THE LITTLE FRENCH LAWYER The Little French Lawyer LITTLE FRENCH LAWYER THE HIE0429

Source text for this digital edition:
Fletcher, John; Massinger, Philip. The Little French Lawyer. In: Comedies and tragedies written by Francis Beaumont and Iohn Fletcher. 1647. In: Mueller, Martin (gen. ed.) Shakespeare His Contemporaries Northwestern University. [Accessed: 28 October 2016]

Note on this digital edition

This electronic transcription comes from the original-spelling text in the Shakespeare His Contemporaries project, which offers curated versions of texts from Early English Books Online - Text Creation Partnership. It differs in textual corrections (detailed in the appendix) made with reference to the transcription in the English Drama collection published by Chadwyck-Healey, and in assigning role identifiers to speakers. This curation has been carried out by Sonia Sofía Perelló.
The SHC source text has been re-encoded by Jesús Tronch Pérez in order to be used in the databases of the EMOTHE project and of the HIERONIMO project.
As from October 2017 the Shakespeare His Contemporaries site is obsolete and its project is incorporated into EarlyPrint.

With the support of research project GVAICO2016-094, funded by Generalitat Valenciana (2016-2017).

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THE LITTLE FRENCH LAWYER.

Actus Primus.

Scena Prima.

Enter Dinant and Cleremont.

Din.

DIsswade me not.

Clere.

It will breed a braule.

Din.

I care not, I weare a Sword.

Cler.

And weare discretion with it,

Or cast it off, let that direct your arme,

'Tis madnesse els, not valour, and more base

Then to receive a wrong.

Din.

Why would you have me

Sit downe with a disgrace, and thanke the doer?

We are not Stoicks, and that passive courage

Is onely now, commendable in Lackies,

Peasants, and Tradesemen, not in men of ranke,

And qualitie, as I am.

Cler.

Doe not cherish

That daring vice, for which the whole age suffers

The blood of our bold youth, that heretofore

Was spent in honourable action,

Or to defend, or to enlarge the Kingdome,

For the honour of our Countrey, and our Prince,

Poures it selfe out, with prodigall expence

Upon our Mothers lap, the Earth that bred us

For every trifle, and these private Duells,

Which had their first originall from the French;

(And for which, to this day, we are justly censured)

And banisht from all civill Governments

Scarce three in Venice, in as many yeares;

In Florence, they are rarer, and in all

The faire Dominions of the Spanish King,

They are never heard of: Nay, those neighbour Countries,

Which gladly imitate our other follies,

And come at a deare rate to buy them of us,

Begin now to detest them.

Din.

Will you? and yet —

Cler.

And I have heard, that some of our late Kings,

For the lie, wearing of a Mistris, feathers;

A cheate at Cards or Dice and such like causes,

Have lost as many gallant Gentlemen,

As might have met the great Turke in the field

With confidence of a glorious Victorie,

And shall we then —

Din.

No more, for shame no more,

Are you become a Patron to? 'tis a new one,

No more on't, burn't, give it to some Orator,

To help him to enlarge his exercise,

With such a one, it might doe well, and profit

The Curat of the Parish, but for Cleremont

The bold, and under-taking Cleremont,

To talke thus to his friend his friend that knowes him,

Dinant, that knowes his Cleremont, is absurd,

And meere Apocripha.

Cler.

Why, what know you of me?

Din.

Why if thou hast forgot thy selfe, I'll tell thee,

And not looke backe, to speake of what thou wert

At fifteene, for at those yeares, I have heard

Thou wast flesh'd, and enter'd bravely.

Cler.

Well sir, well.

Din.

But yesterday, thou wast the common second,

Of all that onely knew thee, thou hadst bills

Set up on every post, to give thee notice,

Where any difference was, and who were parties,

And as, to save the charges of the Law;

Poore men seeke Arbitrators, thou wert chosen

By such as knew thee not, to compound quarrells:

But thou wert so delighted with the sport,

That if there were no just cause, thou wouldst make one,

Or be engag'd thy selfe: This godly calling

Thou hast followed five and twenty yeares, and studied

The Criticismes of contentions, and art thou

In so few houres transform'd? certaine this night

Thou hast had strange dreames, or rather visions.

Cler.

Yes, Sir,

I have seene fooles, and fighters, chain'd together,

And the Fighters had the upper hand and whipt first,

The poore Sotts laughing at 'em. What I have bin

It skils not, what I will be is resolv'd on.

Din.

Why then you'll fight no more?

Cler.

Such is my purpose.

Din.

On no occasion?

Cler.

There you stagger me,

Some kind of wrongs there are, which flesh and blood

Cannot endure.

Din.

Thou wouldst not willingly,

Live a protested coward, or be call'd one?

Cler.

Words, are but words.

Din.

Nor would'st thou take a blow?

Cler.

Not from my friend, though drunke, and from an enemy,

I thinke much lesse.

Din.

There's some hope of thee left then.

Wouldst thou heare me, behind my back disgrac'd?

Cler.

Do you think I am a rogue? they that should do it

Had better bin borne dumbe.

Din.

Or in thy presence?

See me o're-charg'd with odds?

Cler.

I'd fall my selfe first.

Din.

Would'st thou endure thy Mistris be taken from thee,

And thou sit quiet?

Cler.

There you touch my honour,

No French man can endure that.

Din.

Pl — upon thee,

100

Why dost thou talke of Peace then? that dar'st suffer

Nothing, or in thy selfe, or in thy friend

That is unmanly?

Cler.

That I grant, I cannot:

But I'll not quarrell with this Gentleman,

105

For wearing stammell Breeches, or this Gamester,

For playing a thousand pounds, that owes me nothing;

For this mans taking up a common Wench

In raggs, and lowsie, then maintaining her

Caroached in cloth of Tissue, nor five hundred

110

Of such like toyes, that at no part concerne me;

Marry, where my honour, or my friend is questioned,

I have a Sword, and I thinke I may use it

To the cutting of a Rascalls throat, or so,

Like a good Christian.

Din.

115

Thou art of a fine Religion,

And rather then we'll make a Schisme in friendship,

I will be of it: But to be serious,

Thou art acquainted with my tedious love-suit

To faire Lamira.

Cler.

120

Too well Sir, and remember

Your presents, courtship, that's too good a name,

Your slave-like services, your morning musique;

Your walking three houres in the raine at midnight,

To see her at her window, sometimes laugh'd at,

125

Sometimes admitted, and vouchsaf'd to kisse

Her glove, her skirt, nay I have heard, her slippers,

How then you triumph'd?

Here was love forsooth.

Din.

These follies I deny not,

130

Such a contemptible thing, my dotage made me,

But my reward for this —

Cler.

As you deserv'd.

For he that makes a goddesse of a Puppet,

Merits no other recompence.

Din.

135

This day friend,

For thou art so —

Cler.

I am no flatterer.

Din.

This proud, ingratefull she, is married to

Lame Champernell.

Cler.

140

I know him, he has bin

As tall a Sea-man, and has thriv'd as well by't,

The losse of a legg and an Arme deducted, as any

That ever put from Marseils: you are tame,

Pl — on't, it mads me; if it were my case,

145

I should kill all the family.

Din.

Yet but now

You did preach patience.

Cler.

I then came from confession,

And 't was enjoyn'd me three houres for a pennance,

150

To be a peaceable man, and to talke like one,

But now, all else being pardon'd, I begin

On a new Tally, Foot doe any thing,

I'll second you.

Din.

I would not willingly

155

Make red, my yet white conscience, yet I purpose

In the open street, as they come from the Temple,

(For this way they must passe,) to speake my wrongs,

And doe it boldly.

Musick playes.

Cler.

Were thy tongue a Cannon,

160

I would stand by thee, boy, they come, upon 'em.

Din.

Obserue a little first.

Cler.

This is fine fidling.

Enter Vertaigne, Champernell Lamira, Nurse, Beaupre Verdoone. An Epithalamin Song at the Wedding.

COme away bring on the Bride

And place her by her Lovers side:

165

You faire troope of Maides attend her,

Pure and holy thoughts be friend her.

Blush, and wish, you Virgins all

Many such faire nights may fall

Chorus,

Hymen, fill the house with joy,

170

All thy sacred fires employ:

Blesse the Bed, with holy love,

Now faire or be of Beauty move.

Din.

Stand by, for 'twill be heard.

Verta.

This is strange rudenesse.

Din.

175

'Tis courtship, ballanced with injuries,

You all looke pale with guilt, but I will dy

Your cheekes with blushes, if in your sear'd veines,

There yet remaine so much of honest blood

To make the colour; first to ye my Lord,

180

The Father of this Bride, whom you have sent

Alive into her grave.

Champ.

How? to her grave?

Dina.

Be patient sir, I'll speake of you anon,

You that allowed me liberall accesse,

185

To make my way with service, and approv'd of

My birth, my person, yeares, and no base fortune:

You that are rich, and but in this held wise too,

That as a Father should have look'd upon

Your Daughter in a Husband, and aim'd more

190

At what her youth, and heat of blood requir'd

In lawfull pleasures, then the parting from

Your Crownes to pay her dowre: you that already

Have one foot in the grave, yet study profit,

As if you were assur'd, to live here ever;

195

What poore end had you, in this choice? in what

Deserve I your contempt? my house, and honours,

At all parts equall yours, my fame as faire,

And not to praise my selfe, the City rankes me,

In the first file, of her most hopefull Gentry:

200

But Champernell is rich, and needs a nurse,

And not your gold: And add to that, he's old too,

His whole estate in likelihood, to descend

Upon a Family; Here was providence,

I grant, but in a Nobleman, base thrift:

205

No Merchants, nay, no Pirats, sell for Bondmen.

Their Countrey-men, but you, a Gentleman,

To save a little gold have sold your Daughter

To worse then slaverie.

Cler.

This was spoke home indeed.

Bean.

210

Sir, I shall take some other time to tell you,

That this harsh language, was delivered to

An old man, but my Father.

Din.

At your pleasure.

Cler.

Proceed in your designe, let me alone,

215

To answer him, or any man.

Verd.

You presume

Too much upon your name, but may be cousin'd.

Din.

But for you, most unmindfull of my service,

For now I may upbraid you, and with honour,

220

Since all is lost, and yet I am a gainer,

In being deliver'd from a torment in you,

For such you must have bin, you to whom nature

Gave with a liberall hand, most excellent forme,

Your education, language, and discourse,

225

And judgement to distinguish when you shall

With feeling sorrow, understand how wretched

And miserable, you have made your selfe,

And but your selfe, have nothing to accuse,

Can you with hope from any beg compassion?

230

But you will say, you serv'd your Fathers pleasure,

Forgetting that unjust commands of Parents

Are not to be obey'd, or that you are rich,

And that to wealth, all pleasure els are servants,

Yet but consider, how this wealth was purchas'd,

235

'Twill trouble the possession.

Champ.

You sir know

I got it, and with honour.

Din.

But from whom?

Remember that, and how: you'll come indeed

240

To houses bravely furnish'd, but demanding

Where it was bought, this souldier will not lie,

But answer truly, this rich cloth of Arras,

I made my prize in such a Ship, this Plate

Was my share in another; these faire Jewells,

245

Comming a shore, I got in such a Village,

The Maid, or Matron kill'd, from whom they were ravish'd,

The Wines you drinke, are guilty too, for this,

This Candie Wine, three Merchants were undone,

These Suckets breake as many more, in briefe,

250

All you shall weare, or touch, or see, is purchas'd

By lawlesse force, and you but revell in

The teares, and grones, of such as were the owners.

Champ.

'Tis false, most basely false.

Verta.

Let loosers talke.

Din.

255

Lastly, those joyes, those best of joyes, which Hymen

Freely bestowes on such, that come to tye

The sacred knot he blesses, wonne unto it

By equall love, and mutuall affection,

Not blindly led, with the desire of riches,

260

Most miserable you, shall never taste of,

This Marriage night, you'll meet a Widowes bed,

Or failing of those pleasures, all Brides looke for,

Sinne in your wish it were so,

Champ.

Thou art a Villaine,

265

A base, malitious slanderer.

Cler.

Strike him.

Din.

No, he is not worth a blow.

Champ.

O that I had thee

In some close vault that onely would yeild roome

270

To me to use my Sword, to thee no hope

To run away, I would make thee on thy knees,

Bite out the tongue that wrong'd me.

Verta.

Pray you have patience.

Lamira.

This day I am to be your Soveraigne,

275

Let me command you.

Champ.

I am lost with rage,

And know not what I am my selfe, nor you:

Away, dare such as you, that love the smoke

Of peace, more then the fire of glorious Warre,

280

And like unprofitable drones, feed on

Your grandsires laboures, that, as I am now,

Were gathering Bees, and fil'd their Hive, this Country

With brave triumphant spoiles, censure our Actions?

You object my prizes to me, had you seene

285

The horrour of a Sea-fight, with what danger

I made them mine; the fire I fearelesse fought in

And quench'd it in mine enemies blood, which straight

Like Oyle pour'd out on't, made it burne anew;

My Deck blowne up, with noise enough to mocke

290

The lowdest thunder, and the desperate fooles

That Boorded me, sent to defie the tempest

That were against me to the angrie Sea,

Frighted with men throwen ore; no victory,

But in despight of the foure Elements,

295

The Fire, the Ayre, the Sea, and sands hid in it

To be atchiev'd, you would confesse poore men,

(Though hopelesse, such an honourable way

To get or wealth, or honour) in your selves;

He that through all these dreadfull passages,

300

Pursued and overtooke them, unafrighted,

Deserves reward, and not to have it stild

By the base name of theft.

Din.

This is the Courtship,

That you must looke for, Madam.

Cler.

305

'Twill doe well,

When nothing can be done, to spend the night with:

Your tongue is sound, good Lord, I could wish

For this young Ladyes sake this leg, this arme,

And there is something els I will not name,

310

(Though 'tis the onely thing that must content her)

Had the same vigour.

Champ.

You shall buy these scoffes

With your best blood, helpe me once noble anger,

(Nay stirre not, I alone must right my selfe)

315

And with one leg transport me to correct

These scandalous praters: ô that noble wounds

Falls.

Should hinder just revenge? D'ye jeere me too?

I got these not as you doe your diseases

In Brothells, or with riotous abuse

320

Of wine in Tavernes; I have one leg shot,

One arme disabled, and am honour'd more,

By loosing them as I did in the face

Of a brave enemy then if they were

As when I put to Sea; you are French men onely,

325

In that you have bin laied, and cur'd, goe to:

You mock my leg but every bone about you,

Makes you good Almanack-makers, to foretell

What wether we shall have.

Din.

Put up your Sword.

Cler.

330

Or turne it to a Crutch, there't may be usefull,

And live, on the relation to your Wife,

Of what a brave man you were once.

Din.

And tell her

What a fine vertue, 'tis in a young Lady

335

To give an old man pap.

Cler.

Or hire a Surgeon

To teach her to roule up your broken limbes.

Din.

To make a Pultesse, and endure the sent

Of oiles and nasty Plaisters.

Vert.

340

Fie sir, fie,

You that have stood all dangers of all kinds,

To yeild to a rivalls scoffe?

Lamira.

Shed teares upon

Your Wedding day? this is unmanly Gentlemen.

Champ.

345

They are teares of anger o that I should live

To play the woman thus? All powerfull heaven,

Restore me, but one houre, that strength agen,

That I had once, to chastise in these men,

Their follies, and ill manners, and that done,

350

When you please, I'll yeild up the fort of life,

And doe it gladly

Cler.

We ha' the better of him,

We ha' made him crye.

Verdo.

You shall have satisfaction,

355

And I will doe it nobly, or disclaime me.

Beaup.

I say no more you have a Brother, Sister,

This is your Wedding day, we are in the streete,

And howsoever, they forget their honour,

'Tis fit I loose not mine, by their example.

Verta.

360

If there be Lawes in Paris looke to answer

This insolent affront

Cler.

You that live by them,

Study 'em for heavens sake; for my part I know not

Nor care not what they are, Is their ought els

365

That you would say?

Din.

Nothing, I have my ends,

Lamira weepes, I have said too much I feare;

So dearely once I lov'd her, that I cannot

Endure to see her teares.

Exiunt. Dionant and Cleremont.

Champ.

370

See you performe it,

And doe it like my Nephew.

Verdo.

If I faile in't

Nere know me more, Cousen Beaupre

Champ.

Repent not

375

What thou hast done, my life, thou shalt not find

I am decrepit; in my love, and service,

I will be young, and constant, and beleeve me,

For thou shall find it true, in scorne of all

The scandalls these rude men have throwne upon me

380

I'le meete thy pleasures, with a young mans ardour

And in all circumstances, of a Husband,

Performe my parts.

