Bac. Follow me still, but still at such a distance as your Aids may be assisting on all occasions.—Fearless, go back and bring your Regiment down; and Daring, let your Sergeant with his Party guard these Villains to the Council.

[Ex. Bac. Dar. and Fearless.

Whiff. A Pox on your Worship's Plot.

Whim. A Pox of your forwardness to come out of the Hedge.

[Ex. Officers, with Whim. and Whiff.

SCENE IV. The Council-Table.

Enter Col. Wellman, Col. Downright, Dullman, Timorous, and about seven or eight more seat themselves.

Well. You heard Mr. Dunce's opinion, Gentlemen, concerning Bacon's coming upon our Invitation. He believes he will come, but I rather think, though he be himself undaunted, yet the persuasions of his two Lieutenant-Generals, Daring and Fearless, may prevent him—Colonel, have you order'd our Men to be in Arms?

Enter a Soldier.

Down. I have, and they'l attend further order on the Sevana.

Sold. May it please your Honours, Bacon is on his way, he comes unattended by any but his Footmen, and Col. Fearless.

Down. Who is this Fellow?

Well. A Spy I sent to watch Bacon's Motions.

Sold. But there is a Company of Soldiers in Ambush on this side of the Sevana to seize him as he passes by.

Well. That's by no order of the Council.

Omnes. No, no, no order.

Well. Nay, 'twere a good design if true.

Tim. Gad zoors, wou'd I had thought on't for my Troop.

Down. I am for no unfair dealing in any extremity.

Enter Brag in haste.

Brag. An't please your Honours, the saddest News—an Ambush being laid for Bacon, they rush'd out upon him on the Sevana, and after some fighting took him and Fearless—

Tim. Is this your sad News—zoors, wou'd I had had a hand in't.

Brag. When on a sudden, Daring and his Party fell in upon us, turn'd the tide—kill'd our Men, and took Captain Whimsey, and Captain Whiff Pris'ners; the rest run away, but Bacon fought like fury.

Tim. A bloody Fellow!

Down. Whimsey and Whiff? they deserve Death for acting without order.

Tim. I'm of the Colonel's Opinion, they deserve to hang for't.

Dull. Why, Brother, I thought you had wish'd that the Plot had been yours but now.

Tim. Ay, but the Case is alter'd since that, good Brother.

Well. Now he's exasperated past all hopes of a Reconciliation.

Dull. You must make use of the Statesman's Refuge, wise Dissimulation.

Brag. For all this, Sir, he will not believe but that you mean honourably, and no Persuasions could hinder him from coming, so he has dismiss'd all his Soldiers, and is entring the Town on foot.

Well. What pity 'tis a brave Man should be guilty of an ill Action.

Brag. But the noise of his danger has so won the Hearts of the Mobile, that they increase his Train as he goes, and follow him in the Town like a Victor.

Well. Go wait his coming. [Exit Brag. He grows too popular and must be humbled.

Tim. I was ever of your mind, Colonel.

Well. Ay, right or wrong—but what's your Counsel now?

Tim. E'en as it used to be, I leave it to wiser Heads.

Enter Brag.

Brag. Bacon, Sir, is entring.

Tim. Gad zoors, wou'd I were safe in bed.

Dull. Colonel, keep in your Heat, and treat calmly with him.

Well. I rather wish you would all follow me, I'd meet him at the head of all his noisy Rabble, and seize him from the Rout.

Down. What, Men of Authority dispute with Rake-hells! 'tis below us, Sir.

Tim. To stake our Lives and Fortunes against their nothing.

Enter Bacon, after him the Rabble with Staves and Clubs, bringing in Whim. and Whiff bound.

Well. What means this Insolence?—What, Mr. Bacon, do you come in Arms?

Bac. I'd need, Sir, come in Arms, when Men that should be honourable can have so poor Designs to take my Life.

Well. Thrust out his following Rabble.

1st Rab. We'll not stir till we have the General safe back again.

Bac. Let not your Loves be too officious—but retire—

1st Rab. At your Command we vanish.— [The Rabble retire.

Bac. I hope you'll pardon me, if in my own defence I seized on these two Murderers.

Down. You did well, Sir, 'twas by no order they acted—stand forth and hear your Sentence—in time of War we need no formal Tryals to hang Knaves that act without order.

Whiff. Oh, Mercy, Mercy, Colonel—'twas Parson Dunce's Plot.

Down. Issue out a Warrant to seize Dunce immediately—you shall be carry'd to the Fort to pray.

Whim. Oh, good your Honour, I never pray'd in all my Life.

Down. From thence drawn upon a Sledge to the place of Execution—where you shall hang till you are dead—and then be cut down and—

Whim. Oh, hold—hold—we shall never be able to endure half this. [Kneeling.

Well. I think the Offence needs not so great Punishment; their Crime, Sir, is but equal to your own, acting without Commission.

Bac. 'Tis very well explained, Sir,—had I been murder'd by Commission then, the Deed had been approved, and now perhaps I am beholding to the Rabble for my Life.

Well. A fine Pretence to hide a popular Fault, but for this once we pardon them and you.

Bac. Pardon! for what? by Heaven, I scorn your Pardon, I've not offended Honour nor Religion.

Well. You have offended both in taking Arms.

Bac. Should I stand by and see my Country ruin'd, my King dishonour'd, and his Subjects murder'd, hear the sad Crys of Widows and of Orphans? you heard it loud, but gave no pitying care to't, and till the War and Massacre was brought to my own door, my Flocks and Herds surprized, I bore it all with Patience. Is it unlawful to defend my self against a Thief that breaks into my Doors?

Well. And call you this defending of your self?

Bac. I call it doing of my self that right, which upon just demand the Council did refuse me; if my Ambition, as you're pleased to call it, made me demand too much, I left my self to you.

Well. Perhaps we thought it did.

Bac. Sir, you affront my Birth—I am a Gentleman, and yet my Thoughts were humble—I would have fought under the meanest of your Parasites.

Tim. There's a Bob for us, Brother. [To Dull.

Bac. But still you put me off with Promises—and when compell'd to stir in my Defence I call'd none to my aid, and those that came, 'twas their own Wrongs that urg'd them.

Down. 'Tis fear'd, Sir, under this Pretence, you aim at Government.

Bac. I scorn to answer to so base an Accusation; the height of my Ambition is to be an honest Subject.

Well. An honest Rebel, Sir—

Bac. You know you wrong me, and 'tis basely urg'd—but this is trifling—here are my Commissions. [Throws down Papers, Down. reads.

Down. To be General of the Forces against the Indians, and blank Commissions for his Friends.

Well. Tear them in pieces—are we to be imposed upon? Do ye come in hostile manner to compel us?

Down. Be not too rough, Sir, let us argue with him.

Well. I am resolv'd I will not.

Tim. Then we are all dead Men, Gudzoors! he will not give us time to say our Prayers.

Well. We every day expect fresh force from England, till then, we of our selves shall be sufficient to make defence against a sturdy Traitor.

Bac. Traitor! S'death, Traitor—I defy ye, but that my Honour's yet above my Anger, I'd make you answer me that Traitor dearly. [Rises.

Well. Hah—am I threatned—Guards, secure the Rebel. [Guards seize him.

Bac. Is this your honourable Invitation? Go—triumph in your short-liv'd Victory, the next turn shall be mine.

[Exeunt Guards with Bac.

A Noise of Fighting—Enter Bacon, Wellman's Guards beat back by the Rabble, Bacon snatches a Sword from one, and keeps back the Rabble, Tim. gets under the Table.

Down. What means this Insolence?

Rab. We'll have our General, and knock that Fellow's Brains out, and hang up Colonel Wellman.

All. Ay, ay, hang up Wellman. [The Rabble seize Well. and Dull. and the rest.

Dull. Hold, hold, Gentlemen, I was always for the General.

Rab. Let's barbicu this fat Rogue.

Bac. Be gone, and know your distance to the Council. [The Rabble let 'em go.

Well. I'd rather perish by the meanest Hand, than owe my safety poorly thus to Bacon. [In Rage.

Bac. If you persist still in that mind I'll leave you, and conquering make you happy 'gainst your will.

[Ex. Bacon and Rabble, hollowing a Bacon, a Bacon.

Well. Oh villanous Cowards! who will trust his Honour with Sycophants so base? Let us to Arms—by Heaven, I will not give my Body rest, till I've chastised the boldness of this Rebel.

[Exeunt Well. Down. and the rest, all but Dull. Tim. peeps from under the Table.

Tim. What, is the roistering Hector gone, Brother?

Dull. Ay, ay, and the Devil go with him. [Looking sadly, Tim. comes out.

Tim. Was there ever such a Bull of Bashan! Why, what if he should come down upon us and kill us all for Traitors.

Dull. I rather think the Council will hang us all for Cowards—ah—oh—a Drum—a Drum—oh. [He goes out.

Tim. This is the Misery of being great. We're sacrific'd to every turn of State. [Exit.



ACT III.

SCENE I. The Country Court, a great Table, with Papers, a Clerk writing.

Enter a great many People of all sorts, then Friendly, after him Dullman.

Friend. How now, Major; what, they say Bacon scar'd you all out of the Council yesterday; What say the People?

Dull. Say? they curse us all, and drink young Frightall's Health, and swear they'll fight through Fire and Brimstone for him.

Friend. And to morrow will hollow him to the Gallows, if it were his chance to come there.

Dull. 'Tis very likely: Why, I am forced to be guarded to the Court now, the Rabble swore they would De-Wit me, but I shall hamper some of 'em. Wou'd the Governour were here to bear the brunt on't, for they call us the evil Counsellors.

Enter Hazard, goes to Friendly.

Here's the young Rogue that drew upon us too, we have Rods in Piss for him, i'faith.

Enter Timorous with Bailiffs, whispers to Dullman, after which to the Bailiffs.

Tim. Gadzoors, that's he, do your Office.

Bail. We arrest you, Sir, in the King's Name, at the suit of the honourable Justice Timorous.

Haz. Justice Timorous! who the Devil's he?

Tim. I am the man, Sir, d'ye see, for want of a better; you shall repent, Guds zoors, your putting of tricks upon Persons of my Rank and Quality. [After he has spoke, he runs back as afraid of him.

Haz. Your Rank and Quality!

Tim. Ay, Sir, my Rank and Quality; first I am one of the honourable Council, next, a Justice of Peace in Quorum, Cornet of a Troop of Horse, d'ye see, and Church-warden.

Friend. From whence proceeds this, Mr. Justice? you said nothing of this at Madam Ranter's yesterday; you saw him there, then you were good Friends.

Tim. Ay, however I have carried my Body swimmingly before my Mistress, d'ye see, I had Rancour in my Heart, Gads zoors.

Friend. Why, this Gentleman's a Stranger, and but lately come ashore.

Haz. At my first landing I was in company with this Fellow and two or three of his cruel Brethren, where I was affronted by them, some Words pass'd, and I drew—

Tim. Ay, ay, Sir, you shall pay for't,—why—what, Sir, cannot a civil Magistrate affront a Man, but he must be drawn upon presently?

Friend. Well, Sir, the Gentleman shall answer your Suit, and I hope you'll take my Bail for him.

