I should let you know, yet I am loth, yet I am sworn to't, would some other tongue would speak it for me.
Young Lo. Out with it i' Gods name.
Elder Lo. All I desire Sir is, the patience and sufferance of a man, and good Sir be not mov'd more.
Young Lo. Then a pottle of sack will doe, here's my hand, prethee thy business?
Elder Lo. Good Sir excuse me, and whatsoever you hear, think must have been known unto you, and be your self discreet, and bear it nobly.
Young Lo. Prethee dispatch me.
Elder Lo. Your Brother's dead Sir.
Young Lo. Thou dost not mean dead drunk?
Elder Lo. No, no, dead and drown'd at sea Sir.
Young Lo. Art sure he's dead?
Elder Lo. Too sure Sir.
Young Lo. I but art thou very certainly sure of it?
Elder Lo. As sure Sir, as I tell it.
Young Lo. But art thou sure he came not up again?
Elder Lo. He may come up, but ne're to call you Brother.
Young Lo. But art sure he had water enough to drown him?
Elder Lo. Sure Sir, he wanted none.
Young Lo. I would not have him want, I lov'd him better; here I forgive thee: and i'faith be plain, how do I bear it?
Elder Lo. Very wisely Sir.
Young Lo. Fill him some wine. Thou dost not see me mov'd, these transitorie toyes ne're trouble me, he's in a better place, my friend I know't. Some fellows would have cryed now, and have curst thee, and faln out with their meat, and kept a pudder; but all this helps not, he was too good for us, and let God keep him: there's the right use on't friend. Off with thy drink, thou hast a spice of sorrow makes thee dry: fill him another. Savill, your Master's dead, and who am I now Savill? Nay, let's all bear it well, wipe Savill wipe, tears are but thrown away: we shall have wenches now, shall we not Savill?
Savill. Yes Sir.
Young Lo. And drink innumerable.
Savil. Yes forsooth.
Young Lo. And you'll strain curtsie and be drunk a little?
Savil. I would be glad, Sir, to doe my weak endeavour.
Yo. Lo. You may be brought in time to love a wench too.
Savil. In time the sturdie Oak Sir.
Young Lo. Some more wine for my friend there.
Elder Lo. I shall be drunk anon for my good news: but I have a loving Brother, that's my comfort.
Youn[g] Lo. Here's to you Sir, this is the worst I wish you for your news: and if I had another elder Brother, and say it were his chance to feed Haddocks, I should be still the same you see me now, a poor contented Gentleman. More wine for my friend there, he's dry again.
Elder Lo. I shall be if I follow this beginning. Well my dear Brother, if I scape this drowning, 'tis your turn next to sink, you shall duck twice before I help you. Sir I cannot drink more; pray let me have your pardon.
Young Lo. O Lord Sir, 'tis your modestie: more wine, give him a bigger glass; hug him my Captain, thou shalt be my chief mourner.
Capt. And this my pennon: Sir, a full carouse to you, and to my Lord of Land here.
Elder Lo. I feel a buzzing in my brains, pray God they bear this out, and I'le ne're trouble them so far again. Here's to you Sir.
Young Lo. To my dear Steward, down o' your knees you infidel, you Pagan; be drunk and penitent.
Savil. Forgive me Sir, and I'le be any thing.
Young Lo. Then be a Baud, I'le have thee a brave Baud.
Elder Lo. Sir, I must take my leave of you, my business is so urgent.
Young Lo. Let's have a bridling cast before you go. Fill's a new stoupe.
Elder Lo. I dare not Sir, by no means.
Young Lo. Have you any mind to a wench? I would fain gratifie you for the pains you took Sir.
Elder Lo. As little as to the t'other.
Young Lo. If you find any stirring do but say so.
Elder Lo. Sir, you are too bounteous, when I feel that itching, you shall asswage it Sir, before another: this only and Farewell Sir. Your Brother when the storm was most extream, told all about him, he left a will which lies close behind a Chimney in the matted Chamber: and so as well Sir, as you have made me able, I take my leave.
Young Lo. Let us imbrace him all: if you grow drie before you end your business, pray take a baite here, I have a fresh hogshead for you.
Savil. You shall neither will nor chuse Sir. My Master is a wonderfull fine Gentleman, has a fine state, a very fine state Sir, I am his Steward Sir, and his man.
Elder Lo. Would you were your own sir, as I left you. Well I must cast about, or all sinks.
Savil. Farewell Gentleman, Gentleman, Gentleman.
Elder Lo. What would you with me sir?
Savil. Farewell Gentleman.
Elder Lo. O sleep Sir, sleep. [Exit Elder Lo.
Young Lo. Well boyes, you see what's faln, let's in and drink, and give thanks for it.
Capt. Let's give thanks for it.
Young Lo. Drunk as I live.
Savil. Drunk as I live boyes.
Young Lo. Why, now thou art able to discharge thine office, and cast up a reckoning of some weight; I will be knighted, for my state will bear it, 'tis sixteen hundred boyes: off with your husks, I'le skin you all in Sattin.
Capt. O sweet Loveless!
Savil. All in Sattin? O sweet Loveless!
Young Lo. March in my noble Compeeres: and this my Countess shall be led by two: and so proceed we to the Will. [Exeunt.
Enter Morecraft the Usurer, and Widow.
Morec. And Widow as I say be your own friend: your husband left you wealthy, I and wise, continue so sweet duck, continue so. Take heed of young smooth Varlets, younger Brothers: they are worms that will eat through your bags: they are very Lightning, that with a flash or two will melt your money, and never singe your purse-strings: they are Colts, wench Colts, heady and dangerous, till we take 'em up, and make 'em fit for Bonds: look upon me, I have had, and have yet matter of moment girle, matter of moment; you may meet with a worse back, I'le not commend it.
Wid. Nor I neither Sir.
Mor. Yet thus far by your favour Widow, 'tis tuffe.
Wid. And therefore not for my dyet, for I love a tender one.
Mor. Sweet Widow leave your frumps, and be edified: you know my state, I sell no Perspectives, Scarfs, Gloves, nor Hangers, nor put my trust in Shoe-ties; and where your Husband in an age was rising by burnt figs, dreg'd with meal and powdered sugar, saunders, and grains, wormeseed and rotten Raisins, and such vile Tobacco, that made the footmen mangie; I in a year have put up hundreds inclos'd, my Widow, those pleasant Meadows, by a forfeit morgage: for which the poor Knight takes a lone chamber, owes for his Ale, and dare not beat his Hostess: nay more—
Wid. Good Sir no more, what ere my Husband was, I know what I am, and if you marry me, you must bear it bravely off Sir.
Mor. Not with the head, sweet Widow.
Wid. No sweet Sir, but with your shoulders: I must have you dub'd, for under that I will not stoop a feather. My husband was a fellow lov'd to toyle, fed ill, made gain his exercise, and so grew costive, which for that I was his wife, I gave way to, and spun mine own smocks course, and sir, so little: but let that pass, time, that wears all things out, wore out this husband, who in penitence of such fruitless five years marriage, left me great with his wealth, which if you'le be a worthie gossip to, be knighted Sir. [Enter Savil.
Morec. Now, Sir, from whom come you? whose man are you Sir?
Savil. Sir, I come from young Master Loveless.
Mor. Be silent Sir, I have no money, not a penny for you, he's sunk, your Master's sunk, a perisht man Sir.