Lamira.

Good Sir, I am your servant,

And 'tis too late now, if I did repent,

385

(Which as I am a virgin yet, I doe not)

To undoe the knot, that by the Church is tyed

Onely I would beseech ye, as you have,

A good opinion of me, and my vertues,

For so you have pleas'd to stile my innocent weakenes,

390

That what hath pass'd beween Dinant and me,

Or what now in your hearing he hath spoken,

Beget not doubts, or feares.

Champ.

I apprehend you,

You thinke I will be jealous, as I live

395

Thou art mistaken sweet; and to confirme it

Discourse with whom thou wilt, ride where thou wilt,

Feast whom thou wilt, as often as thou wilt,

For I will have no other guards upon thee

Then thine owne thoughts,

Lamira.

400

I'le use this liberty

With moderation Sir,

Beaup.

I am resolv'd

Steale off, i'le follow you,

Champ.

Come Sir, you droope,

405

Till you find cause, which I shall never give

Dislike not of your son in Law,

Verta.

Sir, You teach me

The language I should use; I am most happy

In being so neere you.

Exeunt Verdone and Beaupre.

Lamira.

410

O my feares good nurse

Follow my Brother unobserv'd and learne,

Which way he takes.

Nurs.

I will be carefull Madam.

Exit Nurse.

Cham.

Betweene us complements are superfluous,

415

One Gentlemen, th' affront we have met here

Wee'l thinke upon hereafter, 'twere unfit

To cherish any thought to breed unrest,

Or to our selves, or to our Nuptiall feast.

Exeunt.

Enter Dinant and Cleremont.

Cler.

We shall have sport, ner fear't

Din.

420

What sport I prithee?

Cler.

Why we must fight, I know it, and I long for't

It was apparent in the fiery eye,

Of young Verdoone, Beaupre look'd pale and shooke too,

Familiar signes of anger. They are both brave fellowes

425

Tride and approv'd, and I am prou'd to encounter.

With men, from whom no honour can be lost

They will play up to a man, and set him off,

When ere I goe to the field, heaven keepe me from

The meeting of an unflesh'd youth or Coward,

430

The first to get a name, comes on too hot,

The Coward is so swift in giving ground,

There is no overtaking him, without

A hunting Nag, well breath'd too.

Din.

All this while,

435

You ne'r thinke on the danger,

Cler.

Why 'tis no more,

Then meeting of a dousen Friends at Supper,

And drinking hard; mischeif comes there unlook'd for,

I am sure as suddaine, and strikes home as often,

440

For this we are prepar'd

Din.

Lamira Loves

Her Brother Beaupre dearely.

Cler.

What of that?

Din.

And should he call me to account for what

445

But now I speake, nor can I with mine honour

Recant my words, that little hope is left me,

'Ere to enjoye what (next to heaven I long for,)

Is taken from me,

Cler.

Why what can you hope for,

450

She being now married?

Din.

On my Cleremont,

To you all secrets of my heart lye open,

And I rest most secure that whatsoer'e

I looke up there, is as a private thought,

455

And will no farther wrong me, I am a Frenchman,

And for the greater part, we are borne Courtiers,

She is a woman, and how ever yet,

No heat of service, had the power to melt

Her frozen Chastity, time and opportunitie

460

May worke her to my ends, I confesse ill ones,

And yet I must pursue 'em: now her marriage,

In probabilitie, will no way hurt,

But rather help me,

Cler.

Sits the wind there? pray you tell me

465

How farr off, dwells your love from lust?

Din.

Too neere,

But prithee chide me not,

Cler.

Not I, goe on boye,

I have faults my self, and will not reprehend

470

A crime I am not free from: for her Marriage,

I doe esteeme it (and most batchellors are

Of my opinion) as a faire protection,

To play the wanton, without losse of honour.

Din.

Would she make rise of't so, I were most happy.

Cler.

475

No more of this, Judge now,

Whither I have the guift of prophecie.

Enter Beaupre and Verdoone.

Beaup.

Monsieur Dinant.

I am glad to find you, Sir.

Din.

I am at your service.

Verd.

480

Good Monsieur Cleremont, I have long wish'd

To be knowne better to you,

Cler.

My desires

Embrace your wishes Sir,

Beaup.

Sir, I have ever

485

Esteem'd you truly noble, and professe.

I should have bin most proud, to have had the honour,

To call you Brother, but my Fathers pleasure

Denied that happinesse, I know no man lives,

That can command his passions, and therefore

490

Dare not condemne, the late intemperate language

You were pleas'd to use, to my Father and my Sister

Hee's old and she a woman, I most fortie,

My honour does compell me to entreat you,

To doe me the favour, with your sword to meete me

495

A mile without the Citie.

Din.

You much honour me.

In the demand, I'l gladly waite upon you,

Beaup.

O Sir you teach me what to say: the time?

Din.

With the next Sun, if you thinke fit.

Beaup.

500

The place.

Din.

Nere to the vineyard eastward from the Citie,

Beaup.

I like it well, this gentleman if you please

Will keepe me company,

Cler.

That is agreed on;

505

And in my friends behalf I will attend him

Verd.

You shall not misse my service.

Beaup.

Good day Gentlemen.

Ex. Beaup. and Virdoone.

Din.

At your Commandement.

Cler.

Prou'd to be your servants,

510

I thinke there is no Nation under heaven

That cut their enemies throates with complement,

And such fine trickes as we doe: If you have

Any few Prayers to say, this night you may

Cal'em to mind and use 'em, for my self,

515

As I have little to loose, my care is lesse,

So till to morrow morning, I bequeath you,

To your devotions; and those payed, but use

That noble courage I have seene, and we

Shall fight, as in a Castle,

Din.

520

Thou art all honour,

Thy resolution, would steele a Coward,

And I most fortunate, in such a Friend,

All tendernesse, and nice respect of woman,

Be now far from me, reputation take

525

A full possession of my heart, and prove

Honour the first place holds, the second love.

Exeunt.

Enter Lamira, Charlote.

Lamir.

Sleepes my Lord still Carlote.

Char.

Not to be wak'd

By your Ladiships cheerefull lookes, I well perceive

530

That this night, the good Lord hath bin

At an unusuall service, and no wonder

If he rest after it

Lamir.

You are very bold

Char.

Your Creature Madam and when you are pleas'd

535

Sadnesse to me's a stranger, your good pardon

If I speake like a foole, I could have wisht,

To have taine your place to night, had bold Dinant

Your first and most obsequious servant tasted

Those delicates, which by his lethargie

540

As it appeares, have cloyed my Lord,

Lamira.

No more.

Charl.

I am silenc'd Madam

Lamira.

Saw you my nurse this morning?

Charl.

No Madam.

Lamira.

545

I am full of feares.

Knock within.

Who's that?

Charl.

She you enquir'd for

Lamira.

Bring her in, and leave me.

Ex. Charlote. Enter Nurse.

Now nurse what newes.

Nurse.

550

O Ladie dreadfull ones,

They are to fight this morning, ther's no remedie

I saw my Lord your Brother, and Verdoone.

Take horse as I came by,

Lamir.

Wher's Cleremont?

Nurse.

555

I met him too, and mounted.

Lamir.

Wher's Dinant?

Nurse.

There's all the hope, I have staied him with a tricke,

If I have done well so,

Lamir.

What tricke?

Nurse.

560

I 'tould him,

Your Ladiship layed your command upon him,

To attend you presently, and to confirme it,

Gave him the ring' he oft hath seene you weare,

That you bestowed on me; he waites without

565

Disguis'd, and if you have that power in him,

As I presume you have, it is in you

To stay or alter him.

Lamir.

Have you learnt the place,

Where they are to encounter?

Nurse.

570

Yes 'tis where

The Duke of Burgundie, met Lewis th' eleventh

Lamir.

Enough I will reward thee liberally,

Ex. Nurse.

Goe bring him in, full deare I lov'd Dinant,

While it was lawfull, but those fires are quenched,

575

I being now anothers, truth forgive me

And let dissimulation, be no crime,

Though most unwillingly, I put it on

To guard a Brothers safetie.

Enter Dinant.

Dina.

Now your pleasure,

580

Though ill you have deserv'd it, you persev'd

I am still your foole, and cannot but obey

What ever you command

Lamir.

You speake as if

You did repent it and 'tis not worth my thankes then,

585

But there has bin a time, in which you would

Receive this as a favour

Din.

Hope was left then

Of recompence.

Lamir.

Why I am still Lamira.

590

And you Dinant and 'tis yet in my power

I dare not say, i'll put it into act,

To reward your love and service,

Din.

Ther's some comfort,

Lamir.

But thinke not that so low I prize my fame,

595

To give it up to any man that refuses

To buy it, or with danger or performance

Of what I shall enjoine him,

Din.

Name that danger

Be it of what horrid shape soever Ladie

600

Which I will shrinke at; only at this instant

Be speedie in't

Lamir.

I'll put you to the triall:

You shall not fight to day, doe you start at that?

Not with my Brother, I have heard your difference,

605

Mine is no Helens beauty, to be purchas'd

With blood, and so defended if you looke for

Favours from me, deserve them with obedience,

Ther's no way els to gain 'em

Din.

You command

610

What with mine honour I cannot obey

Which lies at pawne against it and a friend

Equally deare as that, or life engag'd,

Not for himself, but me.

Lamir.

Why, foolish man,

615

Dare you sollicite me, to serve your lust,

In which not onely, I abuse my Lord,

My father, and my family, but write whore,

Though not upon my forhead, in my conscience,

To be read howerly, and yet name your honours?

620

Yours suffer but in circumstance; mine in substance,

If you obey me, you part with some credit,

From whom? the giddy multitude; but mankind

Will censure me, and justly

Din.

I will loose,

625

What most I doe desire, rather then hazard

So deare a friend, or write my selfe a coward,

'Tis better be no man

Lamir.

This will not doe;

Why I desire not, you should be a coward,

630

Nor doe I weigh my Brothers life with yours,

Meete him, fight with him, doe, and kill him fairely,

Let me not suffer for you, I am carelesse.

Din.

Suffer for me?

Lamir.

For you, my kindnesse to you,

635

Already brands me, with a strumpets name,

Din.

O that I knew the wretch!

Lamir.

I will not name him,

Nor give you any Character to know him;

But if you dare, and instantly ride foorth

640

At the west port of the City, and defend there

My reputation, against all you meete,

For two houres on'ly, i'l not sweare Dinant,

To satisfie, (though sure I thinke I shall)

What ever you desire, if you denie this

645

Be desperate, for willingly, by this light,

I'l never see thee more

Din.

Two houres, doe you say?

Lamir.

Only two houres,

Dina.

I were no Gentleman,

650

Should I make scruple of it; this favour armes me,

And boldly il 'performe it.

Exit.

Lamir.

I am glad on't.

This will prevent their meeting yet, and keepe

My Brother safe, which was the marke I shott at.

Exeunt.

Actus Secundus.

Scena Prima.

Enter Cleremont, as in the field.

Cler.

655

I am first i'th field that honours gain'd of our side

Pray Heaven I may get of as honourablie,

The houre is past, I wonder Dinant comes not,

This is the place, I cannot see him yet;

It is his quarrell too, that brought me hither,

660

And I ne'r knew him yet, but to this honour,

A firme and worthy Friend, yet I see nothing,

Nor Horse nor man; 'twould vex me, to be left here,

To th mercy of two swords, and two approved ones

I never knew him last.

Enter Beaupre and Verdoone.

Beaup.

665

You are well met Cleremont.

Verdo.

You are a faire Gentleman, & love your friend Sir

What are you ready the time has over tane us?

Beaup.

And this you know the place.

Cler.

No Dinant yet?

Beaup.

670

We come not now to argue, but to doe;

We waite you Sir,

Cler.

Ther's no time past yet. Gentlemen,

We have day enough: i'st possible he comes not?

You see I am ready here, and doe but stay,

675

Till my Friend come, walke but a turne or two,

'Twill not be long.

Verd.

We came to fight.

Cler.

Yee shall fight Gentlemen,

And fight enough, but a short turne or two

680

I thinke I see him, set up your watch, wee'l fight by it.

Beau.

That is not hee; we will not be deluded.

Cler.

Am I bobd thus, pray take a pipe of tobacco?

Or sing but some new ayre; by that time, Gentlemen —

Verd.

Come draw your sword, you know the custome here Sir

685

First come, first serv'd

Cler.

Though it be held a custome,

And practised so, I doe not hold it honest;

What honour can you both win on me single?

Beaup.

Yeild up you sword then.

Cler.

690

Yeild my Sword? that's Hebrew;

I'll be first cut a peices; hold but a while,

I'll take the next that comes,

Enter an old Gentleman.

You are an old Gentleman.

Gent.

Yes indeed am I, Sir,

Cler.

695

And weare no Sword?

Gent.

I need none; Sir,

Cler.

I would you did, and had one;

I want now such a foolish courtesie

You see these Gentlemen;

Gent.

700

You want a second.

In good Faith Sir, I was never handsome at it,

I would you had my Son, but hee's in Italy,

A proper Gentleman; you may doe well gallants

If you quarrell be not capitall, to have more mercy,

705

The Gentleman may doe his Country —

Cler.

Now I beseech you, Sir,

If you dare not fight, doe not stay to beg my pardon,

There lies your way.

Gent.

Good morrow Gentlemen.

Exit.

Verd.

710

You see your fortune,

You had better yeild your sword.

Cler.

Pray yee stay a little

Enter two Gentlemen.

Upon mine honestie, you shall be fought with;

Well, Dinant, well, these weare swords and seeme brave fellowes

715

As you are Gentlemen, one of you supply me

I want a second now to meete these gallants,

You know what honour is,

1 Gent.

Sir you must pardon us,

We goe about the same worke, you are ready for;

720

And must fight presently, els we were your servants,

2 Gent.

God speed you and good day.

Exit Gent.

Cler.

Am I thus Colted?

Beaup.

Come either yeild —

Cler.

As you are honest Gentlemen,

725

Stay but the next, and then i'll take my fortune,

And if I fight not like a man — Fy Dinant,

Cold now and treacherous,

Enter Monsieur la Writ within.

La Writ.

I understand your causes.

Yours about corne, yours about pinnes and glasses,

730

Will you make me mad, have I not all the parcells?

And his Petition too, about Bell-founding?

Send in your witnesses, what will you have me doe?

Will you have me break my heart? my brains are melted;

And tell your Master, as I am a gentleman,

735

His Cause shall be the first, commend me to your Mistris,

And tell her, if there be an extraordinary feather,

And tall enough for her: I shall dispatch you too,

I know your Cause, for transporting of Farthingales

Trouble me no more, I say, againe to you,

740

No more vexation: bid my wife send me some puddings;

I have a Cause to run through, requires puddings,

Puddings enough. Farewell.

Cler.

God speed you, sir.

Beaup.

Would he would take this fellow.

Verd.

745

A rare Youth.

Cler.

If you be not hastie, sir.

La-writ.

Yes, I am hastie,

Exceeding hastie, sir, I am going to the Parliament,

You understand this bag, if you have any businesse

750

Depending there, be short, and let me heare it,

And pay your Fees.

Cler.

'Faith, sir, I have a businesse,

But it depends upon no Parliament.

La-writ.

I have no skill in't then.

Cler.

755

I must desire you,

'Tis a Sword matter, sir.

La-writ.

I am no Cutler,

I am an Advocate, sir.

Beau.

How the thing lookes?

Verd.

760

When he brings him to fight.

Cler.

Be not so hastie,

You weare a good Sword.

La-writ,

I know not that,

I never drew it yet, or whether it be a Sword —

Cler.

765

I must entreat you try, sir, and beare a part

Against these Gentlemen, I want a second;

Yee seeme a man, and 'tis a noble office.

La-writ.

I am a Lawyer, sir, I am no fighter.

Cler.

You that breed quarrells, sir, know best to satisfie.

Beau.

770

This is some sport yet.

Verd.

If this fellow should fight.

La-writ.

And for any thing I know, I am an arrant coward,

Doe not trust me, I thinke I am a coward.

Cler.

Try, try, you are mistaken: walke on gentlemen,

775

The man shall follow presently.

La-writ.

Are ye mad gentleman?

My businesse is within this halfe houre,

Cler.

That's all one,

We'll dispatch within this quarter, there in that bottome,

780

'Tis most convenient gentlemen.

Beau.

Well, we'll wait, sir.

Verd.

Why this will be a comick fight, you'll follow.

La-w.