Tim. 'Tis enough—I know you to be a civil Person.

Timorous and Dullman take their Places on a long Bench placed behind the Table, to them Whimsey and Whiff, they seat themselves, then Boozer and two or three more; who seat themselves: Then enter two, bearing a Bowl of Punch and a great Ladle or two in it; the rest of the Stage being fill'd with People.

Whiff. Brothers, it hath often been mov'd at the Bench, that a new Punch-Bowl shou'd be provided, and one of a larger Circumference; when the Bench sits late about weighty Affairs, oftentimes the Bowl is emptied before we end.

Whim. A good Motion; Clerk, set it down.

Clerk. Mr. Justice Boozer, the Council has order'd you a Writ of Ease, and dismiss your Worship from the Bench.

Booz. Me from the Bench, for what?

Whim. The Complaint is, Brother Boozer, for drinking too much Punch in the time of hearing Tryals.

Whiff. And that you can neither write nor read, nor say the Lord's Prayer.

Tim. That your Warrants are like a Brewer's Tally, a Notch on a Stick; if a special Warrant, then a couple. Gods zoors, when his Excellency comes he will have no such Justices.

Booz. Why, Brother, though I can't read my self, I have had Dalton's Country-Justice read over to me two or three times, and understand the Law. This is your Malice, Brother Whiff, because my Wife does not come to your Warehouse to buy her Commodities,—but no matter, to show I have no Malice in my Heart, I drink your Health.—I care not this, I can turn Lawyer, and plead at the Board. [Drinks, all pledge him, and hum.

Dull. Mr. Clerk, come to the Tryals on the Dockett. [Clerk reads.

Cler. The first is between his Worship Justice Whiff and one Grubb.

Dull. Ay, that Grubb's a common Disturber, Brother, your Cause is a good Cause if well manag'd, here's to't. [Drinks.

Whiff. I thank you, Brother Dullman—read my Petition. [Drinks.

Cler. The Petition of Captain Thomas Whiff, sheweth, That whereas Gilbert Grubb calls his Worship's Wife Ann Whiff Whore, and said he would prove it; your Petitioner desires the Worshipful Bench to take it into Consideration, and your Petitioner shall ever pray, &c.— Here's two Witnesses have made Affidavit viva voce, an't like your Worships.

Dull. Call Grubb.

Cler. Gilbert Grubb, come into the Court.

Grub. Here.

Whim. Well, what can you say for your self, Mr. Grubb.

Grub. Why, an't like your Worship, my Wife invited some Neighbours Wives to drink a Cagg of Syder; now your Worship's Wife, Madam Whiff, being there fuddled, would have thrust me out of doors, and bid me go to my old Whore Madam Whimsey, meaning your Worship's Wife. [To Whimsey.

Whim. Hah! My Wife called Whore, she's a Jade, and I'll arrest her Husband here—in an Action of Debts.

Tim. Gad zoors, she's no better than she should be, I'll warrant her.

Whiff. Look ye, Brother Whimsey, be patient; you know the humour of my Nancy, when she's drunk; but when she's sober, she's a civil Person, and shall ask your pardon.

Whim. Let this be done, and I am satisfied. And so here's to you. [Drinks.

Dull. Go on to the Trial.

Grub. I being very angry, said indeed, I would prove her a greater Whore than Madam Whimsey.

Cler. An't like your Worships, he confesses the Words in open Court.

Grub. Why, an't like your Worships, she has had two Bastards, I'll prove it.

Whiff. Sirrah, Sirrah, that was when she was a Maid, not since I marry'd her; my marrying her made her honest.

Dull. Let there be an order of Court to sue him for Scandalum magnatum.

Tim. Mr. Clerk, let my Cause come next.

Cler. The Defendant's ready, Sir. [Hazard comes to the Board.

Tim. Brothers of the Bench, take notice, that this Hector here coming into Mrs. Flirt's Ordinary, where I was with my Brother Dullman and Lieutenant Boozer; we gave him good Counsel to fall to work: Now my Gentleman here was affronted at this, forsooth, and makes no more to do but calls us Scoundrels, and drew his Sword on us; and had I not defended my self by running away, he had murdered me, and assassinated my two Brothers.

Whiff. What Witness have you, Brother?

Tim. Here's Mrs. Flirt and her Maid Nell,—besides, we may be Witness for one another, I hope, our Words may be taken.

Cler. Mrs. Flirt and Nell are sworn. [They stand forth.

Whim. By the Oaths that you have taken, speak nothing but the truth.

Flirt. An't please your Worships, your Honours came to my House, where you found this young Gentleman: and your Honours invited him to drink with your Honours; Where after some opprobrious Words given him, Justice Dullman, and Justice Boozer struck him over the Head; and after that indeed the Gentleman drew.

Tim. Mark that, Brother, he drew.

Haz. If I did, it was se defendendo.

Tim. Do you hear that, Brothers, he did it in defiance.

Haz. Sir, you ought not to sit Judge and Accuser too.

Whiff. The Gentleman's i'th' right, Brother, you cannot do't according to Law.

Tim. Gads zoors, what new tricks, new querks?

Haz. Gentlemen, take notice, he swears in Court.

Tim. Gads zoors, what's that to you, Sir?

Haz. This is the second time of his swearing.

Whim. What, do you think we are deaf, Sir? Come, come, proceed.

Tim. I desire he may be bound to his Good Behaviour, fin'd, and deliver up his Sword, what say you, Brother? [Jogs Dull. who nods.

Whim. He's asleep, drink to him and waken him,— you have miss'd the Cause by sleeping, Brother. [Drinks.

Dull. Justice may nod, but never sleeps, Brother— you were at—Deliver his Sword—a good Motion, let it be done. [Drinks.

Haz. No, Gentlemen, I wear a Sword to right my self.

Tim. That's fine, i'faith, Gads zoors, I've worn a Sword this dozen Year, and never cou'd right my self.

Whiff. Ay, 'twou'd be a fine World if Men should wear Swords to right themselves; he that's bound to the Peace shall wear no Sword.

Whim. I say, he that's bound to the Peace ought to wear no Peruke, they may change 'em for black or white, and then who can know them.

Haz. I hope, Gentlemen, I may be allowed to speak for my self.

Whiff. Ay, what can you say for your self, did you not draw your Sword, Sirrah?

Haz. I did.

Tim. 'Tis sufficient, he confesses the Fact, and we'll hear no more.

Haz. You will not hear the Provocation given.

Dull. 'Tis enough, Sir, you drew—

Whim. Ay, ay, 'tis enough, he drew—let him be fin'd.

Friend. The Gentleman should be heard, he's Kinsman too to Colonel John Surelove.

Tim. Hum—Colonel Surelove's Kinsman.

Whiff. Is he so? nay, then all the reason in the World he should be heard, Brothers.

Whim. Come, come, Cornet, you shall be Friends with the Gentleman; this was some drunken bout, I'll warrant you.

Tim. Ha, ha, ha, so it was, Gads zoors.

Whiff. Come, drink to the Gentleman, and put it up.

Tim. Sir, my service to you, I am heartily sorry for what's pass'd, but it was in my drink. [Drinks.

Whim. You hear his Acknowledgments, Sir, and when he's sober he never quarrels. Come, Sir, sit down, my Service to you.

Haz. I beg your excuse, Gentlemen—I have earnest business.

Dull. Let us adjourn the Court, and prepare to meet the Regiments on the Sevana. [All go but Friend. and Hazard.

Haz. Is this the best Court of Judicature your Country affords?

Friend. To give it its due, it is not. But how does thy Amour thrive?

Haz. As well as I can wish in so short a time.

Friend. I see she regards thee with kind Eyes, Sighs and Blushes.

Haz. Yes, and tells me I am so like a Brother she had —to excuse her kind concern,—then blushes so prettily, that, Gad, I cou'd not forbear making a discovery of my Heart.

Friend. Have a care of that, come upon her by slow degrees, for I know she is virtuous;—but come, let's to the Sevana, where I'll present you to the two Colonels, Wellman and Downright, the Men that manage all till the arrival of the Governour.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II. The Sevana or Heath.

Enter Wellman, Downright, Boozer, and Officers.

Well. Have you dispatch'd the Scouts, to watch the Motions of the Enemies? I know that Bacon is violent and haughty, and will resent our vain Attempts upon him; therefore we must be speedy in prevention.

Down. What Forces have you raised since our last order?

Booz. Here's a List of 'em, they came but slowly in, till we promised every one a Bottle of Brandy.

Enter Officer and Dunce.

Offi. We have brought Mr. Dunce here, as your Honour commanded us; after strict search we found him this Morning in bed with Madam Flirt.

Down. No matter, he'll exclaim no less against the Vices of the Flesh the next Sunday.

Dun. I hope, Sir, you will not credit the Malice of my Enemies.

Well. No more, you are free, and what you counsell'd about the Ambush, was both prudent and seasonable, and perhaps I now wish it had taken effect.

Enter Friendly and Hazard.

Friend. I have brought an English Gentleman to kiss your Hands, Sir, and offer you his Service, he is young and brave, and Kinsman to Colonel Surelove.

Well. Sir, you are welcome; and to let you see you are so, we will give you your Kinsman's Command, Captain of a Troop of Horse-Guards, and which I'm sure will be continued to you when the Governour arrives.

Haz. I shall endeavour to deserve the Honour, Sir.

Enter Dull. Tim. Whim. and Whiff, all in Buff, Scarf, and Feather.

Down. So, Gentlemen, I see you're in a readiness.

Tim. Readiness! What means he, I hope we are not to be drawn out to go against the Enemy, Major.

Dull. If we are, they shall look a new Major for me.

Well. We were debating, Gentlemen, what course were best to pursue against this powerful Rebel.

Friend. Why, Sir, we have Forces enough, let's charge him instantly, Delays are dangerous.

Tim. Why, what a damn'd fiery Fellow is this?

Down. But if we drive him to extremities, we fear his siding with the Indians.

Dull. Colonel Downright has hit it; why should we endanger our Men against a desperate Termagant; If he love Wounds and Scars so well, let him exercise on our Enemies—but if he will needs fall upon us, 'tis then time enough for us to venture our Lives and Fortunes.

Tim. How, we go to Bacon! under favour, I think 'tis his duty to come to us, an you go to that, Gads zoors.

Friend. If he do, 'twill cost you dear, I doubt, Cornet.—I find by our List, Sir, we are four thousand Men.

Tim. Gads zoors, not enough for a Breakfast for that insatiate Bacon, and his two Lieutenant Generals, Fearless and Daring. [Whiff sits on the Ground with a Bottle of Brandy.

Whim. A Morsel, a Morsel.

Well. I am for an attack, what say you, Gentlemen, to an attack?—What, silent all? What say you, Major?

Dull. I say, Sir, I hope my Courage was never in dispute. But, Sir, I am going to marry Colonel Downright's Daughter here—and should I be slain in this Battle 'twould break her Heart;—besides, Sir, I should lose her Fortune. [Speaks big.

Well. I'm sure here's a Captain will never flinch. [To Whim.

Whim. Who, I, an't like your Honour?

Well. Ay, you.

Whim. Who, I? ha, ha, ha: Why, did your Honour think that I would fight?