Savil. Indeed his Brother's sunk sir, God be with him, a perisht man indeed, and drown'd at Sea.
Morec. How saidst thou, good my friend, his Brother drown'd?
Savil. Untimely sir, at Sea.
Morec. And thy young Master left sole Heir?
Savil. Yes Sir.
Morec. And he wants money?
Sav. Yes, and sent me to you, for he is now to be knighted.
Mor. Widow be wise, there's more Land coming, widow be very wise, and give thanks for me widow.
Widow. Be you very wise, and be knighted, and then give thanks for me Sir.
Savil. What sayes your worship to this mony?
Mor. I say he may have mony if he please.
Savil. A thousand Sir?
Mor. A thousand Sir, provided any wise Sir, his Land lye for the payment, otherwise—
Enter Young Loveless and Comrades to them.
Savil. He's here himself Sir, and can better tell you.
Mor. My notable dear friend, and worthy Master Loveless, and now right worshipfull, all joy and welcom.
Yo. Lo. Thanks to my dear incloser Master Morecraft, prethee old Angel gold, salute my family, I'le do as much for yours; this, and your own desires, fair Gentlewoman.
Wid. And yours Sir, if you mean well; 'tis a hansome Gentleman.
Young Lo. Sirrah, my Brother's dead.
More. Dead?
Yo. Lo. Dead, and by this time soust for Ember Week.
Morecraft. Dead?
Young Lo. Drown'd, drown'd at sea man, by the next fresh Conger that comes we shall hear more.
Mor. Now by my faith of my body it moves me much.
Yo. Lo. What, wilt thou be an Ass, and weep for the dead? why I thought nothing but a general inundation would have mov'd thee, prethe be quiet, he hath left his land behind him.
Morecraft. O has he so?
Young Lo. Yes faith, I thank him for't, I have all boy, hast any ready mony?
Morecraft. Will you sell Sir?
Young Lo. No not out right good Gripe; marry, a morgage or such a slight securitie.
More. I have no mony, Sir, for Morgage; if you will sell, and all or none, I'le work a new Mine for you.
Sav. Good Sir look before you, he'l work you out of all else: if you sell all your Land, you have sold your Country, and then you must to Sea, to seek your Brother, and there lye pickled in a Powdering tub, and break your teeth with Biskets and hard Beef, that must have watering Sir: and where's your 300 pounds a year in drink then? If you'l tun up the Straights you may, for you have no calling for drink there, but with a Canon, nor no scoring but on your Ships sides, and then if you scape with life, and take a Faggot boat and a bottle of Usquebaugh, come home poor men, like a tipe of Thames-street stinking of Pitch and Poor-John. I cannot tell Sir, I would be loth to see it.
Capt. Steward, you are an Ass, a meazel'd mungril, and were it not again the peace of my soveraign friend here, I would break your fore-casting Coxcomb, dog I would even with my staffe of Office there. Thy Pen and Inkhorn Noble boy, the God of gold here has fed thee well, take mony for thy durt: hark and believe, thou art cold of constitution, thy eat unhealthful, sell and be wise; we are three that will adorn thee, and live according to thine own heart child; mirth shall be only ours, and only ours shall be the black eyed beauties of the time. Mony makes men Eternal.
Poet. Do what you will, 'tis the noblest course, then you may live without the charge of people, only we four will make a Family, I and an Age that will beget new Annals, in which I'le write thy life my son of pleasure, equal with Nero and Caligula.
Young Lo. What men were they Captain?
Capt. Two roaring Boys of Rome, that made all split.
Young Lo. Come Sir, what dare you give?
Sav. You will not sell Sir?
Young Lo. Who told you so Sir?
Sav. Good Sir have a care.
Young Lo. Peace, or I'le tack your Tongue up to your Roof. What money? speak.
More. Six thousand pound Sir.
Capt. Take it, h'as overbidden by the Sun: bind him to his bargain quickly.
Young Lo. Come strike me luck with earnest, and draw the writings.
More. There's a Gods peny for thee.
Sav. Sir for my old Masters sake let my Farm be excepted, if I become his Tenant I am undone, my Children beggers, and my Wife God knows what: consider me dear Sir.
More. I'le have all or none.
Young Lo. All in, all in: dispatch the writings. [Exit with Com.
Wid. Go, thou art a pretty forehanded fellow, would thou wert wiser.
Sav. Now do I sensibly begin to feel my self a Rascal; would I could teach a School, or beg, or lye well, I am utterly undone; now he that taught thee to deceive and cousen, take thee to his mercy; so be it.
[Exit Savil.
More. Come Widow come, never stand upon a Knight-hood, 'tis a meer paper honour, and not proof enough for a Serjeant. Come, Come, I'le make thee—
Wid. To answer in short, 'tis this Sir. No Knight no Widow, if you make me any thing, it must be a Lady, and so I take my leave.
More. Farewel sweet Widow, and think of it.
Wid. Sir, I do more than think of it, it makes me dream Sir. [Ex. Wid.
More. She's rich and sober, if this itch were from her: and say I be at the charge to pay the Footmen, and the Trumpets, I and the Horsemen too, and be a Knight, and she refuse me then; then am I hoist into the subsidy, and so by consequence should prove a Coxcomb: I'le have a care of that. Six thousand pound, and then the Land is mine, there's some refreshing yet. [Exit.
Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
Enter Abigal, and drops her Glove.
Abigal. If he but follow me, as all my hopes tell me, he's man enough, up goes my rest, and I know I shall draw him.
Enter Welford.
Wel. This is the strangest pampered piece of flesh towards fifty, that ever frailty copt withal, what a trim lennoy here she has put upon me; these women are a proud kind of Cattel, and love this whorson doing so directly, that they will not stick to make their very skins Bawdes to their flesh. Here's Dogskin and Storax sufficient to kill a Hawk: what to do with it, besides nailing it up amongst Irish heads of Teere, to shew the mightiness of her Palm, I know not: there she is. I must enter into Dialogue. Lady you have lost your Glove.
Abig. Not Sir, if you have found it.
Wel. It was my meaning Lady to restore it.
Abig. 'Twill be uncivil in me to take back a favour, Fortune hath so well bestowed Sir, pray wear it for me.
Wel. I had rather wear a Bell. But hark you Mistres, what hidden vertue is there in this Glove, that you would have me wear it? Is't good against sore eyes, or will it charm the Toothach? Or these red tops; being steept in white wine soluble, wil't kill the Itch? Or has it so conceal'd a providence to keep my hand from Bonds? If it have none of these and prove no more but a bare Glove of half a Crown a pair, 'twill be but half a courtesie, I wear two alwayes, faith let's draw cuts, one will do me no pleasure.
Abig. The tenderness of his years keeps him as yet in ignorance, he's a well moulded fellow, and I wonder his bloud should stir no higher; but 'tis his want of company: I must grow nearer to him.
Enter Elder Loveless disguised.
Elder Lo. God save you both.
Abig. And pardon you Sir; this is somewhat rude, how came you hither?
Elder Lo. Why through the doors, they are open.
Wel. What are you? And what business have you here?
Elder Lo. More I believe than you have.
Abig. Who would this fellow speak with? Art thou sober?
Elder Lo. Yes, I come not here to sleep.
Wel. Prethee what art thou?
Elder Lo. As much (gay man) as thou art, I am a Gentleman.
Wel. Art thou no more?
Elder Lo. Yes more than thou dar'st be; a Souldier.
Abig. Thou dost not come to quarrel?