As I am a true man, I cannot fight.

Ex. Beaup. Verdone.

Cler.

Away, away,

785

I know you can: I like your modesty,

I know you will fight, and so fight, with such mettall,

And with such judgement, meet your enemies fury;

I see it in your eye, sir.

La-writ.

I'le be hang'd then;

790

And I charge you, in the Kings name, name no more fighting.

Cler.

I charge you in the Kings name play the man,

Which if you doe not quickly, I begin with you,

Ile make you dance, doe you see your fiddle sticke?

Sweet Advocate thou shalt fight.

La-writ.

795

Stand farther gentleman.

Or I'le give you such a dust o'th' chapps —

Cler.

Spoke bravely,

And like thy selfe, a noble Advocate:

Come to thy tooles.

La-writ.

800

I doe not say I'le fight.

Cler.

I say thou shalt, and bravely.

La-writ.

If I doe fight;

I say, if I doe, but doe not depend upon't,

And yet I have a foolish itch upon me,

805

What shall become of my Writings?

Cler.

Let 'em ly by,

They will not run away, man.

La-writ.

I may be kil'd too,

And where are all my causes then? my businesse?

810

I will not fight, I cannot fight, my Causes —

Cler.

Thou shalt fight, if thou hadst a thousand causes,

Thou art a man to fight for any cause,

And carry it with honour.

La-writ.

Hum I say you so? if I should

815

Be such a coxcombe to prove valiant now —

Cler.

I know thou art most valiant.

La-writ.

Doe you thinke so?

I am undone for ever, if it prove so,

I tell you that, my honest friend, for ever;

820

For I shall ne're leave quarrelling.

How long must we fight? for I cannot stay,

Nor will not stay, I have businesse.

Cler.

We'll do't in a minute in a moment.

La-writ.

Here will I hang my bag then, it may save my belly,

825

I never lov'd cold iron there.

Cler.

You doe wisely.

La-writ.

Help me to pluck my sword out then, quickly, quickly,

'T has not seen Sun these ten yeares.

Cler.

How it grumbles?

830

This Sword is vengeance angry.

La-writ.

Now I'le put my hat up,

And say my prayers as I goe; away boy,

If I be kill'd, remember the little Lawyer.

Exeunt.

Enter Beaupre.

Beaup.

They are both come on, that may be a stubborne rascall,

835

Take you that ground,

Enter La-writ.

Ile stay here, fight bravely.

La-wr.

To't chearfully my boyes, you'll let's have faire play,

None of your foyning tricks.

Beau.

Come forward Monsieur;

Fight.

840

What hast thou there? a pudding in thy belly?

I shall see what it holds.

La-writ.

Put your spoone home then:

Nay, since I must fight, have at you without wit, sir:

God a mercy bagg.

Beau.

845

Nothing but bumbast in yee?

The rogue winkes and fights.

La-wr.

Now your fine fencing, sir:

Beau. loses his sword, La. writ treads on it.

Stand off, thou diest on point else,

I have it, I have it: yet further off:

850

I have his Sword.

Beau.

Then keep it, be sure you keep it.

La-writ.

I'le put it in my mouth else.

Stand further off yet, and stand quietly,

And looke another way, or I'le be with you.

855

Is this all? I'le undertake within these two dayes

To furnish any Cutler in this Kingdome.

Beau.

Pox, what a fortune's this? disarm'd by a puppie?

A snaile? a dog?

La-Writ.

No more o'these words Gentleman,

860

Sweet gentleman no more, doe not provoke me,

Goe walk i'th' horse faire; whistle gentleman,

What must I doe now?

Enter Cleremont, pursued by Verdoone.

Cler.

Help me, I am almost breathlesse.

La-writ.

With all my heart there's a cold py for you, sir.

Cler.

865

Thou strik'st me, foole.

La-writ.

Thou foole, stand further off then,

Deliver, deliver.

Cler.

Hold fast.

He strikes up the others heeles, and takes his Sword too.

La-writ.

I never faile in't

870

There's twelve pence, go buy you two leaden Daggers,

Have I done well?

Cler.

Most like a gentleman.

Beau.

And we two basely lost.

Verd.

'Tis but a fortune,

875

We shall yet find an houre.

Ex. Beau. Verdoone sad.

Cler.

I shall be glad on't.

La-writ.

Where's my cloake, and my trinkets?

Or will you sight any longer, for a crash or two?

Cler.

I am your noble friend, sir.

La-writ.

880

It may be so.

Cler.

What honour shall I doe you,

For this great courtesie?

La-writ.

All I desire of ye,

Is to take the quarrell to your selfe, and let me heare no more on't

885

I have no liking to't, 'tis a foolish matter,

And help me to put up my Sword.

Cler.

Most willingly.

But I am bound to gratifie you, and I must not leave you.

La-writ.

I tell you, I will not be gratified,

890

Nor I will heare no more on't: take the Swords too,

And doe not anger me but leave me quietly.

For the matter of honour, 'tis at your owne disposure,

And so, and so,

Cler.

This is a most rare Lawyer:

895

I am sure most valiant. Well Dinant as you satisfie me,

I say no more: I am loden like an Armorer.

Exit. Cler.

Enter Dinant.

Din.

To be dispatcht upon a sleevelesse errand?

To leave my friend engag'd, mine honour tainted?

These are trim things. I am set here like a Perdue,

900

To watch a fellow, that has wrong'd my Mistris,

A scurvy fellow, that must passe this way,

But what this scurvy fellow is, or whence,

Or whether his name be William or John,

Or Anthony or Dick or any thing, I know not;

905

A scurvy rascally fellow. I must aime at,

And there's the office of an Asse flung on me.

Sure Cleremont has fought, but how come off,

And what the world shall thinke of me hereafter:

Well, woman, woman. I must looke your rascalls,

910

And loose my reputation: ye have a fine power over us.

These two long houres I have trotted here, and curiously

Survei'd all goers by, yet find no rascall,

Nor any face to quarrell with:

La-writ sings within then Enters.

What's that?

915

This is a rascally voice sure it comes this way.

La-writ.

He strooke so hard the Bason broke,

And Tarquin heard the sound.

Din.

What master thing is this? let me survey it.

La-writ.

And then he strooke his necke in two.

Din.

920

This may be a rascall, but 'tis a mad rascall,

What an Alphabet of faces he puts on?

Hey how it fences? if this should be the rogue,

As 'tis the likeliest rogue. I see this day —

Lawr.

Was ever man for Ladies sake? down, down.

Di.

925

And what are you good sir? down, down, down, down.

La-wr.

What's that to you, good sir? downe, downe.

Din.

A pox on you good, sir, downe, downe, downe,

You with your Buckram bag, what make you here?

And from whence come you? I could fight with my shadow now.

La-w.

930

Thou fierce man, that like sir Lancelot dost appear,

I need not tell thee what I am, nor eke what I make here.

Din.

This is a pretious knave, stay, stay, good Tristram,

And let me aske thy mightinesse a question,

Did ye never abuse a Lady?

La-writ.

935

Not; to abuse a Lady, is very hard, sir,

Din.

Say you so, sir?

Didst thou never abuse her honour?

La-writ.

Not; to abuse her honour, is impossible.

Din.

Certaine this is the rascall: What's thy name?

La-writ.

940

My name is Cock a two, use me respectively,

I will be Cocke of three else.

Din.

What's all this?

You say, you did abuse a Lady;

La-writ.

You ly.

Din.

945

And that you wrong'd her honour.

La-writ.

That's two lyes,

Speake suddenly, for I am full of businesse.

Din.

What art thou, or what canst thou be, thou peagoose,

That dar'st give me the ly thus? thou mak'st me wonder.

Law.

950

And wonder on, till time makes all this plaine.

Din.

You must not part so, sir, art thou a gentleman?

La-w.

Aske those, upon whose ruines, I am mounted.

Din.

This is some Cavellero Knight o'th' Sun.

La-w.

I tell thee, I am as good a gentleman as the Duke;

955

I have atchieved — goe follow thy businesse.

Din.

But for this Lady, sir —

La-writ.

Why, hang this Lady, sir,

And the Lady Mother too, sir, what have I to do with Ladies?

Enter Cleremont.

Cler.

'Tis the little Lawyers voice: has he got my way?

960

It should be here abouts.

Din.

Ye dry bisket rogue,

I wil so swinge you for this blasphemie —

Have I found you out?

Cler.

That should be Dinants tongue too.

La-w.

965

And I defy thee, do thy worst: ô ho quoth Lancelot tho.

And that thou shalt know, I am a true gentleman,

And speake according to the phrase triumphant;

Thy Lady, is a scurvy Lady, and a shitten Lady,

And though I never heard of her, a deboshed Lady,

970

And thou, a squire of low degree; will that content thee?

Dost thou way-lay me with Ladies? A pretty sword, sir,

A very pretty sword, I haue a great mind to't.

Din.

You shall not loose your longing, rogue.

Cler.

Hold, hold,

975

Hold Dinant, as thou art a gentleman.

La-writ.

As much as you will, my hand is in now.

Cler.

I am your friend, sir: Dinant you draw your sword

Upon the gentleman, preserv'd your honour:

This was my second and did back me nobly,

980

For shame forbeare.

Din.

I aske your mercy, sir, and am your servant now.

La-writ.

May we not fight then?

Cler.

I am sure you shall not now.

La-w.

I am sorry for't I am sure I'le stay no longer then.

985

Not a jot longer: are there any more on ye afore?

I will sing still, sir.

Exit La-writ,

Din.

I looke now you should chide me, and 'Tis sir,

And with much bitternesse, expresse your anger,

I have deserv'd: yet when you know —.

Cler.

990

I thanke ye,

Doe you thinke, that the wrong you have offred me,

The most unmanly wrong, unfriendly wrong —

Din.

I doe confesse —

Cler.

That boyish sleight —

Din.

995

Not so, sir.

Cler.

That poore, and base renouncing of your honour,

Can be allaied with words?

Din.

I give you way still.

Cler.

Coloured with smooth excuses? Was it a friends part,

1000

A Gentlemans, a mans that weares a Sword,

And stands upon the point of reputation,

To hide his head, then, when his honour call'd him?

Call'd him alowd, and lead him to his fortune?

To halt and slip the coller? by my life,

1005

I would have given my life, I had never knowne thee,

Thou hast eaten Canker-like into my judgement

With this disgrace, my whole life, cannot heale agiine.

Din.

This I can suffer too, I find it honest.

Cler.

Can you pretend an excuse now may absolve you,

1010

Or any thing like honest, to bring you off?

Ingage me like an Asse?

Din.

Will you but heare me?

Cler.

Expose me like a Jade, to tug, and hale through,

Laugh'd at, and almost hooted? your disgraces,

1015

Invite mens Swords, and angers to dispatch me.

Din.

If you will be patient.

Cler.

And be abus'd still: But that I have call'd thee friend,

And to that name, allow a Sanctuary,

You should heare further from me, I would not talk thus:

1020

But henceforth stand upon your owne bottome, sir,

And beare your owne abuses, I scorne my sword

Should travell in so poore and empty quarrells.

Din.

Ha, you done yet? take your whole swinge of anger,

I'le beare all with content.

Cler.

1025

Why were you absent?

Din.

You know I am no Coward, you have seene that,

And therefore, out of feare, forsooke you not:

You know I am not false, of a treacherous nature,

Apt to betray my friend I have fought for you too;

1030

You know no businesse, that concern'd my state,

My kindred, or my life.

Cler.

Where was the fault then?

Din.

The honour of that Lady I adore

Her credit, and her name: ye know she sent for me,

1035

And with what hast.

Cler.

What was he that traduc'd?

Din.

The man i'th' Moone, I think, hither I was sent,

But to what end —

Enter old Lady.

Cler.

This is a pretty flim-flam.

O. La.

1040

I am glad I have met you sir, I have bin seeking,

And seeking every where.

Cler.

And now you have found him,

Declare that businesse, our Embassadour.

O. Lady.

What's that to ye good man flouter? O sir, my Lady.

Din.

1045

Prethee no more of thy Lady, I have too much on't.

Cler.

Let me have a little, speake to me.

Old Lady.

To you sir?

'Tis more then time: All occasions set aside sir,

Or whatsoever may be thought a businesse —

Din.

1050

What then?

Old Lady.

Repaire to me within this houre.

Cler.

Where?

O. Lady.

What's that to you? come you, sir, when y'are sent for.

Cler.

God a mercy Mumpsimus,

1055

You may goe Dinant, and follow this old Fairie,

Till you have lost your selfe, your friends, your credit,

And hunny out your youth, in rare adventures,

I can but grieve, I have knowne you.

Old Lady.

Will ye goe sir?

1060

I come not often to you with these blessings,

You may believe that thing there, and repent it,

That dogged thing,

Cler.

Peace touchwood.

Din.

I will not goe:

1065

Goe bid your Lady seeke some foole, to fawne on her

Some unexperienc'd puppie, to make sport with,

I have bin her mirth too long, thus I shake from me

The fetters she put on; thus her enchantments

I blow away like wind, no more her beauty.

Old Lady.

1070

Take heed sir, what you say.

Cler.

Goe forward, Dinant.

Din.

The charmes shot from her eyes —

O. Lady.

Be wise.

Cler.

Be Valiant.

Din.

1075

That tongue that tells faire tales to mens destructions

Shall never rack me more.

Old Lady.

Stay there.

Cler.

Goe forward.

Din.

I will now heare her, see her as a woman,

1080

Survey her and the power man has allowed, sir,

As I would doe the course of common things,

Unmov'd, unstruck.

Cler.

Hold there, and I forgive thee.

Din.

She is not faire, and that that makes her proud,

1085

Is not her owne, our eies bestow it on her,

To touch and kisse her, is no blessednesse,

A Sun-burnt Ethiopes lip's as soft as hers.

Goe bid her stick some other triumph up,

And take into her favour some dull foole,

1090

That has no pretious time to loose, no friends,

No honour, nor no life, like a bold Merchant,

A bold and banquerupt man, I have ventur'd all these,

And split my bottome: returne this answer to her,

I am awake againe, and see her mischiefes,

1095

And am not now, on every idle errand,

And now coyn'd anger, to be hurried,

And then despis'd againe, I have forgot her.

Cler.

If this be true —

O. Lady.

I am sorry, I have troubled you,

1100

More sorrie, that my Lady has adventur'd

So great a favour, in so weake a mind:

This houre you have refus'd, that when you come to know it,

Will run you mad, and make you curse that fellow,

She is not faire, nor handsome, so I leave you.

Cler.

1105

Stay Lady, stay, but is there such a businesse?

O. Lady.

You would breake your neck 'twere yours.

Cler.

My back, you would say.

O. La.

But play the friends part still, sir, and undoe him,

'Tis a faire office.

Din.

1110

I have spoke too liberally.

O. Lady.

I shall deliver what you say.

Cler.

You shall be hang'd first,

You would faine be prating now; take the man with you.

O. Lady.

Not I, I have no power.

Cler.

1115

You may goe Dinant.

O. Lady.

'Tis in's own will, I had no further charge, sir,

Then to tell him what I did, which if I had thought

It should have bin receiv'd so —

Cler.

'Faith you may,

1120

You doe not know, how far it may concerne you.

If I perceiv'd any trick in't.

Din.

'Twill end there.

Cler.

'Tis my fault then, there is an houre in fortune,

That must be still observ'd: you thinke I'll chide you,

1125

When things must be, nay see, an he will hold his head up?

Would such a Lady send with such a charge too?

Say she has plaid the foole, play the foole with her againe,

The great foole, the greater still the better,

He shall goe with you woman.

Old Lady.

1130

As it please him,

I know the way alone else.

Din.

Where is your Lady?

O. Lady.

I shall direct you quickly.

Din.

Well, I'll goe,

1135

But what her wrongs, will give me leave to say.

Cler.

We'll leave that to your selves: I shall heare from you.

Din.

As soone as I come off —

Cler.

Come on then bravely;

Farewell till then, and play the man.

Din.

1140

You are merry;

All I expect is scorne: Ile lead you Lady.

Exeunt severally.

Actus tertius.

Scena prima.

Enter Champernell, Lamira, Beaupre, Verdoone, Chailote.

Beaup.

We'll venture on him.

Cham.

Out of my dores I charge thee, see me no more.

Lam.

Your Nephew?

Cham.

1145

I disclaime him.

He has no part in me, nor in my blood,

My Brother that kept fortune bound, and left

Conquest hereditary to his Issue

Could not beget a coward.

Verd.

1150

I fought, sir,

Like a good fellow, and a souldier too,

But men are men, and cannot make their fates:

Ascribe you to my Father, what you please,

I am borne to suffer.

