The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
by
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher

Part 2 out of 4



_Ang_. Pray ye to your bed.

_Char_. Why not to yours, dear Mistris? one heart and one bed.

_Ang_. True, Sir, when 'tis lawful: but yet you know--

_Char_. I would not know, forget it; those are but sickly loves that hang
on Ceremonies, nurs'd up with doubts and fears; ours high and healthful,
full of belief, and fit to teach the Priest: Love shall seal first, then
hands confirm the bargain.

_Ang_. I shall be a Heretick if this continue. What would you do a bed?
you make me blush, Sir.

_Char_. I'd see you sleep, for sure your sleeps are excellent, you that
are waking such a noted wonder, must in your slumber prove an admiration.
I would behold your dreams too, if't were possible; those were rich
showes.

_Ang_. I am becoming Traitor.

_Char_. Then like blew _Neptune_ courting of an Island, where all the
perfumes and the precious things that wait upon great Nature are laid up,
I'd clip it in my arms, and chastly kiss it, dwell in your bosome like
your dearest thoughts, and sigh and weep.

_Ang_. I've too much woman in me.

_Char_. And those true tears falling on your pure Crystals, should turn to
armelets for great Queens t'adore.

_Ang_. I must be gone.

_Char_. Do not, I will not hurt ye; this is to let you know, my worthiest
Lady, y'have clear'd my mind, and I can speak of love too: Fear not my
manners, though I never knew, before these few hours, what a Beauty was,
and such a one that fires all hearts that feel it; yet I have read of
virtuous Temperance, and study'd it among my other Secrets; and sooner
would I force a separation betwixt this spirit and the case of flesh, than
but conceive one rudeness against Chastity.

_Ang_. Then we may walk.

_Char_. And talk of any thing, any fit for your ears, and my language;
though I was bred up dull, I was ever civil; 'tis true, I have found it
hard to look on you, and not desire, 'twill prove a wise mans task; yet
those desires I have so mingled still, and tempered with the quality of
honour, that if you should yield, I should hate you for't. I am no
Courtier of a light condition, apt to take fire at every beauteous face;
that only serves his will and wantonness, and lets the serious part run by
as thin neglected sand. Whiteness of name, you must be mine; why should I
rob my self of that that lawfully must make me happy? why should I seek to
cuckold my delights, and widow all those sweets I aim at in you? We'll
lose our selves in _Venus_ Groves of Myrtle, where every little Bird shall
be a _Cupid_, and sing of love and youth, each wind that blows, and curls
the velvet-leaves, shall breed delights, the wanton Springs shall call us
to their banks, and on the perfum'd flowers we'll feast our senses; yet
we'll walk by untainted of their pleasures, and as they were pure Temples
we'll talk in them.

_Ang_. To bed, and pray then, we may have a fair end of our fair loves;
would I were worthy of you, or of such parents that might give you thanks:
But I am poor in all but in your love. Once more, good night.

_Char_. A good night t'ye, and may the dew of sleep fall gently on you,
sweet one, and lock up those fair lights in pleasing slumbers; no dreams
but chaste and clear attempt your fancy, and break betimes sweet morn,
I've lost my light else.

_Ang_. Let it be ever night when I lose you.

_Syl_. This Scholar never went to a Free-School, he's so simple.

_Enter a_ Servant.

_Serv_. Your Brother, with two Gallants, is at door, Sir, and they're so
violent, they'll take no denial.

_Ang_. This is no fit time of night.

_Char_. Let 'em in, Mistris.

_Serv_. They stay no leave; shall I raise the house on 'em?

_Char_. Not a man, nor make no murmur oft I charge ye.

_Enter_ Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy.

_Eust_. They're here, my Uncle absent, stand close to me. How do you,
Brother, with your curious story? have you not read her yet sufficiently?

_Char_. No, Brother, no; I stay yet in the Preface: the style's too hard
for you.

_Eust_. I must entreat her; she's parcel of my goods.

_Char_. She's all when you have her.

_Ang_. Hold off your hands, unmannerly, rude Sir; nor I, nor what I have
depend on you.

_Char_. Do, let her alone, she gives good counsel; do not trouble your
self with Ladies, they are too light: Let out your Land, and get a
provident Steward.

_Ang_. I cannot love ye, let that satisfie you; such vanities as you, are
to be laugh'd at.

_Eust_. Nay, then you must go; I must claim mine own.

_Both_. Away, away with her.

_Char. Let her alone, pray let her alone, [_She strikes off_
and take your Coxcomb up: Let me talk [Eustace's _hat_.
civilly a while with you, Brother. It may be on some terms I may part with
her.

_Eust_. O, is your heart come down? what are your terms, Sir? Put up, put
up.