Elder Lo. No, not with women; I come to speak here with a Gentlewoman.
Abig. Why, I am one.
Elder Lo. But not with one so gentle.
Wel. This is a fine fellow.
Elder Lo. Sir, I am not fine yet. I am but new come over, direct me with your ticket to your Taylor, and then I shall be fine Sir. Lady if there be a better of your Sex within this house, say I would see her.
Abig. Why am not I good enough for you Sir?
Elder Lo. Your way you'l be too good, pray end my business. This is another Sutor, O frail Woman!
Wel. This fellow with his bluntness hopes to do more than the long sutes of a thousand could; though he be sowre he's quick, I must not trust him. Sir, this Lady is not to speak with you, she is more serious: you smell as if you were new calkt; go and be hansome, and then you may sit with her Servingmen.
El. Lo. What are you Sir?
Wel. Guess by my outside.
Elder Lo. Then I take you Sir, for some new silken thing wean'd from the Country, that shall (when you come to keep good company) be beaten into better manners. Pray good proud Gentlewoman, help me to your Mistress.
Abig. How many lives hast thou, that thou talk'st thus rudely?
Elder Lo. But one, one, I am neither Cat nor Woman.
Wel. And will that one life, Sir, maintain you ever in such bold sawciness?
Elder Lo. Yes, amongst a Nation of such men as you are, and be no worse for wearing, shall I speak with this Lady?
Abig. No by my troth shall you not.
Elder Lo. I must stay here then?
Wel. That you shall not neither.
Elder Lo. Good fine thing tell me why?
Wel. Good angry thing I'le tell you: This is no place for such companions, Such lousie Gentlemen shall find their business Better i'th' Suburbs, there your strong pitch perfume, Mingled with lees of Ale, shall reek in fashion: This is no Thames-street, Sir.
Abig. This Gentleman informs you truly: Prethee be satisfied, and seek the Suburbs, Good Captain, or what ever title else, The Warlike Eele-boats have bestowed upon thee, Go and reform thy self, prethee be sweeter, And know my Lady speaks with no Swabbers.
Elder Lo. You cannot talk me out with your tradition Of wit you pick from Plays, go to, I have found ye: And for you, Sir, whose tender gentle blood Runs in your Nose, and makes you snuff at all, But three pil'd people, I do let you know, He that begot your worships Sattin-sute, Can make no men Sir: I will see this Lady, And with the reverence of your silkenship, In these old Ornaments.
Wel. You will not sure?
Elder Lo. Sure Sir I shall.
Abig. You would be beaten out?
Elder Lo. Indeed I would not, or if I would be beaten, Pray who shall beat me? this good Gentleman Looks as if he were o'th' peace.
Wel. Sir you shall see that: will you get you out?
Elder Lo. Yes, that, that shall correct your boys tongue. Dare you fight, I will stay here still. [They draw.
Abig. O their things are out, help, help for Gods sake, Madam; Jesus they foin at one another.
Enter Lady.
Madam, why, who is within there?
Lady. Who breeds this rudeness?
Wel. This uncivil fellow; He saies he comes from Sea, where I believe, H'as purg'd away his manners.
Lady. Why what of him?
Wel. Why he will rudely without once God bless you, Press to your privacies, and no denial Must stand betwixt your person and his business; I let go his ill Language.
Lady. Sir, have you business with me?
Elder Lo. Madam some I have, But not so serious to pawn my life for't: If you keep this quarter, and maintain about you Such Knights o'th' Sun as this is, to defie Men of imployment to ye, you may live, But in what fame?
Lady. Pray stay Sir, who has wrong'd you?
Elder Lo. Wrong me he cannot, though uncivilly He flung his wild words at me: but to you I think he did no honour, to deny The hast I come withal, a passage to you, Though I seem course.
Lady. Excuse me gentle Sir, 'twas from my knowledge, And shall have no protection. And to you Sir, You have shew'd more heat than wit, and from your self Have borrowed power, I never gave you here, To do these vile unmanly things: my house Is no blind street to swagger in; and my favours Not doting yet on your unknown deserts So far, that I should make you Master of my business; My credit yet stands fairer with the people Than to be tried with swords; and they that come To do me service, must not think to win me With hazard of a murther; if your love Consist in fury, carry it to the Camp: And there in honour of some common Mistress, Shorten your youth, I pray be better temper'd: And give me leave a while Sir.
Wel. You must have it. [Exit Welford.
Lady. Now Sir, your business?
El. Lo. First, I thank you for schooling this young fellow, Whom his own follies, which he's prone enough Daily to fall into, if you but frown, Shall level him a way to his repentance: Next, I should rail at you, but you are a Woman, And anger's lost upon you.
Lady. Why at me Sir? I never did you wrong, for to my knowledge This is the first sight of you.
Elder Lo. You have done that, I must confess I have the least curse in Because the least acquaintance: But there be (If there be honour in the minds of men) Thousands when they shall know what I deliver, (As all good men must share in't) will to shame Blast your black memory.
Lady. How is this good Sir?
Elder Lo. 'Tis that, that if you have a soul will choak it: Y'ave kill'd a Gentleman.
Lady. I kill'd a Gentleman!
Elder Lo. You and your cruelty have kill'd him Woman, And such a man (let me be angry in't) Whose least worth weighed above all womens vertues That are; I spare you all to come too: guess him now?
Lady. I am so innocent I cannot Sir.
Elder Lo. Repent you mean, you are a perfect Woman, And as the first was, made for mans undoing.
Lady. Sir, you have mist your way, I am not she.
Elder Lo. Would he had mist his way too, though he had Wandered farther than Women are ill spoken of, So he had mist this misery, you Lady.
Lady. How do you do, Sir?
Elder Lo. Well enough I hope. While I can keep my self out from temptations.
Lady. Leap into this matter, whither would ye?
Elder Lo. You had a Servant that your peevishness Injoined to Travel.
Lady. Such a one I have Still, and shall be griev'd 'twere otherwise.
El. Lo. Then have your asking, and be griev'd he's dead; How you will answer for his worth, I know not, But this I am sure, either he, or you, or both Were stark mad, else he might have liv'd To have given a stronger testimony to th' world Of what he might have been. He was a man I knew but in his evening, ten Suns after, Forc'd by a Tyrant storm our beaten Bark Bulg'd under us; in which sad parting blow, He call'd upon his Saint, but not for life, On you unhappy Woman, and whilest all Sought to preserve their Souls, he desperately Imbrac'd a Wave, crying to all that saw it, If any live, go to my Fate that forc'd me To this untimely end, and make her happy: His name was Loveless: And I scap't the storm, And now you have my business.
Lady. 'Tis too much. Would I had been that storm, he had not perisht. If you'l rail now I will forgive you Sir. Or if you'l call in more, if any more Come from this ruine, I shall justly suffer What they can say, I do confess my self A guiltie cause in this. I would say more, But grief is grown too great to be delivered.
Elder Lo. I like this well: these women are strange things. 'Tis somewhat of the latest now to weep, You should have wept when he was going from you, And chain'd him with those tears at home.
La. Would you had told me then so, these two arms had been his Sea.
Elder Lo. Trust me you move me much: but say he lived, these were forgotten things again.
Lady. I, say you so? Sure I should know that voice: this is knavery. I'le fit you for it. Were he living Sir, I would perswade you to be charitable, I, and confess we are not all so ill as your opinion holds us. O my friend, what penance shall I pull upon my fault, upon my most unworthy self for this?