Cham.

1155

All disgrace: wretch.

Lam.

Good sir be patient.

Cham.

Was there no tree,

(For to fall by a noble enemies sword,

A Coward is unworthy) nor no River,

1160

To force thy life out backward, or to drowne it,

But that thou must survive thy infamie?

And kill me, with the sight of one I hate?

And gladly would forget?

Beaup.

Sir, his misfortune

1165

Deserves not this reproofe.

Cham.

In your opinion,

'Tis fit you two should be of one beliefe,

You are indeed, fine gallants, and fight bravely

I'th' City with your tongues, but in the field

1170

Have neither spirit to dare, nor power to doe,

Your swords, are all ledd there.

Beaup.

I know no duty,

(How ever you may wreake your spleene on him)

That bindes me to endure this.

Cham.

1175

From Dinant

You'll suffer more; that ever cursed I,

Should give my honour up, to the defence

Of such a thing as he is, or my Lady

That is all Innocent, for whom a dove would

1180

Assume the courage of a daring Eagle,

Repose her confidence in one that can

No better guard her. In contempt of you

I love Dinant, mine enemy, nay admire him,

His valour claimes it from me, and with justice,

1185

He that could fight thus, in a cause not honest,

His sword edg'd with defence, of right and honour,

Would pierce as deep as lightning, with that speed too,

And kill as deadly.

Verd.

You are as far from Justice,

1190

In him you praise, as equitie in the censure,

You load me with.

Beaup.

Dinant? he durst not meet us.

Lam.

How? durst not brother?

Beaup.

Durst not, I repeat it;

Verdo.

1195

Nor was it Cleremont's valour that disarm'd us,

I had the better of him; for Dinant,

If that might make my peace with you, I dare

Write him a Coward, upon every post,

And with the hazard of my life defend it.

Lam.

1200

If 'twere laied at the stake, you'd loose it, Nephew.

Cham.

Came he not, say you?

Verd.

No, but in his roome,

There was a divell, hir'd from some Magician

I'th' shape of an Atturney.

Beau.

1205

'Twas he did it.

Verd.

And his the honour.

Beau.

I could wish Dinant —

But what talke I of one that stept aside,

And durst not come?

Lam.

1210

I am such a friend to truth,

I cannot heare this: why doe you detract

Thus poorely (I should say to others basely)

From one, of such approv'd worth?

Cham.

Ha! how's this?

Lam.

1215

From one so excellent, in all that's noble,

Whose onely weaknesse, is excesse of courage?

That knowes no enemies, that he cannot master,

But his affections, and in them, the worst

His love to me.

Cham.

1220

To you?

Lam.

Yes, sir to me,

I dare (for what is that, which Innocence dares not)

To you professe it, and he shun'd the Combat

For feare, or doubt of these: blush and repent,

1225

That you in thought, ere did that wrong to valour.

Beau.

Why, this is rare.

Cham.

'Fore heaven, exceeding rare;

Why modest Lady, you that sing such Encomiums

Of your first Suiter —

Verd.

1230

How can ye convince us

In our reports?

Lam.

VVith what you cannot answer,

'Twas my command that staied him.

Cham.

Your command?

Lam.

1235

Mine, sir, and had my will rank'd with my power,

And his obedience, I could have sent him

VVith more ease, weaponlesse to you, and bound,

Then have kept him back, so well he loves his honour

Beyond his life.

Cham.

1240

Better, and better still,

Lam.

I wrought with him in private to divert him

From your assur'd destruction, had he met you.

Cham.

In private?

Lam.

Yes, and us'd all Arts, all Charmes,

1245

Of one that knew her selfe the absolute Mistris

Of all his faculties.

Cham.

Gave all rewards too

His service could deserve; did not he take

The measure of my sheets?

Lam.

1250

Doe not looke yellow,

I have cause to speake; frownes cannot fright me,

By all my hopes, as I am spotlesse to you,

If I rest once assur'd, you doe but doubt me,

Or curbe me of that freedome, you once gave me —

Cham.

1255

VVhat then?

Lam.

I'll not alone, abuse your bed, that's nothing,

But to your more vexation, 'tis resov'd on,

I'll run away, and then try if Dinant

Have courage to defend me.

Champ.

1260

Impudent!

Verdo.

And on the sudden —

Beau.

How are ye transform'd,

From what you were?

Lam.

I was an innocent Virgin,

1265

And I can truly sweare, a Wife as pure

As ever lay by Husband, and will dy so,

Let me live unsuspected, I am no servant,

Nor will be us'd like one: If you desire

To keep me constant, as I would be, let

1270

Trust and beliefe in you, beget, and nurse it;

Unnecessary jealousies, make more whores

Then all baites els, laied to entrap our frailties.

Beau.

There's no contesting with her, from a child

Once mov'd, she hardly was to be appeas'd,

1275

Yet I dare sweare her honest.

Cham.

So I thinke too,

On better judgement: I am no Italian

To lock her up; nor would I be a Dutchman,

To have my Wife, my soveraigne, to command me:

1280

I'll try the gentler way, but if that faile,

Believe it, Sir, there's nothing but extreames,

VVhich she must feele from me.

Beau.

That, as you please, sir.

Charl.

You have won the breeches, Madam, looke up sweetly,

1285

My Lord limpes toward you.

Lam.

You will learne more manners.

Charl.

This is a fee, for counsell that's unask'd for.

Cham.

Come, I mistook thee sweet, prethee forgive me,

I never will be jealous: ere I cherish

1290

Such a mechanick humour; I'll be nothing;

I'll say Dinant, is all that thou wouldst have him,

VVill that suffice?

Lam.

'Tis well, sir.

Champ.

Use thy freedome

1295

Uncheck'd, and unobserv'd, if thou wilt have it,

These shall forget their honour, I my wrongs

We'll all dote on him, hell be my reward

If I dissemble.

Lam.

And that hell take me

1300

If I affect him, he's a lustfull villaine,

(But yet no coward) and sollicites me

To my dishonour, that's indeed a quarrell,

And truly mine, which I will so revenge,

As it shall fright, such as dare onely thinke

1305

To be adulterers.

Cham.

Use thine owne waies,

I give up all to thee.

Beau.

O women, women!

When you are pleas'd you are the least of evils.

Verd.

1310

I'll rime to't, but provokt, the worst of divells.

Exeunt.

Enter Monsier Sampson, and three Clients.

Samp.

I know Monsier La-writ.

1 Cly.

VVould he knew himselfe, Sir.

Samp.

He was a pretty Lawyer, a kind of pretty Lawyer.

Of a kind, of unable thing.

2 Cly.

1315

A fine Lawyer, Sir,

And would have firk'd you up a businesse,

And out of this Court into that.

Samp.

Ye are too forward,

Not so fine my friends, something he could have done,

1320

But short, short.

1 Cly.

I know your worships favour,

You are Nephew to the Judge, Sir.

Samp.

It may be so,

And something may be done, without trotting i'th' durt, friends;

1325

It may be I can take him in his Chamber,

And have an houres talke, it may be so,

And tell him that in's eare, there are such courtesies:

I will not say, I can.

3 Cly.

VVe know you can, sir.

Sam.

1330

Peradventure I, peradventure no: but where's Lawrit?

VVhere's your sufficient Lawyer?

1 Cly.

He's blowne up, Sir.

2 Cly.

Run mad, and quarrells, with the dog he meets;

He is no Lawyer, of this world now.

Samp.

1335

Your reason?

Is he defunct? is he dead?

2 Cly.

No, he's not dead yet, sir;

But I would be loth to take a lease on's life for two houres:

Alas, he is possest sir, with the spirit of fighting,

1340

And quarrells with all people; but how he came to it —

Samp.

If he fight well, and like a Gentleman,

The man may fight, for 'tis a lawfull calling.

Looke you my friends, I am a civill Gentleman,

And my Lord my Uncle loves me.

3 Cly.

1345

We all know it, sir.

Sam.

I thinke he does, sir, I have business too, much businesse,

Turn you some forty or fifty Causes in a weeke;

Yet when I get an houre of vacancie,

I can fight too my friends, a little does well,

1350

I would be loth to learne to fight.

1 Cly.

But and't please you, sir,

His fighting has neglected all our businesse,

We are undone, our causes cast away, sir,

His not appearance.

Sam.

1355

There he fought too long

A little, & fight well, he fought too long indeed friends;

But ne'r the lesse, things must be, as they may,

And there be wayes —

1 Cly.

We know, sir, if you please —

Sam.

1360

Something I'll doe; goe rally up your Causes.

Enter La-writ, and a Gentleman at the dore.

2 Cly.

Now you may behold sir,

And be a witnesse, whether we lie or no.

La-writ.

I'll meet you at the Ordinary, sweet Gentlemen,

And if there be a wench or two —

Gent.

1365

We'll have 'em.

La-wr.

No handling any Duells before I come,

We'll have no going lesse, I hate a coward.

Gent.

There shall be nothing done.

La-wr.

Make all the quarrells

1370

You can devise before I come, and let's all fight,

There is no sport els.

Gent.

We'll see what may be done, sir,

1 Cly.

Ha? Monsier La-writ?

La-Wr.

Baffled in way of businesse,

1375

My causes cast away, Judgement against us?

Why there it goes

2 Cli.

What shall we do the whilst Sir?

La-Wr.

Breed new dissentions, goe hang your selves

'Tis allo ne to me; I have a new trade of living.

1 Cli.

1380

Doe you heare what he saies Sir?

Sam.

The Gentleman, speakes finely

La Wr.

Will any of you fight? Fightings my occupation

If you find your selves agreev'd;

Sam.

A compleate Gentleman.

La-Wr.

1385

Avant thou buckram budget of petitions,

Thou spittle of lame causes; I lament for thee,

And till revenge be taken —

Sam.

'Tis most excellent.

La-Wr.

There every man chuse his paper, and his place.

1390

I'll answer ye all, I will neglect no mans busines

But he shall have satisfaction like a Gentleman,

The Judge may doe and not doe, hee's but a Monsieur

Sam.

You have nothing of mine in your bag, Sir,

La-Wr.

I know not Sir,

1395

But you may put any thing in, any fighting thing

Sam.

It is sufficient, you may heare hereafter.

La-Wr.

I rest your servant Sir,

Sam.

No more words Gentlemen

But follow me, no more words as you love me,

1400

The Gentlemans, a noble Gentleman.

I shall doe what I can, and then —

Cli.

We thanke you Sir,

Exit Sam. and Clients.

Sam.

Not a word to disturb him, hee's a Gentleman.

La-Wr.

No cause goe? o my side the judge cast all?

1405

And because I was honourably employed in action,

And not appear'd, pronounce? 'tis very well,

'Tis well faith, 'tis well, Judge.

Enter Cleremont.

Cler.

Who have we here?

My little furious Lawyer?

La-Wr.

1410

I say 'tis well,

But marke the end.

Cler.

How he is metamorphis'd?

Nothing of Lawyer left not a bit of buckrum,

No solliciting face now,

1415

This is no simple conversion

Your servant Sir, and Friend.

La-Wr.

You come in time, Sir,

Cler.

The happier man, to be at your command then.

La-Wr.

You may wonder to see me thus; but tha'ts all one

1420

Time shall declare; 'tis true I was a Lawyer,

But I have mend that coat, I hate a Lawyer,

I talk'd much in the Court, now I hate talking

I did you the office of a man.

Cler.

I must confesse it,

La-wr.

1425

And budg'd not, no I budg'd not

Cler.

No, ye did not,

La-wr.

Ther's it then, one good turne requires another

Cler.

Most willing Sir, I am ready at your service

La-wr.

There read, and understand, & then deliver it

Cler.

1430

This is a challenge Sir,

La-wr.

'Tis very like Sir,

I seldome now write Sonnets

Cler.

O admirantis,

To Monsieur Vertaigne the president,

La-wr.

1435

I choose no foole sir,

Cler.

Why hee's no sword man Sir,

La-wr.

Let him learne, let him learne,

Time that traines Chickens up, will teach him quickly

Cler.

Why hee's a Judge, an old man.

La-wr.

1440

Never too old.

To be a Gentleman; and he that is a judge

Can judge best what belongs to wounded honour;

There are my griefes he has cast away my causes,

In which he has bowed my reputation.

1445

And therefore Judge, or no Judge,

Cler.

Pray be rul'd Sir,

This is the maddest thing —

La-wr.

You will not carry it,

Cler.

I doe not tell you so, but if you may be perswaded

La-wr.

1450

You know how you us'd me, when I would not fight,

Doe you remember Gentleman?

Cler.

The Divells in him.

La-wr.

I see it in your eyes, that you dare it

You have a carrying face, and you shall carry it,

Cler.

1455

The least is banishment

La-wr.

Be banish'd then;

'Tis a friends part, wee'll meete in Africa,

Or any corner of the earth.

Cler.

Say he will not fight,

La-wr.

1460

I know then what to say take you no care Sir,

Cler.

Well, I will carry it, and deliver it,

And to morrow morning meete you in the louer,

Till when, my service,

La-Wr.

A Judge, or no Judge, no Judge.

Exit La-wr.

Cler.

1465

This is the prettiest Rogue that 'ere I read of,

None to provoke tot'h field, but the old president;

What face shall I put on? if I come in earnest,

I am sure to weare a paire of braceletts;

This may make some sport yet, I will deliver it

1470

Here comes the president.

Enter Vertaigne with two Gentlemen.

Vert.

I shall find time Gentlemen,

To doe your causes good, is not that Cleremont.

1 Gent.

'Tis he my Lord?

Vert.

Why does he smile upon me?

1475

Am I become ridiculous? has your fortune Sir

Upon my son made you contemne his Father?

The glory of a Gentleman, is faire bearing,

Cler.

Mistake me not my Lord, you shall not find that;

I come with no blowen spirit to abuse you,

1480

I know your place, and honour due unto it,

The reverence to your silver age and vertue,

Vert.

Your face is merry still.

Cler.

So is my bussinesse,

And I beseech your honour, mistake me not

1485

I have brought you from a wild, or rather mad man

As mad a peice — of you were wont to love mirth,

In your young dayes, I have knowne your honour wo it

This may be made no little one, 'tis a challenge Sir,

Nay start not I beseech you, it meanes you no harme

1490

Nor any man of honour, or understanding

'Tis to steale from your serious houres a little laughters

I am bold to bring it to your Lordship,

Vert.

'Tis to me indeed.

Doe they take me for a sword man, at these yeares?

Cler.

1495

'Tis onely worth your honours mirth thats all Sir,

'Tad bin in me else a sawcie rudenesse.

Vert.

From one La-Writ, a very punctuall challenge,

Cler.

But if your Lordship marke it, no great matter

Vert.

I have knowne such a wrangling advocate,

1500

Such a little figent thing; Oh I remember him,

A notable talking knave, now out upon him,

Has challeng'd me downe right, defied me mortally

I doe remember too, I cast his causes

Cler.

Why ther's the quarrell Sir, the mortall quarrell

Vert.

1505

Why what a knave is this? as y'are? Gentleman

Is there no further purpose but meere mirth?

What a bold man of warre, he invites me roundly

Cler.

If there should be, I were no Gentleman.

Nor worthy of the honour of my kindred,

1510

And though I am sure your Lordship hate my person,

Which time may bring againe into your favour,

Yet for my manners —

Vert.

I am satisfied,

You see Sir, I have out li'v'd those daies of fighting,

1515

And therfore cannot do him the honour to beate him my selfe

But I have a kinsman, much of his abilitie

His wit and carriage, for this calls him foole,

One that will spit as senselesse fire, as this fellow

Cler.

And such a man to undertake, my Lord,

Verta.

1520

Nay hees too forward, these two pitch barrells together

Cler.

Upon my soule no harme.

Vert.

It makes me smile,

Why what a stinking smother will they utter?

Yes he shall undertake Sir, as my Champion,

1525

Since you propound it mirth, i'll venture on it

And shall defend my cause, but as y'ar honest

Sport not with blood.

Cler.

Thinke not so basely, good Sir,

Vert.

A squire shall waite upon you from my kinsman,

1530

To morrow morning, make your sport at full,

You want no subject, but no wounds.

Cler.

That's my care

Vert.

And so good day.

Exit Vertaine and Gentlemen.

Cler.

Many unto your honour,

1535

This is a noble fellow of a sweet spirit,

Now must I thinke how to contrive this matter,

For together they shall goe.

Enter Dinant.

Din.

O Cleremont

I am glad I have found thee,

Cler.

1540

I can tell thee rare things,

Din.

