Beggars Bush
by
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
Part 2 out of 3
That womans face, how near it is! O may it
But prove the same, and fortune how I'le bless thee!
Thus, sure they cannot know me, or suspect me,
If to my habit I but change my nature;
As I must do; this is the wood they live in,
A place fit for concealment: where, till fortune
Crown me with that I seek, I'le live amongst 'em. [_Exit._
_Enter_ Higgen, Prigg, Ferret, Ginks, _and
the rest of the_ Boors.
_Hig._ Come bring 'em out, for here we sit in justice:
Give to each one a cudgel, a good cudgel:
And now attend your sentence. That you are rogues,
And mischievous base rascalls, (there's the point now)
I take it, is confess'd.
_Prig._ Deny it if you dare knaves.
_Boors._ We are Rogues Sir.
_Hig._ To amplify the matter then, rogues as ye are,
And lamb'd ye shall be e're we leave ye.
_Boors._ Yes Sir.
_Hig._ And to the open handling of our justice,
Why did ye this upon the proper person
Of our good Master? were you drunk when you did it?
_Boors._ Yes indeed were we.
_Prig._ You shall be beaten sober.
_Hig._ Was it for want you undertook it?
_Boors._ Yes Sir.
_Hig._ You shall be swing'd abundantly.
_Prig._ And yet for all that,
You shall be poor rogues still.
_Hig._ Has not the Gentleman,
Pray mark this point Brother _Prig_, that noble Gentleman
Reliev'd ye often, found ye means to live by,
By imploying some at Sea, some here, some there;
According to your callings?
_Boors._ 'Tis most true Sir.
_Hig._ Is not the man, an honest man?
_Boors._ Yes truly.
_Hig._ A liberal Gentleman? and as ye are true rascals
Tell me but this, have ye not been drunk, and often,
At his charge?
_Boors._ Often, often.
_Hig._ There's the point then,
They have cast themselves, Brother _Prig_.
_Prig._ A shrewd point, Brother.
_Hig._ Brother, proceed you now; the cause is open,
I am some what weary.
_Prig._ Can you do these things?
You most abhominable stinking Rascals,
You turnip-eating Rogues.
_Boors._ We are truly sorry.
_Prig._ Knock at your hard hearts Rogues, and presently
Give us a sign you feel compunction,
Every man up with's cudgel, and on his neighbour
Bestow such alms, 'till we shall say sufficient,
For there your sentence lyes without partiality;
Either of head, or hide Rogues, without sparing,
Or we shall take the pains to beat you dead else:
You shall know your doom.
_Hig._ One, two, and three about it.
_Prig._ That fellow in the blue, has true Compunction,
[_Beat one another._
He beats his fellows bravely, oh, well struck boyes.
_Enter_ Gerrard.
_Hig._ Up with that blue breech, now playes he the Devil.
So get ye home, drink small beer, and be honest;
Call in the Gentleman.
_Ger._ Do, bring him presently,
His cause I'le hear my self.
_Enter_ Hemskirk.
_Hig. Prig._ With all due reverence,
We do resign Sir.
_Ger._ Now huffing Sir, what's your name?
_Hem._ What's that to you Sir?
_Ger._ It shall be ere we part.
_Hem._ My name is _Hemskirk_,
I follow the Earl, which you shall feel.
_Ger._ No threatning,
For we shall cool you Sir; why did'st thou basely
Attempt the murder of the Merchant _Goswin_?
_Hem._ What power hast thou to ask me?
_Ger._ I will know it,
Or fley thee till thy pain discover it.
_Hem._ He did me wrong, base wrong.
_Ger._ That cannot save ye,
Who sent ye hither? and what further villanies
Have you in hand?
_Hem._ Why would'st thou know? what profit,
If I had any private way, could rise
Out of my knowledge, to do thee commodity?
Be sorry for what thou hast done, and make amends fool,
I'le talk no further to thee, nor these Rascals.
_Ger._ Tye him to that tree.
_Hem._ I have told you whom I follow.
_Ger._ The Devil you should do, by your villanies,
Now he that has the best way, wring it from him.
_Hig._ I undertake it: turn him to the Sun boyes;
Give me a fine sharp rush, will ye confess yet?
_Hem._ Ye have rob'd me already, now you'le murder me.
_Hig._ Murder your nose a little: does your head purge Sir?
To it again, 'twill do ye good.
_Hem._ Oh,
I cannot tell you any thing.
_Ger._ Proceed then.
_Hig._ There's maggots in your nose, I'le fetch 'em out Sir.
_Hem._ O my head breaks.
_Hig._ The best thing for the rheum Sir,
That falls into your worships eyes.
_Hem._ Hold, hold.
_Ger._ Speak then.
_Hem._ I know not what.
_Hig._ It lyes in's brain yet,
In lumps it lyes, I'le fetch it out the finest;
What pretty faces the fool makes? heigh!
_Hem._ Hold,
Hold, and I'le tell ye all, look in my doublet;
And there within the lining in a paper,
You shall find all.
_Ger._ Go fetch that paper hither,
And let him loose for this time.
_Enter_ Hubert.
_Hub._ Good ev'n my honest friends.
_Ger._ Good ev'n good fellow.
_Hub._ May a poor huntsman, with a merry heart,
A voice shall make the forest ring about him,
Get leave to live amongst ye? true as steel, boyes?
That knows all chases, and can watch all hours,
And with my quarter staff, though the Devil bid stand,
Deal such an alms, shall make him roar again?
Prick ye the fearfull hare through cross waves, sheep-walks,
And force the crafty Reynard climb the quicksetts;
Rouse ye the lofty Stag, and with my bell-horn,
Ring him a knel, that all the woods shall mourn him,
'Till in his funeral tears, he fall before me?
The _Polcat_, _Marterne_, and the rich skin'd _Lucerne_
I know to chase, the Roe, the wind out-stripping
_Isgrin_ himself, in all his bloody anger
I can beat from the bay, and the wild Sounder
Single, and with my arm'd staff, turn the Boar,
Spight of his foamy tushes, and thus strike him;
'Till he fall down my feast.
_Ger._ A goodly fellow.
_Hub._ What mak'st thee here, ha? [_aside._
_Ger._ We accept thy fellowship.
_Hub._ _Hemskirk_, thou art not right I fear, I fear thee. [_aside._
_Enter_ Ferret, _with a Letter._
_Fer._ Here is the paper: and as he said we found it.
_Ger._ Give me it, I shall make a shift yet, old as I am,
To find your knavery: you are sent here, Sirra,
To discover certain Gentlemen, a spy-knave,
And if ye find 'em, if not by perswasion
To bring 'em back, by poyson to despatch 'em.
_Hub._ By poyson, ha?
_Ger._ Here is another, _Hubert_;
What is that _Hubert_ Sir?
_Hem._ You may perceive there.
_Ger._ I may perceive a villany and a rank one,
Was he joyn'd partner of thy knavery?
_Hem._ No.
He had an honest end, would I had had so,
Which makes him scape such cut-throats.
_Ger._ So it seems.
For here thou art commanded, when that _Hubert_
Has done his best and worthiest service, this way
To cut his throat, for here he's set down dangerous.
_Hub._ This is most impious.
_Ger._ I am glad we have found ye,
Is not this true?
_Hem._ Yes; what are you the better?
_Ger._ You shall perceive Sir, ere you get your freedom:
Take him aside, and friend, we take thee to us,
Into our company, thou dar'st be true unto us?
_Hig._ I, and obedient too?