_Char_. This is the first and chiefest; [_Snatches away his sword_]
let's walk a turn. Now stand off, fools, I advise ye, stand as far off as
you would hope for mercy: this is the first sword yet I ever handled, and
a sword's a beauteous thing to look upon; and if it hold, I shall so hunt
your insolence: 'tis sharp, I'm sure, and if I put it home, 'tis ten to
one I shall new pink your Sattins; I find I have spirit enough to dispose
of it, and will enough to make ye all examples; let me toss it round, I
have the full command on't. Fetch me a native Fencer, I defie him; I feel
the fire of ten strong spirits in me. Do you watch me when my Uncle is
absent? this is my grief, I shall be flesh'd on Cowards; teach me to
fight, I willing am to learn. Are ye all gilded flies, nothing but shew in
ye? why stand ye gaping? who now touches her? who calls her his, or who
dares name her to me? but name her as his own; who dares look on her? that
shall be mortal too; but think, 'tis dangerous. Art thou a fit man to
inherit Land, and hast no wit nor spirit to maintain it? Stand still, thou
sign of a man, and pray for thy friends, pray heartily, good prayers may
restore ye.

_Ang_. But do not kill 'em, Sir.

_Char_. You speak too late, Dear; it is my first fight, and I must do
bravely, I must not look with partial eyes on any; I cannot spare a button
of these Gentlemen; did life lie in their heel, Achilles like, I'd shoot
my anger at those parts, and kill 'em. Who waits within?

_Ser_. Sir.

_Char_. View all these, view 'em well, go round about 'em, and still view
their faces; round about yet, see how death waits upon 'em, for thou shalt
never view 'em more.

_Eust_. Pray hold, Sir.

_Char_. I cannot hold, you stand so fair before me; I must not hold;
'twill darken all my glories. Go to my Uncle, bid him post to the King,
and get my pardon instantly, I have need on't.

_Eust_. Are you so unnatural?

_Char_. You shall die last, Sir, I'll take thee dead, thou art no man to
fight with. Come, will ye come? Me-thinks I've fought whole Battels.

_Cow_. We have no quarrel to you that we know on, Sir.

_Egre_. We'll quit the house, and ask ye mercy too. Good Lady, let no
murther be done here; we came but to parly.

_Char_. How my sword thirsts after them! Stand away, Sweet.

_Eust_. Pray, Sir, take my submission, and I disclaim for ever.

_Char_. Away, ye poor things, ye despicable creatures! do you come poste
to fetch a Lady from me? from a poor School-boy that ye scorn'd of late,
and grow lame in your hearts when you should execute? Pray take her, take
her, I am weary of her: What did you bring to carry her?

_Egre_. A Coach and four Horses.

_Char_. But are they good?

_Egre_. As good as France can shew Sir.

_Char_. Are you willing to leave those, and take your safeties? Speak
quickly.

_Eust_. Yes with all our hearts.

_Char_. 'Tis done then. Many have got one Horse, I've got four by th'
bargain.

_Enter_ Miramont.

_Mir_. How now, who's here?

_Ser_. Nay, now y'are gone without bail.

_Mir_. What, drawn, my Friends? Fetch me my two-hand Sword; I will not
leave a head on your shoulders, Wretches.

_Eust_. In troth, Sir, I came but to do my duty.

_Both_. And we to renew our loves.

_Mir_. Bring me a Blanket. What came they for?

_Ang_. To borrow me a while, Sir; but one that never fought yet, has so
curri'd, so bastinado'd them with manly carriage, they stand like things
_Gorgon_ had turn'd to stone: they watch'd your being absent, and then
thought they might do wonders here, and they have done so; for by my troth
I wonder at their coldness, the nipping North or Frost never came near
them; St _George_ upon a sign would grow more sensible. If the name of
Honour were for ever to be lost, these were the most sufficient men to do
it in all the world; and yet they are but young, what will they rise to?
They're as full of fire as' a frozen Glow-worms rattle, and shine as
goodly: Nobility and patience are match'd rarely in these three Gentlemen,
they have right use on't; they'll stand still for an hour and be beaten.
These are the Anagrams of three great Worthies.

_Mir_. They will infect my house with cowardize, if they breath longer in
it; my roof covers no baffl'd Monsieurs, walk and air your selves; as I
live they stay not here. White-liver'd wretches, without one word to ask a
reason why. Vanish, 'tis the last warning, and with speed; for if I take
ye in hand, I shall dissect you, and read upon your flegmatick dull
Carcases. My Horse again there: I have other business, which you shall
hear hereafter, and laugh at it. Good-night _Charles_, fair goodness to
your dear Lady; 'tis late, 'tis late.

_Ang_. Pray, Sir, be careful of us.

_Mir_. It is enough, my best care shall attend ye. [_Exeunt_.




ACTUS IV. SCENA IV.


_Enter_ Andrew.

_And_. Are you come, old Master? Very good, your Horse is well set up; but
ere you part, I'll ride you, and spur your Reverend Justiceship such a
question, as I shall make the sides of your Reputation bleed, truly I
will. Now must I play at Bo-peep--A Banquet--well, Potatoes and Eringoes,
and, as I take it, Cantharides--Excellent, a Priapism follows, and as I'll
handle it, it shall, old Lecherous Goat in Authority. Now they begin to
Bill; how he slavers her! Gramercy _Lilly_, she spits his kisses out, and
now he offers to fumble, she falls off, (that's a good Wench) and cries
fair play above board. Who are they in the corner? As I live, a covy of
Fidlers; I shall have some Musick yet at my making free o'th' Company of
_Horners_; there's the comfort, and a Song too! He beckons for one--Sure
'tis no Anthem, nor no borrow'd Rhymes out of the School of Vertue; I will
listen-- [_A Song_.
This was never penn'd at _Geneva_, the Note's too sprightly. So, so, the
Musick's paid for, and now what follows? O that Monsieur _Miramont_ would
but keep his word; here were a Feast to make him fat with laughter; at the
most 'tis not six minutes riding from his house, nor will he break, I
hope--O are you come, Sir? the prey is in the Net, and will break in upon
occasion.