O I can tell thee rarer,

Dost thou love me?

Cler.

Love thee?

Din.

Doest thou love me dearely

1545

Dar'st thou for my sake?

Cler.

Any thing that's honest

Din.

Though it be dangerous

Cler.

Pox o dangerous

Din.

Nay wonderous dangerous.

Cler.

1550

Wilt thou breake my hearte?

Din.

Along with me then.

Cler.

I must part to morrow.

Din.

You shall, you shall, be faithfull for this night

And thou hast made thy freind.

Cler.

1555

Away and talke not

Exeunt.

Enter Lamira and Nurse.

Lam.

O Nurse welcome, where's Dinant?

Nurse.

Hee is at my back

'Tis the most liberall Gentleman, this gold,

He gave me for my paines, nor can I blame you,

1560

If you yeild up the for't

Lam.

How? yeild it up?

Nurse.

I know not, he that loves, and gives so largely,

And a young Lord to boote, or I am cousend

May enter every where,

Lam.

1565

Thou't make me angry.

Enter Dinant and Cleremont.

Nurse.

Why if you are I hope heres on will please you,

Looke on him with my eyes, good luck goe with you

Were I young for your sake. —

Din.

I thanke thee Nurse,

Nurse.

1570

I would be tractable, and as I am —

Lam.

Leave the roome,

So old, and so immodest? and be carefull,

Since whispers will make sleeping jealousies.

That none disturb my Lord.

Exit Nurse.

Cler.

1575

Will you dispatch?

Till you come to the matter be not rapt thus,

Walk in, walk in, I am your scout for once,

You owe me the like service,

Din.

And will pay it,

Lam.

1580

As you respect our lives, speake not so loud

Cler.

Why, to it in dumb shew then, I am silenc'd

Lam.

Be not so hasty Sir, the golden apples,

Had a fell dragon for their guard, your pleasures

Are to be attempted with Herculean danger,

1585

Or never to be gotten

Din.

Speake the meanes,

Lam.

Thus briefely my Lord sleepes now, and alas,

Each night he only sleepes.

Cler.

Goe keepe her stirring,

Lam.

1590

Now if he wake, as sometimes he does,

He only stretches out his hand and feeles,

Whether I am a bed, which being assur'd of

He sleepes againe; But should he misse me, valour

Could not defend our lives,

Din.

1595

Wha'ts to be done then?

Lam.

Servants have servile Faiths, nor have I any

That I dare trust; on noble Cleremont

We safely may rely

Cler.

What man can doe,

1600

Command and boldly,

Lam.

Thus then in my place,

You must lye with my Lord,

Cler.

With an old man?

Two beards together? that's prepostrous.

Lam.

1605

There is no other way, and though 'tis dangerous

He having servants within call; and arm'd too,

Slaves feed to act, all that his jealousy,

And rage commands them, yet a true friend should not

Checke at the hazard of a life,

Cler.

1610

I thanke you,

I love my friend, but know no reason why

To hate my self, to be a kind of pander,

You see I am willing,

But to betray mine owne throat you must pardon,

Din.

1615

Then I am lost, and all my hopes defeated

Were I to hazard ten times more for you,

You should find, Cleremont —

Cler.

You shall not out doe me,

Fall what may fall, i'll do't

Din.

1620

But for his beard —

Lam.

To cover that you shall have my night Linnen,

And you dispos'd of, my Dinant and I,

Will have some private conference.

Enter Champ. privately.

Cler.

Private doing,

1625

Or i'll not venture,

Lam.

That's as we agree.

Exeunt.

Enter Nurse and Charloth, pass 'ore the stage with pillowes night Cloaths and such things.

Cham.

What can this Woman do, preserving her honour?

I have given her all the liberty that may be

I will not be far off though; nor I will not be jealous

1630

Nor trust too much, I think she is vertuous,

Yet when I hold her best, she's but a woman,

As full of frailty as of Faith, a poore sleight woman,

And her best thoughts, but weake fortifications,

There may be a meane wrought. Well, let'em work then,

1635

I shall meet with it: till the signes be monstrous,

And stick upon my head, I will not believe it,

Stands private.

She may be & she may not: now to my observation.

Enter Dinant, and Lamira.

Din:

VVhy do you make me stay so? if you love me —

Lam.

You are too hot, and violent.

Din.

1640

Why doe you shift thus

From one chamber to another?

Lam.

A little delay, sir,

Like fire, a little sprinckled ore with water,

Makes the desires burne cleare, and ten times hotter.

Din.

1645

Why doe you speake so lowd? I pray'e goe in

Sweet Mistris I am mad, time steales away,

And when we would enjoy —.

Lam.

Now fy, fy servant,

Wine.

Like sensuall beasts, shall we enjoy our pleasures?

Din.

1650

Pray doe but kisse me then.

Lam.

Why, that I will, and you shall find anon, servant.

Di.

oftly for heavens sake, you know my friend's engag'd,

A little now, now; Will you goe in againe?

Lam.

Ha, ha, ha, ha.

Din.

1655

Why doe you laugh so lowd? pretious,

Will you betray me? ha my friends throat cut?

Lam.

Come, come, I'le kisse thee again.

Cham.

Will you so? you are liberall,

If you doe cozen me —

Enter Nurse with Wine.

Din.

1660

What's this?

Lam.

Wine, wine, a draught or two.

Din.

What does this woman here?

Lam.

She shall not hinder you.

Din.

This might have bin spar'd,

1665

'Tis but delay, and time lost: pray send her softly off.

Lam.

Sit downe, and mix your spirits with VVine,

I will make you another Hercules.

Din.

I dare not drinke;

Fy, what delayes you make? I dare not,

Recorders.

1670

I shall be drunke presently and do strange things then.

Lam.

Not drink a cup with your Mistris? ô the pleasure.

Din.

Lady, why this?

Musicke.

Lam.

We must have mirth to our wine, man.

Din.

Pl — o'th' Musick.

Cham.

1675

God-a-mercy VVench,

If thou dost Cuckold me, I shall forgive thee.

Din.

The house will all rise now, this will disturb all.

Did you doe this?

Lam.

Peace, and sit quiet, foole,

1680

You love me, come, sit downe and drinke.

Enter Cleremont above.

Cler,

VVhat a divell aile you?

How cold I sweat? a hogs pox, stop your pipes,

Musick.

The thing will wake: now, now me thinks I find

His Sword just gliding through my throte: VVhat's that?

1685

A vengeance choke your pipes. Are you there Lady?

Stop, stop those rascalls; doe you bring me hither

To be cut into minced meate? VVhy Dinant?

Din.

I cannot doe withall;

I have spoke, and spoke: I am betraied, and lost too.

Cler.

1690

Doe you heare me? do you understand me?

Plague dam your whistles.

Musicke ends.

Lam.

'Twas but an over-sight, they have done, ly down.

Cler.

VVould you had done too.

You know not

1695

In what a misery, and feare I ly.

You have a Lady in your armes.

Din.

I would have —

The Recorders againe.

Cham.

I'le watch you, goodman wood have.

Cler.

Remove for heavens sake,

1700

And fall to that you come for.

Lam.

Ly you downe,

'Tis but an houres endurance now.

Cler.

I dare not, softly sweet Lady, — heart?

Lam.

'Tis nothing but your feare, he sleeps still soundly,

1705

Ly gently downe.

Cler.

'Pray make an end.

Din.

Come, Madam.

Lam.

These Chambers are too neare.

Ex. Din. Lam.

Cham.

I shall be nearer;

1710

Well, goe thy wayes. I'le trust thee through the world,

Deale how thou wilt: that that I never feele,

I'le never feare. Yet by the honour of a Souldiour,

I hold thee truly Noble. How these things will looke,

And how their bloods will curdle? play on children,

1715

You shall have pap anon. O thou grand foole,

That thou knowest, but thy fortune —

Musick done.

Cler.

Peace, good Madam,

Stop her mouth Dinant, it sleeps yet, 'pray' be wary,

Dispatch, I cannot endure this misery,

1720

I can heare nothing more; I'le say my praiers,

And downe againe —

Whistle within.

A thousand larums, fall upon my quarter,

Heaven send me off; When I ly keeping courses.

Pl — o' your fumbling Dinant; how I shake?

1725

'Tis still againe. Would I were in the Indies.

Exit Cler.

Enter Dinant, and Lamira. A light within.

Din.

Why doe ye use me thus? thus poorely? basely?

Worke me into a hope, and then destroy me?

Why did you send for me? this new way traine me?

Lam.

Madman, a fool, & fals man, now Ile shew thee man

Din.

1730

'Pray' put your light out.

Lam.

No I'le hold it thus,

That all chast eyes, may see thy lust, and scorne it,

Tell me but this, when you first doted on me,

And made suite to enjoy me, as your wife,

1735

Did you not hold me honest?

Din.

Yes, most vertuous.

Lam.

And did not that appeare, the onely lustre

That made me worth your love, and admiration?

Din.

I must confesse —

Lam.

1740

Why would you deale so basely?

So like a thiefe? a villaine?

Din.

Peace, good Madam.

Lam.

I'le speake aloud too; thus maliciously,

Thus breaking all the rules of honestie,

1745

Of honour, and of truth, for which I lov'd you,

For which, I call'd you servant, and admir'd you,

To steale that jewell, purchas'd by another

Piously set in Wedlock, even that Jewell,

Because it had no flame, you held unvaluable:

1750

Can he that has lov'd good, doat on the divell?

For he that seekes a whore, seeks but his agent:

Or am I of so wild, and low of blood,

So nurs'd in infamies?

Din.

I doe not thinke so,

1755

And I repent.

Lam.

That will not serve your turne, sir.

Din.

It was your treaty drew me on.

Lam.

But it was your villany,

Made you pursue it: I drew you but to try

1760

How much a man, and nobly you durst stand,

How well you had deserv'd the name of vertuous;

But you, like a wild torrent, mix'd with all

Beastly and base affections came floating on,

Swelling your poison'd billowes —

Din.

1765

Will you betray me?

Lam.

To all the miseries, a vext woman may.

Din.

Let me but out,

Give me but roome to tosse my sword about me,

And I will tell you, y'are a treacherous woman,

1770

O that I had but words!

Lam.

They will not serve you.

Din.

But two-edg'd words to cut thee; a Lady traytor?

Perish by a proud puppet? I did you too much honour,

To tender you my love, too much respected you,

1775

To thinke you worthy of my worst embraces.

Goe, take your groome, and let him dally with you,

Your greasie groome; I scorne to impe your lame stock,

You are not faire, nor handsome, I lyed loudly.

This tongue abus'd you, when it spoke you beauteous.

Lam.

1780

'Tis very well, 'tis brave.

Din.

Put out your light,

Your lascivious eyes, are flames enough

For fooles to find you out: a Lady plotter?

Must I begin, your sacrifice of mischiefe?

1785

I and my friend, the first fruits of that blood,

You and your honourable Husband aime at?

Crooked and wretched you are both.

Lam.

To you, sir,

Yet to the eye of Justice, streight as Truth.

Din.

1790

Is this a womans love? a womans mercy?

Do you professe this seriously? doe you laugh at me?

Lam.

Ha, ha.

Din.

Pl — light upon your scornes, upon your flatteries

Upon your tempting faces, all destructions:

1795

A bedrid Winter hang upon your cheekes,

And blast, blast, blast, those buds of pride that point you;

Death in your eyes to fright men from these dangers.

Raise up your trophy Cleremont.

Cler.

What a vengeance ayle you?

Din.

1800

What dismall noise, is there, no honour in you?

Cleremont, we are betraied, betraied, sold by a woman,

Deale bravely for thy selfe.

Cler.

This comes of rutting:

Are we made stales to one another?

Din.

1805

Yes, we are undone, lost.

Cler.

You shall pay for't grey-beard:

Vp up, you sleep your last else.

Lights above, two Servants and Anabell.

1 Serv.

No not yet, sir,

Lady, looke up: would you have wrong'd this beauty?

1810

Wake so tender a Virgin, with rough tearmes?

You weare a sword; we must entreat you leave it.

2 Serv.

Fy sir, so sweet a Lady?

Cle.

Was this my bed-fellow? pray give me leave to look,

I am not mad yet, I may be, by and by.

1815

Did this ly by me?

Did I feare this? is this a cause to shake at?

Away with me for shame, I am a rascall.

Enter Champernell, Beaupre, Verdoone, Laimra, Anabel, Cleremont, and two Servants.

Din.

I am amaz'd too.

Beau.

We'll recover you.

Verd.

1820

You walk like Robin-good-fellow, all the house over

And every man afraid of you.

Din.

'Tis well Lady.

The honour of this deed, will be your owne,

The world shall know your bounty.

Beaup.

1825

What shall we doe with 'em?

Cler.

Geld me,

For 'tis not fit I should be a man againe,

I am an Asse, a Dog.

Lam.

Take your revenges,

1830

You know my Husbands wrongs, and your owne losses.

Anab.

A brave man, an admirable brave man;

Well, well, I would not be so tried again;

A very handsome proper gentleman.

Cler.

Will you let me ly by her, but one houre more,

1835

And then hang me?

Din.

Wee wait your malice, put your swords home bravely,

You have reason to seeke blood.

Lam.

Not as you are Noble.

Cham.

Hands off and give them liberty, onely disarm 'em.

Beaup.

1840

We have done that already.

Champ.

You are welcome gentlemen,

I am glad my house, has any pleasure for you,

I keep a couple of Ladies here, they say faire,

And you are young, and handsome gentlemen;

1845

Have you any more mind to Wenches?

Cler.

To be abus'd too? Lady, you might have help'd this,

Ana.

Sir now 'tis past, but 't may be I may stand,

Your friend hereafter, in a greater matter.

Cler.

Never whilst you live.

Ana.

1850

You cannot tell — now sir a parting hand.

Cler.

Downe and Roses:

Well, I may live to see you again. A dull rogue,

No revelation in thee.

Lam.

Were you well frighted?

1855

Were your fitts, from the heart, of all colds and colours?

That's all your punishment.

Cler.

It might have bin all yours,

Had not a blockhead undertaken it.

Cham.

Your swords you must leave to these gentlemen.

Verd.

1860

And now, when you dare fight,

We are on even Ice againe.

Din.

'Tis well:

To be a Mistris, is to be a monster,

And so I leave your house, and you for ever.

Lam.

1865

Leave your wild lusts, and then you are a master.

Cham.

You may depart too.

Cler.

I had rather stay here.

Cham.

Faith we shall fright you worse.

Cler.

Not in that manner,

1870

There's five hundred crownes, fright me but so againe.

Din.

Come Cleremont, this is the houre of foole.

Cler.

Wiser the next shall be or we'll to schoole.

Exeunt.

Champ.

How coolely these hot gallants are departed?

Faith cousin 'twas unconscionably done,

1875

To ly so still and so long.

Anab.

'Twas your pleasure,

If 'twere a fault I may hereafter mend.

Champ.

O, My best Wife.

Take now what course thou wilt, and lead what life.

Lam.

1880

The more trust you commit, the more care still,

Goodnesse and vertue, shall attend my will.

Cham.

Let's laugh this night out now & count our gains,

We have our honours home, and they their paines.

Exeunt omnes.

Actus quarti.

Scena Prima.

Enter Cleremont Dinant.

Din.

It holds, they will goe thither.

Cler.

1885

To their Summer house?

Din.

Thither i'th' evening, and which is the most infliction,

Onely to insult upon our miseries.

Cler.

Are you provided?

Din.

Yes, yes.

Cler.

1890

Throughly?

Din.

Throughly.

Cler.

Basta enough, I have your mind, I wil not faile you.

Din.

At such an houre.

Cler.

Have I a memorie?

1895

A Cause, and Will to doe? thou art so sullen —

Din.

And shall be, till I have a faire reparation.

Cler.

I have more reason, for I scaped a fortune,

Which if I come so neare againe: I say nothing,

But if I sweat not in another fashion —

1900

O, a delicate Wench.

Din.

'Tis certaine a most handsome one.

Cle.

And me thought the thing was angry with it self too

It lay so long concealed but I must part with you,

I have a scene of mirth, to drive this from my heart,

1905

And my houre is come.

Din.

Misse not your time.

Cler.

I dare not.

Exeunt severally.

Enter Sampson and a Gentleman.

Gent.

I presume, sir, you now need no instruction,

But fairely know, what belongs to a Gentleman;

1910

You beare your Uncles cause.

Sam.

Doe not disturbe me,

I understand my cause, and the right carriage.

Gent.

Be not too bloody.

Sam.

As I find my enemy; if his sword bite,

1915

If it bite, sir, you must pardon me.