_Hub._ As you had bred me.
_Ger._ Then take our hand: thou art now a servant to us,
Welcom him all.
_Hig._ Stand off, stand off: I'le do it,
We bid ye welcom three wayes; first for your person,
Which is a promising person, next for your quality,
Which is a decent, and a gentle quality,
Last for the frequent means you have to feed us,
You can steal 'tis to be presum'd.
_Hub._ Yes, venison, and if you want--
_Hig._ 'Tis well you understand right,
And shall practise daily: you can drink too?
_Hub._ Soundly.
_Hig._ And ye dare know a woman from a weathercock?
_Hub._ If I handle her.
_Ger._ Now swear him.
_Hig._ I crown thy _nab_, with a _gag of benbouse_,
And _stall_ thee by the _Salmon_ into the _clows_,
To _mand_ on the _pad_, and _strike_ all the _cheats_;
To _Mill_ from the _Ruffmans_, _commision_ and _slates_,
_Twang dell_'s, i' the _stiromell_, and let the _Quire Cuffin_:
And _Herman Beck strine_, and _trine_ to the _Ruffin_.
_Ger._ Now interpret this unto him.
_Hig._ I pour on thy pate a pot of good ale,
And by the Rogues [oth] a Rogue thee instal:
To beg on the way, to rob all thou meets;
To steal from the hedge, both the shirt and the sheets:
And lye with thy wench in the straw till she twang,
Let the Constable, Justice, and Devil go hang.
_Hig._ You are welcom Brother.
_All._ Welcom, welcom, welcom, but who shall have the keeping
Of this fellow?
_Hub._ Sir, if you dare but trust me;
For if I have kept wild dogs and beasts for wonder,
And made 'em tame too: give into my custody
This roaring Rascal, I shall hamper him,
With all his knacks and knaveries, and I fear me
Discover yet a further villany in him;
O he smells ranck o'th' Rascal.
_Ger._ Take him to thee,
But if he scape--
_Hub._ Let me be ev'n hang'd for him,
Come Sir, I'le tye ye to my leash.
_Hem._ Away Rascal.
_Hub._ Be not so stubborn: I shall swindge ye soundly,
And ye play tricks with me.
_Ger._ So, now come in,
But ever have an eye Sir, to your Prisoner.
_Hub._ He must blind both mine eyes, if he get from me.
_Ger._ Go get some victuals, and some drink, some good drink;
For this day we'll keep holy to good fortune,
Come, and be frolick with us.
_Hig._ You are a stranger, Brother, I pray lead,
You must, you must, Brother. [_Exeunt._
SCENE IV.
_Enter_ Goswin _and_ Gertrude.
_Ger._ Indeed you're welcome: I have heard your scape,
And therefore give her leave, that only loves you;
(Truly and dearly loves you) give her joy leave
To bid you welcome: what is't makes you sad man?
Why do you look so wild? Is't I offend you?
Beshrew my heart, not willingly.
_Gos._ No, _Gertrude_.
_Ger._ Is't the delay of that ye long have look'd for,
A happy marriage? now I come to urge it.
Now when you please to finish it?
_Gos._ No news yet?
_Ger._ Do you hear Sir?
_Gos._ Yes.
_Ger._ Do you love me?
_Gos._ Have I liv'd
In all the happiness Fortune could seat me,
In all mens fair opinions?
_Ger._ I have provided
A Priest, that's ready for us.
_Gos._ And can the Devil,
In one ten days, that Devil Chance devour me?
_Ger._ We'll fly to what place you please.
_Gos._ No Star prosperous!
All at a swoop?
_Ger._ You do not love me _Goswin_?
You will not look upon me?
_Gos._ Can mens Prayers
Shot up to Heaven, with such a zeal as mine are,
Fall back like lazy mists, and never prosper?
Jives I must wear, and cold must be my comfort;
Darkness, and want of meat; alas she weeps too,
Which is the top of all my sorrows, _Gertrude_.
_Ger._ No, no, you will not know me; my poor beauty,
Which has been worth your eyes.
_Gos._ The time grows on still;
And like a tumbling wave, I see my ruine
Come rowling over me.
_Ger._ Yet will ye know me?
_Gos._ For a hundred thousand Crowns.
_Ger._ Yet will ye love me?
Tell me but how I have deserv'd your slighting?
_Gos._ For a hundred thousand Crowns?
_Ger._ Farewel Dissembler.
_Gos._ Of which I have scarce ten: O how it starts me!
_Ger._ And may the next you love, hearing my ruine.
_Gos._ I had forgot my self, O my best _Gertrude_,
Crown of my joys and comforts.
_Ger._ Sweet what ails ye?
I thought you had been vext with me.
_Gos._ My mind, Wench,
My mind o'rflow'd with sorrow, sunk my memory.
_Ger._ Am I not worthy of the knowledge of it?
And cannot I as well affect your sorrows,
As your delights? you love no other Woman?
_Gos._ No, I protest.
_Ger._ You have no ships lost lately?
_Gos._ None, that I know of.
_Ger._ I hope you have spilt no blood, whose innocence
May lay this on your conscience.
_Gos._ Clear, by Heaven.
_Ger._ Why should you be thus then?
_Gos._ Good _Gertrude_ ask not,
Ev'n by the love you bear me.
_Ger._ I am obedient.
_Gos._ Go in, my fair, I will not be long from ye,
Nor long I fear me with thee. At my return
Dispose me as you please.
_Ger._ The good gods guide ye.
[_Exit._
_Gos._ Now for my self, which is the least I hope for,
And when that fails, for mans worst fortune, pity. [_Exit._
_ACTUS QUARTUS. SCENA PRIMA._
_Enter_ Goswin _and_ 4. Merchants.
_Gos._ Why gentlemen, 'tis but a week more, I intreat you
But 7. short days, I am not running from ye;
Nor, if you give me patience, is it possible
All my adventures fail; you have ships abroad
Endure the beating both of Wind and Weather:
I am sure 'twould vex your hearts, to be protested;
Ye are all fair Merchants.
_1 Mer._ Yes, and must have fair play:
There is no living here else; one hour's failing
Fails us of all our friends, of all our credits:
For my part, I would stay, but my wants tell me,
I must wrong others in't.
_Gos._ No mercy in ye!
_2 Mer._ 'Tis foolish to depend on others mercy:
Keep your self right, and even cut your cloth, Sir,
According to your calling, you have liv'd here,
In Lord-like Prodigality, high, and open,
And now ye find what 'tis: the liberal spending
The Summer of your Youth, which you should glean in,
And like the labouring Ant, make use and gain of,
Has brought this bitter, stormy Winter on ye,
And now you cry.
_3 Mer._ Alas, before your Poverty,
We were no men, of no mark, no endeavour;
You stood alone, took up all trade, all business
Running through your hands, scarce a Sail at Sea,
But loaden with your Goods: we poor weak Pedlers;
When by your leave, and much intreaty to it,
We could have stowage for a little Cloath,
Or a few Wines, put off, and thank your Worship.
Lord, how the World's chang'd with ye? now I hope, Sir,
We shall have Sea-room.
_Gos._ Is my misery
Become my scorn too! have ye no humanity?
No part of men left? are all the Bounties in me
To you, and to the Town, turn'd my reproaches?
_4 Mer._ Well, get your moneys ready: 'tis but 2 hours;
We shall protest ye else, and suddenly.
_Gos._ But two days.