Well. Fight! yes; why else do you take Commissions?

Whim. Commissions! Oh Lord, O Lord, take Commissions to fight! ha, ha, ha; that's a jest, if all that take Commissions should fight—

Well. Why do you bear Arms then?

Whim. Why, for the Pay; to be called Captain, noble Captain, to show, to cock and look big, and bluff as I do: to be bow'd to thus as we pass, to domineer and beat our Soldiers: Fight, quoth a, ha, ha, ha.

Friend. But what makes you look so simply, Cornet?

Tim. Why, a thing that I have quite forgot, all my Accounts for England are to be made up, and I'm undone if they be neglected—else I wou'd not flinch for the stoutest he that wears a Sword— [Looking big.

Down. What say you, Captain Whiff? [Whiff almost drunk.

Whiff. I am trying, Colonel, what Mettle I'm made on; I think I am valiant, I suppose I have Courage, but I confess 'tis a little of the D—— breed, but a little inspiration from the Bottle, and the leave of my Nancy, may do wonders.

Enter a Seaman in haste.

Sea. An't please your Honours, Frightall's Officers have seiz'd all the Ships in the River, and rid now round the Shore, and had by this time secur'd the sandy Beach, and landed Men to fire the Town, but that they are high in drink aboard the Ship call'd the Good-Subject; the Master of her sent me to let your Honours know, that a few Men sent to his assistance will surprize them and retake the Ships.

Well. Now, Gentlemen, here is a brave occasion for Emulation—why writ not the Master?

Dull. Ay, had he writ, I had soon been amongst them, i'faith; but this is some Plot to betray us.

Sea. Keep me here, and kill me if it be not true.

Down. He says well—there's a Brigantine and a Shallop ready, I'll embark immediately.

Friend. No, Sir, your Presence is here more necessary, let me have the Honour of this Expedition.

Haz. I'll go your Volunteer, Charles.

Well. Who else offers to go?

Whim. A mere Trick to kidnap us, by Bacon,—if the Captain had writ.

Tim. Ay, ay, if he had writ—

Well. I see you're all base Cowards, and here cashier ye from all Commands and Offices.

Whim. Look ye, Colonel, you may do what you please, but you lose one of the best dress'd Officers in your whole Camp, Sir.

Tim. And in me, such a Head-piece.

Whiff. I'll say nothing, but let the State want me.

Dull. For my part I am weary of weighty Affairs. [In this while Well. Down. Friend. and Haz. talk.

Well. Command what Men you please, but Expedition makes you half a Conqueror.

[Ex. Friend. and Haz.

Enter another Seaman with a Letter, gives it to Downright, he and Wellman read it.

Down. Look ye now, Gentlemen, the Master has writ.

Dull. Has he—he might have writ sooner, while I was in Command,—if he had—

Whim. Ay, Major—if he had—but let them miss us.

Well. Colonel, haste with your Men, and reinforce the Beach, while I follow with the Horse;—Mr. Dunce, pray let that Proclamation be read concerning Bacon, to the Soldiers.

[Ex. Down. and Well.

Dun. It shall be done, Sir. Gentlemen, how simply you look now.

The Scene opens and discovers a Body of Soldiers.

Tim. Why, Mr. Parson, I have a scruple of Conscience upon me, I am considering whether it be lawful to kill, though it be in War; I have a great aversion to't, and hope it proceeds from Religion.

Whiff. I remember the Fit took you just so when the Dutch besieged us, for you cou'd not then be persuaded to strike a stroke.

Tim. Ay, that was because they were Protestants as we are; but, Gads zoors, had they been Dutch Papists I had maul'd them: but Conscience—

Whim. I have been a Justice of Peace this six Years, and never had a Conscience in my Life.

Tim. Nor I neither, but in this damn'd thing of fighting.

Dun. Gentlemen, I am commanded to read the Declaration of the honourable Council to you. [To the Soldiers.

All. Hum, hum, hum—

Booz. Silence—silence— [Dunce reads.

Dun. By an order of Council, dated May the 10th, 1670. To all Gentlemen Soldiers, Merchants, Planters, and whom else it may concern. Whereas Bacon, contrary to Law and Equity, has, to satisfy his own Ambition, taken up Arms with a pretence to fight the Indians, but indeed to molest and enslave the whole Colony, and to take away their Liberties and Properties; this is to declare, that whoever shall bring this Traitor dead or alive to the Council, shall have three hundred pounds Reward. And so God save the King.

All. A Council, a Council! Hah— [Hollow.

Enter a Soldier hastily.

Sold. Stand to your Arms, Gentlemen, stand to your Arms, Bacon is marching this way.

Dun. Hah—what Numbers has he?

Sold. About a hundred Horse, in his march he has surpriz'd Colonel Downright, and taken him Prisoner.

All. Let's fall on Bacon—let's fall on Bacon, hay. [Hollow.

Booz. We'll hear him speak first—and see what he can say for himself.

All. Ay, ay, we'll hear Bacon speak. [Dunce pleads with them.

Tim. Well, Major, I have found a Stratagem shall make us Four the greatest Men in the Colony, we'll surrender our selves to Bacon, and say we disbanded on purpose.

Dull. Good—

Whiff. Why, I had no other design in the World in refusing to fight.

Whim. Nor I, d'ye think I wou'd have excus'd it with the fear of disordering my Cravat-String else.

Dun. Why, Gentlemen, he designs to fire James Town, murder you all, and then lie with your Wives; and will you slip this opportunity of seizing him?

Booz. Here's a termagant Rogue, Neighbours—we'll hang the Dog.

All. Ay, ay, hang Bacon, hang Bacon.

Enter Bacon and Fearless, some Soldiers leading in Downright bound; Bacon stands and stares a while on the Regiments, who are silent all.

Bac. Well, Gentlemen, in order to your fine Declaration, you see I come to render my self.

Dun. How came he to know of our Declaration?

Whiff. Rogues, Rogues among our selves, that inform.

Bac. What, are ye silent all,—not a Man to lift his Hand in Obedience to the Council, to murder this Traytor that has exposed his Life so often for you? Hah, what, not for three hundred Pound?—You see I've left my Troops behind, and come all wearied with the Toils of War, worn out by Summers heats, and Winters cold, march'd tedious Days and Nights through Bogs and Fens as dangerous as your Clamours, and as faithless,—what though 'twas to preserve you all in Safety, no matter, you shou'd obey the grateful Council, and kill this honest Man that has defended you.

All. Hum, hum, hum.

Whiff. The General speaks like a Gorgon.

Tim. Like a Cherubin, Man.

Bac. All silent yet—where's that mighty Courage, that cried so loud but now, A Council, a Council? where is your Resolution? cannot three hundred Pound excite your Valour to seize that Traitor Bacon who has bled for you?

All. A Bacon, a Bacon, a Bacon. [Hollow.

Down. Oh villainous Cowards!—Oh the faithless Multitude!

Bac. What say you, Parson?—you have a forward Zeal.

Dun. I wish my Coat, Sir, did not hinder me from acting as becomes my Zeal and Duty.

Whim. A plaguy rugged Dog,—that Parson—

Bac. Fearless, seize me that canting Knave from out the Herd, and next those honourable Officers.

[Points to Dull. Whim. Whiff, and Tim. Fearless seizes them, and gives them to the Soldiers, and takes the Proclamation from Dunce, and shews Bacon; they read it.

Dull. Seize us, Sir, you shall not need, we laid down our Commissions on purpose to come over to your Honour.

Whiff. We ever lov'd and honour'd your Honour.

Tim. So intirely, Sir—that I wish I were safe in James Town for your sake, and your Honour were hang'd. [Aside.

Bac. This fine Piece is of your penning, Parson,—though it be countenanc'd by the Council's Names.—Oh Ingratitude! Burn, burn the treacherous Town, fire it immediately.—

Whim. We'll obey you, Sir.

Whiff. Ay, ay, we'll make a Bonfire on't, and drink your Honour's health round about it. [They offer to go.

Bac. Yet hold, my Revenge shall be more merciful, I ordered that all the Women of Rank shall be seiz'd and brought to my Camp. I'll make their Husbands pay their Ransoms dearly; they'd rather have their Hearts bleed than their Purses.

Fear. Dear General, let me have the seizing of Colonel Downright's Daughter; I would fain be plundering for a Trifle call'd a Maiden-head.

Bac. On pain of Death treat them with all respect; assure them of the safety of their Honour. Now, all that will follow me, shall find a welcome, and those that will not, may depart in Peace.

All. Hay, a General, a General, a General. [Some Soldiers go off: Some go to the side of Bacon.

Enter Daring and Soldiers, with Chrisante, Surelove, Mrs. Whim. and Mrs. Whiff, and several other Women.

Bac. Successful Daring, welcome, what Prizes have ye?

Dar. The fairest in the World, Sir; I'm not for common Plunder.

Down. Hah, my Daughter and my Kinswoman!—

Bac. 'Tis not with Women, Sir, nor honest men like you, that I intend to combat; not their own Parents shall be more indulgent, nor better Safe-guard to their Honours, Sir: But 'tis to save the expence of Blood I seize on their most valued Prizes.

Down. But, Sir, I know your wild Lieutenant General has long lov'd my Chrisante, and perhaps, will take this time to force her to consent.

Dar. I own I have a Passion for Chrisante, yet by my General's Life, or her fair self, what now I act is on the score of War, I scorn to force the Maid I do adore.

Bac. Believe me, Ladies, you shall have honourable Treatment here.

Chris. We do not doubt it, Sir, either from you or Daring; if he love me, that will secure my Honour; or if he do not, he's too brave to injure me.

Dar. I thank you for your just opinion of me, Madam.

Chris. But, Sir, 'tis for my Father I must plead; to see his reverend Hands in servile Chains; and then perhaps, if stubborn to your Will, his Head must fall a Victim to your Anger.

Down. No, my good pious Girl, I cannot fear ignoble usage from the General; and if thy Beauty can preserve thy Fame, I shall not mourn in my Captivity.

Bac. I'll ne'er deceive your kind opinion of me—Ladies, I hope you're all of that Opinion too.

Sure. If seizing us, Sir, can advance your Honour, or be of any use considerable to you, I shall be proud of such a Slavery.

Mrs. Whim. I hope, Sir, we shan't be ravish'd in your Camp.

Dar. Fie, Mrs. Whimsey, do Soldiers use to ravish?

Mrs. Whiff. Ravish! marry, I fear 'em not, I'd have 'em know, I scorn to be ravish'd by any Man.

Fear. Ay, o' my Conscience, Mrs. Whiff, you are too good-natur'd.

Dar. Madam, I hope you'll give me leave to name Love to you, and try by all submissive ways to win your Heart.

Chris. Do your worst, Sir: I give you leave, if you assail me only with your Tongue.

Dar. That's generous and brave, and I'll requite it.

Enter Soldier in haste.

Sold. The Truce being ended, Sir, the Indians grow so insolent as to attack us even in our Camp, and have killed several of our Men.

Bac. 'Tis time to check their Boldness; Daring, haste, draw up our Men in order to give 'em Battel, I rather had expected their submission.

The Country now may see what they're to fear, Since we that are in Arms are not secure.

[Exeunt, leading the Ladies.