Gent.

No doubt he is valiant,

He durst not undertake else,

Sam.

Hee's most welcome,

As he is most valiant, he were no man for me else.

Gent.

1920

But say he should relent.

Sam.

Hee dies relenting,

I cannot helpe it, he must die relenting,

If he pray, praying ipso facto, praying,

Your honourable way, admits no prayer,

1925

And if he sight, he falls, there's his quiet us.

Gent.

Y'are nobly punctuall, let's retire and meet 'em,

But still, I say, have mercy.

Samp.

I say, honour.

Exeunt.

Enter Champernell, Lamira, Anabell, Beaupre, Verdoone, Charlote and a servant.

Lam.

Will not you goe sweet-heart?

Cham.

1930

Goe? I'le fly with thee,

I stay behind?

Lam.

My Father will be there too,

And all our best friends,

Beaup.

And if we be not merry,

1935

We have hard lucke, Lady.

Verd.

Faith let's have a kind of play.

Cham.

What shall it be?

Verd.

The story of Dinant.

Lam.

With the merry conceits of Cleremont,

1940

His fitts and Fevers.

Ana.

But I'le lie still no more.

Lam.

That, as you make the Play, 'twill be rare sport,

And how 'twill vex my gallants, when they heare it?

Have you given order for the Coach?

Charl.

1945

Yes, Madam.

Cham.

My easie Nag, and padd.

Serv.

'Tis making ready.

Champ.

Where are your horses?

Beau.

Ready at an houre, sir: we'll not be last.

Cham.

1950

Fy, what a night shall we have?

A roaring, merry night.

Lam.

We'll fly at all, sir.

Cham.

I'le fly at thee too, finely, and so ruffle thee,

I'le try your Art, upon a Country pallet.

Lam.

1955

Brag not too much, for feare I should expect it,

Then if you faile —

Cham.

Thou saiest too true, we all talke,

But let's in, and prepare, and after dinner

Begin our mirthfull pilgrimage.

Lam.

1960

He that's sad,

A crab-fac'd Mistris cleave to him for this yeare.

Exeunt.

Enter Cleremont. and La-writ.

La-writ.

Since it cannot be the Judge —

Cler.

'Tis a great deale better.

La-writ.

You are sure, he is his kinsman? a gentleman?

Cler.

1965

As arrant a gentleman, and a brave fellow,

And so neare to his blood —

La-writ.

It shall suffice,

I'le set him further off, I'le give a remove

Shall quit his kindred, I'le lopp him.

Cler.

1970

Will ye kill him?

La-w.

And there were no more cosins in the world I kil him,

I do mean, sir, to kill all my Lords kindred.

For every Cause a cousin.

Cler.

How if he have no more cousins.

La-writ.

1975

The next a kin then, to his Lordships favour,

The man he smiles upon.

Cler.

Why this is vengeance, horrid, and dire.

La-writ.

I love a dire revenge:

Give me the man, that will all others kill,

1980

And last himselfe,

Cler.

You stole that resolution.

La-writ.

I had it in a Play, but that's all one,

I woo'd see it done.

Cler.

Come, you must be more mercifull.

La-writ.

1985

To no Lords cosins in the world, I hate 'em;

A Lords cosin to me is a kind of Cocatrice,

If I see him first, he dies.

A strange Antipathy,

Cler.

What think you of their Neeces?

La-writ.

1990

If I like 'em,

They may live, and multiply; 'tis a cold morning.

Cler.

'Tis sharpe indeed; you have broke your fast.

La-writ.

No verily.

Cler.

Your valour would have ask'd a good foundation.

La-writ.

1995

Hang him, I'le kill him fasting.

Enter Sampson and the Gent.

Cler.

Here they come,

Beare your selfe in your language, smooth and gently,

When your swords argue.

La-writ.

'Pray sir spare your precepts.

Gent.

2000

I have brought you sir —

La-writ.

'Tis very well, no words,

You are welcome, sir.

Sam.

I thanke you, sir, few words.

La-writ.

I'le kill you for your Uncles sake.

Sam.

2005

I love you,

I'le cut your throat, for your owne sake.

La-writ.

I esteeme of you.

Cler.

Let's render 'em honest, and faire, gentlemen,

Search my friend, I'le search yours.

Gent.

2010

That's quickly done.

Cler.

You come with no spells, nor witchcrafts?

Sam.

I come fairely, to kill him honestly.

La-writ.

Hang Spells, and Witchcrafts,

I come to kill my Lords Nephew like a gentleman,

2015

And so I kisse his hand.

Gent.

This doublet is too stiffe.

La-writ.

Off woo't, I hate it,

And all such fortifications, feele my skin,

If that be stiffe, flea that off too.

Gent.

2020

'Tis no soft one.

La-wr.

Off, woo't, I say:

I'le fight with him, like a flead Catt.

Gent.

You are well, you are well.

Put off.

Cler.

You must uncase too.

Sam.

2025

Yes, sir.

But tell me this, why should I mix mine honour

With a fellow, that has ne'r a lace in's shirt?

Gent.

That's a maine point, my friend has two.

Cler.

That's true, sir.

La-w.

2030

Base and degenerate cousin, doest not thou know

An old, and tatter'd colours, to the enemy,

Is of more honour, and shewes more ominous?

This shirt, five times, victorious I have fought under,

And cut through squadrons, of your curious Cut-workes,

2035

As I will doe through thine, shake, and be satisfied.

Cler.

This is unanswerable.

Sam.

But may I fight, with a foule shirt?

Gent.

Most certaine, so it be a fighting shirt,

Let it be ne'r so foule, or lowsie, Caesar wore such a one.

Sam.

2040

Saint Denis then: I accept your shirt.

Cler.

Not so forward, first you must talke,

'Tis a maine point, of the French method,

Talke civilly, and make your cause Authentique.

Gent.

No weapon must be neare you, nor no anger.

Cler.

2045

When you have done, then stir your resolutions,

Take to your Weapons bravely.

La-writ.

'Tis too cold;

This for a Summer fight.

Cler.

Not for a world, you should transgresse the rules.

Sam.

2050

'Tis peevish weather,

I had rather fight without.

Gent.

An 'twere in a river.

Cler.

Where both stood up to th' chins.

La-writ.

Then let's talke quickly,

2055

Pl — o' this circumstance.

Cler.

Are the Horses come yet?

Gent.

Yes certaine: give your swords to us, now civilly.

Cler.

We'll stand a while off; take the things, & leave 'em,

You know when, and let the children play:

2060

This is a dainty time of yeare for puppies,

Would the old Lord were here.

Gent.

He would dy with laughter.

Cler.

I am sorry I have no time, to see this game out,

Away, away.

Gent.

2065

Here's like to be a hot fight,

Call when y'are fit.

Ex. Cler. and Gent.

La-writ.

Why look you sir, you seem to be a gentleman,

And you come in honour of your Uncle, boh, boh, 'tis very cold;

Your Uncle has offer'd me some few affronts,

2070

Past flesh and blood to beare: boh, boh, wondrous cold.

Sam.

My Lord, mine Uncle, is an honourable man,

And what he offers, boh, boh, cold indeed,

Having made choice of me, an unworthy kinsman,

Yet, take me with you: boh, boh, pestlence cold,

2075

Not altogether.

La-wr.

Boh, boh, I say altogether.

Sam.

You say you know not what then: boh, boh, sir.

La-w.

Sir me with your sword in your hand;

You have a scurvy Uncle, you have a most scurvy cause,

2080

And you are — boh, boh.

Sam.

Boh, boh, what?

La-writ.

A shitten scurvy Cousin.

Samp.

Our Swords? our swords?

Thou art a dog, and like a dog: our swords?

La-w.

2085

Our weapons gentlemen: ha? wher's your second?

Sam.

Where's yours?

La-writ.

So ho? our weapons?

Sam.

Wa, ha, ho, our weapons?

Our Doublets and our weapons, I am dead.

La-w.

2090

Firsts? second? third? a pl — be woo' you gentlemen

Sam.

Are these the rules of honour? I am starv'd.

La-w.

They are gone, and we are here; what shall we do?

Sam.

O for a couple of faggots.

La-writ.

Hang a couple of faggots;

2095

Dar'st thou take a killing cold with me?

Sam.

I have it already.

La-writ.

Rogues, theeves, boh boh, run away with our Doublets?

To fight at Buffets now, 'twere such a May-game.

Sam.

There were no honour in't, p — on't, 'tis scurvy.

La-wr.

2100

Or to revenge my wrongs at fifty-cuffes.

Sam.

My Lord, mine Uncles cause, depend on Boxes?

La-wr.

Let's goe in quest, if ever we recover 'em.

Sam.

I, come, our colds together, and our doublets.

La-w.

Give me thy hand; thou art a valiant gentleman.

2105

I say, if ever we recover 'em —

Sam.

Let's get into a house and warme our hearts.

La-writ.

There's ne'r a house within this mile, beat me,

Kick me, and beat me as I goe, and I'le beat thee too,

To keepe us warme; if ever we recover 'em —

2110

Kick hard, I am frozen: so, so, now I feele it.

Sam.

I am dull yet.

La-w.

I'le warme thee I'le warme thee. — Gentlemen,

Rogues, theeves, theeves: run, now I'le follow thee.

Exeūt.

Enter Vertaigne, Champernell Beaupre, Verdoone, Lamira, Annabell. Charlote, Nurse.

Verta.

Use legs, and have legs.

Cham.

2115

You that have legs say so,

I put my one to too much stresse.

Verdo.

Your herse, sir,

Will meet you within halfe a mile,

Lam.

I like

2120

The walke so well, I should not misse my Coach,

Though it were further. Annabell thou art sad:

What ayles my Niece?

Beau.

Shee's still devising, sister,

How quietly her late bed-fellow lay by her.

Nurse.

2125

Old as I am, he would have startled me,

Nor can you blame her.

Charl.

Had I ta'ne her place.

I know not, but I feare, I should ha' shreek'd,

Though he had never offer'd —

Ana.

2130

Out upon thee,

Thou wouldst have taught him.

Charlote.

I thinke, with your pardon,

That you wish now you had.

Ana.

I am glad. I yeild you

Cornet. Musicke within.

2135

Such ample scope of mirth.

Verta.

Nay, be not angrie,

There's no ill meant: ha? Musique, and choice musique?

Cham.

'Tis near us in the Grove what courteous bounty

Bestowes it on us? my dancing daies are done;

2140

Yet I would thanke the giver, did I know him.

Verdo.

'Tis questionlesse, some one of your own Village,

That hearing of your purpos'd journey thither,

Prepares it for your entertainment, and

The honour of my Lady.

Lam.

2145

I thinke rather,

Some of your Lordships Clyents.

Beaup.

What say you Cousin?

If they should prove your Suitors?

Verd.

That's most likely.

Nurse.

2150

I say, if you are noble, be't who will;

Goe presently and thanke 'em: I can jump yet,

Or tread a measure.

Lam.

Like a Millers Mare.

Nurs.

I warrant you well enough to serve the Country,

2155

I'le make one, and lead the way.

Exit.

Charl.

Doe you note,

How zealous the old Crone is?

Lam.

And you titter

As eagerly as she: come sweet, we'll follow,

2160

No ill can be intended.

Mus. ends.

Cham.

I ne'r fear'd yet.

Exeunt. Song in the Wood.

THis way, this way, come and heare,

You that hold, these pleasures deare,

Fill your eares, with our sweet sound,

2165

Whilst we melt the frozen ground:

This way come, make hast ô faire,

Let your cleare eyes gild the ayer;

Come and blesse us with your sight,

This way, this way seeke delight.

Enter a company of Gentlemen, like Ruffians.

1 Gent.

2170

They are ours but draw them on a little further

From the foot-path into the neighbouring thicket,

And we may do't, as safe, as in a Castle.

2 Gent.

They follow still; the President, Vertaigne

Comes on a-pace, and Champernell limps after;

2175

The women, as if they had wings, and walk't

Upon the ayre, fly to us.

1 Gent.

They are welcome,

We'll make 'em sport; make a stand here, all know

How we are to proceed.

2 Gen.

2180

We are instructed.

Still Musick within.

1 Gent.

One straine or two more.

Gent. off.

Enter Vertaigne, Champernell, Beaupre Verdoone, Lamira, Anabell, Nurse, Charlote.

Excellent, they are come,

Nurse.

We cannot misse, in such a businesse, yet

Mine eare ne'r fail'd me.

Musick for the Dance.

Charl.

2185

Would we were at it once,

I doe not walke, but dance.

1 Gen.

You shall have dancing.

Lam.

Begin, and when I give the word —

2 Gent.

No more.

2190

Weare instructed.

Dance.

Beaupre.

But win us fairely —

Now.

1 Gent.

O sir, We do not come to try your valour,

But to possess you, yet we use you kindly

In that, like English theeves, wee kill you not,

2195

But are contented with the spoile.

Verta.

Oh heaven!

How hath mine age deserv'd this?

Cham.

Hell confound it,

This comes of walking; had I kept my legs,

2200

My legs in my good house, my Armour on,

My Staffe in my rest, and this good sword too, friend,

How I would breake and scatter these.

All Gent.

Ha, ha, ha.

Cham.

Doe you scorne me rogues?

Nurs.

2205

Nay, Gentlemen, kind gentlemen,

Or honest keepers of these woods, but heare me,

Be not so rough; if you are taken with

My beauty, as it hath bin worth the seeking,

Some one or two of you, try me in private,

2210

You shall not find me squeamish.

Charl.

Doe not kill me,

And doe your worst, I'le suffer.

Lam.

Peace vile creatures.

Vert.

Do you know me, or my place that you presume not

2215

To touch my person?

1 Gent.

If you are well, rest so,

Provoke not angry waspes.

Verta.

You are Waspes indeed,

Never created to yeild VVax, or honey,

2220

But for your Countries torment, yet are, if men,

As you seeme such in shape, if true borne French-men,

How ever want compells you to these courses,

Rest satisfied with what you can take from us,

(These Ladies honours, and our liberties safe)

2225

VVe freely give it.

1 Gent.

You give but our owne.

Verta.

Looke on these grey haires, as you would be old,

Their teares, as you would have yours to find mercy,

VVhen Justice shall o'retake you.

Cham.

2230

Looke on me,

Looke on me rascalls, and learne of me too,

That have bin in some part of your profession,

Before that most of you ere suck'd I know it,

I have rode hard, and late too.

Verta.

2235

Take heed, sir.

Cham.

Then use me, like a brother of the trade,

For I have been at Sea, as you on land are,

Restore my Matrimony undefil'd,

VVrong not my Neece. and for our gold or silver,

2240

If I pursue you, hang me.

Nurs.

'Tis well offer'd,

And as I said, sweet gentlemen, with sowre faces,

If you are high, and want some sport, or so,

(As living without action here, you may doe)

2245

Forbeare their tender grissells, they are meate

VVill wash away, there is no substance in it,

VVe that are expert in the game, and tough to,

VVill hold you play.

Enter Dinant and Cleremont.

1 Gent.

This hen longs to be troden.

Din.

2250

Lackey my horse.

Cler.

This way, I heard the cries

Of distress'd women.

2 Gent.

Stand upon your guard.

Din.

VVho's here? my witty, scornfull Lady-plot?

2255

In the hands of ruffians,

Cler.

And my fine cold virgin,

That was insensible of man, and woman?

Din.

Justice too,

Without a sword to guard it self?

Cler.

2260

And valour with its hands bound?

Din.

And the great Souldier dull?

Why this is strange;

Lam.

Dinant as thou art noble —

Ana.

As thou art valiant Cleremont. —

Lam.

2265

As ever I appear'd lovely —

Ana.

As you ever hope,

For what I would give gladly —

Cler.

Pretty conjurations,

Lam.

All injuries, a little laied behind you

Ana.

2270

Shew your selves men, and help us

Din.

Though your many

And grosse abuses of me, should more move me

To triumph in your miseries then releive you, —

Yet that hereafter, you may know that I

2275

The scorne and despis'd Dinant, knows what does.

Belong to honour, thus —

Cler.

I will say little,

Fight.

Speake thou for me,

Cham.

'Tis bravely fought,

Verta.

2280

Brave tempers,

To doe thus for their enemies.

Cham.

They are lost yet,

1 Gen.

You that would rescue others, shall now feele

What they were borne to,

2 Gen.

2285

Hurry them away.

Exit. Manent Vertaigne, and Champernell.

Cham.

That I could follow them,

Verta.

I only can lament my fortune, and desire of heaven

A little life for my revenge.

Cham.