_1 Mer._ Not an hour, ye know the hazard. [_Exeunt._
_Gos._ How soon my light's put out! hard hearted _Bruges_!
Within thy Walls may never honest Merchant
Venture his fortunes more: O my poor Wench too.
_Enter_ Gerrard.
_Ger._ Good fortune, Master.
_Gos._ Thou mistak'st me, _Clause_,
I am not worth thy Blessing.
_Ger._ Still a sad man!
_Enter_ Higgen _and_ Prigg, _like_ Porters.
No belief gentle Master? come bring it in then,
And now believe your Beadsman.
_Gos._ Is this certain?
Or dost thou work upon my troubled sense?
_Ger._ 'Tis gold, Sir,
Take it and try it.
_Gos._ Certainly 'tis treasure;
Can there be yet this Blessing?
_Ger._ Cease your wonder,
You shall not sink, for ne'r a sowst Flap-dragon,
For ne'r a pickl'd Pilcher of 'em all, Sir,
'Tis there, your full sum, a hundred thousand crowns:
And good sweet Master, now be merry; pay 'em,
Pay the poor pelting Knaves, that know no goodness:
And chear your heart up handsomely.
_Gos._ Good _Clause_,
How cam'st thou by this mighty Sum? if naughtily,
I must not take it of thee, 'twill undo me.
_Ger._ Fear not, you have it by as honest means
As though your father gave it: Sir, you know not
To what a mass, the little we get daily,
Mounts in seven years; we beg it for Heavens charity,
And to the same good we are bound to render it.
_Gos._ What great security?
_Ger._ Away with that, Sir,
Were not ye more than all the men in _Bruges_;
And all the money in my thoughts--
_Gos._ But good _Clause_,
I may dye presently.
_Ger._ Then this dies with ye:
Pay when you can good Master, I'll no Parchments,
Only this charity I shall entreat you;
Leave me this Ring.
_Gos._ Alas, it is too poor, _Clause_.
_Ger._ 'Tis all I ask, and this withal, that when
I shall deliver this back, you shall grant me
Freely one poor petition.
_Gos._ There, I confirm it, [_Gives the Ring._
And may my faith forsake me when I shun it.
_Ger._ Away, your time draws on. Take up the money,
And follow this young Gentleman.
_Gos._ Farewell _Clause_,
And may thy honest memory live for ever.
_Ger._ Heaven bless you, and still keep you, farewel Master. [_Exeunt._
SCENE II.
_Enter_ Hubert.
_Hub._ I have lockt my Youth up close enough for gadding,
In an old Tree, and set watch over him.
_Enter_ Jaculin.
Now for my Love, for sure this Wench must be she,
She follows me; Come hither, pretty _Minche_.
_Jac._ No, no, you'll kiss.
_Hub._ So I will.
_Jac._ Y'ded law?
How will ye kiss me, pray you?
_Hub._ Thus, soft as my loves lips.
_Jac._ Oh!
_Hub._ What's your Father's name?
_Jac._ He's gone to Heaven.
_Hub._ Is it not _Gerrard_, Sweet?
_Jac._ I'll stay no longer;
My Mother's an old Woman, and my Brother
Was drown'd at Sea, with catching Cockles. O Love!
O how my heart melts in me: how thou fir'st me!
_Hub._ 'Tis certain she; pray let me see your hand, Sweet?
_Jac._ No, no, you'l bite it.
_Hub._ Sure I should know that Gymmal!
_Jac._ 'Tis certain he: I had forgot my Ring too.
O _Hubert_! _Hubert_!
_Hub._ Ha! methought she nam'd me--
Do you know me, Chick?
_Jac._ No indeed, I never saw ye;
But methinks you kiss finely.
_Hub._ Kiss again then;
By Heaven 'tis she.
_Jac._ O what a joy he brings me!
_Hub._ You are not _Minche_?
_Jac._ Yes, pretty Gentleman,
And I must be marry'd to morrow to a Capper.
_Hub._ Must ye my Sweet, and does the Capper love ye?
_Jac._ Yes, yes, he'I give me pie, and look in mine eyes thus.
'Tis he: 'tis my dear Love: O blest Fortune.
_Hub._ How fain she would conceal her self, yet shew it!
Will you love me, and leave that man? I'll serve.
_Jac._ O I shall lose my self!
_Hub._ I'll wait upon you,
And make you dainty Nose-gays.
_Jac._ And where will you stick 'em?
_Hub._ Here in [thy] bosom, Sweet, and make a crown of Lilies
For your fair head.
_Jac._ And will you love me deed-law?
_Hub._ With all my Heart.
_Jac._ Call me to morrow then,
And we'll have brave chear, and go to Church together:
Give you good ev'n Sir.
_Hub._ But one word fair _Minche_.
_Jac._ I must be gone a milking.
_Hub._ Ye shall presently.
Did you never hear of a young maid called _Jaculin_?
_Jac._ I am discover'd; hark in your ear, I'll tell ye:
You must not know me, kiss and be constant ever.
_Hub._ Heaven curse me else 'tis she, and now I am certain
They are all here: now for my other project-- [_Exeunt._
SCENE III.
_Enter_ Goswin, 4. Merchants, Higgen, _and_ Prigg.
_1 Mer._ Nay, if 'twould do you courtesie.
_Gos._ None at all, Sir:
Take it, 'tis yours, there's your ten thousand for ye,
Give in my Bills. Your sixteen.
_3 Mer._ Pray be pleas'd Sir
To make a further use.
_Gos._ No.
_3 Mer._ What I have, Sir,
You may command; pray let me be your Servant.
_Gos._ Put your Hats on: I care not for your courtesies,
They are most untimely done, and no truth in 'em.
_2 Mer._ I have a fraught of Pepper.
_Gos._ Rot your Pepper,
Shall I trust you again? there's your seven thousand.
_4 Mer._ Or if you want fine Sugar, 'tis but sending.
_Gos._ No, I can send to _Barbary_, those people
That never yet knew faith, have nobler freedoms:
These carry to _Vanlock_, and take my Bills in,
To _Peter Zuten_ these: bring back my Jewels,
Why are these pieces?
_Enter_ Sayler.
_Sayler._ Health to the noble Merchant,
The _Susan_ is return'd.
_Gos._ Well?
_Say._ Well, and rich Sir,
And now put in.
_Gos._ Heaven thou hast heard my prayers.
_Say._ The brave _Rebeccah_ too, bound from the Straits,
With the next Tide is ready to put after.
_Gos._ What news o'th' fly-boat?
_Say._ If this Wind hold till midnight,
She will be here, and wealthy, 'scap'd fairly.
_Gos._ How, prithee, Sayler?
_Say._ Thus Sir, she had fight
Seven hours together, with six Turkish Gallies,
And she fought bravely; but at length was boarded
And overlaid with strength: when presently
Comes boring up the wind Captain _Vannoke_,
That valiant Gentleman, you redeem'd from prison;
He knew the Boat, set in, and fought it bravely:
Beat all the Gallies off, sunk three, redeem'd her,
And as a service to ye sent her home Sir.
_Gos._ An honest noble Captain, and a thankfull;
There's for thy news: go drink the Merchants health, _Saylor_.
_Say._ I thank your bounty, and I'le do it to a doyt, Sir.
[_Exit_ Saylor.
_1 Mer._ What miracles are pour'd upon this fellow!
_Gos._ This here I hope, my friends, I shall scape prison,
For all your cares to catch me.
_2 Mer._ You may please Sir
To think of your poor servants in displeasure,
Whose all they have, goods, moneys, are at your service.