ACT IV.

SCENE I. A Temple, with an Indian God placed upon it, Priests and Priestesses attending: Enter Indian King on one side attended by Indian Men; the Queen enters on the other with Women. All bow to the Idol, and divide on each side of the Stage. Then the Musick playing louder, the Priests and Priestesses dance about the Idol with ridiculous Postures, and crying (as for Incantations) thrice repeated, Agah Yerkin, Agah Boah, Sulen Tawarapah, Sulen Tawarapah.

After this soft Musick plays again: then they sing something fine: after which the Priests lead the King to the Altar, and the Priestesses the Queen; they take off little Crowns from their Heads, and offer them at the Altar.

King. Invoke the God of our Quiocto to declare what the Event shall be of this our last War against the English General.

[Soft Musick ceases.

[The Musick changes to confused Tunes, to which the Priests and Priestesses dance, antickly singing between, the same Incantation as before; and then dance again, and so invoke again alternately: Which Dance ended, a Voice behind the Altar cries, while soft Musick plays,

The English General shall be A Captive to his Enemy; And you from all your Toils be freed, When by your Hand the Foe shall bleed: And e'er the Sun's swift course be run, This mighty Conquest shall be won.

King. I thank the Gods for taking care of us; prepare new Sacrifice against the Evening, when I return a Conqueror, I will my self perform the Office of a Priest.

Queen. Oh, Sir, I fear you'll fall a Victim first.

King. What means Semernia? why are thy Looks so pale?

Queen. Alas, the Oracles have double meanings, their Sense is doubtful, and their Words Enigmas: I fear, Sir, I cou'd make a truer Interpretation.

King. How, Semernia! by all thy Love I charge thee, as you respect my Life, to let me know your Thoughts.

Queen. Last Night I dream'd a Lyon fell with hunger, spite of your Guards, slew you, and bore you hence.

King. This is thy Sex's fear, and no Interpretation of the Oracle.

Queen. I cou'd convince you farther.

King. Hast thou a Secret thou canst keep from me? thy Soul a Thought that I must be a Stranger to? This is not like the Justice of Semernia: Come unriddle me the Oracle.

Queen. The English General shall be a Captive to his Enemy; he is so, Sir, already, to my Beauty, he says he languishes for Love of me.

King. Hah! the General my Rival—but go on—

Queen. And you from all your War be freed: Oh, let me not explain that fatal Line, for fear it mean, you shall be freed by Death.

King. What, when by my Hand the Foe shall bleed?—away—it cannot be—

Queen. No doubt, my Lord, you'll bravely sell your Life, and deal some Wounds where you'll receive so many.

King. 'Tis Love, Semernia, makes thee dream while waking:

I'll trust the Gods, and am resolv'd for Battel.

Enter an Indian.

Ind. Haste, haste, great Sir, to Arms; Bacon with all his Forces is prepar'd, and both the Armies ready to engage.

King. Haste to my General, bid him charge 'em instantly; I'll bring up the Supplies of stout Teroomians, those so well skill'd in the envenom'd Arrow. [Ex. Indian. —Semernia—Words but poorly do express the Griefs of parting Lovers—'tis with dying Eyes, and a Heart trembling—thus— [Puts her Hand on his Heart. they take a heavy leave;—one parting Kiss, and one Love pressing sigh, and then farewel:—but not a long farewel; I shall return victorious to thy Arms—commend me to the Gods, and still remember me. [Exit.

Queen. Alas! What pity 'tis I saw the General, before my Fate had given me to the King—But now—like those that change their Gods, my faithless Mind betwixt my two Opinions wavers; while to the Gods my Monarch I commend; my wandring Thoughts in pity of the General makes that Zeal cold, declin'd—ineffectual.—If for the General I implore the Deities, methinks my Prayers should not ascend the Skies, since Honour tells me 'tis an impious Zeal.

Which way soever my Devotions move, I am too wretched to be heard above. [Goes in.

[All exeunt.

SCENE II. Shows a Field of Tents, seen at some distance through the Trees of a Wood, Drums, Trumpets and the noise of Battel, with hollowing. The Indians are seen with Battel-Axes to retreat fighting from the English, and all go off; when they re-enter immediately beating back the English, the Indian King at the head of his Men, with Bows and Arrows; Daring being at the head of the English: They fight off; the Noise continues less loud as more at distance.

Enter Bacon with his Sword drawn, meets Fearless with his Sword drawn.

Fear. Haste, haste, Sir, to the Entrance of the Wood, Daring's engaged past hope of a Retreat, venturing too far, pursuing of the Foe; the King in Ambush, with his poison'd Archers, fell on, and now we are dangerously distrest.

Bac. Daring is brave, but he's withal too rash, come on and follow me to his Assistance— [Go out.

[A hollowing within, the Fight renews; enter the Indians beaten back by Bacon, Daring and Fearless; they fight off; the noise of Fighting continues a while, this still behind the Wood.

Enter Indians flying over the Stage, pursued by the King.

King. Turn, turn, ye fugitive Slaves, and face the Enemy; Oh Villains, Cowards, deaf to all Command: by Heaven, I had my Rival in my view, and aim'd at nothing but my conquering him—now like a Coward I must fly with Cowards, or like a desperate Madman fall, thus singly, midst the numbers. [Follows the Indians.

Enter Bacon inraged with his Sword drawn, Fearless and Daring following him.

Bac. —Where is the King, oh ye perfidious Slaves? how, have you hid him from my just Revenge?—search all the Brakes, the Furzes and the Trees, and let him not escape on pain of Death.

Dar. We cannot do wonders, Sir.

Bac. But you can run away.—

Dar. Yes, when we see occasion—yet—shou'd any but my General tell me so—by Heaven, he should find I were no starter.

Bac. Forgive me, I'm mad—the King's escaped, hid like a trembling Slave in some close Ditch, where he will sooner starve than fight it out.

Re-enter Indians running over the Stage, pursued by the King, who shoots them as they fly; some few follow him.

King. All's lost—the Day is lost—and I'm betray'd;—Oh Slaves, that even Wounds can't animate. [In Rage.

Bac. The King!

King. The General here! by all the Powers, betray'd by my own Men!

Bac. Abandon'd as thou art, I scorn to take thee basely; you shall have Soldiers chance, Sir, for your Life, since Chance so luckily has brought us hither; without more Aids we will dispute the Day: This Spot of Earth bears both our Armies Fates; I'll give you back the Victory I have won, and thus begin a-new on equal Terms.

King. That's nobly said!—the Powers have heard my Wish. You, Sir, first taught me how to use a Sword, which heretofore has served me with Success: But now—'tis for Semernia that it draws, a Prize more valued than my Kingdom, Sir—

Bac. Hah, Semernia!

King. Your Blushes do betray your Passion for her.

Dar. 'Sdeath, have we fought for this, to expose the Victor to the conquer'd Foe?

Fear. What, fight a single Man—our Prize already.

King. Not so, young Man, while I command a Dart.

Bac. Fight him! by Heaven, no reason shall dissuade me, and he that interrupts me is a Coward; whatever be my Fate, I do command ye to let the King pass freely to his Tents.

Dar. The Devil's in the General.

Fear. 'Sdeath, his Romantick Humour will undo us. [They fight and pause.

King. You fight as if you meant to outdo me this way, as you have done in Generosity.

Bac. You're not behind-hand with me, Sir, in courtesy: Come, here's to set us even— [Fight again.

King. You bleed apace.

Bac. You've only breath'd a Vein, and given me new Health and Vigour by it. [They fight again, Wounds on both sides, the King staggers; Bacon takes him in his Arms; the King drops his Sword. How do you, Sir?

King. Like one—that's hovering between Heaven and Earth; I'm—mounting—somewhere—upwards—but giddy with my flight,—I know not where.

Bac. Command my Surgeons,—instantly—make haste; Honour returns, and Love all bleeding's fled. [Ex. Fearless.

King. Oh, Semernia, how much more Truth had thy Divinity than the Predictions of the flattering Oracles! Commend me to her—I know you'll—visit—your fair Captive, Sir, and tell her—oh—but Death prevents the rest. [Dies.

Enter Fearless.

Bac. He's gone—and now, like Caesar, I could weep over the Hero I my self destroyed.

Fear. I'm glad for your repose I see him there—'twas a mad hot-brain'd Youth, and so he died.

Bac. Come bear him on your Shoulders to my Tent, from whence with all the solemn State we can, we will convey him to his own Pavilion.

Enter a Soldier.

Sold. Some of our Troops pursuing of the Enemy even to their Temples, which they made their Sanctuary, finding the Queen at her Devotion there with all her Indian Ladies, I'd much ado to stop their violent Rage from setting fire to the holy Pile.

Bac. Hang 'em immediately that durst attempt it, while I my self will fly to rescue her. [Goes out, they bear off the King's Body; Ex. all.

Enter Whimsey, pulling in Whiff, with a Halter about his Neck.

Whim. Nay, I'm resolved to keep thee here till his Honour the General comes.—What, to call him Traitor, and run away after he had so generously given us our freedom, and listed us Cadees for the next Command that fell in his Army—I'm resolved to hang thee—

Whiff. Wilt thou betray and peach thy Friend? thy Friend that kept thee Company all the while thou wert a Prisoner—drinking at my own charge—

Whim. No matter for that, I scorn Ingratitude, and therefore will hang thee—but as for thy drinking with me—I scorn to be behind-hand with thee in Civility, and therefore here's to thee. [Takes a Bottle of Brandy out of his Pocket, Drinks.

Whiff. I can't drink.

Whim. A certain sign thou wo't be hang'd.

Whiff. You us'd to be o' my side when a Justice, let the Cause be how it wou'd. [Weeps.

Whim. Ay—when I was a Justice I never minded Honesty, but now I'll be true to my General, and hang thee to be a great Man.—

Whiff. If I might but have a fair Trial for my Life—

Whim. A fair Trial!—come, I'll be thy Judge—and if thou canst clear thy self by Law, I'll acquit thee: Sirrah, Sirrah, what canst thou say for thy self for calling his Honour Rebel? [Sits on a Drum-head.

Whiff. 'T was when I was drunk, an't like your Honour.

Whim. That's no Plea; for if you kill a Man when you are sober, you must be hanged when you are drunk. Hast thou any thing else to say for thy self why Sentence may not pass upon thee?

Whiff. I desire the Benefit of the Clergy.

Whim. The Clergy! I never knew any body that ever did benefit by 'em; why, thou canst not read a word.

Whiff. Transportation then—

Whim. It shall be to England then—but hold—who's this? [Dullman creeping from a Bush.

Dull. So the Danger's over, I may venture out—Pox on't, I wou'd not be in this fear again, to be Lord Chief Justice of our Court. Why, how now, Cornet?—what, in dreadful Equipage? Your Battle-Ax bloody, with Bow and Arrows.

Enter Timorous with Battle-Ax, Bow and Arrows, and Feathers on his Head.

Tim. I'm in the posture of the times, Major—I cou'd not be idle where so much Action was; I'm going to present my self to the General, with these Trophies of my Victory here—

Dull. Victory—what Victory—did not I see thee creeping out of yonder Bush, where thou wert hid all the Fight—stumble on a dead Indian, and take away his Arms?