_Mir_. Thou shalt rule me, Andrew. O th'infinite fright that will assail
this Gentleman! the Quartans, Tertians, and Quotidians that will hang like
Serjeants on his Worships shoulders? the humiliation of the flesh of this
man, this grave, austere man will be wondred at. How will those solemn
looks appear to me; and that severe face, that speaks chains and shackles?
Now I take him in the nick, e're I have done with him, he had better have
stood between two panes of Wainscot, and made his recantation in the
Market, than hear me conjure him.

_And_. He must pass this way to th' only Bed I have; he comes, stand
close.

_Bri_. Well done, well done, give me my night-cap. So. Quick, quick,
untruss me; I will truss and trounce thee. Come, Wench, a kiss between
each point; kiss close, it is a sweet Parenthesis.

_Lil._ Y'are merry, Sir.

_Bri._ Merry I will be anon, and thou shalt feel it, thou shalt, my
_Lilly_.

_Lil._ Shall I air your Bed, Sir?

_Bri._ No, no; I'll use no Warming-pan but thine, Girl, that's all. Come
kiss me again.

_Lil._ Ha'ye done yet?

_Bri._ No; but I will do, and do wonders, _Lilly_. Shew me the way.

_Lil._ You cannot miss it, Sir; you shall have a Cawdle in the morning for
your Worship's breakfast.

_Bri._ How, i'th' morning, _Lilly_? th'art such a witty thing to draw me
on. Leave fooling, _Lilly_, I am hungry now, and th'hast another Kickshaw,
I must taste it.

_Lil._ 'Twill make you surfeit, I am tender of you: y'have all y'are like
to have.

_And._ And can this be earnest?

_Mir._ It seems so, and she honest.

_Bri._ Have I not thy promise, _Lilly_?

_Lil._ Yes, and I have performed enough to a man of your years, this is
truth; and you shall find, Sir, you have kiss'd and tous'd me, handl'd my
leg and foot; what would you more, Sir? As for the rest, it requires youth
and strength, and the labour in an old man would breed Agues, Sciatica's,
and Cramps: You shall not curse me for taking from you what you cannot
spare, Sir. Be good unto your self, y'have ta'ne already all you can take
with ease; you are past threshing, it is a work too boisterous for you,
leave such drudgery to _Andrew_.

_Mir._ How she jeers him!

_Lil._ Let _Andrew_ alone with his own tillage, he's tough, and can manure
it.

_Bri._ Y'are a quean, a scoffing, jeering quean.

_Lil._ It may be so, but I'm sure I'll ne'r be yours.

_Bri._ Do not provoke me, if thou do'st I'll have my Farm again, and turn
thee out a begging.

_Lil._ Though you have the will, and want of honesty to deny your deed,
Sir; yet I hope _Andrew_ has got so much learning from my young Master, as
to keep his own; at the worst I'll tell a short tale to the Judges, for
what grave ends you sign'd your Lease, and on what terms you would revoke
it.

_Bri_. Whore, thou dar'st not. Yield, or I'll have thee whipt: how my
Bloud boils, as if't were o're a Furnace!

_Mir_. I shall cool it.

_Bri_. Yet, gentle _Lilly_, pity and forgive me, I'll be a friend t'ye,
such a loving bountiful friend--

_Lil_. To avoid Suits in Law, I would grant a little; but should fierce
_Andrew_ know it, what would become of me?

_And_. A Whore, a Whore!

_Bri_. Nothing but well Wench, I shall put such a strong Bit in his mouth,
as thou shall ride him how thou wilt, my _Lilly_; nay, he shall hold the
door, as I will work him, and thank thee for the Office.

_Mir_. Take heed, _Andrew_, these are shrewd temptations.

_And_. Pray you know your Cue, and second me, Sir. By your Worship's
favour.

_Bri_. _Andrew_!

_And_. I come in time to take possession of th'Office you assign me; hold
the door! alas, 'tis nothing for a simple man to stay without, when a deep
understanding holds conference within, say with his Wife: a trifle, Sir. I
know I hold my Farm by Cuckolds Tenure; you are Lord o'th' Soil, Sir.
_Lilly_ is a Weft, a stray, she's yours to use, Sir, I claim no interest
in her.

_Bri_. Art thou serious? speak, honest _Andrew_, since thou hast o'erheard
us, and wink at small faults, man; I'm but a pidlar, a little will serve
my turn; thou'lt find enough when I've my belly full: Wilt thou be private
and silent?

_And_. By all means, I'll only have a Ballad made of't, sung to some lewd
Tune, and the name of it shall be _Justice Trap_; it will sell rarely with
your Worships name, and _Lilly_'s on the top.

_Bri_. Seek not the ruine o' my reputation, _Andrew_.

_And_. 'Tis for your credit, Monsieur _Brisac_, printed in Capital
Letters, then pasted upon all the posts in _Paris_.

_Bri_. No mercy, _Andrew_?