Elder Lo. Leave to love others, 'twas some jealousie That turn'd him desperate.
Lady. I'le be with you straight: are you wrung there?
Elder Lo. This works amain upon her.
Lady. I do confess there is a Gentleman Has born me long good will.
Elder Lo. I do not like that.
Lady. And vow'd a thousand services to me; to me, regardless of him: But since Fate, that no power can withstand, has taken from me my first, and best love, and to weep away my youth is a mere folly, I will shew you what I determine sir: you shall know all: Call M. Welford there: That Gentleman I mean to make the model of my Fortunes, and in his chast imbraces keep alive the memory of my lost lovely Loveless: he is somewhat like him too.
Elder Lo. Then you can love.
Lady. Yes certainly Sir? Though it please you to think me hard and cruel, I hope I shall perswade you otherwise.
Elder Lo. I have made my self a fine fool.
Enter Welford.
Wel. Would you have spoke with me Madam?
Lady. Yes M. Welford, and I ask your pardon before this Gentleman for being froward: this kiss, and henceforth more affection.
Elder Lo. So, 'tis better I were drown'd indeed.
Wel. This is a sudden passion, God hold it. This fellow out of his fear sure has Perswaded her. I'le give him a new suit on't.
La. A parting kiss, and good Sir, let me pray you To wait me in the Gallerie.
Wel. I am in another world, Madam where you please. [Exit Welford.
Elder Lo. I will to Sea, and 't shall goe hard but I'le be drown'd indeed.
La. Now Sir you see I am no such hard creature, But time may win me.
Elder Lo. You have forgot your lost Love.
La. Alas Sir, what would you have me do? I cannot call him back again with sorrow; I'le love this man as dearly, and beshrow me I'le keep him far enough from Sea, and 'twas told me, now I remember me, by an old wise woman, that my first Love should be drown'd, and see 'tis come about.
Elder Lo. I would she had told you your second should be hang'd too, and let that come about: but this is very strange.
La. Faith Sir, consider all, and then I know you'le be of my mind: if weeping would redeem him, I would weep still.
Elder Lo. But say that I were Loveless, And scap'd the storm, how would you answer this?
Lady. Why for that Gentleman I would leave all the world.
Elder Lo. This young thing too?
Lady. That young thing too, Or any young thing else: why, I would lose my state.
Elder Lo. Why then he lives still, I am he, your Loveless.
Lady. Alas I knew it Sir, and for that purpose prepared this Pageant: get you to your task. And leave these Players tricks, or I shall leave you, indeed I shall. Travel, or know me not.
Elder Lo. Will you then marry?
Lady. I will not promise, take your choice. Farewell.
Elder Lo. There is no other Purgatorie but a Woman. I must doe something. [Exit Loveless.
Enter Welford.
Wel. Mistress I am bold.
Lady. You are indeed.
Wel. You so overjoyed me Lady.
Lady. Take heed you surfeit not, pray fast and welcom.
Wel. By this light you love me extreamly.
Lady. By this, and to morrows light, I care not for you.
Wel. Come, come, you cannot hide it.
Lady. Indeed I can, where you shall never find it.
Wel. I like this mirth well Lady.
Lady. You shall have more on't.
Wel. I must kiss you.
Lady. No Sir.
Wel. Indeed I must.
Lady. What must be, must be; I'le take my leave, you have your parting blow: I pray commend me to those few friends you have, that sent you hither, and tell them when you travel next, 'twere fit you brought less bravery with you, and more wit, you'le never get a wife else.
Wel. Are you in earnest?
Lady. Yes faith. Will you eat Sir, your horses will be readie straight, you shall have a napkin laid in the butterie for ye.
Wel. Do not you love me then?
Lady. Yes, for that face.
Wel. It is a good one Ladie.
Lady. Yes, if it were not warpt, the fire in time may mend it.
Wel. Me thinks yours is none of the best Ladie.
Lady. No by my troth Sir; yet o' my conscience, You would make shift with it.
Wel. Come pray no more of this.
Lady. I will not: Fare you well. Ho, who's within there? bring out the Gentlemans horses, he's in haste; and set some cold meat on the Table.
Wel. I have too much of that I thank you Ladie: take your Chamber when you please, there goes a black one with you Ladie.
Lady. Farewell young man. [Exit Ladie.
Wel. You have made me one, Farewell: and may the curse of a great house fall upon thee, I mean the Butler. The devil and all his works are in these women, would all of my sex were of my mind, I would make 'em a new Lent, and a long one, that flesh might be in more reverence with them.
Enter Abigal to him.
Abig. I am sorry M. Welford.
Wel. So am I, that you are here.
Abig. How does my Ladie use you?
Wel. As I would use you, scurvilie.
Abig. I should have been more kind Sir.
Wel. I should have been undone then. Pray leave me, and look to your sweet-meats; hark, your Ladie calls.
Abig. Sir, I shall borrow so much time without offence.
Wel. Y'are nothing but offence, for Gods love leave me.
Abig. 'Tis strange my Ladie should be such a tyrant?
Wel. To send you to me, 'Pray goe stitch, good doe, y'are more trouble to me than a Term.
Abig. I do not know how my good will, if I said love I lied not, should any way deserve this?
Wel. A thousand waies, a thousand waies; sweet creature let me depart in peace.
Abig. What Creature Sir? I hope I am a woman.
Wel. A hundred I think by your noise.
Abig. Since you are angrie Sir, I am bold to tell you that I am a woman, and a rib.
Wel. Of a roasted horse.
Abig. Conster me that?
Wel. A Dog can doe it better; Farwell Countess, and commend me to your Ladie, tell her she's proud, and scurvie, and so I commit you both to your tempter.
Abig. Sweet Mr. Welford.
Wel. Avoid old Satanus: Go daub your ruines, your face looks fouler than a storm: the Foot-man stayes for you in the Lobby Lady.
Abig. If you were a Gentleman, I should know it by your gentle conditions: are these fit words to give a Gentlewoman?
Wel. As fit as they were made for ye: Sirrah, my horses. Farwell old Adage, keep your nose warm, the Rheum will make it horn else— [Exit Welford.
Abig. The blessings of a Prodigal young heir be thy companions Welford, marry come up my Gentleman, are your gums grown so tender they cannot bite? A skittish Filly will be your fortune Welford, and fair enough for such a packsaddle. And I doubt not (if my aim hold) to see her made to amble to your hand. [Exit Abigal.
Enter Young Loveless, and Comrades, Morecraft, Widow, Savil, and the rest.
Captain. Save thy brave shoulder, my young puissant Knight, and may thy back Sword bite them to the bone that love thee not, thou art an errant man, go on. The circumcis'd shall fall by thee. Let Land and labour fill the man that tills, thy sword must be thy plough, and Jove it speed. Mecha shall sweat, and Mahomet shall fall, and thy dear name fill up his monument.
Yo. L. It shall Captain, I mean to be a Worthy.
Cap. One Worthy is too little, thou shalt be all.
Mor. Captain I shall deserve some of your love too.
Capt. Thou shalt have heart and hand too, noble Morecraft, if them wilt lend me mony. I am a man of Garrison, be rul'd, and open to me those infernal gates, whence none of thy evil Angels pass again, and I will stile thee noble, nay Don Diego. I'le woo thy Infanta for thee, and my Knight shall feast her with high meats, and make her apt.