Tim. Why, didst thou see me?

Dull. See thee, ay—and what a fright thou wert in, till thou wert sure he was dead.

Tim. Well, well, that's all one—Gads zoors, if every Man that passes for valiant in a Battel, were to give an account how he gained his Reputation, the World wou'd be but thinly stock'd with Heroes; I'll say he was a great War-Captain, and that I kill'd him hand to hand, and who can disprove me?

Dull. Disprove thee—why, that pale Face of thine, that has so much of the Coward in't.

Tim. Shaw, that's with loss of Blood—Hah, I am overheard I doubt—who's yonder— [Sees Whim. and Whiff.] how, Brother Whiff in a Hempen Cravat-string?

Whim. He call'd the General Traitor, and was running away, and I'm resolv'd to peach.

Dull. Hum—and one Witness will stand good in Law, in case of Treason—

Tim. Gads zoors, in case of Treason, he'll be hang'd if it be proved against him, were there ne'er a Witness at all; but he must be tried by a Council of War, Man—Come, come, let's disarm him— [They take away his Arms, and pull a Bottle of Brandy out of his Pocket.

Whiff. What, I hope you will not take away my Brandy, Gentlemen, my last comfort.

Tim. Gads zoors, it's come in good time—we'll drink it off, here, Major— [Drinks, Whiff takes him aside.

Whiff. Hark ye, Cornet—you are my good Friend, get this matter made up before it come to the General.

Tim. But this is Treason, Neighbour.

Whiff. If I hang—I'll declare upon the Ladder how you kill'd your War-Captain.

Tim. Come, Brother Whimsey—we have been all Friends and loving Magistrates together, let's drink about, and think no more of this Business.

Dull. Ay, ay, if every sober Man in the Nation should be called to account of the Treason he speaks in's Drink, the Lord have mercy upon us all.—Put it up—and let us, like loving Brothers, take an honest Resolution to run away together; for this same Frightall minds nothing but Fighting.

Whim. I'm content, provided we go all to the Council, and tell them (to make our Peace) we went in obedience to the Proclamation, to kill Bacon, but the Traitor was so strongly guarded we could not effect it: but mum—who's here?—

To them, enter Ranter and Jenny, as Man and Footman.

Ran. Hah, our four reverend Justices—I hope the Blockheads will not know me—Gentlemen, can you direct me to Lieutenant General Daring's Tents?

Whiff. Hum, who the Devil's this?—that's he you see coming this way. 'Sdeath, yonder's Daring—let's slip away before he advances.

[Exeunt all but Ran. and Jen.

Jen. I am scar'd with those dead Bodies we have pass'd over; for God's sake, Madam, let me know your design in coming.

Ran. Why, now I tell thee—my damn'd mad Fellow Daring, who has my Heart and Soul, loves Chrisante, has stolen her, and carried her away to his Tents; she hates him, while I am dying for him.

Jem. Dying, Madam! I never saw you melancholy.

Ran. Pox on't, no; why should I sigh and whine, and make my self an Ass, and him conceited? no, instead of snivelling I am resolved—

Jen. What, Madam?

Ran. Gad, to beat the Rascal, and bring off Chrisante.

Jen. Beat him, Madam! what, a Woman beat a Lieutenant-General?

Ran. Hang 'em, they get a name in War from Command, not Courage; but how know I but I may fight? Gad, I have known a Fellow kick'd from one end of the Town to t'other, believing himself a Coward; at last forced to fight, found he could; got a Reputation, and bullied all he met with; and got a Name, and a great Commission.

Jen. But if he should kill you, Madam.

Ran. I'll take care to make it as comical a Duel as the best of 'em; as much in love as I am, I do not intend to die its Martyr.

Enter Daring and Fearless.

Fear. Have you seen Chrisante since the Fight?

Dar. Yes, but she is still the same, as nice and coy as Fortune when she's courted by the wretched; yet she denies me so obligingly, she keeps my Love still in its humble Calm.

Ran. Can you direct me, Sir, to one Daring's Tent? [Sullenly.

Dar. One Daring!—he has another Epithet to his Name.

Ran. What's that, Rascal, or Coward?

Dar. Hah, which of thy Stars, young Man, has sent thee hither, to find that certain Fate they have decreed?

Ran. I know not what my Stars have decreed, but I shall be glad if they have ordain'd me to fight with Daring:—by thy concern thou shou'dst be he?

Dar. I am, prithee who art thou?

Ran. Thy Rival, though newly arrived from England, and came to marry fair Chrisante, whom thou hast ravish'd, for whom I hear another Lady dies.

Dar. Dies for me?

Ran. Therefore resign her fairly—or fight me fairly—

Dar. Come on, Sir—but hold—before I kill thee, prithee inform me who this dying Lady is?

Ran. Sir, I owe ye no Courtesy, and therefore will do you none by telling you—come, Sir, for Chrisante—draw. [They offer to fight, Fearless steps in.

Fear. Hold—what mad Frolick's this?—Sir, you fight for one you never saw [to Ranter.] and you for one that loves you not. [To Dar.

Dar. Perhaps she'll love him as little.

Ran. Gad, put it to the Trial, if you dare—if thou be'st generous, bring me to her, and whom she does neglect shall give the other place.

Dar. That's fair, put up thy Sword—I'll bring thee to her instantly.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III. A Tent.

Enter Chrisante and Surelove.

Chris. I'm not so much afflicted for my Confinement, as I am that I cannot hear of Friendly.

Sure. Art not persecuted with Daring?

Chris. Not at all; though he tells me daily of his Passion, I rally him, and give him neither Hope nor Despair,—he's here.

Enter Daring, Fear. Rant. and Jenny.

Dar. Madam, the Complaisance I show in bringing you my Rival, will let you see how glad I am to oblige you every way.

Ran. I hope the Danger I have exposed my self to for the Honour of kissing your Hand, Madam, will render me something acceptable—here are my Credentials— [Gives her a Letter.

Chrisante reads.

Dear Creature, I have taken this Habit to free you from an impertinent Lover, and to secure the damn'd Rogue Daring to my self: receive me as sent by Colonel Surelove from England to marry you—favour me—no more—

Yours, Ranter.

—Hah, Ranter? [Aside.] —Sir, you have too good a Character from my Cousin Colonel Surelove, not to receive my Welcome. [Gives Surelove the Letter.

Ran. Stand by, General— [Pushes away Daring, looks big, and takes Chrisante by the Hand, and kisses it.

Dar. 'Sdeath, Sir, there's room enough—at first sight so kind! Oh Youth, Youth and Impudence, what Temptations are you to Villanous Woman?

Chris. I confess, Sir, we Women do not love these rough fighting Fellows, they're always scaring us with one Broil or other.

Dar. Much good may it do you with your tame Coxcomb.

Ran. Well, Sir, then you yield the Prize?

Dar. Ay, Gad, were she an Angel, that can prefer such a callow Fop as thou before a Man—take her and domineer. [They all laugh. —'Sdeath, am I grown ridiculous?

Fear. Why hast thou not found the Jest? by Heaven, 'tis Ranter, 'tis she that loves you; carry on the humour. [Aside. Faith, Sir, if I were you, I wou'd devote my self to Madam Ranter.

Chris. Ay, she's the fittest Wife for you, she'll fit your Humour.

Dar. Ranter—Gad, I'd sooner marry a she-Bear, unless for a Penance for some horrid Sin; we should be eternally challenging one another to the Field, and ten to one she beats me there; or if I should escape there, she wou'd kill me with drinking.

Ran. Here's a Rogue—does your Country abound with such Ladies?

Dar. The Lord forbid, half a dozen wou'd ruin the Land, debauch all the Men, and scandalize all the Women.

Fear. No matter, she's rich.

Dar. Ay, that will make her insolent.

Fear. Nay, she's generous too.

Dar. Yes, when she's drunk, and then she'll lavish all.

Ran. A pox on him, how he vexes me.

Dar. Then such a Tongue—she'll rail and smoke till she choke again; then six Gallons of Punch hardly recovers her, and never but then is she good-natur'd.

Ran. I must lay him on—

Dar. There's not a Blockhead in the Country that has not—

Ran. What—

Dar. Been drunk with her.

Ran. I thought you had meant something else, Sir. [In huff.

Dar. Nay—as for that—I suppose there is no great difficulty.

Ran. 'Sdeath, Sir, you lye—and you are a Son of a Whore. [Draws and fences with him, and he runs back round the Stage.

Dar. Hold—hold, Virago—dear Widow, hold, and give me thy hand.

Ran. Widow!

Dar. 'Sdeath, I knew thee by instinct, Widow, though I seemed not to do so, in Revenge for the Trick you put on me in telling me a Lady dy'd for me.

Ran. Why, such an one there is, perhaps she may dwindle forty or fifty years—or so—but will never be her own Woman again, that's certain.

Sure. This we are all ready to testify, we know her.

Chris. Upon my Life, 'tis true.

Dar. Widow, I have a shreud Suspicion, that you your self may be this dying Lady.

Ran. Why so, Coxcomb?

Dar. Because you took such Pains to put your self into my hands.

Ran. Gad, if your Heart were but half so true as your Guess, we should conclude a Peace before Bacon and the Council will—besides, this thing whines for Friendly, and there's no hopes. [To Chrisante.

Dar. Give me thy Hand, Widow, I am thine—and so entirely, I will never—be drunk out of thy Company:—Dunce is in my Tent,—prithee let's in and bind the Bargain.

Ran. Nay, faith, let's see the Wars at an end first.

Dar. Nay, prithee take me in the humour, while thy Breeches are on—for I never lik'd thee half so well in Petticoats.

Ran. Lead on, General, you give me good incouragement to wear them.

[Exeunt.



ACT V.

SCENE I. The Sevana in sight of the Camp; the Moon rises.

Enter Friendly, Hazard and Boozer, and a Party of Men.

Friend. We are now in sight of the Tents.

Booz. Is not this a rash Attempt, Gentlemen, with so small Force to set upon Bacon's whole Army?

Haz. Oh, they are drunk with Victory and Wine; there will be nought but revelling to night.

Friend. Would we could learn in what Quarter the Ladies are lodg'd, for we have no other business but to release them—But hark—who comes here?

Booz. Some Scouts, I fear, from the Enemy.

Enter Dull. Tim. Whim. and Whiff, creeping as in the dark.

Friend. Let's shelter ourselves behind yonder Trees—lest we be surpriz'd.

Tim. Wou'd I were well at home-Gad zoors, if e'er you catch me a Cadeeing again, I'll be content to be set in the fore-front of the Battle for Hawks-Meat.

Whim. Thou'rt afraid of every Bush.

Tim. Ay, and good reason too: Gad zoors, there may be Rogues hid—prithee, Major, do thou advance.

Dull. No, no, go on—no matter of Ceremony in these cases of running away. [They advance.

Friend. They approach directly to us, we cannot escape them—their numbers are not great—let us advance. [They come up to them.

Tim. Oh! I am annihilated.

Whiff. Some of Frightall's Scouts, we are lost Men. [They push each other foremost.

Friend. Who goes there?

Whim. Oh, they'll give us no Quarter; 'twas long of you, Cornet, that we ran away from our Colours.