_Gos._ I thank you,
When I have need of you I shall forget you:
You are paid I hope.
_All._ We joy in your good fortunes.
_Enter_ Van-dunck.
_Van-d._ Come Sir, come take your ease, you must go home
With me, yonder is one weeps and howls.
_Gos._ Alas how does she?
_Van-d._ She will be better soon I hope.
_Gos._ Why soon Sir?
_Van-d._ Why when you have her in your arms, this night
My boy she is thy wife.
_Gos._ With all my heart I take her.
_Van-d._ We have prepar'd, all thy friends will be there,
And all my Rooms shall smoak to see the revel;
Thou hast been wrong'd, and no more shall my service
Wait on the knave her Uncle, I have heard all,
All his baits for my Boy, but thou shalt have her;
Hast thou dispatch't thy business?
_Gos._ Most.
_Van-d._ By the mass Boy,
Thou tumblest now in wealth, and I joy in it,
Thou art the best Boy, that _Bruges_ ever nourish'd.
Thou hast been sad, I'le cheer thee up with Sack,
And when thou art lusty I'le fling thee to thy Mistris.
She'I hug thee, sirrah.
_Gos._ I long to see it,
I had forgot you: there's for you my friends:
You had but heavy burthens; commend my love
To my best love, all the love I have
To honest _Clause_, shortly I will thank him better. [_Exit._
_Hig._ By the mass a royal Merchant,
Gold by the handfull, here will be sport soon, _Prig._
_Prig._ It partly seems so, and here will I be in a trice.
_Hig._ And I boy,
Away apace, we are look'd for.
_Prig._ Oh these bak'd meats,
Me thinks I smell them hither.
_Hig._ Thy mouth waters. [_Exeunt._
SCENA IV.
_Enter_ Hubert, _and_ Hemskirk.
_Hub._ I Must not.
_Hem._ Why? 'tis in thy power to do it, and in mine
To reward thee to thy wishes.
_Hub._ I dare not, nor I will not.
_Hem._ Gentle Huntsman,
Though thou hast kept me hard: though in thy duty,
Which is requir'd to do it, th' hast used me stubbornly;
I can forgive thee freely.
_Hub._ You the Earls servant?
_Hem._ I swear I am near as his own thoughts to him;
Able to doe thee--
_Hub._ Come, come, leave your prating.
_Hem._ If thou dar'st but try.
_Hub._ I thank you heartily, you will be
The first man that will hang me, a sweet recompence,
I could do, but I do not say I will,
To any honest fellow that would think on't,
And be a benefactor.
_Hem._ If it be not recompenc'd, and to thy own desires,
If within these ten days I do not make thee--
_Hub._ What, a false knave!
_Hem._ Prethee, prethee conceive me [rightly], any thing
Of profit or of place that may advance thee.
_Hub._ Why what a Goosecap would'st thou make me,
Do not I know that men in misery will promise
Any thing, more than their lives can reach at?
_Hem._ Believe me Huntsman,
There shall not one short syllable
That comes from me, pass
Without its full performance.
_Hub._ Say you so Sir?
Have ye e're a good place for my quality?
_Hem._ A thousand Chases, Forests, Parks: I'le make thee
Chief ranger over all the games.
_Hub._ When?
_Hem._ Presently.
_Hub._ This may provoke me: and yet to prove a knave too.
_Hem._ 'Tis to prove honest: 'tis to do good service,
Service for him thou art sworn to, for thy Prince,
Then for thy self that good; what fool would live here,
Poor, and in misery, subject to all dangers,
Law, and lewd people can inflict, when bravely
And to himself he may be law and credit?
_Hub._ Shall I believe thee?
_Hem._ As that thou holdst most holy.
_Hub._ Ye may play tricks.
_Hem._ Then let me never live more.
_Hub._ Then you shall see Sir, I will do a service
That shall deserve indeed.
_Hem._ 'Tis well said, Huntsman,
And thou shall be well thought of.
_Hub._ I will do it: 'tis not your setting free, for that's meer nothing,
But such a service, if the Earl be noble,
He shall for ever love me.
_Hem._ What is't Huntsman?
_Hub._ Do you know any of these people live here?
_Hem._ No.
_Hub._ You are a fool then: here be those, to have 'em,
I know the Earl so well, would make him caper.
_Hem._ Any of the old Lords that rebel'd?
_Hub._ Peace, all,
I know 'em every one, and can betray 'em.
_Hem._ But wilt thou doe this service?
[_Hub._] If you'l keep
Your faith, and free word to me.
_Hem._ Wilt thou swear me?
_Hub._ No, no, I will believe ye: more than that too,
Here's the right heir.
_Hem._ O honest, honest huntsman!
_Hub._ Now, how to get these Gallants, there's the matter,
You will be constant, 'tis no work for me else.
_Hem._ Will the Sun shine again?
_Hub._ The way to get 'em.
_Hem._ Propound it, and it shall be done.
_Hub._ No sleight;
(For they are Devilish crafty, it concerns 'em,)
Nor reconcilement, (for they dare not trust neither)
Must doe this trick.
_Hem._ By force?
_Hub._ I, that must doe it.
And with the person of the Earl himself,
Authority (and mighty) must come on 'em:
Or else in vain: and thus I would have ye do it.
To morrow-night be here: a hundred men will bear 'em,
(So he be there, for he's both wise and valiant,
And with his terrour will strike dead their forces)
The hour be twelve a Clock, now for a guide
To draw ye without danger on these persons,
The woods being thick, and hard to hit, my self
With some few with me, made unto our purpose,
Beyond the wood, upon the plain, will wait ye
By the great Oak.
_Hem._ I know it: keep thy faith huntsman,
And such a showr of wealth--
_Hub._ I warrant ye:
Miss nothing that I tell ye.
_Hem._ No.
_Hub._ Farewel;
You have your liberty, now use it wisely;
And keep your hour, goe closer about the wood there,
For fear they spy you.
_Hem._ Well.
_Hub._ And bring no noise with ye.
[_Exit._
_Hem._ All shall be done to th' purpose: farewel hunts-man.
_Enter_ Gerrard, Higgen, Prig, Ginks, Snap, Ferret.
_Ger._ Now, what's the news in town?
_Ginks._ No news, but joy Sir;
Every man wooing of the noble Merchant,
Who has his hearty commendations to ye.
_Fer._ Yes this is news, this night he's to be married.
_Ginks._ By th' mass that's true, he marrys _Vandunks_ Daughter,
The dainty black-ey'd bell.
_Hig._ I would my clapper
Hung in his baldrick, a what a peal could I Ring?
_Ger._ Married?
_Ginks._ 'Tis very true Sir, O the pyes,
The piping-hot mince-pyes!
_Prig._ O the Plum-pottage!
_Hig._ For one leg of a goose now would I venture a limb boys,
I love a fat goose, as I love allegiance,
And------upon the Boors, too well they know it,
And therefore starve their poultry.
_Ger._ To be married
To _Vandunks_ Daughter?
_Hig._ O this [pretious] Merchant:
What sport he will have! but hark you brother _Prig_,
Shall we do nothing in the foresaid wedding?
There's mony to be got, and meat I take it,
What think ye of a morise?
_Prig._ No, by no means,
That goes no further than the street, there leaves us,
Now we must think of something that must draw us
Into the bowels of it, into th' buttery,
Into the Kitchin, into the Cellar, something
That that old drunken Burgo-master loves,
What think ye of a wassel?
