Wid. And I am great with child?

Unc. No, great they say not, but 'tis a full opinion you are with child, and great joy among the Gentlemen, your husband hath bestirred himself fairly.

Mer. Alas, we know his private hours of entrance, how long, and when he stayed, could name the bed too, where he paid down his first-fruits.

Wid. I shall believe anon.

Unc. And we consider for some private reasons, you would have it private, yet take your own pleasure; and so good morrow, my best Niece, my sweetest.

Wid. No, no, pray stay.

Unc. I know you would be with him, love him, and love him well.

Mer. You'l find him noble, this may beget—

Unc. It must needs work upon her.

[Exit Uncle, and Mer.

Wid. These are fine bobs i'faith, married, and with child too! how long has this been, I trow? they seem grave fellows, they should not come to flout; married, and bedded, the world takes notice too! where lies this May-game? I could be vext extreamly now, and rail too, but 'tis to no end, though I itch a little, must I be scratcht I know not how, who waits there?

Enter Humphrey, a Servant.

Hum. Madam.

Wid. Make ready my Coach quickly, and wait you only, and hark you Sir, be secret and speedy, inquire out where he lies.

Hum. I shall do it, Madam.

Wid. Married, and got with child in a dream! 'tis fine i'faith, sure he that did this, would do better waking. [Exit.

Enter Valentine, Fran. Lance, and a Boy with a Torch.

Val. Hold thy Torch handsomely: how dost thou Frank? Peter Bassel, bear up.

Fran. You have fried me soundly, Sack do you call this drink?

Val. A shrewd dog, Frank, will bite abundantly.

Lan. Now could I fight, and fight with thee.

Val. With me, thou man of Memphis?

Lan. But that thou art mine own natural master, yet my sack says thou art no man, thou art a Pagan, and pawnest thy land, which a noble cause.

Val. No arms, nor arms, good Lancelot, dear Lance, no fighting here, we will have Lands boy, Livings, and Titles, thou shalt be a Vice-Roy, hang fighting, hang't 'tis out of fashion.

Lan. I would fain labour you into your lands again, go to, it is behoveful.

Fran. Fie Lance, fie.

Lan. I must beat some body, and why not my Master, before a stranger? charity and beating begins at home.

Val. Come, thou shalt beat me.

Lan. I will not be compel'd, and you were two Masters, I scorn the motion.

Val. Wilt thou sleep?

Lan. I scorn sleep.

Val. Wilt thou go eat?

Lan. I scorn meat, I come for rompering, I come to wait upon my charge discreetly; for look you, if you will not take your Mortgage again, here do I lie S' George, and so forth.

Val. And here do I S' George, bestride the Dragon, thus with my Lance.

Lan. I sting, I sting with my tail.

Val. Do you so, do you so, Sir? I shall tail you presently.

Fran. By no means, do not hurt him.

Val. Take this Nelson, and now rise, thou Maiden Knight of Malllgo, lace on thy Helmet of inchanted Sack, and charge again.

Lan. I'le play no more, you abuse me, will you go?

Fran. I'le bid you good morrow, Brother, for sleep I cannot, I have a thousand fancies.

Val. Now thou art arrived, go bravely to the matter, and do something of worth, Frank.

Lan. You shall hear from us. [Exeunt Lance and Frank.

Val. This Rogue, if he had been sober, sure had beaten me, is the most tettish Knave.

Enter Uncle and Merchant, Boy with a Torch.

Unc. 'Tis he.

Mer. Good morrow.

Val. Why, Sir, good morrow to you too, and you be so lusty.

Unc. You have made your Brother a fine man, we met him.

Val. I made him a fine Gentleman, he was a fool before, brought up amongst the midst of Small-Beer-Brew-houses, what would you have with me?

Mer. I come to tell you, your latest hour is come.

Val. Are you my sentence?

Mer. The sentence of your state.

Val. Let it be hang'd then, and let it be hang'd high enough, I may not see it.

Unc. A gracious resolution.

Val. What would you have else with me, will you go drink, and let the world slide, Uncle? Ha, ha, ha, boyes, drink Sack like Whey, boyes.

Mer. Have you no feeling, Sir?

Val. Come hither Merchant: make me a supper, thou most reverent Land-catcher, a supper of forty pounds.

Mer. What then, Sir?