Tim. Me—'twas the Major's Ambition here—to make himself a great Man with the Council again.

Dull. Pox o' this Ambition, it has been the ruin of many a gallant Fellow.

Whiff. If I get home again, the height of mine shall be to top Tobacco; would I'd some Brandy.

Tim. Gads zoors, would we had, 'tis the best Armour against Fear—hum—I hear no body now—prithee advance a little.

Whim. What, before a Horse-Officer?

Friend. Stand, on your Lives—

Tim. Oh, 'tis impossible—I'm dead already.

Friend. What are ye?—speak—or I'll shoot.

Whim. Friends to thee,—who the Devil are we Friends to?

Tim. E'en who please you, Gad zoors.

Friend. Hah—Gad zoors—who's there, Timorous?

Tim. Hum—I know no such Scoundrel— [Gets behind.

Dull. Hah—that's Friendly's Voice.

Friend. Right—thine's that of Dullman—who's with you?

Dull. Only Timorous, Whimsey and Whiff, all valiantly running away from the Arch-Rebel that took us Prisoners.

Haz. Can you inform us where the Ladies are lodg'd?

Dull. In the hither Quarter, in Daring's Tent; you'll know them by Lanthorns on every corner—there was never better time to surprize them—for this day Daring's married, and there's nothing but Dancing and Drinking.

Haz. Married! to whom?

Dull. That I ne'er enquir'd.

Friend. 'Tis to Chrisante, Friend—and the Reward of my Attempt is lost. Oh, I am mad, I'll fight away my Life, and my Despair shall yet do greater Wonders, than even my Love could animate me to. Let's part our Men, and beset his Tents on both sides. [Friendly goes out with a Party.

Haz. Come, Gentlemen, let's on—

Whiff. On, Sir,—we on, Sir?—

Haz. Ay, you on, Sir—to redeem the Ladies.

Whiff. Oh, Sir, I am going home for Money to redeem my Nancy.

Whim. So am I, Sir.

Tim. I thank my Stars I am a Batchelor.—Why, what a Plague is a Wife?

Haz. Will you march forward?

Dull. We have atchiev'd Honour enough already, in having made our Campaign here— [Looking big.

Haz. 'Sdeath, but you shall go—put them in the front, and prick them on—if they offer to turn back, run them thro.

Tim. Oh, horrid— [The Soldiers prick them on with their Swords.

Whiff. Oh, Nancy, thy Dream will yet come to pass.

Haz. Will you advance, Sir? [Pricks Whiff.

Whiff. Why, so we do, Sir; the Devil's in these fighting Fellows.

[Exeunt.

An Alarm at a distance.

Within. To Arms, to Arms, the Enemy's upon us.

[A Noise of Fighting, after which enters Friendly with his Party, retreating and fighting from Daring and some Soldiers, Ranter fighting like a Fury by his side, he putting her back in vain; they fight out. Re-enter Daring and Friendly all bloody. Several Soldiers enter with Flambeaux.

Dar. Now, Sir—what Injury have I ever done you, that you should use this Treachery against me?

Friend. To take advantage any way in War, was never counted Treachery—and had I murder'd thee, I had not paid thee half the Debt I owe thee.

Dar. You bleed too much to hold too long a Parley— come to my Tent, I'll take a charitable care of thee.

Friend. I scorn thy Courtesy, who against all the Laws of Honour and of Justice, hast ravish'd innocent Ladies.

Dar. Sir, your upbraiding of my Honour shall never make me forfeit it, or esteem you less—Is there a Lady here you have a Passion for?

Friend. Yes, on a nobler score than thou darest own.

Dar. To let you see how you're mistaken, Sir, whoe'er that Lady be whom you affect, I will resign, and give you both your Freedoms.

Friend. Why, for this Courtesy, which shews thee brave, in the next fight I'll save thy Life to quit the Obligation.

Dar. I thank you, Sir;—come to my Tent,—and when we've dress'd your Wounds, and yielded up the Ladies, I'll give you my Pass-port for your Safe-Conduct back, and tell your Friends i'th' Town, we'll visit them i'th' Morning.

Friend. They'll meet you on your way, Sir—

Dar. Come, my young Soldier, now thou'st won my Soul.

[Exeunt.

[An Alarm beats: Enter at another Passage Boozer with all the Ladies; they pass over the Stage, while Hazard and Downright beat back a Party of Soldiers. Dull. Tim. Whim. and Whiff, prick'd on by their Party to fight, lay about them like Madmen. Bacon, Fearless and Daring come in, rescue their Men, and fight out the other Party, some falling dead. Bacon, Fearless and Daring return tired, with their Swords drawn. Enter Soldier running.

Sold. Return, Sir, where your Sword will be more useful—a Party of Indians, taking advantage of the Night, have set fire on your Tents, and borne away the Queen.

Bac. Hah, the Queen! By Heaven, this Victory shall cost them dear; come, let us fly to rescue her.

[All go out.

SCENE II. Changes to Wellman's Tent.

Enter Wellman, Brag, Grubb, and Officers.

Well. I cannot sleep, my Impatience is so great to engage this haughty Enemy, before they have reposed their weary Limbs—Is not yon ruddy Light the Morning's dawn?

Brag. 'Tis, and please your Honour.

Well. Is there no News of Friendly yet, and Hazard?

Brag. Not yet—'tis thought they left the Camp to night, with some design against the Enemy.

Well. What Men have they?

Brag. Only Boozer's Party, Sir.

Well. I know they are brave, and mean to surprize me with some handsome Action.

Enter Friendly.

Friend. I ask a thousand Pardons, Sir, for quitting the Camp without your leave.

Well. Your conduct and your Courage cannot err; I see thou'st been in action by thy Blood.

Friend. Sir, I'm ashamed to own these slender Wounds, since without more my luck was to be taken, while Hazard did alone effect the Business, the rescuing of the Ladies.

Well. How got ye Liberty?

Friend. By Daring's Generosity, who sends ye word he'll visit you this Morning.

Well. We are prepared to meet him.

Enter Down. Hazard, Ladies, Whim. Whiff, Dullman, Tim. looking big. Well. embraces Down.

Well. My worthy Friend, how am I joyed to see you?

Down. We owe our Liberties to these brave Youths, who can do Wonders when they fight for Ladies.

Tim. With our assistance, Ladies.

Whim. For my part I'll not take it as I have done; Gad, I find, when I am damnable angry, I can beat both Friend and Foe.

Whiff. When I fight for my Nancy here—adsfish, I'm a Dragon.

Mrs. Whiff. Lord, you need not have been so hasty.

Friend. Do not upbraid me with your Eyes, Chrisante; but let these Wounds assure you I endeavour'd to serve you, though Hazard had the Honour on't.

Well. But, Ladies, we'll not expose you in the Camp,—a Party of our Men shall see you safely conducted to Madam Surelove's; 'tis but a little Mile from our Camp.

Friend. Let me have that honour, Sir.

Chris. No, I conjure you let your Wounds be dress'd; obey me if you love me, and Hazard shall conduct us home.

Well. He had the Toil, 'tis fit he have the Recompence.

Whiff. He the Toil, Sir! what, did we stand for Cyphers?

Whim. The very appearance I made in the front of the Battel, aw'd the Enemy.

Tim. Ay, ay, let the Enemy say how I maul'd 'em—but Gads zoors, I scorn to brag.

Well. Since you've regain'd your Honour so gloriously, I restore you to your Commands you lost by your seeming Cowardice.

Dull. Valour is not always in humour, Sir.

Well. Come, Gentlemen, since they've resolv'd to engage us, let's set our Men in order to receive 'em.

[Exeunt all but the four Justices.

Tim. Our Commissions again—you must be bragging, and see what comes on't; I was modest ye see, and said nothing of my Prowess.

Whiff. What a Devil does the Colonel think we are made of Iron, continually to be beat on the Anvil?

Whim. Look, Gentlemen, here's two Evils—if we go we are dead Men; if we stay we are hang'd—and that will disorder my Cravat-string:—therefore the least Evil is to go—and set a good Face on the Matter, as I do—

[Goes out singing. All exeunt.

SCENE III. A thick Wood.

Enter Queen dress'd like an Indian Man, with a Bow in her Hand, and Quiver at her Back; Anaria her Confident disguis'd so too; and about a dozen Indians led by Cavaro.

Queen. I tremble yet, dost think we're safe, Cavaro?

Cav. Madam, these Woods are intricate and vast, and 'twill be difficult to find us out—or if they do, this Habit will secure you from the fear of being taken.

Queen. Dost think if Bacon find us, he will not know me? Alas, my Fears and Blushes will betray me.

Ana. 'Tis certain, Madam, if we stay we perish; for all the Wood's surrounded by the Conqueror.

Queen. Alas, 'tis better we should perish here, than stay to expect the Violence of his Passion, to which my Heart's too sensibly inclin'd.

Ana. Why do you not obey its Dictates then? why do you fly the Conqueror?

Queen. Not fly—not fly the Murderer of my Lord?

Ana. What World, what Resolution can preserve you? and what he cannot gain by soft submission, Force will at last o'ercome.

Queen. I wish there were in Nature one excuse, either by Force or Reason to compel me:—For Oh, Anaria—I adore this General;—take from my Soul a Truth—till now conceal'd—at twelve Years old—at the Pauwomungian Court, I saw this Conqueror. I saw him young and gay as new-born Spring, glorious and charming as the Mid-day's Sun; I watch'd his Looks, and listned when he spoke, and thought him more than mortal.

Ana. He has a graceful Form.

Queen. At last a fatal Match concluded was between my Lord and me; I gave my Hand, but oh, how far my Heart was from consenting, the angry Gods are Witness.

Ana. 'Twas pity.

Queen. Twelve tedious Moons I pass'd in silent Languishment; Honour endeavouring to destroy my Love, but all in vain; for still my Pain return'd whenever I beheld my Conqueror; but now when I consider him as Murderer of my Lord— [Fiercely.] I sigh and wish—some other fatal Hand had given him his Death.—But now there's a necessity, I must be brave and overcome my Heart; What if I do? ah, whither shall I fly? I have no Amazonian Fire about me, all my Artillery is Sighs and Tears, the Earth my Bed, and Heaven my Canopy. [Weeps. [After Noise of Fighting. Hah, we are surpriz'd; Oh, whither shall I fly? And yet methinks a certain trembling Joy, spite of my Soul, spite of my boasted Honour, runs shivering round my Heart.

Enter an Indian.

Ind. Madam, your Out-guards are surpriz'd by Bacon, who hews down all before him, and demands the Queen with such a Voice, and Eyes so fierce and angry, he kills us with his Looks.

Cav. Draw up your poison'd Arrows to the head, and aim them at his Heart, sure some will hit.

Queen. Cruel Cavaro,—wou'd 'twere fit for me to contradict thy Justice. [Aside.

Bac. [Within.] The Queen, ye Slaves, give me the Queen, and live!

He enters furiously, beating back some Indians; Cavaro's Party going to shoot, the Queen runs in.

Queen. Hold, hold, I do command ye. [Bacon flies on 'em as they shoot and miss him, fights like a Fury, and wounds the Queen in the Disorder; beats them all out. —hold thy commanding Hand, and do not kill me, who wou'd not hurt thee to regain my Kingdom— [He snatches her in his Arms, she reels.