_And_. O, it will proclaim you from the City to the Court, and prove Sport
Royal.

_Bri_. Thou shalt keep thy Farm.

_Mir_. He does afflict him rarely.

_And_. You trouble me. Then his intent arriving, the vizard of his
hypocrisie pull'd of[f] to the Judge criminal.

_Bri_. O I am undone.

_And_. He's put out of Commission with disgrace, and held uncapable of
bearing Office ever hereafter. This is my revenge, and this I'll put in
practice.

_Bri_. Do but hear me.

_And_. To bring me back from my Grammar to my Hornbook, it is
unpardonable.

_Bri_. Do not play the Tyrant; accept of composition.

_Lil_. Hear him, _Andrew_.

_And_. What composition?

_Bri_. I'll confirm thy Farm, and add unto it a hundred Acres more,
adjoyning to it.

_And_. Umb, this mollifies; but y'are so fickle, and will again deny this,
there being no witness by.

_Bri_. Call any witness, I'll presently assure it.

_And_. Say you so? troth there's a friend of mine, Sir, within hearing,
that's familiar with all that's past, his testimony will be authentical.

_Bri_. Will he be secret?

_And_. You may tie his tongue up, as you would do your purse-strings.

_Bri_. _Miramont_!

_Mir_. Ha-ha-ha!

_And_. This is my witness. Lord how you are troubled! sure you have an
Ag[u]e, you shake so with choler: Here's your loving Brother, Sir, and
will tell no body but all he meets, that you have eat a Snake, and are
grown young, gamesome, and rampant.

_Bri_. Caught thus?

_And_. If he were one that would make jests of you, or plague ye, with
making your Religious gravity ridiculous to your Neighbours, then you had
some cause to be perplex'd.

_Bri_. I shall become discourse for Clowns and Tapsters.

_And_. Quick, _Lilly_, quick, he's now past kissing, between point and
point. He swounds, fetch him some Cordial--Now put in, Sir.

_Mir_. Who may this be? sure this is some mistake: let me see his face,
wears he not a false beard? it cannot be _Brisac_ that worthy Gentleman,
the Pillar and the Patron of his Country; he is too prudent, and too
cautelous, experience hath taught him t'avoid these fooleries, he is the
punisher, and not the doer; besides he's old and cold, unfit for Woman:
This is some counterfeit, he shall be whipt for't, some base abuser of my
worthy Brother.

_Bri_. Open the doors; will ye imprison me? are ye my Judges?

_Mir_. The man raves! this is not judicious _Brisac_: yet now I think
on't, h'has a kind of Dog look like my Brother, a guilty hanging face.

_Bri_. I'll suffer bravely, do your worst, do, do.

_Mir_. Why, it's manly in you.

_Bri_. Nor will I rail nor curse, you slave, you whore, I will not meddle
with you; but all the torments that e're fell on men, that fed on
mischief, fall heavily on you all. [_Exit_.

_Lil_. You have given him a heat, Sir.

_Mir_. He will ride you the better, _Lilly_.

_And_. We'll teach him to meddle with Scholars.

_Mir_. He shall make good his promise t'increase thy Farm, _Andrew_, or
I'll jeer him to death. Fear nothing, _Lilly_, I am thy Champion. This
jeast goes to _Charles_, and then I'll hunt him out, and Monsieur
_Eustace_ the gallant Courtier, and laugh heartily to see 'em mourn
together.

_And_. 'Twill be rare, Sir. [_Exeunt_.




_ACTUS QUINTUS. SCENA PRIMA._


_Enter_ Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy.

_Eust_. Turn'd out of doors and baffled!

_Egre_. We share with you in the affront.

_Cow_. Yet bear it not like you with such dejection.

_Eust_. My Coach and Horses made the ransom of our Cowardize!

_Cow_. Pish, that's nothing, 'tis _damnum reparabile_, and soon recover'd.

_Egre_. It is but feeding a Suitor with false hopes, and after squeeze him
with a dozen of Oaths, You are new rigg'd, and this no more remembred.

_Eust_. And does the Court, that should be the Example and Oracle of the
Kingdom, read to us no other Doctrine?

_Egre_. None that thrives so well as that, within my knowledge.

_Cow_. Flattery rubs out; but since great men learn to admire themselves,
'tis something crest-faln.

_Egre_. To be of no Religion, argues a subtle, moral understanding, and it
is often cherish'd.

_Eust_. Piety then, and valour, nor to do and suffer wrong, are they no
virtues?

_Egre_. Rather vices, _Eustace_; Fighting! what's fighting? it may be in
fashion among provant swords, and Buff-jerkin men: But w'us that swim in
choice of Silks and Tissues; though in defence of that word Reputation,
which is indeed a kind of glorious nothing, to lose a dram of blood must
needs appear as coarse as to be honest.

_Eust_. And all this you seriously believe?

_Cow_. It is a faith that we will die in, since from the black Guard to
the grim Sir in Office, there are few hold other Tenets.

_Eust_. Now my eyes are open, and I behold a strong necessity that keeps
me knave and coward.

_Cow_. Y'are the wiser.

_Eust_. Nor can I change my copy, if I purpose to be of your society.

_Egre_. By no means.

_Eust_. Honour is nothing with you?

_Cow_. A meer bubble; for what's grown common, is no more regarded.