Val. Then bring thy Wife along, and thy fair Sisters, thy Neighbours and their Wives, and all their trinkets, let me have forty Trumpets, and such Wine, we'll laugh at all the miseries of Mortgage, and then in state I'le render thee an answer.

Mer. What say you to this?

Unc. I dare not say, nor think neither.

Mer. Will you redeem your state, speak to the point, Sir?

Pal. Not, not if it were mine heir in the Turks Gallies.

Mer. Then I must take an order?

Val. Take a thousand, I will not keep it, nor thou shalt not have it, because thou camest i'th' nick, thou shalt not have it, go take possession, and be sure you hold it, hold fast with both hands, for there be those hounds uncoupled, will ring you such a knell, go down in glory, and march upon my land, and cry, All's mine; cry as the Devil did, and be the Devil, mark what an Echo follows, build fine March-panes, to entertain Sir Silk-worm and his Lady, and pull the Chappel down, and raise a Chamber for Mistress Silver-pin, to lay her belly in, mark what an Earthquake comes. Then foolish Merchant my Tenants are no Subjects, they obey nothing, and they are people too never Christened, they know no Law nor Conscience, they'll devour thee; and thou mortal, the stopple, they'll confound thee within three days; no bit nor memory of what thou wert, no not the Wart upon thy Nose there, shall be e're heard of more; go take possession, and bring thy Children down, to rost like Rabbets, they love young Toasts and Butter, Bow-bell Suckers; as they love mischief, and hate Law, they are Cannibals; bring down thy kindred too, that be not fruitful, there be those Mandrakes that will mollifie 'em, go take possession. I'le go to my Chamber, afore Boy go. [Exeunt.

Mer. He's mad sure.

Unc. He's half drunk sure: and yet I like this unwillingness to lose it, this looking back.

Mer. Yes, if he did it handsomely, but he's so harsh and strange.

Unc. Believe it 'tis his drink, Sir, and I am glad his drink has thrust it out.

Mer. Cannibals? if ever I come to view his Regiment, if fair terms may be had.

Unc. He tells you true, Sir, they are a bunch of the most boisterous Rascals disorder ever made, let 'em be mad once, the power of the whole Country cannot cool 'em, be patient but a while.

Mer. As long as you will, Sir, before I buy a bargain of such Runts, I'le buy a Colledge for Bears, and live among 'em.

Enter Francisco, Lance, Boy with a Torch.

Fran. How dost thou now?

Lan. Better than I was, and straighter, but my head's a Hogshead still, it rowls and tumbles.

Fran. Thou wert cruelly paid.

Lan. I may live to requite it, put a Snaffle of Sack in my mouth and then ride me very well.

Fran. 'Twas all but sport, I'le tell thee what I mean now, I mean to see this Wench.

Lan. Where a Devil is she? and there were two, 'twere better.

Fran. Dost thou hear the Bell ring?

Lan. Yes, yes.

Fran. Then she comes to prayers, early each morning thither: Now if I could but meet her, for I am of another mettle now.

Enter Isabel, and Shorthose with a Torch.

Lan. What light's yon?

Fran. Ha, 'tis a light, take her by the hand and court her.

Lan. Take her below the girdle, you'l never speed else, it comes on this way still, oh that I had but such an opportunity in a Saw-pit, how it comes on, comes on! 'tis here.

Fran. 'Tis she: fortune I kiss thy hand—Good morrow Lady.

Isa. What voice is that, Sirra, do you sleep as you go, 'tis he, I am glad on't. Why, Shorthose?

Short. Yes forsooth, I was dreamt, I was going to Church.

Lan. She sees you as plain as I do.

Isab. Hold the torch up.

Short. Here's nothing but a stall, and a Butcher's Dog asleep in't, where did you see the voice?

Fran. She looks still angry.

Lan. To her and meet Sir.

Isab. Here, here.

Fran. Yes Lady, never bless your self, I am but a man, and like an honest man, now I will thank you—

Isab. What do you mean, who sent for you, who desired you?

Short. Shall I put out the Torch forsooth?

Isab. Can I not go about my private meditations, Ha, but such companions as you must ruffle me? you had best go with me Sir?

Fran. 'Twas my purpose.

Isab. Why, what an impudence is this! you had best, being so near the Church, provide a Priest, and perswade me to marry you.