_Hig._ I think worthily.
_Prig._ And very fit it should be, thou, and _Ferret_,
And _Ginks_ to sing the Song: I for the structure,
Which is the bowl.
_Hig._ Which must be up-sey _English_,
Strong, lusty _London_ beer; let's think more of it.
_Ger._ He must not marry.
_Enter_ Hubert.
_Hub._ By your leave in private,
One word Sir, with ye; _Gerrard_: do not start me,
I know ye, and he knows ye, that best loves ye:
_Hubert_ speaks to ye, and you must be _Gerrard_.
The time invites you to it.
_Ger._ Make no show then,
I am glad to see you Sir; and I am _Gerrard_.
How stand affairs?
_Hub._ Fair, if ye dare now follow,
_Hemskirk_ I have let goe, and these my causes,
I'le tell ye privately, and how I have wrought him,
And then to prove me honest to my friends,
Look upon these directions, you have seen his.
_Hig._ Then will I speak a speech, and a brave speech
In praise of Merchants, where's the Ape?
_Prig._ ------ Take him,
A gowty Bear-ward stole him the other day.
_Hig._ May his Bears worry him, that Ape had paid it,
What dainty tricks! ------ O that bursen Bear-ward:
In his French doublet, with his blister'd bullions,
In a long stock ty'd up; O how daintily
Would I have made him wait, and shift a trencher,
Carry a cup of wine? ten thousand stinks
Wait on thy mangy hide, thou lowzy Bear-ward.
_Ger._ 'Tis passing well, I both believe and joy in't,
And will be ready: keep you here the mean while,
And keep in, I must a while forsake ye,
Upon mine anger no man stir, this two hours.
_Hig._ Not to the wedding Sir?
_Ger._ Not any whither.
_Hig._ The wedding must be seen sir; we want meat too.
We are horrible out of meat.
_Prig._ Shall it be spoken,
Fat Capons shak't their tails at's in defiance?
And turkey tombs such honorable monuments,
Shall piggs, Sir, that the Parsons self would envy,
And dainty Ducks--
_Ger._ Not a word more, obey me.
[_Exit_ Ger.
_Hig._ Why then come dolefull death, this is flat tyranny,
And by this hand--
_Hub._ What?
_Hig._ I'le goe sleep upon't.
[_Exit_ Hig.
_Prig._ Nay, and there be a wedding, and we wanting,
Farewel our happy days: we do obey Sir. [_Exeunt._
SCENA V.
_Enter two young_ Merchants.
_1 Mer._ Well met Sir, you are for this lusty wedding.
_2 Mer._ I am so, so are you I take it.
_1 Mer._ Yes,
And it much glads me, that to doe him service
Who is the honour of our trade, and lustre,
We meet thus happily.
_2 Mer._ He's a noble fellow,
And well becomes a bride of such a beauty.
_1 Mer._ She is passing fair indeed, long may their loves
Continue like their youths, in spring of sweetness,
All the young Merchants will be here
No doubt on't,
For he that comes not to attend this wedding,
The curse of a most blind one fall upon him,
A loud wife, and a lazie: here's _Vanlock_.
_Enter_ Vanlock _and_ Francis.
_Vanl._ Well overtaken Gentlemen: save ye.
_1 Mer._ The same to you sir; save ye fair Mistris _Francis_,
I would this happy night might make you blush too.
_Vanl._ She dreams apace.
_Fran._ That's but a drowsie fortune.
_3 Mer._ Nay take us with ye too; we come to that end,
I am sure ye are for the wedding.
_Vanl._ Hand and heart man:
And what their feet can doe, I could have tript it
Before this whorson gout.
_Enter_ Clause.
_Clau._ Bless ye Masters.
_Vanl._ _Clause_? how now _Clause_? thou art come to see thy Master,
(And a good master he is to all poor people)
In all his joy, 'tis honestly done of thee.
_Clau._ Long may he live sir, but my business now is
If you would please to doe it, and to him too.
_Enter_ Goswin.
_Vanl._ He's here himself.
_Gos._ Stand at the door my friends?
I pray walk in: welcom fair Mistris _Francis_,
See what the house affords, there's a young Lady
Will bid you welcom.
_Vanl._ We joy your happiness.
[_Exeunt._
_Gos._ I hope it will be so: _Clause_ nobly welcom,
My honest, my best friend, I have been carefull
To see thy monys--
_Clau._ Sir, that brought not me,
Do you know this Ring again?
_Gos._ Thou hadst it of me.
_Cla._ And do you well remember yet, the boun you gave me
Upon the return of this?
_Gos._ Yes, and I grant it,
Be it what it will: ask what thou canst, I'le do it;
Within my power.
_Cla._ Ye are not married yet?
_Gos._ No.
_Cla._ Faith I shall ask you that that will disturb ye,
But I must put ye to your promise.
_Gos._ Do,
And if I faint and flinch in't--
_Cla._ Well said Master,
And yet it grieves me too: and yet it must be.
_Gos._ Prethee distrust me not.
_Cla._ You must not marry,
That's part of the power you gave me: which to make up,
You must presently depart, and follow me.
_Gos._ Not marry, _Clause_?
_Cla._ Not if you keep your promise,
And give me power to ask.
_Gos._ Pre'thee think better,
I will obey, by Heaven.
_Cla._ I have thought the best, Sir
_Gos._ Give me thy reason, do'st thou fear her honesty?
_Cla._ Chaste as the ice, for any thing I know, Sir.
_Gos._ Why should'st thou light on that then? to what purpose?
_Cla._ I must not now discover.
_Gos._ Must not marry?
Shall I break now when my poor heart is pawn'd?
When all the preparation?
_Cla._ Now or never.
_Gos._ Come, 'tis not that thou would'st: thou do'st but fright me.
_Cla._ Upon my soul it is, Sir, and I bind ye.
_Gos._ _Clause_, can'st thou be so cruel?
_Cla._ You may break, Sir,
But never more in my thoughts appear honest.
_Gos._ Did'st ever see her?
_Cla._ No.
_Gos._ She is such a thing,
O _Clause_, she is such a wonder, such a mirror,
For beauty, and fair vertue, _Europe_ has not:
Why hast thou made me happy, to undo me?
But look upon her; then if thy heart relent not,
I'le quit her presently: who waits there?
_Ser._ [_within_] Sir.
_Gos._ Bid my fair love come hither, and the Company.
Prethee be good unto me; take a mans heart
And look upon her truly: take a friends heart
And feel what misery must follow this.
_Cla._ Take you a noble heart and keep your promise;
I forsook all I had, to make you happy.
_Enter_ Gertrude, Vandunk, _and the rest_ Merchants.
Can that thing call'd a Woman, stop your goodness?
_Gos._ Look there she is, deal with me as thou wilt now,
Did'st ever see a fairer?
_Cla._ She is most goodly.
_Gos._ Pray ye stand still.
_Ger._ What ails my love?
_Gos._ Didst thou ever,
By the fair light of Heave[n], behold a sweeter?
O that thou knew'st but love, or ever felt him,
Look well, look narrowly upon her beauties.
_1 Mer._ Sure h'as some strange design in hand, he starts so.
_2 Mer._ This Beggar has a strong power over his pleasure.
_Gos._ View all her body,
_Cla._ 'Tis exact and excellent.
_Gos._ Is she a thing then to be lost thus lightly?