_Eust_. My sword forc'd from me too, and still detain'd, you think 'tis no
blemish.

_Egre_. Get me a Batton, 'tis twenty times more Court-like, and less
trouble.

_Eust_. And yet you wear a sword.

_Cow. Yes, and a good one, a _Milan_ hilt, and a _Damasco_ blade for
ornament, not use, the Court allows it.

_Eust_. Will't not fight of it self?

_Cow_. I ne'er tri'd this, yet I have worn as fair as any man; I'm sure
I've made my Cutler rich, and paid for several weapons, _Turkish_ and
_Toledo's_, two thousand Crowns, and yet could never light upon a fighting
one.

_Eust_. I'le borrow this, I like it well.

_Cow_. 'Tis at your service, Sir, a Lath in a Velvet Scabbard will serve
my turn.

_Eust_. And now I have it, leave me; y'are infectious, the plague and
leprosie of your baseness spreading on all that do come near you; such as
you render the Throne of Majesty, the Court, suspected and contemptible;
you are Scarabee's that batten in her dung, and have no palats to taste
her curious Viands; and like Owles, can only see her night deformities,
but with the glorious splendor of her beauties, you are struck blind as
Moles, that undermine the sumptuous Building that allow'd you shelter: you
stick like running ulcers on her face, and taint the pureness of her
native candor, and being bad Servants, cause your Masters goodness to be
disputed of; you make the Court, that is the abstract of all Academies, to
teach and practise noble undertakings, (where courage sits triumphant
crown'd with Lawrel, and wisdom loaded with the weight of honour) a School
of Vices.

_Egre_. What sudden rapture's this?

_Eust_. A heavenly one, that raising me from sloth and ignorance, (in
which your conversation long hath charm'd me) carries me up into the air
of action, and knowledge of my self; even now I feel, but pleading only in
the Court's defence (though far short of her merits and bright lustre) a
happy alteration, and full strength to stand her Champion against all the
world, that throw aspersions on her.

_Cow_. Sure he'll beat us, I see it in his eyes.

_Egre_. A second _Charles_; pray look not, Sir, so furiously.

_Eust_. Recant what you have said, ye Mungrils, and lick up the vomit ye
have cast upon the Court, where you unworthily have had warmth and
breeding, and swear that you, like Spiders, have made poison of that which
was a saving Antidote.

_Egre_. We will swear any thing.

_Cow_. We honour the Court as a most sacred place.

_Egre_. And will make oath, if you enjoyn us to't, nor knave, nor fool,
nor coward living in it.

_Eust_. Except you two, you Rascals.

_Cow_. Yes, we are all these, and more, if you will have it so.

_Eust_. And that until you are again reform'd and grown new men, you
ne'ere presume to name the Court, or press into the Porter's Lodge but for
a penance, to be disciplin'd for your roguery, and this done with true
contrition.

_Both_. Yes, Sir.

_Eust_. You again may eat scraps, and be thankful.

_Cow_. Here's a cold breakfast after a sharp nights walking.

_Eust_. Keep your oaths, and without grumbling vanish.

_Both_. We are gone, Sir. [_Exeunt_.

_Eust_. May all the poorness of my spirit go with you: the fetters of my
thraldom are fil'd off, and I at liberty to right my self; and though my
hope in _Angellina's_ little, my honour (unto which compar'd she's
nothing) shall, like the Sun, disperse those lowring Clouds that yet
obscure and dim it; not the name of Brother shall divert me, but from him,
that in the world's opinion ruin'd me, I will seek reparation, and call
him unto a strict accompt. Ha! 'tis near day, and if the Muses friend,
Rose-cheek'd _Aurora_, invite him to this solitary Grove, as I much hope
she will, he seldome missing to pay his vows here to her, I shall hazard
to hinder his devotions--The door opens, 'tis he most certain, and by's
side my Sword. Blest Opportunity.

_Enter_ Charles.

_Char_. I have o'er-slept my self, and lost part of the morn, but I'le
recover it: Before I went to bed, I wrote some Notes within my Table-book,
which I will now consider. Ha! what means this? What do I with a Sword?
Learn'd _Mercury_ needs not th' aid of _Mars_, and innocence is to it self
a guard; yet since Arms ever protect Arts, I may justly wear and use it;
for since 'twas made my prize, I know not how I'm grown in love with't,
and cannot eat nor study, and much less walk without it. But I trifle,
matters of more weight ask my judgment.

_Eust_. Now, Sir, treat of no other Theme, I'le keep you to it, and see
y'expound it well.

_Char_. _Eustace_!

_Eust_. The same, Sir, your younger Brother, who, as duty binds him, hath
all this night (turn'd out of door) attended, to bid Good-morrow t'ye.

_Char_. This not in scorn, commands me to return it. Would you ought else?

_Eust_. O much, Sir, here I end not, but begin; I must speak to you in
another strain than yet I ever us'd; and if the language appear in the
delivery rough and harsh, you (being my Tutor) must condemn your self,
from whom I learn'd it.

_Char_. When I understand (be't in what style you please) what's your
demand, I shall endeavour, in the self-same phrase, to make an answer to
the point.