Fran. It was my meaning, and such a husband, so loving, and so carefull, my youth, and all my fortunes shall arrive at—Hark you?

Isab. 'Tis strange you should be thus unmannerly, turn home again sirra, you had best now force my man to lead your way.

Lan. Yes marry shall he Lady, forward my friend.

Isab. This is a pretty Riot, it may grow to a rape.

Fran. Do you like that better? I can ravish you an hundred times, and never hurt you.

Short. I see nothing, I am asleep still, when you have done tell me, and then I'le wake Mistris.

Isab. Are you in earnest Sir, do you long to be hang'd?

Fran. Yes by my troth Lady in these fair Tresses.

Isab. Shall I call out for help?

Fran. No by no means, that were a weak trick Lady, I'le kiss, and stop your mouth.

Isab. You'l answer all these?

Fran. A thousand kisses more.

Isab. I was never abused thus, you had best give out too, that you found me willing, and say I doted on you?

Fran. That's known already, and no man living shall now carry you from me.

Isab. This is fine i'faith.

Fran. It shall be ten times finer.

Isab. Well, seeing you are so valiant, keep your way, I will to Church.

Fran. And I will wait upon you.

Isab. And it is most likely there's a Priest, if you dare venture as you profess, I would wish you look about you, to do these rude tricks, for you know the recompences, and trust not to my mercy.

Fran. But I will Lady.

Isab. For I'le so handle you.

Fran. That's it I look for.

Lan. Afore thou dream.

Shor. Have you done?

Isab. Go on Sir, and follow if you dare.

Fran. If I do not, hang me.

Lan. 'Tis all thine own boy, an 'twere a million, god a mercy Sack, when would small Beer have done this?

Knocking within. Enter Valentine.

Val. Whose that that knocks and bounces, what a Devil ails you, is hell broke loose, or do you keep an Iron mill?

Enter a Servant.

Ser. 'Tis a Gentlewoman Sir that must needs speak with you.

Val. A Gentlewoman? what Gentlewoman, what have I to do with Gentlewomen?

Ser. She will not be answered Sir.

Val. Fling up the bed and let her in, I'le try how gentle she is— [Exit Servant.

This Sack has fill'd my head so full of babies, I am almost mad; what Gentlewoman should this be? I hope she has brought me no butter print along with her to lay to my charge, if she have 'tis all one, I'le forswear it.

Enter Widow.

Wid. O you're a noble Gallant, send off your Servant pray. [Exit Servant.

Val. She will not ravish me? by this light she looks as sharp set as a Sparrow hawk, what wouldst thou woman?

Wid. O you have used me kindly, and like a Gentleman, this is to trust to you.

Val. Trust to me, for what?

Wid. Because I said in jest once, you were a handsom man, one I could like well, and fooling, made you believe I loved you, and might be brought to marrie.

Val. The widow is drunk too.

Wid. You out of this, which is a fine discretion, give out the matter's done, you have won and wed me, and that you have put, fairly put for an heir too, these are fine rumours to advance my credit: i'th' name of mischief what did you mean?

Val. That you loved me, and that you might be brought to marrie me? why, what a Devil do you mean, widow?

Wid. 'Twas a fine trick too, to tell the world though you had enjoyed your first wish you wished, the wealth you aimed at, that I was poor, which is most true, I am, have sold my lands, because I love not those vexations, yet for mine honours sake, if you must be prating, and for my credits sake in the Town.

Val. I tell thee widow, I like thee ten times better, now thou hast no Lands, for now thy hopes and cares lye on thy husband, if e're thou marryest more.

Wid. Have not you married me, and for this main cause, now as you report it, to be your Nurse?

Val. My Nurse? why, what am I grown to, give me the Glass, my Nurse.

Wid. You n'er said truer, I must confess I did a little favour you, and with some labour might have been perswaded, but when I found I must be hourly troubled, with making broths, and dawbing your decayes with swadling, and with stitching up your ruines, for the world so reports.

Val. Do not provoke me.

Wid. And half an eye may see.

Val. Do not provoke me, the world's a lying world, and thou shalt find it, have a good heart, and take a strong faith to thee, and mark what follows, my Nurse, yes, you shall rock me: Widow I'le keep you waking.

Wid. You are disposed Sir.