Mor. Pardon me Captain, y'are beside my meaning.
Young Lo. No Mr. Morecraft, 'tis the Captains meaning I should prepare her for ye.
Capt. Or provok her. Speak my modern man, I say provoke her.
Poet. Captain, I say so too, or stir her to it. So say the Criticks.
Young Lo. But howsoever you expound it sir, she's very welcom, and this shall serve for witness. And Widow, since y'are come so happily, you shall deliver up the keyes, and free possession of this house, whilst I stand by to ratifie.
Wid. I had rather give it back again believe me, 'Tis a miserie to say you had it. Take heed?
Young Lo. 'Tis past that Widow, come, sit down, some wine there, there is a scurvie banquet if we had it. All this fair house is yours Sir Savil?
Savil. Yes Sir.
Young Lo. Are your keyes readie, I must ease your burden.
Sav. I am readie Sir to be undone, when you shall call me to't.
Young Lo. Come come, thou shalt live better.
Sav. I shall have less to doe, that's all, there's half a dozen of my friends i'th' fields sunning against a bank, with half a breech among 'em, I shall be with 'em shortly. The care and continuall vexation of being rich, eat up this rascall. What shall become of my poor familie, they are no sheep, and they must keep themselves.
Young Lo. Drink Master Morecraft, pray be merrie all: Nay and you will not drink there's no societie, Captain speak loud, and drink: widow, a word.
Cap. Expou[n]d her throughly Knight. Here God o' gold, here's to thy fair possessions; Be a Baron and a bold one: leave off your tickling of young heirs like Trouts, and let thy Chimnies smoke. Feed men of war, live and be honest, and be saved yet.
Mor. I thank you worthie Captain for your counsel. You keep your Chimnies smoking there, your nostrils, and when you can, you feed a man of War, this makes you not a Baron, but a bare one: and how or when you shall be saved, let the Clark o'th' companie (you have commanded) have a just care of.
Poet. The man is much moved. Be not angrie Sir, but as the Poet sings, let your displeasure be a short furie, and goe out. You have spoke home, and bitterly, to me Sir. Captain take truce, the Miser is a tart and a wittie whorson—
Cap. Poet, you feign perdie, the wit of this man lies in his fingers ends, he must tell all; his tongue fills his mouth like a neats tongue, and only serves to lick his hungrie chaps after a purchase: his brains and brimstone are the devils diet to a fat usurers head: To her Knight, to her: clap her aboard, and stow her. Where's the brave Steward?
Savil. Here's your poor friend, and Savil Sir.
Capt. Away, th'art rich in ornaments of nature. First in thy face, thou hast a serious face, a betting, bargaining, and saving face, a rich face, pawn it to the Usurer; a face to kindle the compassion of the most ignorant and frozen Justice.
Savil. 'Tis such I dare not shew it shortly sir.
Capt. Be blithe and bonny steward: Master Morecraft, Drink to this man of reckoning?
Mor. Here's e'ne to him.
Savil. The Devil guide it downward: would there were in't an acre of the great broom field he bought, to sweep your durtie Conscience, or to choak ye, 'tis all one to me, Usurer.
Young Lo. Consider what I told you, you are young, unapt for worldly business: Is it fit one of such tenderness, so delicate, so contrarie to things of care, should stir and break her better meditations, in the bare brokage of a brace of Angels? or a new Kirtel, though it be Satten? eat by the hope of surfeits, and lie down only in expectation of a morrow, that may undo some easie hearted fool, or reach a widows curses? Let out mony, whose use returns the principal? and get out of these troubles, a consuming heir: For such a one must follow necessarily, you shall die hated, if not old and miserable; and that possest wealth that you got with pining, live to see tumbled to anothers hands, that is no more a kin to you, than you to his couzenage.
Widow. Sir you speak well, would God that charity had first begun here.
Young Lo. 'Tis yet time. Be merrie, me thinks you want wine there, there's more i'th' house. Captain, where rests the health?
Captain. It shall goe round boy.
Young Lo. Say you can suffer this, because the end points at much profit, can you so far bow below your blood, below your too much beautie, to be a partner of this fellowes bed, and lie with his diseases? if you can, I will no[t] press you further: yet look upon him: there's nothing in that hide-bound Usurer, that man of mat, that all decai'd, but aches, for you to love, unless his perisht lungs, his drie cough, or his scurvie. This is truth, and so far I dare speak yet: he has yet past cure of Physick, spaw, or any diet, a primitive pox in his bones; and o' my Knowledge he has been ten times rowell'd: ye may love him; he had a bastard, his own toward issue, whipt, and then cropt for washing out the roses, in three farthings to make 'em pence.
Widow. I do not like these Morals.
Young Lo. You must not like him then.
Enter Elder Love.
Elder Lo. By your leave Gentlemen?
Young Lo. By my troth sir you are welcom, welcom faith: Lord what a stranger you are grown; pray know this Gentlewoman, and if you please these friends here: we are merry, you see the worst on't; your house has been kept warm Sir.
Elder Lo. I am glad to hear it Brother, pray God you are wise too.
Young Lo. Pray Mr. Morecraft know my elder Brother, and Captain do you complement. Savil I dare swear is glad at heart to see you; Lord, we heard Sir you were drown'd at Sea, and see how luckily things come about!
More. This mony must be paid again Sir.
Young Lo. No Sir, pray keep the Sale, 'twill make good Tailors measures; I am well I thank you.
Wid. By my troth the Gentleman has stew'd him in his own Sawce, I shall love him for't.
Sav. I know not where I am, I am so glad: your worship is the welcom'st man alive; upon my knees I bid you welcome home: here has been such a hurry, such a din, such dismal Drinking, Swearing and Whoring, 'thas almost made me mad: we have all liv'd in a continual Turnbal-street; Sir, blest be Heaven, that sent you safe again, now shall I eat and go to bed again.
Elder Lo. Brother dismiss these people.
Young Lo. Captain be gone a while, meet me at my old Randevouse in the evening, take your small Poet with you. Mr. Morecraft you were best go prattle with your learned Counsel, I shall preserve your mony, I was couzen'd when time was, we are quit Sir.
Wid. Better and better still.
Elder Lo. What is this fellow, Brother?
Young Lo. The thirsty Usurer that supt my Land off.
Elder Lo. What does he tarry for?
Young Lo. Sir to be Landlord of your House and State: I was bold to make a little sale Sir.
More. Am I overreach'd? if there be Law I'le hamper ye.
Elder Lo. Prethee be gone, and rave at home, thou art so base a fool I cannot laugh at thee: Sirrah, this comes of couzening, home and spare, eat Reddish till you raise your sums again. If you stir far in this, I'le have you whipt, your ears nail'd for intelligencing o'the Pillory, and your goods forfeit: you are a stale couzener, leave my house: no more.
More. A pox upon your house. Come Widow, I shall yet hamper this young Gamester.
Wid. Good twelve i'th' hundred keep your way, I am not for your diet, marry in your own Tribe Jew, and get a Broker.
Young Lo. 'Tis well said Widow: will you jog on Sir?
More. Yes, I will go, but 'tis no matter whither: But when I trust a wild Fool, and a Woman, May I lend Gratis, and build Hospitals.
Young Lo. Nay good Sir, make all even, here's a Widow wants your good word for me, she's rich, and may renew me and my fortunes.
Elder Lo. I am glad you look before you. Gentlewoman, here is a poor distressed younger Brother.