_Eust_. I come not to lay claim to your birth-right, 'tis your own, and
'tis fit you enjoy it; nor ask I from you your learning and deep
knowledge; (though I am not a Scholar as you are) I know them Diamonds by
your sole industry, patience and labour, forc'd from steep Rocks, and with
much toil attended, and but to few that prize their value granted, and
therefore without Rival freely wear them.

_Char_. These not repin'd at (as you seem t'inform me) the motion must be
of a strange condition, if I refuse to yield to't; therefore, _Eustace_,
without this tempest in your looks, propound it, and fear not a denial.

_Eust_. I require then (as from an Enemy, and not a Brother) the
reputation of a man, the honour, not by a fair War won when I was waking,
but in my sleep of folly ravish'd from me; with these, the restitution of
my Sword, with large acknowledgment of satisfaction, my Coach, my Horses;
I will part with life, ere lose one hair of them; and, what concludes all,
my Mistris _Angellina_, as she was before the musical Magick of thy tongue
inchanted and seduc'd her. These perform'd, and with submission, and done
publickly, at my Father's and my Uncle's intercession, (that I put in too)
I perhaps may listen to terms of reconcilement; but if these, in every
circumstance, are not subscrib'd to, to the last gasp I defie thee.

_Char_. These are strict conditions to a Brother.

_Eust_. My rest is up, nor will I give less.

_Char_. I'm no Gamester, _Eustace_, yet I can ghess your resolution stands
to win or lose all; I rejoyce to find ye thus tender of your honour, and
that at length you understand what a wretched thing you were, how deeply
wounded by your self, and made almost incurable in your own hopes, the
dead flesh of pale cowardise growing over your festred reputation, which
no Balm or gentle Unguent could ever make way to; and I am happy that I
was the Surgeon that did apply those burning corrosives, that render you
already sensible o'th' danger you were plung'd in, in teaching you, and by
a fair gradation, how far, and with what curious respect and care the
peace and credit of a man within, (which you ne'er thought till now)
should be preferr'd before a gawdy outside; pray you fix here, for so far
I go with you.

_Eust_. This discourse is from the subject.

_Char_. I'le come to it, Brother; but if you think to build upon my
ruines, you'll find a false foundation: your high offers, taught by the
Masters of dependencies, that by compounding differences 'tween others,
supply their own necessities, with me will never carry't: as you are my
Brother, I will dispense a little, but no more than honour can give way
to; nor must I destroy that in my self I love in you; and therefore let
not hopes or threats persuade you I will descend to any composition for
which I may be censur'd.

_Eust_. You shall fight then.

_Char_. With much unwillingness with you; but if there's no evasion--

_Eust_. None.

_Char_. Hear yet a word; as for the Sword and other fripperies, in a fair
way send for them, you shall have 'em. But rather than surrender
_Angellina_, or hear it again mention'd, I oppose my breast unto loud
thunder, cast behind me all tyes of Nature.

_Eust_. She detain'd, I'm deaf to all persuasion.

_Char_. Guard thy self then. _Eustace_; I use no other Rhetorick.

_Enter_ Miram.

_Mir_. Clashing of swords so near my house! Brother oppos'd to Brother!
here's no fencing at half sword; hold, hold, _Charles, Eustace_.

_Eust_. Second him, or call in more help. Come not between us, I'le not
know nor spare you; D'ye fight by th' book?

_Char_. 'Tis you that wrong me, off Sir, and suddenly, I'le conjure down
the Spirit that I have rais'd in him.

_Eust_. Never, _Charles_, 'tis thine, and in thy death, be doubled in me.

_Mir_. I'm out of breath, yet trust not too much to't, Boys; for if you
pause not suddenly, and hear reason, do, kill your Uncle, do; but that I'm
patient, and not a cholerick old teasty fool, like your Father, I'd dance
a matachin with you, should make you sweat your best bloud for't; I would,
and it may be I will. _Charles_, I command thee, and _Eustace_, I entreat
thee, th'art a brave Spark, a true tough-metall'd blade, and I begin to
love thee heartily; give me a fighting Courtier, I'le cherish him for
example; in our Age they're not born every day.

_Char_. You of late, Sir, in me lov'd learning.

_Mir_. True, but take me w'ye, _Charles_; 'twas when young _Eustace_ wore
his heart in's breeches, and fought his Battels in Complements and
Cringes, when's understanding wav'd in a flanting Feather, and his best
contemplation look'd no further than a new fashion'd doublet; I confess
then, the lofty noise your Greek made, only pleas'd me; but now he's
turn'd an _Oliver_ and a _Rowland_, nay, the whole dozen of Peers are
bound up in him: Let me remember, when I was of his years, I did look very
like him; and did you see my Picture as I was then, you would swear that
gallant _Eustace_ (I mean, now he dares fight) was the true substance, and
the perfect figure. Nay, nay, no anger, you shall have enough, _Charles_.

_Char_. Sure, Sir, I shall not need addition from him.

_Eust_. Nor I from any, this shall decide my interest; though I am lost to
all deserving men, to all that men call good, for suffering tamely
insufferable wrongs, and justly slighted by yielding to a minute of delay
in my revenge, and from that made a stranger unto my Father's house and
favour, o'erwhelm'd with all disgraces; yet I will mount upward, and force
my self a fortune, though my birth and breeding do deny it.