Val. Yes marry am I Widow, and you shall feel it, nay and they touch my freehold, I am a Tiger.

Wid. I think so.

Val. Come.

Wid. Whither?

Val. Any whither. [Sings.

The fit's upon me now, the fit's upon me now, Come quickly gentle Ladie, the fit's upon me now, The world shall know they're fools, And so shalt thou do too, Let the Cobler meddle with his tools, The fit's upon me now.

Take me quickly, while I am in this vein, away with me, for if I have but two hours to consider, all the widows in the world cannot recover me.

Wid. If you will, go with me Sir.

Val. Yes marrie will I, but 'tis in anger yet, and I will marrie thee, do not cross me; yes, and I will lie with thee, and get a whole bundle of babies, and I will kiss thee, stand still and kiss me handsomely, but do not provoke me, stir neither hand nor foot, for I am dangerous, I drunk sack yesternight, do not allure me: Thou art no widow of this world, come in pitie, and in spite I'le marrie thee, not a word more, and I may be brought to love thee. [Exeunt.

Enter Merchant, and Uncle, at several doors.

Mer. Well met again, and what good news yet?

Unc. Faith nothing.

Mer. No fruits of what we sowed?

Unc. Nothing I hear of.

Mer. No turning in this tide yet?

Unc. 'Tis all flood, and till that fall away, there's no expecting.

Enter Fran. Isab. Lance, Shorthose, a torch.

Mer. Is not this his younger Brother?

Unc. With a Gentlewoman the widow's sister, as I live he smiles, he has got good hold, why well said Frank i'faith, let's stay and mark.

Isab. Well, you are the prettiest youth, and so you have handled me, think you ha' me sure.

Fran. As sure as wedlock.

Isab. You had best lie with me too.

Fran. Yes indeed will I, and get such black ey'd boyes.

Unc. God a Mercy, Frank.

Isab. This is a merrie world, poor simple Gentlewomen that think no harm, cannot walk about their business, but they must be catcht up I know not how.

Fran. I'le tell you, and I'le instruct ye too, have I caught you, Mistress?

Isab. Well, and it were not for pure pity, I would give you the slip yet, but being as it is.

Fran. It shall be better.

Enter Valentine, Widow, and Ralph, with a torch.

Isab. My sister, as I live, your Brother with her! sure, I think you are the Kings takers.

Unc. Now it works.

Val. Nay, you shall know I am a man.

Wid. I think so.

Val. And such proof you shall have.

Wid. I pray speak softly.

Val. I'le speak it out Widow, yes and you shall confess too, I am no Nurse-child, I went for a man, a good one, if you can beat me out o'th' pit.

Wid. I did but jest with you.

Val. I'le handle you in earnest, and so handle you: Nay, when my credit calls.

Wid. Are you mad?

Val. I am mad, I am mad.

Fran. Good morrow, Sir, I like your preparation.

Val. Thou hast been at it, Frank.

Fran. Yes faith, 'tis done Sir.

Val. Along with me then, never hang an arse, widow.

Isab. 'Tis to no purpose, sister.

Val. Well said Black-brows, advance your torches Gentlemen.

Unc. Yes, yes Sir.

Val. And keep your ranks.

Mer. Lance, carrie this before him.

Unc. Carrie it in state.

Enter Musicians, Fount. Hare. Bel.

Val. What are you, Musicians? I know your coming, and what are those behind you?

Musi. Gentlemen that sent us to give the Lady a good morrow.

Val. O I know them, come boy sing the song I taught you, And sing it lustily, come forward Gentlemen, you're welcom, Welcom, now we are all friends, go get the Priest ready, And let him not be long, we have much business: Come Frank, rejoyce with me, thou hast got the start boy, But I'le so tumble after, come my friends lead, Lead cheerfully, and let your Fiddles ring boyes, My follies and my fancies have an end here, Display the morgage Lance, Merchant I'le pay you, And every thing shall be in joynt again.

Unc. Afore, afore.

Val. And now confess, and know, Wit without Money, sometimes gives the blow. [Exeunt.



APPENDIX

WIT WITHOUT MONEY.

(A) Wit with- out Money. A Comedie, As it hath beene Presented with good Applause at the private house in Drurie Lane, by her Majesties Servants. Written by Francis Beamount, and John Flecher. Gent. London Printed by Thomas Cotes, for Andrew Crooke, and William Cooke. 1639.