Her mind is ten times sweeter, ten times nobler,
And but to hear her speak, a Paradise,
And such a love she bears to me, a chaste love,
A vertuous, fair, and fruitful love: 'tis now too
I am ready to enjoy it; the Priest ready, _Clause_,
To say the holy words shall make us happy,
This is a cruelty beyond mans study,
All these are ready, all our joyes are ready,
And all the expectation of our friends,
'Twill be her death to do it.
_Cla._ Let her dye then.
_Gos._ Thou canst not: 'tis impossible.
_Cla._ It must be.
_Gos._ 'Twill kill me too, 'twill murder me: by heaven _Clause_
I'le give thee half I have; come thou shalt save me.
_Cla._ Then you must go with me: I can stay no longer,
If ye be true, and noble.
_Gos._ Hard heart, I'le follow:
Pray ye all go in again, and pray be merry,
I have a weighty business, (give my Cloak there,)
_Enter_ Servant (_with a Cloak._)
Concerns my life, and state, (make no enquiry,)
This present hour befaln me: with the soonest
I shall be here again: nay pray go in, Sir,
And take them with you, 'tis but a night lost, Gentlemen.
_Van._ Come, come in, we will not lose our meat yet,
Nor our good mirth, he cannot stay long from her,
I am sure of that.
_Gos._ I will not stay; believe, Sir. [_Exit._
_Gertrude_, a word with you.
_Ger._ Why is this stop, Sir?
_Gos._ I have no more time left me, but to kiss thee,
And tell thee this, I am ever thine: farewel wench. [_Exit._
_Ger._ And is that all your Ceremony? Is this a wedding?
Are all my hopes and prayers turn'd to nothing?
Well, I will say no more, nor sigh, nor sorrow;
Till to thy face I prove thee false. Ah me! [_Exit._
_ACTUS QUINTUS. SCENA PRIMA._
_Enter_ Gertrude, _and a_ Boor.
_Ger._ Lead, if thou thinkst we are right: why dost thou make
These often stands? thou saidst thou knewst the way.
_Bo._ Fear nothing, I do know it: would 'twere homeward.
_Ger._ Wrought from me by a Beggar? at the time
That most should tye him? 'tis some other Love
That hath a more command on his affections,
And he that fetcht him, a disguised Agent,
Not what he personated; for his fashion
Was more familiar with him, and more powerful
Than one that ask'd an alms: I must find out
One, if not both: kind darkness be my shrowd,
And cover loves too curious search in me,
For yet, suspicion, I would not name thee.
_Bo._ Mistris, it grows somewhat pretty and dark.
_Ger._ What then?
_Bo._ Nay, nothing; do not think I am afraid,
Although perhaps you are.
_Ger._ I am not, forward.
_Bo._ Sure but you are? give me your hand, fear nothing.
There's one leg in the wood, do not pull me backward:
What a sweat one on's are in, you or I?
Pray God it do not prove the plague; yet sure
It has infected me; for I sweat too,
It runs out at my knees, feel, feel, I pray you.
_Ger._ What ails the fellow?
_Bo._ Hark, hark I beseech you,
Do you hear nothing?
_Ger._ No.
_Bo._ List: a wild Hog,
He grunts: now 'tis a Bear: this wood is full of 'em,
And now, a Wolf, Mistress, a Wolf, a Wolf,
It is the howling of a Wolf.
_Ger._ The braying of an Ass, is it not?
_Bo._ Oh, now one has me;
Oh my left haunch, farewel.
_Ger._ Look to your Shanks,
Your Breech is safe enough, the Wolf's a Fern-brake.
_Bo._ But see, see, see, there is a Serpent in it;
It has eyes as broad as Platters; it spits fire;
Now it creeps towards us, help me to say my Prayers:
It hath swallowed me almost, my breath is stopt;
I cannot speak: do I speak Mistress? tell me.
_Ger._ Why, thou strange timerous Sot, canst thou perceive
Any thing i'th' Bush but a poor Glo-worm?
_Bo._ It may be 'tis but a Glo-worm now, but 'twill
Grow to a Fire-drake presently.
_Ger._ Come thou from it:
I have a precious guide of you, and a courteous,
That gives me leave to lead my self the way thus.
_Bo._ It thunders, you hear that now?
_Ger._ I hear one hollow.
_Bo._ 'Tis thunder, thunder:
See, a Flash of Lightning:
Are you not blasted Mistress? pull your Mask off,
It has plaid the Barber with me here: I have lost
My Beard, my Beard, pray God you be not shaven,
'Twill spoil your Marriage Mistress.
_Ger._ What strange Wonders
Fear fancies in a Coward!
_Bo._ Now the Earth opens.
_Ger._ Prithee hold thy peace.
_Bo._ Will you on then?
_Ger._ Both love and jealousie have made me bold,
Where my Fate leads me, I must go. [_Exit._
_Bo._ God be with you then.
_Enter_ Woolfort, Hemskirk, _and_ Attendants.
_Hem._ It was the Fellow sure, he that should guide me,
The Hunts-man that did hollow us.
_Woolf._ Best make a stand,
And listen to his next: Ha!
_Hem._ Who goes there?
_Bo._ Mistress, I am taken.
_Hem._ Mistress? Look forth Souldiers.
_Woolf._ What are you Sirrah?
_Bo._ Truly all is left
Of a poor Boor, by day-light, by night no body,
You might have spar'd your Drum, and Guns, and Pikes too
For I am none that will stand out Sir, I.
You may take me in with a walking Stick,
Even when you please, and hold me with a packthred.
_Hem._ What woman was't you call'd to?
_Bo._ Woman! none Sir.
_Woolf._ None! did you not name Mistress?
_Bo._ Yes, but she's
No woman yet: she should have been this night,
But that a Beggar stole away her Bridegroom,
Whom we were going to make hue and cry after;
I tell you true Sir, she should ha' been married to day;
And was the Bride and all; but in came _Clause_,
The old lame Beggar, and whips up Mr _Goswin_
Under his arm; away with him as a Kite,
Or an old Fox would swoop away a Gosling.
_Hem._ 'Tis she, 'tis she, 'tis she: Niece?
_Ger._ Ha!
_Hem._ She Sir,
This was a noble entrance to your fortune,
That being on the point thus to be married,
Upon her venture here, you should surprise her.
_Woolf._ I begin, _Hemskirk,_ to believe my fate,
Works to my ends.
_Hem._ Yes Sir, and this adds trust
Unto the fellow our guide, who assur'd me _Florez_
Liv'd in some Merchants shape, as _Gerrard_ did
I' the old Beggars, and that he would use
Him for the train, to call the other forth;
All which we find is done--That's he again-- [_Holla again._
_Woolf._ Good, we sent out to meet him.
_Hem._ Here's the Oak.
_Ger._ I am miserably lost, thus faln
Into my Uncles hands from all my hopes,
Can I not think away my self and dye?
_Enter_ Hubert, Higgen, Prig, Ferret, Snap, Ginks _like_ Boors.
_Hub._ I like your habits well: they are safe, stand close.
_Hig._ But what's the action we are for now? Ha!
Robbing a Ripper of his Fish.
_Prig._ Or taking
A Poulterer Prisoner, without ransome, Bullyes?
_Hig._ Or cutting off a Convoy of Butter?
_Fer._ Or surprizing a Boors ken, for granting cheats!
_Prig._ Or cackling Cheats?
_Hig._ Or Mergery-praters, Rogers,
And Tibs o'th' Buttery?
_Prig._ O I could drive a Regiment
Of Geese afore me, such a night as this,
Ten Leagues with my Hat and Staff, and not a hiss
Heard, nor a wing of my Troops disordered.