Wid. You do him wrong Sir, he's a Knight.
Elder Lo. I ask you mercy: yet 'tis no matter, his Knighthood is no inheritance I take it: whatsoever he is, he is your Servant, or would be, Lady. Faith be not merciless, but make a man; he's young and handsome, though he be my Brother, and his observances may deserve your Love: he shall not fail for means.
Wid. Sir you speak like a worthy Brother: and so much I do credit your fair Language, that I shall love your Brother: and so love him, but I shall blush to say more.
Elder Lo. Stop her mouth. I hope you shall not live to know that hour when this shall be repented. Now Brother I should chide, but I'le give no distaste to your fair Mistress. I will instruct her in't and she shall do't: you have been wild and ignorant, pray mend it.
Young Lo. Sir, every day now Spring comes on.
Elder Lo. To you good Mr. Savil and your Office, thus much I have to say: Y'are from my Steward become, first your own Drunkard, then his Bawd: they say y'are excellent grown in both, and perfect: give me your keys Sir Savil.
Savil. Good Sir consider whom you left me to.
Elder Lo. I left you as a curb for, not to provoke my Brothers follies: where's the best drink, now? come, tell me Savil; where's the soundest Whores? Ye old he Goat, ye dried Ape, ye lame Stallion, must you be leading in my house your Whores, like Fairies dance their night rounds, without fear either of King or Constable, within my walls? Are all my Hangings safe; my Sheep unfold yet? I hope my Plate is currant, I ha' too much on't. What say you to 300 pounds in drink now?
Sav. Good Sir forgive me, and but hear me speak?
Elder Lo. Me thinks thou shouldst be drunk still, and not speak, 'tis the more pardonable.
Sav. I will Sir, if you will have it so.
Elder Lo. I thank ye: yes, e'ne pursue it Sir: do you hear? get a Whore soon for your recreation: go look out Captain Broken-breech your fellow, and Quarrel if you dare: I shall deliver these Keys to one shall have more honesty, though not so much fine wit Sir. You may walk and gather Cresses fit to cool your Liver; there's something for you to begin a Diet, you'l have the Pox else. Speed you well, Sir Savil: you may eat at my house to preserve life; but keep no Fornication in the Stables. [Ex. om. pr. Savil.
Sav. Now must I hang my self, my friends will look for't. Eating and sleeping, I do despise you both now: I will run mad first, and if that get not pitty, I'le drown my self, to a most dismal ditty. [Exit Savil.
Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
Enter Abigal sola.
Abigal. Alas poor Gentlewoman, to what a misery hath Age brought thee: to what a scurvy Fortune! Thou that hast been a Companion for Noblemen, and at the worst of those times for Gentlemen: now like a broken Servingman, must beg for favour to those, that would have crawl'd like Pilgrims to my Chamber but for an Apparition of me. You that be coming on, make much of fifteen, and so till five and twenty: use your time with reverence, that your profits may arise: it will not tarry with you, Ecce signum: here was a face, but time that like a surfeit eats our youth, plague of his iron teeth, and draw 'em for't, has been a little bolder here than welcome: and now to say the truth, I am fit for no man. Old men i'th' house of fifty, call me Granum; and when they are drunk, e'ne then, when Jone and my Lady are all one, not one will do me reason. My little Levite hath forsaken me, his silver sound of Cittern quite abolish[t], [h]is doleful hymns under my Chamber window, digested into tedious learning: well fool, you leapt a Haddock when you left him: he's a clean man, and a good edifier, and twenty nobles is his state de claro, besides his pigs in posse. To this good Homilist I have been ever stubborn, which God forgive me for, and mend my manners: and Love, if ever thou hadst care of forty, of such a piece of lape ground, hear my prayer, and fire his zeal so far forth that my faults in this renued impression of my love may shew corrected to our gentle reader.
Enter Roger.
See how negligently he passes by me: with what an Equipage Canonical, as though he had broken the heart of Bellarmine, or added something to the singing Brethren. 'Tis scorn, I know it, and deserve it, Mr. Roger.
Rog. Fair Gentlewoman, my name is Roger.
Abig. Then gentle Roger?
Rog. Ungentle Abigal.
Abig. Why M'r Roger will you set your wit to a weak womans?
Rog. You are weak indeed: for so the Poet sings.
Abig. I do confess my weakness, sweet Sir Roger.
Rog. Good my Ladies Gentlewoman, or my good Ladies Gentlewoman (this trope is lost to you now) leave your prating, you have a season of your first mother in ye: and surely had the Devil been in love, he had been abused too: go Dalilah, you make men fools, and wear Fig-breeches.
Abi. Well, well, hard hearted man; dilate upon the weak infirmities of women: these are fit texts, but once there was a time, would I had never seen those eyes, those eyes, those orient eyes.
Rog. I they were pearls once with you.
Abi. Saving your reverence Sir, so they are still.
Rog. Nay, nay, I do beseech you leave your cogging, what they are, they are, they serve me without Spectacles I thank 'em.
Abig. O will you kill me?
Rog. I do not think I can, Y'are like a Copy-hold with nine lives in't.
Abig. You were wont to bear a Christian fear about you: For your own worships sake.
Rog. I was a Christian fool then: Do you remember what a dance you led me? how I grew qualm'd in love, and was a dunce? could expound but once a quarter, and then was out too: and then out of the stinking stir you put me in, I prayed for my own issue. You do remember all this?
Abig. O be as then you were!
Rog. I thank you for it, surely I will be wiser Abigal: and as the Ethnick Poet sings, I will not lose my oyl and labour too. Y'are for the worshipfull I take it Abigal.
Abig. O take it so, and then I am for thee!
Rog. I like these tears well, and this humbling also, they are Symptomes of contrition. If I should fall into my fit again, would you not shake me into a quotidian Coxcombe? Would you not use me scurvily again, and give me possets with purging Confets in't? I tell thee Gentlewoman, thou hast been harder to me, than a long pedigree.
Abig. O Curate cure me: I will love thee better, dearer, longer: I will do any thing, betray the secrets of the main house-hold to thy reformation. My Ladie shall look lovingly on thy learning, and when true time shall point thee for a Parson, I will convert thy egges to penny custards, and thy tith goose shall graze and multiply.
Rog. I am mollified, as well shall testifie this faithfull kiss, and have a great care Mistris Abigal how you depress the Spirit any more with your rebukes and mocks: for certainly the edge of such a follie cuts it self.
Abigal. O Sir, you have pierc'd me thorow. Here I vow a recantation to those malicious faults I ever did against you. Never more will I despise your learning, never more pin cards and cony tails upon your Cassock, never again reproach your reverend nightcap, and call it by the mangie name of murrin, never your reverend person more, and say, you look like one of Baals Priests in a hanging, never again when you say grace laugh at you, nor put you out at prayers: never cramp you more, nor when you ride, get Sope and Thistles for you. No my Roger, these faults shall be corrected and amended, as by the tenour of my tears appears.
Rog. Now cannot I hold if I should be hang'd, I must crie too. Come to thine own beloved, and do even what thou wilt with me sweet, sweet Abigal. I am thine own for ever: here's my hand, when Roger proves a recreant, hang him i'th' Bel-ropes.
Enter Lady, and Martha.
Lady. Why how now Master Roger, no prayers down with you to night? Did you hear the bell ring? You are courting: your flock shall fat well for it.