(B) Wit without Money. A Comedie, As it hath been Presented with good Ap- plause at the private house in Drury Lane, by Her Hajesties (sic) Servants Written by Francis Beamount and John Flecher. Gent. The second Impression Corrected. London, Printed for Andrew Crooke, at the Green Dragon in St. Pauls-Church-Yard, 1661.

On the last leaf appears a list of 17 'Plays written by Francis Beamount and John Flecher, printed in Quarto.'

(C)= The Second Folio.

p. 146, l. 6. A and B] The Actors names.

p. 147, l. 7. A and B] No Gent. l. 10. A and B] maintaine Hospitals. l. 24. A and B] flatter um, make um. (The same form occurs almost throughout A and B and is not here repeated.)

p. 148, l. 4. C misprints] Mar. l. 6. A and B] A that. l. 10. A adds] vexations, the morgage shall be rendred backe, take time fort, you. l. 13. A] and a fine.

p. 149, l. 9. C misprints] de. l. 21. A omits] can mount like Stallions. l. 29. A omits] all. l. 32. A omits] Sir.

p. 150, l. 2. A and B omit] of. l. 10. A] and hang. l. 24. A and B] meagrom. l. 24. A] tenements. l. 37. A and B] a Sundaies.

p. 151, l. 10. A] next remove, and when I please to remove; and when. l. 18. A] are hid, that work. l. 20. A and B] I shifted; are. l. 27. A] my travel. l. 29. A] some other that. l. 35. B and C misprint] doule.

p. 152, l. 14. A and B] Andeluria. l. 24. B omits] find. l. 27. A] safe from.

p. 153, l. 17. A] may do. l. 24. A] satten. l. 32. A] and a.

p. 154, l. 1. A] meane part. l. 5. A] with the loss. l. 35. A omits] the.

p. 155, l. 3. A] married there together. ll. 10 and 11. B] puft solus. ll. 15 and 16. A] but will that fledge him, keep him from cold, beleeve me. l. 17. A] him, and marke. l. 31. C misprints] Quartus.

p. 156, l. 18. A omits] that. l. 34. A] lookt thee. l. 37. A] She has. ll. 38 and 39. A] her, not say.

p. 157, l. 23. A] or no, are those. l. 37. A] empty nothing.

p. 158, l. 9. A] in's. l. 11. A] supple hand.

p. 159, l. 2. A] a maid content. l. 5. A] makes the wife. l. 28. B omits] Hare. C misprints] searce.

p. 160, l. 28. A and B] that Gentleman.

p. 161, l. 12. B] Legend. l. 14. A] say so. A] hangd first. l. 27. C misprints] thy. l. 34. A adds] Exeunt.

p. 162, l. 4. A] himself sport. l. 5. A] by his Copie. l. 9. A] Gentleman your.

p. 163, l. 3. A and B] towne, and live. A and B omit] and.

p. 164, l. 8. A] twelve moneths. l. 17. A] spent it. l. 30. A] do not you.

p. 165, l. 30. A] servant, I am cosend if after her, I.

p. 166, l. 22. A and B] Roger help down.

p. 167, l. 25. A] Why whither.

p. 168, l. 27. A] sometimes.

p. 169, l. 11. A] my sister. l. 19. A] bring you but this. l. 22. A and B] that know not. l. 29. A] small pots. l. 32. A] Its. l. 35. A] sit and laugh.

p. 170, l. 27. A and B] here, has made.

p. 171, l. 6. C misprints] know. l. 14. A and B] I grieve to. l. 25. A] deserve it, is a. l. 28. A omits] as.

p. 172, l. 14. A] their Cases. l. 32. A and B] Prospectives. l. 33. C misprints] Wid. l. 36. A and B] Ah my. l. 40. A] mens confusions.

p. 173, l. 32. A and B] a god else. l. 36. B] was you never.

p. 174, l. 8. A] Lets have. l. 31. C misprints] your.

p. 175, l. 17. A and B] sick ath. l. 32. A adds] Exeunt.

p. 176, l. 6. A and B] has. l. 16. A] charge whom. l. 35. A and B] Has the. l. 38. A and B] behaviours.

p. 177, l. 10. A] filed. l. 13. A] small bare.