The provost,

2290

Shall fire the woods, but I will find e'm out,

No cave, no rocke, nor hell shall keepe them from

My searching vengeance.

Enter La-writ and Sampson.

La-wr.

O cold! o fearfull cold! plague of all seconds,

Sam.

O for a pint of burnt wine, or a sip

2295

Of aqua fortis.

Cham.

The rogues have met with these two

Upon my life and robd 'em

La. Wr.

As you are honourable Gentlemen,

Impart unto a couple of cold combatants,

Sam.

2300

My Lord, mine uncle as I live,

La-wr.

Pox take him.

How that word, has warm'd my mouth?

Verta.

Why how now Cousen?

Why, why? and where man, have you bin? at a Poulters

2305

That you are cass'd thus like a rabbet? I could laugh now,

And I shall laugh, for all I have lost my Children,

Laugh monstruously

Cham.

What are they?

Verta.

Give me leave Sir,

2310

Laugh more and more, never leave laughing,

Cham.

Why Sir?

Verta.

Why 'tis such a thing I smell it Sir, I smell it,

Such a ridiculous thing, —

La-wr.

Do you laugh at me my Lord?

2315

I am very cold, but that should not be laught at,

Cham.

What art thou?

La-wr.

What art thou?

Sam.

If he had his doublet. —

And his sword by his side, as a Gentleman ought to have

Ver.

2320

Peace Mounsier Sampson.

Cham.

Come hither little Gentleman,

La wr.

Base is the slave commanded: come to me

Verta.

This is the little advocate

Cham.

What advocate?

Verta.

2325

The little advocate that sent me a challenge,

I told you that my Nephew under tooke it,

And what t'was like to prove: now you see the issue.

Cham.

Is this the little Lawyer?

La. wr.

You have a sword Sir,

2330

And I have none, you have a doublet too,

That keepes you warme, and makes you merry,

Sam.

If your Lordship knew.

The nature, and the noblenesse of the Gentleman,

Though he shew sleight here, & at what gusts of danger

2335

His manhood has arrived,

La-wr.

Bee't then.

Mens faces are foolish,

And often head long, over run their fortunes,

Sam.

That little Lawyer, would so pricke his eares up,

2340

And bite your honour by the nose.

Cham.

Say you so Sir?

La-wr.

So niggle about your grave shins Lord Vertaigne too

Sam.

No more sweet Gentleman, no more of that Sir,

La-wr.

I will have more, I must have more.

Verta.

2345

Out with it.

Sam.

Nay he is as brave a fellow. —

Cham.

Have I caught you?

Strike him downe.

Verta.

Doe not kill him, doe not kill him.

No no, no, I will not

Cham.

2350

Doe you peepe againe, downe downe proud heart

Sam.

O valour,

Looke up brave friend, I have no meanes to rescue thee,

My Kingdome for a sword,

Cham.

I'll sword you presently,

2355

I'll claw your skin-coate too.

Verta.

Away good Samson,

You goe to grasse els instantly,

Sam.

But doe not murder my brave friend

Vert.

Not one word,

Cham.

2360

If you doe sirra, —

Sam.

Must I goe off dishonour'd?

Adversity tries valour, so I leave thee.

Exit.

Cham.

Are you a Lawyer Sir?

La-Wr.

I was, I was Sir,

Cham.

2365

Nay never looke, your Lawyers pate is broken

And your litigious blood, about your eares sirra,

Why doe you fight and snarle?

La. Wr.

I was possest.

Cham.

Ile disposesse you.

Vert.

2370

Ha ha ha.

La-Wr.

Et tu Brute.

Vert.

Beate him no more.

Cham.

Alas Sir I must beate him,

Beate him into his businesse agen, he will be lost els.

Vert.

2375

Then take your way,

Cham.

Ly still, and doe not struggle,

La-Wr.

I am patient,

I never saw my blood before, it jades me,

I have no more heart now then a goose.

Cham.

2380

Why sirra, why do you leave your trade, your trade of living,

And send your challenges like thunderbolts,

To men of honour'd place?

La-wr.

I understand Sir,

I never understood, before your beating,

Cham.

2385

Does this worke on you?

La-wr.

Yes.

Cham.

Doe you thanke me for't?

La-wr.

As well as a beaten man can,

Cham.

And doe you promise me,

2390

To fall close to your trade againe? leave brawling

La-wr.

If you will give me leave and life,

Cham.

And aske this noble man forgivenesse?

La-Wr.

Hartily.

Cham.

Rise then, and get you gone, and let me heare of you

2395

As of an Advocate new vampt; no more words,

Get you off quickly, and make no murmurs

I shall pursue you else,

La-Wr.

I have done sweet Gentlemen.

Exit.

Vert.

But we forget our selves, our Friends and Children

Cham.

2400

Wee'l raise the coūtry first, then take our fortunes.

Exeunt.

Enter one Gent. and Lamira.

1 Gent.

Shall I entereate for what I may command?

Lam.

Thinke on my birth,

1 Gent.

Here I am only Noble.

A King, and thou in my dominions foole,

2405

A subject and a slave.

Lam.

Be nor a Tyrant;

A ravisher of honour, gentle Sir,

And I will thinke ye such, and on my knees,

As to my Soveraigne, pay a Subjects duty,

2410

With prayers and teares,

1 Gent.

I like this humble carriage.

I will walke by, but kneele you still and weepe too,

It shewes well, while I meditate on the prey,

Before I seize it.

Lam.

2415

Is there no mercie, heaven?

Enter second Gent. and Anabell.

2 Gent.

Not kisse you?

I will kisse and kisse againe,

Ana.

Savage villaine!

My Innocence be my strength, I doe defie thee,

2420

Thus scorne and spit at thee; will you come on Sir,

You are hot, there is a cooler,

2 Gen.

A virago?

Ana.

No, lothsome Goate, more, more I am that Goddesse,

That here with whippes of steele in hell hereafter

2425

Scourge rape and theft,

2 Gen.

I'll try your deity,

Ana.

My chastity, and this knife held by a Virgin,

Against thy lust thy sword and thee a Beast.

Call on for the encounter.

2 Gen.

2430

Now what thinke you?

Throwes her and takes. her Knife.

Are you a Goddesse?

Ana.

In me their power suffers,

That should protect the Innocent,

1 Gent.

I am all fire,

2435

And thou shall quench it, and serve my pleasures,

Come partner in the spoile and the reward,

Let us enjoy our purchase

Lam.

O Dinant!

O Heaven! o Husband!

Ana.

2440

O my Cleremont!

1 Gent.

Two are our slaves they call on, bring 'em forth

As they are chaind together let them see

And suffer in the object.

Enter Dinant and Cleremont bound. By the rest of the Gent.

2 Gen.

While we sit

2445

And without pitty heare 'em

Cler.

By my life,

I suffer more for thee then for my self,

Din.

Be a man Cleremont, and looke upon 'em,

As such that not alone abus'd our service,

2450

Fed us with hopes most bitter indigestion,

But when love faild, to draw on further mischeif,

The baites they laied for us; were our owne honours,

Which thus hath made us slaves too, worse then slaves

2 Gen.

He dies

1 Gen.

2455

Pray hold, give him a little respite,

Din.

I see you now beyond expression wretched,

The wit you bragd of, foold, that boasted honour,

As you beleev'd compass'd with walls of brasse,

To guard it sure, Subject to be o're throwne

2460

With the least blast of lust.

Lam.

A most sad truth.

Din.

That confidence which was not to be shaken

In a perpetuall fever, and those favours,

Which with so strong, and Ceremonious duty

2465

Your lover and a Gentleman long sought for,

Sought, sued, and kneeld in vaine for, must you yeild up

To a licentious villaine, that will hardly,

Allow you thanks for't

Cler.

Something I must say too,

2470

And to you pretty one, though crying one;

To be hangd now, when these worshipful benchers please

Though I know not their faces that condemne me,

A little startles me, but a man is nothing,

A Maydenhead is the thing, the thing all aime at;

2475

Doe not you wish now, and wish from your heart too,

When scarce sweet with my feares, I long lay by you

Those feares you and your good Aunt put upon me,

To make you sport you had giuen a little hint,

A touch or so, to tell me I was mortall,

2480

And by a mortall woman?

Ana.

Pray you no more

Cler.

If I had loos'd that virgin Zone, observe me,

I would have hired the best of all our Poets

To have sung so much, and so well in the honour

2485

Of that nights joye, that Ovids afternoone,

Nor his Corvina should againe be mentioned,

Ana.

I doe repent, and wish I had,

Cler.

That's comfort,

But now. —

2 Gent.

2490

Another that will have it offer'd,

Compell it to be offer'd, shall enjoye it.

Cler.

A rogue, a ruffian.

2 Gen.

As you love your throat, —

1 Gen.

Away with them.

Ana.

2495

O Cleremont!

Lam.

O Dinant!

Din.

I can but add your sorrowes to my sorrowes,

Your feares to my feares,

Cler.

To your wishes mine.

2500

This slave may prove unable to performe,

Till I performe the taske that I was borne for,

Ana.

Amen, amen.

1 Gent.

Drag the slaves hence, for you

A while i'll locke you up here study all wayes

2505

You can to please me, or the deed being done,

You are but dead.

2 Gen.

This strong vault shall conteine you

There thinke how many for your maydenhead

Have pin'd away, and be prepared to loose it

2510

With penitence.

1 Gent.

No humane help can save you.

Ladyes.

Helpe, helpe?

2 Gent.

You cry in vaine, rockes cannot heare you.

Actus Quinti.

Scena Prima.

A Horrid noise of Musique within, Enter one and opens the Chamber doore, in which Lamira and Anabell were shut, they in all feare.

Lam.

O Cousen how I shake, all this long night,

2515

What frights and noises we have heard still they encrease

The villaines put on shapes to torture us,

And to their Divells forme such preparations

As if they were a hatching new dishonours,

And fatall ruine, past dull mans invention

2520

Goe not too far and pray good Cousen Anabell

Harke a new noise.

A strange Musick. Sackbut & Troup musick.

Ana.

They are exquisite in mischeif.

I will goe on this roome gives no protection,

More then the next what's that? how sad and hollow,

2525

The sound comes to us.

Theeves peeping. Lowder.

Lam.

Groning? or singing is it?

Ana.

The wind I think, murmuring amongst old rooms

Lam.

Now it growes lowder sure some sad presage

Of our fowle losse — peepe —, looke now they peepe,

Ana.

2530

Pox peepe 'em.

Lam.

O give them gentle language,

Ana.

Give 'em rats-bane.

Peepe above.

Lam.

Now they are above

Ana.

I would they were i th Center,

Lam.

2535

Thou art so foolish desperate,

Ana.

Since we must loose.

Lam.

Call 'em brave fellowes, Gentlemen,

Ana.

Call 'em rogues,

Rogues as they are, rude rogues, uncivill villaines

Lam.

2540

Look an thou woot, beware dost thou feele the danger?

Ana.

Till the danger feele me, this will I talke still,

And worse when that comes too; they cannot eate me

This is a punishment, upon our owne prides,

Most justly laied; we must abuse brave Gentlemen,

2545

Make 'em tame fooles & hobby-horses, laugh & jeere at

Such men too, and so handsome and so Noble,

That howsoere we seem'd to carry it

Woo'd 'twer to doe againe,

Lam.

I doe confesse cousen,

2550

It was too harsh, too foolish

Ana.

Doe you feele it?

Doe you find it now? take heed ot'h punishment,

We might have had two gallant Gentlemen,

Proper young, o how it tortures me

2555

Two Divells now, two rascalls two and twenty

Lam.

O thinke not so

Ana.

Nay an we scape so modestly —

Lam.

May we be worthy any eyes, or knowledge,

When we are used thus?

Ana.

2560

Why not? why doe you cry!

Are we not women still? what were we made for?

Lam.

But thus, thus basely —

Ana.

'Tis against our wills,

And if there come a thousand so, —

Lam.

2565

Out on thee,

Ana.

You are a foole, what we cannot resist,

Why should we greive and blush for? there be women,

And they that beare the name of excellent women

Would give their whole estates, to meete this fortune

Lam.

2570

Harke, a new noise.

New found within.

Ana.

Let 'em goe on, I feare not,

If wrangling fighting and scratching cannot preserve me

Why so be it Cousen; if I be ordain'd

To breed a race of rogues. —

Enter foure over the stage with Beaupre and Verdoone bound and halters about their necks.

Lam.

2575

They come

Ana.

Be firme,

They are wellcom.

Lam.

What mask of death is this? O my deare Brother

Ana.

My coose to; why now y'are glorious villaines

Lam.

2580

O shall we loose our honours?

Ana.

Let 'em goe,

When death prepares the way, they are but Pageants

Why must these dye?

Beau.

Lament your owne misfortunes

2585

We perish happily before your ruines,

Ana.

Has mischeif ne'r a tongue?

1 Gent.

Yes foolish woman,

Our Captaines will is death.

Ana.

You dare not doe it

2590

Tell thy base boisterous Captaine what I say,

Thy lawlesse Captaine that he dares not;

Doe you laugh you rogue? you pamperd rogue?

Lam.

Good Sir,

Good Cousen gently, as y'are a Gentleman, —

Ana.

2595

A gentleman? a slave a dog the devills harbinger

Lam.

Sir as you had a mother,

Ana.

He a Mother?

Shame not the name of mother, a she Beare

A bloody old woolf bitch, a woman Mother?

2600

Lookes that rude lumpe, as if he had a mother?

Intreat him? hang him, do thy worst thou darst not,

Thou dar'st not wrong their lives, thy Captain dares not

They are persons of more price

Ver.

What ere we suffer

2605

Let not your angers wrong you,

Ana.

You cannot suffer.

The men that doe this deed must live i'th moone

Free from the gripe of Justice.

Lam.

Is it not better?

Ann.

2610

Is it not better? let 'em goe on like rascalls

And put false faces on; they dare not doe it;

Flatter such scabbs of nature,

Gent.

Woman, woman

The next worke is with you,

Ana.

2615

Unbind those Gentlemen,

And put their fatall fortunes, on our neckes.

Lam.

As you have mercy doe;

Ana.

As you are monsters.

Lam.

Fright us no more with shipwrack of our honours

2620

Nor if there be a guilt by us committed

Let it endanger those,

Ana.

I say they dare not,

There be a thousand gallouses, yee rogues,

Tortures, ye bloody rogues wheeles,

Gent.

2625

A way.

Lam.

Stay.

Ana.

Stay,

Stay and i'll flatter too: good sweet fac'd Gentlemen

You excellent in honesty; o kinsmen!

2630

O Noble kinsmen!

Gen.

Away with 'em.

Exit Verta. Beaup. and Gent.

Ana.

Stay yet

The Devill and his lovely dam walke with you,

Come fortify your self, if they doe dy,

2635

Which all their ruggednesse, cannot rack into me

They cannot find an houre more Innocent,

Nor more friends to revenge 'em.

Enter Cleremont disguis'd.

Lam.

Now stand constant,

For now our tryalls come,

Cler.

2640

This beauties mine

Your minute moves not yet,

Lam.

She sinkes if Christian,

If any sparke of noble heate. —

Cler.

Rise Lady

2645

And fearelesse rise, there's no dishonour meant you,

Doe you know my tongue?

Ana,

I have heard it,

Cler.

Marke it better

I am one that loves you, fairely, nobly loves you

2650

Looke on my face?

Ana.

O Sir?

Cler.

No more words, softly

Hearke, but hearke wisely how, understand well,

Suspect not, feare not

Ana.

2655

You have brought me comfort

Cler.

If you thinke me worthy of your Husband,

I am no rogue, nor Begger if you dare doe thus —

Ana.

You are Mounsier Cleremont,

Cler.

I am the same

2660

If you dare venture, speake, if not I leave you,

And leave you to the mercy of these villaines

That will not wooe ye much,

Ana.

Save my reputation,

And free me from these slaves.

Cler.

2665

By this kisse i'll doe it

And from the least dishonour they dare aime at you

I have a priest too, shall be ready.

Ana.

You are forward,

Lam.

Is this my constant Cousen? how she whispers,

2670

Kisses and huggs the theif.

Ana.

You ll offer nothing

Cler.

Till all be tyed

Not as I am a Gentleman

Ana.

Can you releive my Aunt too?

Cler.

2675

Not yet Mistris.

But feare nothing all shall be well away quickly

It must be done i'th moment or

Ana.

I am with yee

Cler.

I'll know now who sleepes by me, keepe your standing

Exit Cler. and Anabell.

Lam.

2680

Well, go thy wayes, & thine own shame dwell with thee?