_Char_. Seek not, _Eustace_, by violence, what will be offer'd to you on
easier composition; though I was not alli'd unto your weakness, you shall
find me a Brother to your bravery of spirit, and one that, not compell'd
to't by your sword, (which I must never fear) will share with you in all
but _Angellina_.

_Mir_. Nobly said, _Charles_, and learn from my experience, you may hear
reason, and never maim your fighting; for your credit, which you think you
have lost, spare _Charles_, and swinge me, and soundly; three or four
walking velvet Cloaks, that wear no swords to guard 'em, yet deserve it,
thou art made up again.

_Eust_. All this is Lip-salve.

_Mir_. It shall be Hearts-ease, _Eustace_, ere I have done; as for thy
Father's anger, now thou dar'st fight, ne'er fear it, for I've the dowcets
of his gravity fast in a string, I will so pinch and wring him, that,
spight of his authority, thou shalt make thine own conditions with him.

_Eust_. I'le take leave a little to consider.

_Char_. Here comes _Andrew_.

_Mir_. But without his comical and learned face; what sad disaster,
_Andrew_?

_And_. You m[a]y read, Sir, a Tragedy in my face.

_Mir_. Art thou in earnest?

_And_. Yes, by my life, Sir; and if now you help not, and speedily, by
force, or by persuasion, my good old Master (for now I pity him) is ruin'd
for ever.

_Char_. Ha, my Father!

_And_. He, Sir.

_Mir_. By what means? speak.

_And_. At the suit of Monsieur _Lewis_; his house is seiz'd upon, and he
in person is under guard, (I saw it with these eyes, Sir) to be convey'd
to _Paris_, and there Sentenc'd.

_Mir_. Nay, then there is no jesting.

_Char_. Do I live, and know my Father injur'd?

_And_. And what's worse, Sir, my Ladie _Angellina_--

_Eust_. What of her?

_And_. She's carri'd away too.

_Mir_. How?

_And_. While you were absent, a crew of Monsieur _Lewis_ friends and
kinsmen, by force, brake in at th' back part of the house, and took her
away by violence; faithful _Andrew_ (as this can witness for him) did his
best in her defence, but 'twould not do.

_Mir_. Away, and see our Horses sadled, 'tis no time to talk, but do.
_Eustace_, you now are offer'd a spatious field, and in a pious War to
exercise your valour; here's a cause, and such a one, in which to fall is
honourable, your dutie and reverence due to a fathers name commanding it;
but these unnatural jars arising between Brothers (should you prosper)
would shame your victory.

_Eust_. I would do much, Sir, but still my rep[u]tation!

_Mir. Charles_ shall give you all decent satisfaction; nay, joyn hands,
and heartily, why, this is done like Brothers; and as old as I am, in this
cause that concerns the honour of our Family, Monsieur _Lewis_ (if reason
cannot work) shall find and feel there's hot blood in this arm, I'le lead
you bravely.

_Eust_. And if I follow not, a cowards name be branded on my forehead.

_Char_. This spirit makes you a sharer in my fortunes.

_Mir_. And in mine, of which (_Brisac_ once freed, and _Angellina_ again
in our possession) you shall know, my heart speaks in my tongue.

_Eust_. I dare not doubt it, Sir. [_Exeunt_.




ACTUS V. SCENA II.


_Enter_ Lewis, Brisac, Angelli[n]a, Sylvia, _Officers_.

_Lew_. I'm deaf to all perswasions.

_Bri_. I use none, nor doubt I, though a while my innocence suffers, but
when the King shall understand how false your malice hath inform'd him, he
in justice must set me right again.

_Ang_. Sir, let not passion so far transport you, as to think in reason,
this violent course repairs, but ruins it; that honour you would build up,
you destroy; what you would seem to nourish, if respect of my preferment
or my pattern may challenge your paternal love and care, why do you, now
good fortune has provided a better Husband for me than your hopes could
ever fancy, strive to rob me of him? In what is my Lord _Charles_
defective, Sir? unless deep Learning be a blemish in him, or well
proportion'd limbs be mulcts in nature, or, what you only aim'd at, large
Revenues, are, on the sudden, grown distasteful to you. Of what can you
accuse him?

_Lew_. Of a Rape done to Honour, which thy ravenous lust made thee consent
to.

_Syl_. Her lust! you are her Father.

_Lew_. And you her Bawd.

_Syl_. Were you ten Lords, 'tis false; the pureness of her chaste thoughts
entertains not such spotted instruments.

_Ang_. As I have a Soul, Sir.

_Lew_. I am not to be alter'd; to sit down with this disgrace, would argue
me a Peasant, and not born Noble: all rigour that the Law, and that
increase of power by favour yields, shall be with all severity inflicted;
you have the King's hand for't, no Bail will serve, and therefore at your
perils, Officers, away with 'em.

_Bri_. This is madness.

_Lew_. Tell me so in open Court, and there I'le answer you.

_Enter_ Miramont, Charles, Eustace, Andrew.

_Mir_. Well overtaken.

_Char_. Ill if they dare resist.

_Eust_. He that advances but one step forward dies.

_Lew_. Shew the King's Writ.

_Mir_. Shew your discretion, 'twill become you better.

_Char_. Y'are once more in my power, and if again I part with you, let me
for ever lose thee.