Rog. I humbly ask your pardon: I'le clap up Prayers, but stay a little, and be with you again. [Exit Roger.
Enter Elder Love.
Lady. How dare you, being so unworthie a fellow, Presume to come to move me any more?
Elder Lo. Ha, ha, ha.
Lady. What ails the fellow?
Elder Lo. The fellow comes to laugh at you, I tell you Ladie I would not for your Land, be such a Coxcomb, such a whining Ass, as you decreed me for when I was last here.
Lady. I joy to hear you are wise, 'tis a rare Jewel In an Elder Brother: pray be wiser yet.
Elder Lo. Me thinks I am very wise: I do not come a wooing. Indeed I'le move no more love to your Ladiship.
Lady. What makes you here then?
Elder Lo. Only to see you and be merry Ladie: that's all my business. Faith let's be very merry. Where's little Roger? he's a good fellow: an hour or two well spent in wholesome mirth, is worth a thousand of these puling passions. 'Tis an ill world for Lovers.
Lady. They were never fewer.
Elder Lo. I thank God there's one less for me Ladie.
Lady. You were never any Sir.
Elder Lo. Till now, and now I am the prettiest fellow.
Lady. You talk like a Tailor Sir.
Elder Lo. Me thinks your faces are no such fine things now.
Lady. Why did you tell me you were wise? Lord what a lying age is this, where will you mend these faces?
Elder Lo. A Hogs face soust is worth a hundred of 'em.
Lady. Sure you had a Sow to your Mother.
Elder Lo. She brought such fine white Pigs as you, fit for none but Parsons Ladie.
Lady. 'Tis well you will allow us our Clergie yet.
Elder Lo. That shall not save you. O that I were in love again with a wish.
Lady. By this light you are a scurvie fellow, pray be gone.
Elder Lo. You know I am a clean skin'd man.
Lady. Do I know it?
Elder Lo. Come, come, you would know it; that's as good: but not a snap, never long for't, not a snap dear Ladie.
Lady. Hark ye Sir, hark ye, get ye to the Suburbs, there's horse flesh for such hounds: will you goe Sir?
Elder Lo. Lord how I lov'd this woman, how I worshipt this prettie calf with the white face here: as I live, you were the prettiest fool to play withall, the wittiest little varlet, it would talk: Lord how it talk't! and when I angred it, it would cry out, and scratch, and eat no meat, and it would say, goe hang.
Lady. It will say so still, if you anger it.
Elder Lo. And when I askt it, if it would be married, it sent me of an errand into France, and would abuse me, and be glad it did so.
Lady. Sir this is most unmanly, pray by gon.
Elder Lo. And swear (even when it twitter'd to be at me) I was unhansome.
Lady. Have you no manners in you?
Elder Lo. And say my back was melted, when God he knows, I kept it at a charge: Four Flaunders Mares would have been easier to me, and a Fencer.
Lady. You think all this is true now?
Elder Lo. Faith whether it be or no, 'tis too good for you. But so much for our mirth: Now have at you in earnest.
L[a]. There is enough Sir, I desire no more.
El. Lo. Yes faith, wee'l have a cast at your best parts now. And then the Devil take the worst.
Lady. Pray Sir no more, I am not so much affected with your commendations, 'tis almost dinner, I know they stay for you at the Ordinary.
Elder Lo. E'ne a short Grace, and then I am gone; You are a woman, and the proudest that ever lov'd a Coach: the scornfullest, scurviest, and most senceless woman; the greediest to be prais'd, and never mov'd though it be gross and open; the most envious, that at the poor fame of anothers face, would eat your own, and more than is your own, the paint belonging to it: of such a self opinion, that you think none can deserve your glove: and for your malice, you are so excellent, you might have been your Tempters tutor: nay, never cry.
Lady. Your own heart knows you wrong me: I cry for ye?
Elder Lo. You shall before I leave you.
Lady. Is all this spoke in earnest?
Elder Lo. Yes and more as soon as I can get it out.
Lady. Well out with't.
Elder Lo. You are, let me see.
Lady. One that has us'd you with too much respect.
Elder Lo. One that hath us'd me (since you will have it so) the basest, the most Foot-boy-like, without respect of what I was, or what you might be by me; you have us'd me, as I would use a jade, ride him off's legs, then turn him to the Commons; you have us'd me with discretion, and I thank ye. If you have many more such pretty Servants, pray build an Hospital, and when they are old, pray keep 'em for shame.
Lady. I cannot think yet this is serious.
Elder Lo. Will you have more on't?
Lady. No faith, there's enough if it be true: Too much by all my part; you are no Lover then?
Elder Lo. No, I had rather be a Carrier.
Lady. Why the Gods amend all.
Elder Lo. Neither do I think there can be such a fellow found i'th' world, to be in love with such a froward woman, if there be such, they're mad, Jove comfort 'em. Now you have all, and I as new a man, as light, and spirited, that I feel my self clean through another creature. O 'tis brave to be ones own man, I can see you now as I would see a Picture, sit all day by you and never kiss your hand: hear you sing, and never fall backward: but with as set a temper, as I would hear a Fidler, rise and thank you. I can now keep my mony in my purse, that still was gadding out for Scarfes and Wastcoats: and keep my hand from Mercers sheep-skins finely. I can eat mutton now, and feast my self with my two shillings, and can see a play for eighteen pence again: I can my Ladie.
Lady. The carriage of this fellow vexes me. Sir, pray let me speak a little private with you, I must not suffer this.
Elder Lo. Ha, ha, ha, what would you with me? You will not ravish me? Now, your set speech?
Lady. Thou perjur'd man.
Elder Lo. Ha, ha, ha, this is a fine exordium. And why I pray you perjur'd?
Lady. Did you not swear a thousand thousand times you lov'd me best of all things?
Elder Lo. I do confess it: make your best of that.
Lady. Why do you say you do not then?
Elder Lo. Nay I'le swear it, And give sufficient reason, your own usage.
Lady. Do you not love me then?
Elder Lo. No faith.
Lady. Did you ever think I lov'd you dearly?
Elder Lo. Yes, but I see but rotten fruits on't.
Lady. Do not denie your hand for I must kiss it, and take my last farewell, now let me die so you be happy.
El. Lo. I am too foolish: Ladie speak dear Ladie.
Lady. No let me die. She swounds.
Mar. Oh my Sister!
Abi. O my Ladie help, help.
Mar. Run for some Rosalis!
Elder Lo. I have plaid the fine ass: bend her bodie, Lady, best, dearest, worthiest Lady, hear your Servant, I am not as I shew'd: O wretched fool, to fling away the Jewel of thy life thus. Give her more air, see she begins to stir, sweet Mistress hear me!
Lady. Is my Servant well?
Elder Lo. In being yours I am so.
Lady. Then I care not.
Elder Lo. How do ye, reach a chair there; I confess my fault not pardonable, in pursuing thus upon such tenderness my wilfull error; but had I known it would have wrought thus with ye, thus strangely, not the world had won me to it, and let not (my best Ladie) any word spoke to my end disturb your quiet peace: for sooner shall you know a general ruine, than my faith broken. Do not doubt this Mistris, for by my life I cannot live without you. Come, come, you shall not grieve, rather be angrie, and heap infliction upon me: I will suffer. O I could curse my self, pray smile upon me. Upon my faith it was but a trick to trie you, knowing you lov'd me dearlie, and yet strangely that you would never shew it, though my means was all humilitie.
All. Ha, ha.