Is this the constancy she shewed the bravery

The deare love and the life, she owed her kinsmen?

O brave tongue valiant glorious woman?

Is this the noble anger you arriv'd at?

2685

Are these the theeves you scornd the rogues you rayld at?

The scabs and scums of nature? o faire modesty,

Excellent vertue, whither art thou fled?

What hand of heaven is over us, when strong virgins

Yeild to their feares, and to their feares their fortunes?

2690

Never beleef come neare me more, farewell wench,

A long farewell from all that ever knew thee

My turne is next,

I am resolved it comes

But in a nobler shape, ha?

Enter Dinant.

Din.

2695

Blesse yee Lady

Lam.

Indeed Sir. I had need of many blessings,

For all the houres I have had since I came here,

Have bin so many curses. How got you liberty?

For I presume you come to comfort me

Din.

2700

To comfort you, and love you, 'tis most true,

My bondage was as yours, as full of bitternesse

And every hower my death.

Lam.

Heaven was your comfort.

Din.

Till the last evening, sitting full of sadnesse

2705

Wailing, sweet Mistris, your unhappy fortunes

Mine owne I had the least care of round about me,

The Captaine, and the company stood gaping,

When I began the story of my love,

To you faire Saint, and with so full a sorrow,

2710

Followed each point, that even from those rude eyes,

That never knew what pitty meant or mercy

Ther stole downe soft relentings, take heed Mistris,

And let not such unholy hearts out doe you,

The soft plum'd god will see againe thus taken,

2715

As men transform'd with the strange tale I told

They stood amaz'd then bid me rise and live,

Take liberty and meanes to see your person,

And wisht me prosperous in your love, wish you so,

Be wise and loving Lady, shew but you so

Lam.

2720

O Sir, are these fit houres, to talke of love in?

Shall we make fooles of our afflictions?

Can any thing sound sweetly in mine eares,

Where all the noise of bloody horrour?

My Brother, and my Cousen, they are dead Sir,

2725

Dead, basely dead, is this an age to foole in?

And I my self, I know not what I shall be

Yet I must thanke you and if happily

You had asked me yesterday, when these were living,

And my feares lesse, I might have hearkned to you,

Din.

2730

Peace to your grief, I bind you to your word.

Enter Cleremont Anabell, Beaupre, Verdoone, Charlote Nurse, the two Gentlemen.

Lam.

How? doe you conjure?

Din.

Not to raise dreadfull apparitions, Madam,

But such as you would gladly see.

Lam.

My Brother, and nephew living?

Beap.

2735

And both owe their lives,

To the favour of these Gentlemen,

Verd.

Who deserve

Our service, and for us, your gracious thankes.

Lam.

Which I give freely, and become a suitour,

2740

To be hereafter more familiar.

Kisse.

With such great worth and vertue,

1 Gen.

Ever thinke us,

Your servants Madam.

Cler.

Why if thou wilt needs know

2745

How we are freed, I will discover it,

And with laconick brevity, these Gentlemen

This night incountring with those out lawes that

Yesterday made us prisoners, and as we were

Attempted by 'em they with greater courage,

2750

(I am sure with better fortune not alone,

Guarded themselves, but forc'd the bloody thieves,

Being got betweene them, and this hellish Cave,

For safety of their lives, to fly up higher

Into the woods, all left to their possession

2755

This save your Brother, and your nephew from

The gibbet, this redeem'd me from my Chaines,

And gave my friend his liberty this preserv'd

Your honour ready to be lost.

Din.

But that

2760

I know this for a ly, and that the thieves

And gentlemen, are the same men, by my practise,

Suborn'd to this he does deliver it

With such a constant brow, that I am doubtfull,

I should believe him too.

1 Gent.

2765

If we did well,

We are rewarded.

2 Gent.

Thankes but takes away

From what was freely purpos'd.

Cler.

Now by this hand,

2770

You have so cunningly discharg'd your parts,

That while we live, rest confident you shall

Command Dinant and Cleremont, nor Beaupre,

Nor Verdoone sents it: for the Ladyes, they

Were easie to be gul'd.

1 Gent.

2775

'Twas but a jest,

And yet the jest, may chance to breake our neckes

Should it be knowne.

Cler.

Feare nothing.

Din.

Cleremont.

2780

Say, what successe?

Cler.

As thou wouldst wish, 'tis done Lad,

The grove will witnesse with me, that this night,

I lay not like a blocke: but how speed you?

Din.

I yet am in suspence, devise some meanes

2785

To get these off, and speedily.

Cler.

I have it,

Come, we are dull, I thinke that the good fellowes,

Our predecessors in this place, were not

So foolish, and improvident husbands, but

2790

'Twill yeild us meat, and wine.

1 Gent.

Let's ransack it,

'Tis ours now, by the Law.

Cler.

How say you sweet one,

Have you an appetite?

Ana.

2795

To walke againe

I'th Woods, if you thinke fit, rather then eate.

Cler.

A little respite prithee; nay blush not,

You aske but whats your owne, and warrantable

Monsier, Beaupre, Verdoone,

2800

What thinke you of the motion?

Verd.

Lead the way.

Ex. Manent, Din. and Lamira.

Beau.

We follow willingly.

Cler.

When you shall thinke fit,

We will expect you.

Din.

2805

Now be mistris of

Your promise Lady.

Lam.

'Twas to give you hearing.

Din.

But that word hearing, did include a grant,

And you must make it good.

Lam.

2810

Must?

Din.

Must, and shall,

I will be fool'd no more, you had your tricks;

Made properties, of me, and of my friend;

Presum'd upon your power, and whip'd me with

2815

The rod of mine owne dotage: doe not flatter

Your selfe, with hope, that any humane helpe

Can free you, and for ayde by miracle;

A base unthankfull woman is unworthy.

Lam.

You will not force me?

2820

Rather then enjury you

With your consent because I will torment you;

I'le make you feele the effects of abus'd love,

And glory in your torture.

Lam.

Brother, Nephew,

2825

Helpe, helpe, for heavens sake.

Din.

Teare your throat, cry lowder,

Though every leafe, these trees beare, were an Eccho,

And summond in your best friends to redeeme you,

It should be fruitlesse: 'tis not that I love you,

2830

Or value those delights you prize so high,

That I'le enjoy you, a French crowne will buy

More sport, and a companion, to whom,

You in your best trim. are an Ethiope.

Lam.

Forbeare me then.

Din.

2835

Not so, I'll do't in spite,

And breake that stubborne disobedient will,

That hath so long held out, that boasted honour,

I will make equall with a common VVhores;

The spring of Chastity, that fed your pride,

2840

And grew into a River of vaine glory,

I will defile with mudd, the mudd of lust,

And make it lothsome even to goats.

Lam.

O heaven!

No pitty sir?

Din.

2845

You taught me to be cruell,

And dare you thinke of mercy? I'le tell thee foole,

Those that surpriz'd thee, were my instruments,

I can plot too, good Madam, you shall find it:

And in the stead of licking of my fingers,

2850

Kneeling, and whining like a boy new breech'd,

To get a toy forsooth, not worth an apple,

Thus make my way, and with Authority,

Command what I would have.

Lam.

I am lost for ever:

2855

Good sir, I doe confesse my fault, my grosse fault,

And yeild my selfe up, miserable guilty;

Thus kneeling, I confesse, you cannot study

Sufficient punishments, to load me with;

I am in your power, and I confesse againe,

2860

You cannot be too cruell: if there be,

Besides the losse of my long guarded honour,

Any thing else to make the ballance even:

Pray put it in, all hopes, all helpes have left me;

I am girt round with sorrow, hell's about me,

2865

And ravishment, the least that I can looke for,

Doe what you please.

Din.

Indeed I will doe nothing,

Nor touch, nor hurt you Lady, nor had ever

Such a lewd purpose.

Lam.

2870

Can there be such goodnesse,

And in a man so injur'd?

Din.

Be confirmed in't.

I seale it thus: I must confesse you vex'd me,

In fooling me so often, and those feares,

2875

You threw upon me, call'd for a requitall,

Which now I have return'd, all unchast love

Dinant thus throwes away; live to man-kind,

As you have done to me, and I will honour

Your vertue, and no more thinke of your beauty.

Lam.

2880

All I possesse, comes short of satisfaction.

Din.

No complements: the terrours of this night

Imagine, but a fearfull dreame, and so

With ease forget it: for Dinant, that labour'd

To blast your honour, is a Champion for it,

2885

And will protect and guard it.

Lam.

'Tis as safe then,

As if a compleat Army undertooke it.

Exeunt.

Enter La-writ, Sampson, Clyents.

La-writ.

Do not perswade me gentle Monsier Sampson,

I am a mortall man againe, a Lawyer,

2890

My mortall part, I have put off.

Sam.

Sweet Monsier,

Let but our honours teach us.

La-writ.

Monsier Sampson

My honourable friend, my valiant friend,

2895

Be but so beaten-forward my brave Clyents,

I am yours, and you are mine againe, be but so thrasht,

Receive that Castigation with a cudgell.

Sam.

Which calls upon us for a Reparation.

La-wr.

I have, it cost me halfe a crowne, I beare it

2900

All over me, I beare it Monsier Sampson;

The oyles, and the old woman, that repaires to me,

To noint my beaten body.

Sam.

It concernes you,

You have bin swing'd.

La-writ.

2905

Let it concerne thee too;

Goe and be beaten, speake scurvy words, as I did,

Speake to that Lion Lord, waken his anger,

And have a hundred Bastinado's, doe;

Three broken pates, thy teeth knockt out, doe Sampson,

2910

Thy valiant armes and leggs beaten to Poultesses,

Doe silly Sampson, doe.

1 Cly.

You wrong the gentleman,

To put him out of his right minde thus:

You wrong us, and our Causes.

La-writ.

2915

Downe with him gentlemen,

Turne him, and beat him, if he breake our peace,

Then when thou hast bin Lam'd, thy small guts perisht,

Then talke to me, before I scorne thy counsell,

Feele what I feele, and let my Lord repaire thee.

Sam.

2920

And can the brave La-writ —

2 Cly.

Tempt him no further,

Be warn'd and say no more.

La-writ.

If thou doest, Sampson,

Thou seest my Mirmidons, I'le let 'em loose,

2925

That in a moment —

Sam.

I say nothing, sir, but I could wish —

La-wr.

They shall destroy thee wishing;

There's ne'r a man of these, but have lost ten Causes,

Dearer then ten mens lives; tempt, and thou diest:

2930

Goe home, and smile upon my Lord, mine Uncle,

Take Money of the men thou meanest to Cozen,

Drinke Wine, and eat good meat, and live discreetly,

Talke little, 'tis an Antidote against a beating;

Keep thy hand from thy sword, and from thy Laundresse placket,

2935

And thou wilt live long.

1 Cly.

Give eare, and be instructed.

La-writ.

I find I am wiser then a Justice of Peace now,

Give me the wisdome that's beaten into a man

That sticks still by him: art thou a new man?

Sam.

2940

Yes, yes,

Thy learned precepts have inchanted me,

La-writ.

Goe my son Sampson, I have now begot thee,

I'le send thee causes; speake to thy Lord, and live.

And lay my share by, goe and live in peace,

2945

Put on new suites, and shew fit for thy place;

That man neglects his living, is an Asse:

Exit. Samp.

Farewell; come chearly boyes, about our businesse,

Now welcome tongue againe, hang Swords.

1 Cly.

Sweet Advocate.

Exeunt.

Enter Nurse and Charlote.

Nur.

2950

I know not wench, they may call'em what they wil,

Outlawes, or theeves, but I am sure, to me

One was an honest man, he us'd me well,

What I did, 'tis no matter, he complain'd not.

Char.

I must confesse, there was one bold with me too,

2955

Some coy thing, would say rude, but 'tis no matter,

I was to pay a Waiting womans ransome,

And I have don't, and I would pay't againe,

Were I taine to morrow

Nur.

Alas, there was no hurt,

2960

If't be a sin, for such as live at hard meat,

And keepe a long Lent, in the woods as they doe,

To tast a little flesh,

Char.

God help the Courtiers,

That ly at racke and manger

Nurse.

2965

I shall love

A theefe the better for this while I live,

They are men of a charitable vocation,

And give where there is need, and with discretion,

And put a good speed penny in my purse,

2970

That has bin empty twenty yeares,

Char.

Peace Nurse,

Farewell, and cry not rost meate, me thinkes Cleremont

And my Lady Anabell are in one night,

Familliarly acquainted.

Nurse.

2975

I observe it,

If she have got a penny too.

Enter Vertaigne Champernell and Provost.

Charl.

No more,

My Lord Mounsier Vertaigne the provost too,

Hast and acquaint my Lady,

Exit Nurse and Charl.

Pro.

2980

Wonderous strainge,

Vert.

'Tis true Sir, on my credit,

Cham.

On mine honour,

Pro.

I have bin provost-Marshall twenty yeares,

And have trussed up a thousand of these rascalls,

2985

But so nere Paris yet, I never met with,

One of that Brotherhood.

Cham.

We to our cost have,

But will you search the wood

Pro.

It is beset,

2990

They cannot scape us, Nothing makes me wonder,

So much as having you within their power

They let you goe; it was a Courtesy,

That French theeves use not often, I much pitty

The Gentle Ladyes, yet I know not how,

2995

I rather hope then feare

Enter Dinant, Cleremont, Verdoone, Beaupre, Lamira, Anabell, Charlote, Nurse.

Are these the prisoners?

Din.

We were such

Verta.

Kill me not, excesse of joy,

Cham.

I see thou livest, but hast thou had no fowle play

Lam.

3000

No on my soule, my usage hath bin noble,

Far from all violence,

Cham.

How were you freed,

But kisse me first, wee'll talk of that at leasure,

I am glad I have thee; Neice how you keepe off,

3005

As you knew me not?

Ana.

Sir, I am where

I owe most duty

Cler.

'Tis indeed most true Sir,

The man that should have bin your bed fellow

3010

Your Lordships Bedfellow, that could not smell out

A Virgin of sixteene, that was your foole,

To make you merry, this poore simple fellow

Has met the maid agen, and now she knowes,

He is a man,

Cham.

3015

How! is she dishonoured?

Cler.

Not unlesse marriage be dishonourable,

Heaven is a witnesse of our happy contract

And the next Priest we meete shall warrant it

To all the world: I lay with her in jeast,

3020

'Tis turn'd to earnest now.

Cham.

Is this true Neice

Din.

Her blushing silence grants it; nay Sir storme not

He is my friend, and I can make this good,

His birth and fortunes equall hers, your Lordship

3025

Might have sought out a worse we are all friends too,

All differences end thus. Now Sir, unlesse

You would raise new dissentions make perfect

What is so well begun

Verta.

That were not manly,

Lam.

3030

Let me perswade you,

Cham.

Well God give you joy,

She shall not come a Begger to you Sir,

For you Monsieur Dinant 'ere long i'll shew you,

Another Neico, to this not much inferiour,

3035

As you shall like proceed

Din.

I thanke you Sir,

Cham.

Backe then to Paris, well that travell ends

That makes of deadly enemies perfect friends.

Exeunt omnes.

Prologue.

TO promise much, before a play begin,

3040

And when 'tis done, aske pardon, were a sinne

Wee'll not be guilty of: and to excuse

Before we know a fault were to abuse

The writers and our selves, for I dare say

We all are foold if this be not a Playe

3045

And such a play as shall, (so should playes doe)

Impe times dull wings, and make you merry too

'Twas to that purpose writ, so we intend it

And we have our wisht ends, if you commend it.

Epilogue.

Gentlemen,

3050

I Am sent forth to enquire what you decree

Of us and our Poets, they will be

This night exceeding merry, so will we

If you approve their labours. They professe

You are their patrons, and we say no lesse,

3055

Resolve us then, for you can onely tell

Whither we have done id'ly or done well.

FINIS.

[ EDITORIAL CASTLIST

Dinant

Cleremont

Lamira

Champernell

Beaupre

Verdoone

Nurse

La-Writ

Vertaigne

Sampson

Old Gentleman

Gentleman 1

Gentleman 2

Old Lady

Client 1

Client 2

Client 3

Servant 1

Servant 2

Unassigned Song

Anabel and Lamira

Charlotte

Anabell

All

Provost

Prologue

Epilogue

All three clients

THE LITTLE FRENCH LAWYER

John Fletcher

Actus Primus.

Scena Prima.

Actus Secundus.

Scena Prima.

Actus tertius.

Scena prima.

Actus quarti.

Scena Prima.

Actus Quinti.

Scena Prima.

Prologue.

Epilogue.

FINIS.