Bac. Hah—a Woman's Voice,—what art thou? Oh my Fears!

Queen. Thy Hand has been too cruel to a Heart—whose Crime was only tender Thoughts for thee.

Bac. The Queen! What is't my sacrilegious Hand has done!

Queen. The noblest Office of a gallant Friend, thou'st sav'd my Honour, and hast given me Death.

Bac. Is't possible! ye unregarding Gods, is't possible?

Queen. Now I may love you without Infamy, and please my dying Heart by gazing on you.

Bac. Oh, I am lost—for ever lost—I find my Brain turn with the wild confusion.

Queen. I faint—oh, lay me gently on the Earth. [Lays her down.

Bac. Who waits— [Turns in Rage to his Men. Make of the Trophies of the War a Pile, and set it all on fire, that I may leap into consuming Flames—while all my Tents are burning round about me. [Wildly. Oh thou dear Prize, for which alone I toil'd! [Weeps, and lies down by her.

Enter Fearless with his Sword drawn.

Fear. Hah, on the Earth—how do you, Sir?

Bac. What wou'dst thou?

Fear. Wellman with all the Forces he can gather, attacks us even in our very Camp; assist us, Sir, or all is lost.

Bac. Why, prithee let him make the World his Prize, I have no business with the Trifle now; it contains nothing that's worth my care, since my fair Queen—is dead—and by my hand.

Queen. So charming and obliging is thy Moan, that I cou'd wish for Life to recompense it; but oh, Death falls—all cold upon my Heart, like Mildews on the Blossoms.

Fear. By Heaven, Sir, this Love will ruin all—rise, rise, and save us yet.

Bac. Leave me, what e'er becomes of me—lose not thy share of Glory—prithee leave me.

Queen. Alas, I fear thy Fate is drawing on, and I shall shortly meet thee in the Clouds; till then—farewel—even Death is pleasing to me, while thus—I find it in thy Arms— [Dies.

Bac. There ends my Race of Glory and of Life. [An Alarm at distance—continues a while.

Bac. Hah—Why should I idly whine away my Life, since there are nobler ways to meet with Death? Up, up, and face him then—Hark—there's the Soldier's Knell—and all the Joys of Life—with thee I bid farewel— [Goes out. The Indians bear off the Body of the Queen.

The Alarm continues: Enter Downright, Wellman, and others, Swords drawn.

Well. They fight like Men possest—I did not think to have found them so prepar'd.

Down. They've good Intelligence—but where's the Rebel?

Well. Sure he's not in the Fight; Oh, that it were my happy chance to meet him, that while our Men look on, we might dispatch the business of the War—Come, let's fall in again, now we have taken breath. [They go out.

Enter Daring and Fearless hastily, with their Swords drawn; meet Whim. Whiff, with their Swords drawn, running away.

Dar. How now, whither away? [In anger.

Whim. Hah, Daring here—we are pursuing of the Enemy, Sir; stop us not in the pursuit of Glory. [Offers to go.

Dar. Stay!—I have not seen you in my Ranks to day.

Whiff. Lord, does your Honour take us for Starters?

Fear. Yes, Sirrah, and believe you are now rubbing off—confess, or I'll run you through.

Whiff. Oh, mercy, Sir, mercy, we'll confess.

Whim. What will you confess? we were only going behind yon Hedge to untruss a point; that's all.

Whiff. Ay, your Honours will smell out the truth, if you keep us here long.

Dar. Here, carry them Prisoners to my Tent.

[Ex. Soldiers with Whim. and Whiff.

Enter Ranter without a Hat, and Sword drawn, Daring angrily goes the other way.

Ran. A pox of all ill luck, how came I to lose Daring in the fight? Ha—who's here? Dullman and Timorous dead—the Rogues are Counterfeits.—I'll see what Moveables they have about them, all's lawful Prize in War. [Takes their Money, Watches and Rings; goes out.

Tim. What, rob the dead?—why, what will this villanous World come to? [Clashing of Swords, just as they were going to rise.

Enter Hazard bringing in Ranter.

Haz. Thou cou'dst expect no other Fate, young Man; thy Hands are yet too tender for a Sword.

Ran. Thou look'st like a good-natur'd Fellow, use me civilly, and Daring shall ransom me.

Haz. Doubt not a generous Treatment. [They go out.

Dull. So the Coast is clear, I desire to move my Quarters to some place of more safety— [They rise and go off.

Enter Wellman and Soldiers hastily.

Well. 'Twas this way Bacon fled. Five hundred Pound for him who finds the Rebel.

[Go out.

SCENE IV. Changes to another part of the Wood.

Enter Bacon and Fearless with their Swords drawn, all bloody.

Bac. 'Tis just, ye Gods! that when ye took the Prize for which I fought, Fortune and you should all abandon me.

Fear. Oh, fly, Sir, to some place of safe retreat, for there's no mercy to be hop'd if taken. What will you do? I know we are pursu'd, by Heaven, I will not die a shameful Death.

Bac. Oh, they'll have pity on thy Youth and Bravery, but I'm above their Pardon. [A noise is heard.

Within. This way—this way—hay halloo.

Fear. Alas, Sir, we're undone—I'll see which way they take. [Exit.

Bac. So near! Nay, then to my last shift. [Undoes the Pomel of his Sword. Come, my good Poison, like that of Hannibal; long I have born a noble Remedy for all the Ills of Life. [Takes Poison. I have too long surviv'd my Queen and Glory, those two bright Stars that influenc'd my Life are set to all Eternity. [Lies down.

Enter Fearless, runs to Bacon, and looks on his Sword.

Fear. —Hah—what have ye done?

Bac. Secur'd my self from being a publick Spectacle upon the common Theatre of Death.

Enter Daring and Soldiers.

Dar. Victory, Victory! they fly, they fly, where's the victorious General?

Fear. Here,—taking his last Adieu.

Dar. Dying! Then wither all the Laurels on my Brows, for I shall never triumph more in War; where are the Wounds?

Fear. From his own Hand, by what he carried here, believing we had lost the Victory.

Bac. And is the Enemy put to flight, my Hero? [Grasps his Neck.

Dar. All routed Horse and Foot; I plac'd an Ambush, and while they were pursuing you, my Men fell on behind, and won the day.

Bac. Thou almost makest me wish to live again, if I cou'd live now fair Semernia's dead.—But oh—the baneful Drug is just and kind, and hastens me away—Now while you are Victors, make a Peace—with the English Council, and never let Ambition,—Love,—or Interest, make you forget, as I have done, your Duty and Allegiance—Farewel—a long Farewel— [Dies embracing their Necks.

Dar. So fell the Roman Cassius, by mistake—

Enter Soldiers with Dunce, Tim. and Dullman.

Sold. An't please your Honour, we took these Men running away.

Dar. Let 'em loose—the Wars are at an end, see where the General lies—that great-soul'd Man, no private Body e'er contain'd a nobler; and he that cou'd have conquered all America, finds only here his scanty length of Earth. Go, bear the Body to his own Pavilion— [Soldiers go out with the Body. though we are Conquerors we submit to treat, and yield upon Condition: You, Mr. Dunce, shall bear our Articles to the Council.

Dun. With Joy I will obey you.

Tim. Good General, let us be put in the Agreement.

Dar. You shall be obliged—

[Ex. Dar. Dun. Dull. and Tim. as Fear. goes out a Soldier meets him.

Sold. What does your Honour intend to do with Whimsey and Whiff, who are condemn'd by a Council of War?

Enter Daring, Dullman, Tim. Fearless, and Officers.

Dar. You come too late, Gentlemen, to be put into the Articles; nor am I satisfy'd you're worthy of it.

Dull. Why, did not you, Sir, see us lie dead in the Field?

Dar. Yes, but I see no Wound about you.

Tim. We were stun'd with being knock'd down; Gads zoors, a Man may be kill'd with the but-end of a Musquet, as soon as with the point of a Sword.

Enter Dunce.

Dun. The Council, Sir, wishes you Health and Happiness, and sends you these sign'd by their Hands— [Gives Papers.

Dar. reads.

That you shall have a general Pardon for your self and Friends; that you shall have all new Commissions, and Daring to command as General; that you shall have free leave to inter your dead General in James Town. And to ratify this, we will meet you at Madam Surelove's House, which stands between the Armies, attended only by our Officers.

The Council's noble, and I'll wait upon them.

[Exeunt.

SCENE V. A Grove near Madam Surelove's.

Enter Surelove weeping, Well. Chrisante, Mrs. Flirt, Ranter as before, Down. Haz. Friend. Booz. Brag.

Well. How long, Madam, have you heard the News of Col. Surelove's Death?

Sure. By a Vessel last Night arriv'd.

Well. You shou'd not grieve when Men so old pay their debt to Nature; you are too fair not to have been reserved for some young Lover's Arms.

Haz. I dare not speak,—but give me leave to hope.

Sure. The way to oblige me to't, is never more to speak to me of Love till I shall think it fit— [Wellman speaks to Down.

Well. Come, you shan't grant it—'tis a hopeful Youth.

Down. You are too much my Friend to be denied—Chrisante, do you love Friendly? nay, do not blush—till you have done a fault, your loving him is none—Here, take her, young Man, and with her all my Fortune—when I am dead, Sirrah—not a Groat before—unless to buy ye Baby-Clouts.

Friend. He merits not this Treasure, Sir, can wish for more.

Enter Daring, Fearless, Dunce, Officers, and the rest, they meet Well. and Down. who embrace 'em. Dull. and Tim. stand.

Dar. Can you forgive us, Sir, our Disobedience?

Well. Your offering Peace while yet you might command it, has made such kind impressions on us, that now you may command your Propositions; your Pardons are all seal'd and new Commissions.

Dar. I'm not ambitious of that Honour, Sir, but in obedience will accept your Goodness; but, Sir, I hear I have a young Friend taken Prisoner by Captain Hazard, whom I intreat you will render me.

Haz. Sir—here I resign him to you. [Gives him Ran.

Ran. Faith, General, you left me but scurvily in Battle.

Dar. That was to see how well you cou'd shift for your self; now I find you can bear the brunt of a Campaign, you are a fit Wife for a Soldier.

All. A Woman—Ranter—

Haz. Faith, Madam, I should have given you kinder Quarter, if I had known my happiness.

Flirt. I have an humble Petition to you, Sir.

Sure. In which we all join.

Flirt. An't please you, Sir, Mr. Dunce has long made Love to me, and on promise of Marriage has— [Simpers.

Down. What has he, Mistress? What has he, Mrs. Flirt?

Flirt. Only been a little familiar with my Person, Sir—

Well. Do you hear, Parson—you must marry Mrs. Flirt.

Dun. How, Sir, a Man of my Coat, Sir, marry a Brandy-monger?

Well. Of your Calling you mean, a Farrier and no Parson— [Aside to him. She'll leave her Trade, and spark it above all the Ladies at Church: No more—take her, and make her honest.

Enter Whim. and Whiff stript.

Chris. Bless me, what have we here?

Whim. Why, an't like your Honours, we were taken by the Enemy—hah, Daring here, and Fearless?