Elder Lo. How now?
Lady. I thank you fine fool for your most fine plot; this was a subtile one, a stiff device to have caught Dottrels with. Good senceless Sir, could you imagine I should swound for you, and know your self to be an arrant ass? I, a discovered one. 'Tis quit I thank you Sir. Ha, ha, ha.
Mar. Take heed Sir, she may chance to swound again.
All. Ha, ha, ha.
Abi. Step to her Sir, see how she changes colour.
Elder Lo. I'le goe to hell first, and be better welcom. I am fool'd, I do confess it, finely fool'd, Ladie, fool'd Madam, and I thank you for it.
Lady. Faith 'tis not so much worth Sir: But if I knew when you come next a burding, I'le have a stronger noose to hold the Woodcock.
All. Ha, ha, ha.
Elder Lo. I am glad to see you merry, pray laugh on.
Mar. H'ad a hard heart that could not laugh at you Sir, ha, ha, ha.
Lady. Pray Sister do not laugh, you'le anger him, And then hee'l rail like a rude Costermonger, That School-boys had couzened of his Apples, As loud and senceless.
Elder Lo. I will not rail.
Mar. Faith then let's hear him Sister.
Elder Lo. Yes, you shall hear me.
Lady. Shall we be the better by it then?
Eld. L. No, he that makes a woman better by his words, I'le have him Sainted: blows will not doe it.
Lady. By this light hee'll beat us.
Elder Lo. You do deserve it richly, And may live to have a Beadle doe it.
Lady. Now he rails.
Elder Lo. Come scornfull Folly, If this be railing, you shall hear me rail.
Lady. Pray put it in good words then.
Elder Lo. The worst are good enough for such a trifle, Such a proud piece of Cobweblawn.
Lady. You bite Sir?
Elder Lo. I would till the bones crackt, and I had my will.
Mar. We had best muzzel him, he grows mad.
Elder Lo. I would 'twere lawfull in the next great sickness to have the Dogs spared, those harmless creatures, and knock i'th' head these hot continual plagues, women, that are more infectious. I hope the State will think on't.
Lady. Are you well Sir?
Mar. He looks as though he had a grievous fit o'th' Colick.
Elder Lo. Green-ginger will cure me.
Abig. I'le heat a trencher for him.
Elder Lo. Durty December doe, Thou with a face as old as Erra Pater, such a Prognosticating nose: thou thing that ten years since has left to be a woman, outworn the expectation of a Baud; and thy dry bones can reach at nothing now, but gords or ninepins, pray goe fetch a trencher goe.
Lady. Let him alone, he's crack't.
Abig. I'le see him hang'd first, is a beastly fellow to use a woman of my breeding thus; I marry is he: would I were a man, I'de make him eat his Knaves words!
Elder Lo. Tie your she Otter up, good Lady folly, she stinks worse than a Bear-baiting.
Lady. Why will you be angry now?
Elder Lo. Goe paint and purge, call in your kennel with you: you a Lady?
Abi. Sirra, look to't against the quarter Sessions, if there be good behaviour in the world, I'le have thee bound to it.
Elder Lo. You must not seek it in your Ladies house then; pray send this Ferret home, and spin good Abigal. And Madam, that your Ladiship may know, in what base manner you have us'd my service, I do from this hour hate thee heartily; and though your folly should whip you to repentance, and waken you at length to see my wrongs, 'tis not the endeavour of your life shall win me; not all the friends you have, intercession, nor your submissive letters, though they spoke as many tears as words; not your knees grown to th' ground in penitence, nor all your state, to kiss you; nor my pardon, nor will to give you Christian burial, if you dye thus; so farewell. When I am married and made sure, I'le come and visit you again, and vex you Ladie. By all my hopes I'le be a torment to you, worse than a tedious winter. I know you will recant and sue to me, but save that labour: I'le rather love a fever and continual thirst, rather contract my youth to drink and sacerdote upon quarrels, or take a drawn whore from an Hospital, that time, diseases, and Mercury had eaten, than to be drawn to love you.
Lady. Ha, ha, ha, pray do, but take heed though.
Elder Lo. From thee, false dice, jades, Cowards, and plaguy Summers, good Lord deliver me. [Exit Elder Love.
Lady. But hark you Servant, hark ye: is he gon? call him again.
Abigal. Hang him Paddock.
Lady. Art thou here still? flie, flie, and call my Servant, flie or ne'r see me more.
Abigal. I had rather knit again than see that rascall, but I must doe it. [Exit Abigal.
Lady. I would be loth to anger him too much; what fine foolery is this in a woman, to use those men most forwardly they love most? If I should lose him thus, I were rightly served. I hope he's not so much himself, to take it to th'heart: how now? will he come back?
Enter Abigal.
Abig. Never, he swears, whilst he can hear men say there's any woman living: he swore he would ha' me first.
Lady. Didst thou intreat him wench?
Abigal. As well as I could Madam. But this is still your way, to love being absent, and when he's with you, laugh at him and abuse him. There's another way if you could hit on't.
Lady. Thou saist true, get me paper, pen and ink, I'le write to him, I'de be loth he should sleep in's anger. Women are most fools when they think th'are wisest. [Ex. Omnes.
Musick. Enter Young Loveless, and Widow, going to be Married, with them his Comrades.
Widow. Pray Sir cast off these fellows, as unfitting for your bare knowledge, and far more your companie: is't fit such Ragamuffins as these are should bear the name of friends? and furnish out a civil house? ye're to be married now, and men that love you must expect a course far from your old carrier: if you will keep 'em, turn 'em to th' stable, and there make 'em grooms: and yet now consider it, such beggars once set o' horse back, you have heard will ride, how far you had best to look.
Captain. Hear you, you that must be Ladie, pray content your self and think upon your carriage soon at night, what dressing will best take your Knight, what wastcote, what cordial will do well i'th' morning for him, what triers have you?
Widow. What do you mean Sir?
Capt. Those that must switch him up: if he start well, fear not but cry Saint George, and bear him hard: when you perceive his wind growes hot and wanting, let him a little down, he's fleet, ne're doubt him, and stands sound.
Widow. Sir, you hear these fellows?
Young Love. Merrie companions, wench, Merry companions.
Widow. To one another let 'em be companions, but good Sir not to you: you shall be civil and slip off these base trappings.
Cap. He shall not need, my most swee[t] Ladie Grocer, if he be civil, not your powdered Sugar, nor your Raisins shall perswade the Captain to live a Coxcomb with him; let him be civil and eat i'th' Arches, and see what will come on't.
Poet. Let him be civil, doe: undo him; I, that's the next way. I will not take (if he be civil once) two hundred pound a year to live with him; be civil? there's a trim perswasion.
Capt. If thou beest civil Knight, as Jove defends it, get thee another nose, that will be pull'd off by the angry boyes for thy conversion: the children thou shalt get on this Civillian cannot inherit by the law, th'are Ethnicks, and all thy sport meer Moral leacherie: when they are grown, having but little in 'em, they may prove Haberdashers, or gross Grocers, like their dear Damm there: prethee be civil Knight, in time thou maist read to thy houshold, and be drunk once a year: this would shew finely.
Young Lo. I wonder sweet heart you will offer this, you do not understand these Gentlemen: I will be short and pithy: I had rather cast you off by the way of charge: these are Creatures, that nothing goes to the maintenance of but Corn and Water. I will keep these fellows just in the competencie of two Hens. |
|