_Hig._ Tell us,
If it be milling of a lag of duds,
The fetching of a back of cloaths or so;
We are horribly out of linnen.
_Hub._ No such matter.
_Hig._ Let me alone with the Farmers dog,
If you have a mind to the cheese-loft; 'tis but thus,
And he is a silenc'd Mastiff, during pleasure.
_Hub._ Would it would please you to be silent.
_Hig._ Mum.
_Woolf._ Who's there?
_Hub._ A friend, the Hunts-man.
_Hem._ O 'tis he.
_Hub._ I have kept touch Sir, which is the Earl of these?
Will he know a man now?
_Hem._ This my Lord's the Friend,
Hath undertook the service.
_Hub._ If't be worth
His Lordships thanks anon, when 'tis done
Lording, I'll look for't, a rude Wood-man,
I know how to pitch my toils, drive in my game:
And I have don't, both _Florez_ and his Father
Old _Gerrard_, with Lord _Arnold_ of _Benthuisen_,
_Cozen_, and _Jaculin_, young _Florez_'s Sister:
I have 'em all.
_Woolf._ Thou speak'st too much, too happy,
To carry faith with it.
_Hub._ I can bring you
Where you shall see, and find 'em.
_Woolf._ We will double
What ever _Hemskirk_ then hath promis'd thee.
_Hub._ And I'll deserve it treble: what horse ha' you?
_Woolf._ A hundred. That's well: ready to take
Upon surprise of 'em.
_Hem._ Yes.
_Hub._ Divide then
Your force into five Squadrons; for there are
So many out-lets, ways through the wood
That issue from the place where they are lodg'd:
Five several ways, of all which Passages,
We must possess our selves, to round 'em in;
For by one starting hole they'll all escape else:
I and 4. Boors here to me will be guides,
The Squadron where you are, my self will lead:
And that they may be more secure, I'll use
My wonted whoops, and hollows, as I were
A hunting for 'em; which will make them rest
Careless of any noise, and be a direction
To the other guides, how we approach 'em still.
_Woolf._ 'Tis order'd well, and relisheth the Souldier;
Make the division _Hemskirk_; you are my charge,
Fair One, I'll look to you.
_Boo._ Shall no body need
To look to me? I'll look unto my self.
_Hub._ 'Tis but this, remember.
_Hig._ Say, 'tis done, Boy. [_Exeunt._
SCENA II.
_Enter_ Gerrard _and_ Florez.
_Ger._ By this time Sir I hope you want no reasons
Why I broke off your marriage, for though I
Should as a Subject study you my Prince
In things indifferent, it will not therefore
Discredit you, to acknowledge me your Father,
By harkning to my necessary counsels.
_Flo._ Acknowledge you my Father? Sir I do,
And may impiety, conspiring with
My other Sins, sink me, and suddenly
When I forget to pay you a Sons duty
In my obedience, and that help'd forth
With all the cheerfulness.
_Ger._ I pray you rise,
And may those powers that see and love this in you,
Reward you for it: Taught by your example
Having receiv'd the rights due to a Father,
I tender you th' allegeance of a Subject:
Which as my Prince accept of.
_Flo._ Kneel to me?
May mountains first fall down beneath their valleys,
And fire no more mount upwards, when I suffer
An act in nature so preposterous;
I must o'ercome in this, in all things else
The victory be yours: could you here read me,
You should perceive how all my faculties
Triumph in my blest fate, to be found yours;
I am your son, your son Sir, and am prouder
To be so, to the Father, to such goodness
(Which heaven be pleas'd, I may inherit from you)
Than I shall ever of those specious titles
That plead for my succession in the Earldom
(Did I possess it now) left by my Mother.
_Ger._ I do believe it: but--
_Flo._ O my lov'd Father,
Before I knew you were so, by instinct,
Nature had taught me, to look on your wants,
Not as a stranger's: and I know not how,
What you call'd charity, I thought the payment
Of some religious debt, nature stood bound for;
And last of all, when your magnificent bounty
In my low ebb of fortune, had brought in
A flood of blessings, though my threatning wants
And fear of their effects, still kept me stupid,
I soon found out, it was no common pity
That led you to it.
_Ger._ Think of this hereafter
When we with joy may call it to remembrance,
There will be a time, more opportune, than now
To end our story, with all circumstances,
I add this only: when we fled from _Wolfort_
I sent you into _England_, and there placed you
With a brave _Flanders_ Merchant, call'd rich _Goswin_,
A man supplyed by me unto that purpose,
As bound by oath never to discover you,
Who dying, left his name and wealth unto you
As his reputed Son, and yet receiv'd so;
But now, as _Florez_, and a Prince, remember
The countreys, and the subjects general good
Must challenge the first part in your affection:
The fair maid, whom you chose to be your wife,
Being so far beneath you, that your love
Must grant she's not your equal.
_Flo._ In descent
Or borrowed glories from dead Ancestors,
But for her beauty, chastity, and all vertues
Ever remembred in the best of women,
A Monarch might receive from her, not give,
Though she were his Crowns purchase; in this only
Be an indulgent Father: in all else,
Use your authority.
_Enter_ Hubert, Hemskirk, Wolfort,
Bertha, _and_ Souldiers.
_Hub._ Sir, here be two of 'em,
The Father and the Son, the rest you shall have
As fast as I can rouze them.
_Ger._ Who's this? _Wolfort_?
_Wol._ I Criple, your feigned crutches will not help you,
Nor patch'd disguise that hath so long conceal'd you,
It's now no halting: I must here find _Gerrard_,
And in this Merchants habit, one call'd _Florez_
Who would be an Earl.
_Ger._ And is, wert thou a subject.
_Flo._ Is this that Traitor _Wolfort_?
_Wol._ Yes, but you
Are they that are betrai'd: _Hemskirk_.
_Ber._ My _Goswin_
Turn'd Prince? O I am poorer by this greatness,
Than all my former jealousies or misfortunes.
_Florez._ _Gertrude_?
_Wol._ Stay Sir, you were to day too near her,
You must no more aim at those easie accesses,
Less you can do't in air, without a head,
Which shall be suddenly tri'd.
_Ber._ O take my heart, first,
And since I cannot hope now to enjoy him,
Let me but fall a part of his glad ransom.
_Wol._ You know not your own value, that entreat.
_Ger._ So proud a fiend as _Wolfort_.
_Wol._ For so lost
A thing as _Florez_.
_Flo._ And that would be so
Rather than she should stoop again to thee;
There is no death, but's sweeter than all life,
When _Wolfort_ is to give it: O my _Gertrude_,
It is not that, nor Princedom that I goe from,
It is from thee, that loss includeth all.
_Wol._ I, if my young Prince knew his loss, he would say so,
Which that he yet may chew on, I will tell him
This is no _Gertrude_, nor no _Hemskirks_ Niece,
Nor _Vandunks_ Daughter: this is _Bertha_, _Bertha_,
The heir of _Brabant_, she that caus'd the war,
Whom I did steal, during my treaty there,
In your minority, to raise my self;
I then fore-seeing 'twould beget a quarel,
That, a necessity of my employment,
The same employment, make me master of strength,
That strength, the Lord of _Flanders_, so of _Brabant_,
By marrying her: which had not been to doe Sir,
She come of years, but that the expectation
First of her Fathers death, retarded it,
And since the standing out of _Bruges_, where
_Hemskirk_ had hid her, till she was near lost:
But Sir, we have recover'd her: your Merchantship
May break, for this was one of your best bottoms
I think.