p. 178, l. 2. A and B] worships. l. 3. A] at a sizer. ll. 7 and 8. A] and Christian bleeches. l. 12. A] displease me more. l. 37. A and B omit] Enter.

p. 179, l. 9. B] Tarm. l. 12. C misprints] and.

p. 180, l. 1. A] pound. l. 30. A] most cure. l. 31. A and B] Has had.

p. 181, l. 7. A] clocke. l. 11. C] som spun.

p. 182, l. 33. C] nor. l. 39. A] he has none.

p. 183, ll. 27 and 28. B and C] frat ... sab.

p. 184, l. 5. A] but lend. l. 6. A and B] a thornes. l. 22. A] thanks Sir. l. 23. B] part. A and B] deserves. l. 24. A and B] to a. l. 25. A] doores.

p. 185, l. 15. A] let me in. l. 18. A] Spercious. A] you bawling. l. 30. B] aside bay. l. 37. A] be so vext.

p. 186, ll. 5 and 6. A] men live. l. 12. A] title peece.

p. 187, l. 23. A] more hound um.

p. 188, l. 20. A] wils.

p. 189, l. 7. A and B] and bartered. l. 31. A] would you.

p. 190, l. 35. A and B] and a love too. l. 36. A] how'would.

p. 191, l. 18. A and B] I beleeve.

p. 193, l. 18. A and B] Faces about. l. 19. B] I or else perish. l. 27. A] pretend on. l. 30. A and B] at charge. l. 35. A and B] was these.

p. 194, l. 1. A] God e'n then. l. 28. C misprints] secrely. l. 30. A and B] tipple in wine.

p. 195, l. 3. A omits] ye. l. 11. A repeats] He swinge you. l. 15. A] utter, will all. l. 35. A and B] any devotions.

p. 196, l. 2. B] with torch. l. 18. A misprints] Short, for Wid.

p. 197, l. 2. A] and a vertuous l. 3. A] bay him up. l. 13. B] a your.

p. 198, l. 2. A] take. l. 3. A omits] a. l. 25. A] No armes, no armes. l. 27. A and B] hang 'tis. l. 33. A omits] a.

p. 199, l. 5. B] An here. l. 10. A] his Nelson. l. 37. A omits] have.

p. 200, l. 3. A] pound. l. 10. A omits] you. l. 20. B] such knell. ll. 23 and 24. A] to raise.

p. 201, l. 5. A] regements. l. 30. A and B] yond.

p. 202, l. 2. B] sees yon. l. 3. A and B] thy Torch. l. 13. A] hay, but. l. 26. A and B] shall a Lady.

p. 203, l. 10. A] their recompences. l. 20. A and B add] Exeunt.

p. 204, l. 2. B omits] as. l. 4. A and B] this 'tis to. l. 12. A omits] put. l. 28. A and B] too.

p. 205, l. 10. A] they are. B] they 'are.

p. 207, l. 21. A and B add] Finis.

* * * * *

BEGGARS BUSH

(A) The First Folio, 1647.

(B) The Beggars Bush. Written by Francis Beaumont, and John Fletcher, Gentlemen. [wood-cut] London, Printed for Humphrey Robinson, and Anne Mosley, at the three Pigeons, and at the Princes Arms in Saint Pauls Church-yard, 1661.

Another issue of the above, dated 1661, has a fresh title-page and bears the following notice: 'You may speedily expect those other Playes, which Kirkman, and his Hawkers have deceived the buyers withall, selling them at treble the value, that this and the rest will be sold for, which are the onely Originall and corrected copies, as they were first purchased by us at no mean rate, and since printed by us.'

B prints the Prologue and Epilogue to The Captaine as though they belonged to Beggars Bush, apparently treating the last page of The Captain in A as though it were the first page of Beggars Bush.

(C) The Second Folio.

p. 208. A omits] A Comedy ... The Scene Flanders. ll. 2-4. B] Dramatis Personae. These are as follows:

Dramatis Personae.

Goswin a young Merchant of Bruges, viz. Florez the right Earl of Flanders

Woolfort, Usurper of the Earldome,

Clause King of Beggars, viz. Gerrard Father to Florez,

Hubert disguised like a Huntsman, A Lord of Flanders

Hemskirk, A Favourite of the Usurper.

THE END