Fear. How now, Gentlemen, were not you two condemn'd to be shot for running from your Colours.

Down. From your Colours!

Fear. Yes, Sir, they were both listed in my Regiment.

Down. Then we must hang them for deserting us.

Whim. So, out of the Frying Pan—you know where, Brother—

Whiff. Ay, he that's born to be hang'd—you know the rest; a Pox of these Proverbs.

Well. I know ye well—you're all rank Cowards; but once more we forgive ye; your Places in the Council shall be supplied by these Gentlemen of Sense and Honour. The Governor when he comes, shall find the Country in better hands than he expects to find it.

Whim. A very fair Discharge.

Whiff. I'm glad 'tis no worse, I'll home to my Nancy.

Dull. Have we expos'd our Lives and Fortunes for this?

Tim. Gad zoors, I never thriv'd since I was a Statesman, left Planting, and fell to promising and lying; I'll to my old Trade again, bask under the shade of my own Tobacco, and drink my Punch in Peace.

Well. Come, my brave Youths, let all our Forces meet, To make this Country happy, rich and great; Let scanted Europe see that we enjoy Safer Repose, and larger Worlds, than they.



EPILOGUE.

Gallants, you have so long been absent hence, That you have almost cool'd your Diligence: For while we study or revive a Play, You like good Husbands in the Country stay, There frugally wear out your Summer-Suit, } And in Frize Jerkin after Beagles toot, } Or in Mountero Caps at Fel-fares shoot: } Nay, some are so obdurate in their Sin, That they swear never to come up again; But all their charge of Clothes and Treat retrench. To Gloves and Stockings for some Country-Wench. Even they who in the Summer had Mishaps, Send up to Town for Physick, for their Claps. The Ladies too, are as resolv'd as they, } And having Debts unknown to them, they stay, } And with the gain of Cheese and Poultry pay. } Even in their Visits, they from Banquets fall, To entertain with Nuts and Bottle-Ale; And in Discourse with secrecy report Stale News that past a Twelve-month since at Court. Those of them who are most refin'd and gay, Now learn the Songs of the last Summer's Play: While the young Daughter does in private mourn Her Love's in Town, and hopes not to return. These Country-Grievances too great appear; But, cruel Ladies, we have greater here; You come not sharp, as you were wont, to Plays; But only on the first and second Days: This made our Poet in his Visits look What new strange Courses for your Time you took; And to his great regret he found too soon, Basset and Ombre spent the Afternoon: So that we cannot hope to see you here Before the little Net-work Purse be clear. Suppose you should have luck:— Yet sitting up so late as I am told, You'll lose in Beauty what you win in Gold; And what each Lady of another says, Will make you new Lampoons, and us new Plays.

* * * * * * * * *

NOTES: The Widow Ranter

[Transcriber's Note:

The Notes in the printed text give only page and line numbers. Act-and-scene designations shown between marks have been added by the transcriber. Labels such as "Scene IIa" refer to points where the scene description changes without a new scene number.]

NOTES ON THE TEXT.

Dedication

p. 221, l. 1 To the much Honoured. This Dedicatory Epistle is only found in the 4to 1690.

Prologue

p. 223, l. 13 Cruse. Misprinted 'Cause' in 4to 1690 and in 1724. The True Widow (4to 1679), and the edition of 1720 (Shadwell's collected works) give 'Cruse.' All editions of Dryden until Christie misread 'Cause'.

p. 223, l. 16 Poll. 4to 1690 Pole. 1724 Pool. The True Widow (4to 1679) and edition of 1720 both give 'Poll'.

Dramatis Personae

p. 225 Dramatis Personae. I have added to the list 'Cavaro, an Indian, Confidant to the Indian King. Jack, a Sea-Boy. An Officer; Messenger; Seaman; 2nd Seaman; A Highlander. Jenny, Maid to Widow Ranter. Nell, Maid at the Inn. Anaria, Confidante to the Indian Queen. Maid to Madam Surelove. Bailiffs, Rabble, Negroes. I have supplied the name Jeffery to the Coachman from I, iii (p. 239), and also designated Mrs. Flirt 'a Tapstress'. Daring, which name is indifferently spelt in the 4to 1690 Dareing or Daring, I have given consistently throughout. For Chrisante 1724 sometimes has Crisante. To the Scene I have added 'James-Town, and the surrounding Country.'

ACT I: Scene i

p. 226, l. 3 Jack. I have inserted this name from infra l. 20.

p. 226, l. 17 Enter Flirt and Nell. I have supplied this necessary entrance.

p. 227, l. 9 Exit Nell. I have inserted this exit. Nell's entrance is marked later and she is certainly not on the stage during the ensuing scene.

p. 227, l. 27 I. Omitted in 4to 1690.

p. 227, l. 30 being. 'was' 4to 1690.

p. 227, l. 35 Cully in. 'Cully' as a verb. 1724 'Cully to'. 'Cully' as a substantive.

p. 228, l. 10 any thing. 4to 1690 'any thing any thing'.

p. 229, l. 1 fail, thou. 4to 1690 'fail, there thou'. This insertion of 'there' interrupts the sense.

p. 229, l. 26 wherever. 1724 'whenever'.

p. 230, l. 1 whom. 4to 1690 'which'.

p. 230, l. 34 stand. 4to 1690 'stands'.

p. 231, l. 24 Smoke. 1724 'Tobacco'.

p. 231, l. 28 Exit Nell. I have supplied this stage direction.

p. 231, l. 34 paulter. 1724 'paultry'. Vide critical note on this passage.

p. 232, l. 8 and Nell with drink, pipes, etc. I have supplied these words.

p. 232, l. 19 take. 4to 1690 'took'.

p. 232, l. 34 an. 4to 1690 'on'.

p. 233, l. 28 the Bob. 1724 'a Bob'.

p. 234, l. 28 Guinea. 4to 1690 'Guinia'.

ACT I: Scene ii

p. 235, l. 17 The Council-Table. I have supplied this locale.

p. 235, l. 22 give. My own emendation: previous editions 'be'.

p. 236, l. 12 make. 4to 1690 'have'.

p. 237, l. 6 Down. I say. 4to 1690 wrongly gives this speech to Dunce.

p. 238, l. 25 If we wou'd. 1724 'If he wou'd'.

ACT I: Scene iii

p. 239, l. 25 Jeffery. I have supplied the name here from the following line.

p. 239, l. 31 Exit. Not noted in former editions.

p. 240, l. 2 of a Baboon. 4to 1690 'of Baboone'.

p. 240, l. 5 Tumbler. 4to 1690 misprints 'Fumbler'.

p. 241, ll. 15, 18 Pound. 1724 'Pounds'.

p. 242, l. 32 Sure. reads. 4to 1690 and 1724 'she reads', which is ambiguous.

p. 243, l. 16 de la guerre. 4to 1690 'de la gare'.

p. 244, l. 17 They join with Surelove. Only in 4to 1690.

ACT II: Scene i

p. 245, l. 21 have Charms. 1724 'have those Charms'.

p. 245, l. 28 Mediator. 1724 'Meditator'.

p. 245, l. 32 would make me lay the Conqueror. 1724 'would lay me a Conqueror'.

p. 248, l. 12 knip. 1724 mis-spells this rare word 'nip'.

ACT II: Scene ii

p. 252, l. 36 A Scots Dance. 1724 'A Scotch Dance.'

p. 253, l. 28 Billet-Douxs. 4to 1690 'Billet-Deaxs'.

p. 254, l. 12 Drinking all this while sometimes. Only in 4to 1690.

ACT II: Scene iii

p. 255, l. 16 Pulls a Bottle. 4to 1690 'Pulls out a Bottle'.

p. 255, l. 28 Drinks. Only in 4to 1690.

p. 256, l. 31 durst. 4to 1690 'darst'.

ACT II: Scene iv

p. 258, l. 26 Enter Brag. Both 4to 1690 and 1724 have 'Enter a Messenger', and give l. 27 speech-prefix 'Mes.' Both, however, give the next speech he speaks (l. 33) to Brag and have later 'Exit Brag.'

p. 259, l. 5 Whimsey. Both 4to 1690 and 1724 here and elsewhere cut the name down to 'Whim.'

p. 259, l. 9 wish'd that the Plot. 4to 1690 'wish'd the Plot'.

p. 261, l. 17 care. 1724 'ear'.

p. 262, l. 25 Wellman's Guards. 4to 1690 'Wellman, his Guards'. But Wellman has not left the stage. The comma printed by 1690 is probably a mistake and we should read 'Wellman his Guards'.

p. 263, l. 24 Exit. 4to 1690 gives no direction. 1724 has 'Exeunt.' But Timorous is left alone on the stage.

ACT III: Scene i

p. 264, l. 1 hollow. 4to 1690 'hallow'.

p. 266, l. 15 That. Omitted in 4to 1690.

p. 270, l. 8 Exeunt. 4to 1690 gives no stage direction here.

ACT III: Scene ii

p. 272, l. 28 'tis a tittle of the D— breed. [sic] 4to 1690. 1724 ''tis little of the D— breed'.

p. 274, l. 1 haste with. 1724 'haste you with'.

ACT III: Scene iia

p. 275, l. 28 stands and stares a while. 1724 'stands a while and stares'.

p. 277, l. 28 shall be. 4to 1690 'shall not be'.

ACT IV: Scene i

p. 279, l. 12 Priests. 4to 1690 'Priest.'

ACT IV: Scene ii

p. 289. l. 10 draw. 4to 1690 'draws', but not as a stage direction.

ACT IV: Scene iii

p. 289, l. 21 Scene III. I have numbered this scene.

p. 290, l. 14 Daring, looks. 4to 1690 'Daring, and looks'.

p. 290, l. 31 devote. 1724 'divorce', a bad error.

p. 290, l. 33 the fittest. 1724 'a fit'.

ACT V: Scene i

p. 295, l. 9 Exeunt. 4to 1690 'Ex.' 1724 'Exit'.

p. 296, l. 8 Exeunt. I have supplied this necessary stage direction.

p. 296, l. 11 beat. 4to 1690 'beating'.

p. 296, l. 13 fight, lay. 4to 1690 'fight, so that they lay'.

p. 296, l. 22 All go out. Previous editions 'Goes out.'

ACT V: Scene ii

p. 296, l. 23 Scene II. I have numbered this scene.

p. 298, l. 26 All Exeunt. I have added this direction.

ACT V: Scene iii

p. 298, l. 27 Scene III. I have numbered this scene.

p. 299, l. 12 submission. 1724 'Admission'.

p. 299, l. 17 Pauwomungian. 4to 1690 'Pauwmungian'.

p. 300, l. 2 After Noise. 1724 omits 'After'.

p. 303, l. 16 They go out. Previous editions 'Goes out.'

ACT V: Scene iv

p. 303, l. 23 Scene IV. Changes to another part of the Wood. All previous editions 'Scene changes to a Wood.'

p. 304, l. 21 are. 4to 1690 'is'.

p. 305, l. 12 go out. 4to 1690 'goes out'.

p. 305, l. 21 Whimsey. In former editions abbreviated to 'Whim.'

p. 306, l. 9 Exeunt. Former editions 'Exit Dunce.'

ACT V: Scene v