_Ger._ Insolent Devil!
_Enter_ Hubert, with Jaqueline, Ginks,
_and_ Costin.
_Wol._ Who are these, _Hemskirk_?
_Hem._ More, more, Sir.
_Flo._ How they triumph in their treachery!
_Hem._ Lord _Arnold_ of _Benthusin_, this Lord _Costin_,
This _Jaqueline_ the sister unto _Florez_.
_Wol._ All found? why here's brave game, this was sport royall,
And puts me in thought of a new kind of death for 'em.
Hunts-man, your horn: first wind me _Florez_ fall,
Next _Gerrards_, then his Daughter _Jaquelins_,
Those rascals, they shall dye without their rights:
Hang 'em _Hemskirk_ on these trees; I'le take
The assay of these my self.
_Hub._ Not here my Lord,
Let 'em be broken up upon a scaffold,
'Twill shew the better when their arbour's made.
_Ger._ Wretch, art thou not content thou hast betrai'd us,
But mock us too?
_Ginks._ False _Hubert_, this is monstrous.
_Wol._ _Hubert_?
_Hem._ Who, this?
_Ger._ Yes this is _Hubert_, _Wolfort_,
I hope he has helpt himself to a tree.
_Wol._ The first,
The first of any, and most glad I have you Sir,
I let you goe before, but for a train;
Is't you have done this service?
_Hub._ As your Hunts-man,
But now as _Hubert_; save your selves, I will,
The _Wolf's_ afoot, let slip; kill, kill, kill, kill.
_Enter with a drum_ Van-dunk, Merchants,
Higgen, Prig, Ferret, Snap.
_Wol._ Betray'd?
_Hub._ No, but well catch'd: and I the Huntsman.
_Van-d._ How do you _Wolfort_? Rascal, good knave _Wolfort_,
I speak it now without the Rose, and _Hemskirk_,
Rogue _Hemskirk_, you that have no niece, this Lady
Was stoln by you, and ta'ne by you, and now
Resign'd by me, to the right owner here:
Take her my Prince.
_Flo._ Can this be possible,
Welcom my love, my sweet, my worthy love.
_Van-d._ I ha' giv'n you her twice: now keep her better, and thank
Lord _Hubert_, that came to me in _Gerrards_ name,
And got me out, with my brave Boyes, to march
Like _Caesar_, when he bred his Commentaries,
So I, to bread my Chronicle, came forth
_Caesar Van-dunk_, & _veni, vidi, vici_,
Give me my Bottle, and set down the drum;
You had your tricks Sir, had you? we ha' tricks too,
You stole the Lady?
_Hig._ And we led your Squadrons,
Where they ha' scratch'd their leggs a little, with brambles,
If not their faces.
_Prig._ Yes, and run their heads
Against trees.
_Hig._ 'Tis Captain _Prig_, Sir.
_Prig._ And Coronel _Higgen_.
_Hig._ We have fill'd a pit with your people, some with leggs,
Some with arms broken, and a neck or two
I think be loose.
_Prig._ The rest too, that escap'd,
Are not yet out o'the briars,
_Hig._ And your horses, Sir,
Are well set up in _Bruges_ all by this time:
You look as you were not well Sir, and would be
Shortly let blood; do you want a scarf?
_Van-d._ A halter.
_Ger._ 'Twas like your self, honest, and noble _Hubert_:
Can'st thou behold these mirrors all together,
Of thy long, false, and bloody usurpation?
Thy tyrrannous proscription, and fresh treason:
And not so see thy self, as to fall down
And sinking, force a grave, with thine own guilt,
As deep as hell, to cover thee and it?
_Wol._ No, I can stand: and praise the toyles that took me
And laughing in them dye, they were brave snares.
_Flo._ 'Twere truer valour, if thou durst repent
The wrongs th' hast done, and live.
_Wol._ Who, I repent?
And say I am sorry? yes, 'tis the fool's language
And not for _Wolfort_.
_Van-d._ _Wolfort_, thou art a Devil,
And speakst his language, oh that I had my longing
Under this row of trees now would I hang him.
_Flo._ No let him live, until he can repent,
But banish'd from our State, that is thy doom.
_Van-d._ Then hang his worthy Captain here, this _Hemskirk_
For profit of th' example.
_Flo._ No let him
Enjoy his shame too: with his conscious life,
To shew how much our innocence contemns
All practice from the guiltiest, to molest us.
_Van-d._ A noble Prince.
_Ger._ Sir, you must help to join
A pair of hands, as they have done their hearts here,
And to their loves with joy.
_Flo._ As to mine own,
My gracious Sister, worthiest Brother.
_Van._ I'le go afore, and have the bon-fire made,
My fire-works, & flap dragons, and good backrack,
With a peck of little fishes, to drink down
In healths to this day.
_Hig._ 'Slight, here be changes,
The Bells ha' not so many, nor a dance, _Prig_.
_Prig._ Our Company's grown horrible thin by it,
What think you _Ferret_?
_Fer._ Marry I do think,
That we might all be Lords now, if we could stand for't.
_Hig._ Not I if they should offer it: I'le dislodge first,
Remove the Bush to another climat.
_Ger._ Sir, you must thank this worthy _Burgomaster_,
Here be friends ask to be look'd on too,
And thank'd, who though their trade, and course of life
Be not so perfect, but it may be better'd,
Have yet us'd me with courtesy, and been true
Subjects unto me, while I was their King,
A place I know not well how to resign,
Nor unto whom: But this I will entreat
Your grace, command them follow you to _Bruges_;
Where I will take the care on me, to find
Some manly, and more profitable course
To fit them, as a part of the Republique.
_Flo._ Do you hear Sirs? do so.
_Hig._ Thanks to your good grace.
_Prig._ To your good Lordship.
_Fer._ May you both live long.
_Ger._ Attend me at _Van-dunks_, the _Burgomasters_.
[_Ex. all but Beggars._
_Hig._ Yes, to beat hemp, and be whipt twice a week,
Or turn the wheel, for Crab the Rope-maker:
Or learn to go along with him, his course;
That's a fine course now, i' the common-wealth, _Prig_,
What say you to it?
_Prig._ It is the backwardst course,
I know i'the world.
_Hig._ Then _Higgen_ will scarce thrive by it,
You do conclude?
_Prig._ 'Faith hardly, very hardly.
_Hig._ Troth I am partly of your mind, Prince _Prig_;
And therefore farewel _Flanders_, _Higgen_ will seek
Some safer shelter, in some other Climat,
With this his tatter'd Colony: Let me see
_Snap_, _Ferret_, _Prig_, and _Higgen_, all are left
O' the true blood: what? shall we into _England_?
_Prig._ Agreed.
_Hig._ Then bear up bravely with your _Brute_ my lads,
_Higgen_ hath prig'd the prancers in his dayes,
And sold good penny-worths; we will have a course,
The Spirit of _Bottom_, is grown bottomless.
_Prig._ I'le mand no more, nor cant.
_Hig._ Yes, your sixpenny worth
In private, Brother, sixpence is a sum
I'le steal you any mans Dogg for.
_Prig._ For sixpence more
You'l tell the owner where he is.
_Hig._ 'Tis right,
_Higgen_ must practise, so must _Prig_ to eat;
And write the Letter: and gi' the word. But now
No more, as either of these.
_Prig._ But as true Beggars,
As e're we were.
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