_Eust_. Force will not do't, nor threats; accept this service from your
despair'd of _Eustace_.

_And_. And beware your Reverend Worship never more attempt to search my
_Lilly pot_, you see what follows.

_Lew_. Is the King's power contemn'd?

_Mir_. No, but the torrent o' your wilful folly stopp'd. And for you, good
Sir, if you would but be sensible, what can you wish, but the satisfaction
of an obstinate will, that is not endear'd to you? rather than be cross'd
in what you purpos'd, you'll undo your Daughter's fame, the credit of your
judgment, and your old foolish Neighbour; make your Estates, and in a Suit
not worth a Cardecue, a prey to Advocates, and their buckram Scribes, and
after they have plum'd ye, return home like a couple of naked Fowles
without a feather.

_Char_. This is a most strong truth, Sir.

_Mir_. No, no, Monsieur, let us be right Frenchmen, violent to charge; but
when our follies are repell'd by reason, 'tis fit that we retreat, and
ne'er come on more: Observe my learned _Charles_, he'll get thee a Nephew
on _Angellina_ shall dispute in her belly, and suck the Nurse by Logick:
and here's _Eustace_, he was an Ass, but now is grown an _Amadis_; nor
shall he want a Wife, if all my Land, for a Joynture, can effect: Y'are a
good Lord, and of a gentle nature, in your looks I see a kind consent, and
it shews lovely: and do you hear, old Fool? but I'le not chide, hereafter,
like me, ever doat on Learning, the meer belief is excellent, 'twill save
you; and next love Valour, though you dare not fight your self, or fright
a foolish Officer, young _Eustace_ can do it to a hair. And, to conclude,
let _Andrew_'s farm b' encreas'd, that is your penance, you know for what,
and see you rut no more; you understand me. So embrace on all sides.

_I'le pay those Bilmen, and make large amends,
Provided we preserve you still our Friends_-- [Exeunt.


* * * * *


Prologue.

_But that it would take from our modesty
To praise the Writer, or the Comedy,
Till your fair suffrage crown it, I should say,
Y'are all most welcome to no vulgar Play;
And so far w'are confident: And if he
That made it, still lives in your memorie,
You will expect what we present to night,
Should be judged worthy of your ears and sight.
You shall hear_ Fletcher _in it, his true strain,
And neat expressions; living he did gain
Your good opinions; but now dead commends
This Orphan to the care of Noble Friends;
And may it raise in you content and mirth,
And be received for a legitimate birth.
Your grace erects new Trophies to his fame,
And shall, to after-times, preserve his name._


Epilogue.

_'Tis not the hands, or smiles, or common way
Of approbation to a well lik'd Play,
We only hope; but that you freely would
To th' Author's memory so far unfold,
And shew your loves and liking to his Wit,
Not in your praise, but often seeing it;
That being the grand assurance that can give
The Poet and the Player means to live._




APPENDIX.

_In the following references to the text the lines are numbered from the
top of the page, including titles, acts, stage directions, &c., but not,
of course, the headline. Where, as in the lists of Persons Represented,
there are double columns, the right-hand column is numbered after the
left._

It has not been thought necessary to record the correction of every turned
letter nor the substitution of marks of interrogation for marks of
exclamation and _vice versa_. Full-stops have been silently inserted at
the ends of speeches and each fresh speaker has been given the dignity of
a fresh line: in the double-columned folio the speeches are frequently run
on. Only misprints of interest in the Quartos and the First Folio are
recorded.



THE ELDER BROTHER: VARIANTS IN THE QUARTOS.

(A) The | Elder Brother, | A | Comedy. | Acted at the Black Friers, by
his | Majesties Servants. | Printed according to the true Copie. | Written
by John Fletcher Gent. | London, | Imprinted by F.K. for J.W. and J.B. |
1637.

(B) The | Elder Brother | A | Comedie. | Acted at the Blacke Friers, by
his | Majesties Servants. | Printed according to the true Copie. | Written
by John Fletcher Gent. | London, | Imprinted by F.K. for J.W. and J.B. |
1637.

(C) The | Elder Brother: | A | Comedie. | Acted at the private house in
Blacke Fryers, | with great Applause, by His late | Majesties Servants. |
Printed according to the true Copie. | Written by Francis Beaumont, and
John Fletcher, Gent. | The second Edition, Corrected and Amended. |
London, | Printed for Humphrey Moseley, and are to be sold at | his Shop
at the Princes Armes in St. Paules Church yard. | 1651.

(D) The | Elder Brother, | A | Comedy. | Acted at the Black Friers by
| His Majesties Servants. | Printed according to the true Copy. | Written
by John Fletcher Gent. | London: | Printed in the Year, 1661.

(E) The | Elder Brother: | A Comedy. | As it is now Acted at the
Theatre Royal, | By His Majesties Servants. | Written by Francis Beaumont,
and John Fletcher, Gent. | London, | Printed by T.N. for D.N. and T.C.
and are to be sold by George Marriott, at the Sign of the Temple | near
the Inner Temple Gate in Fleetstreet. | M. DC. LXXVIII.

(This Edition was published the year before the publication of the Second
Folio. I have not had an opportunity of examining it, but an American
correspondent, who kindly collated my proof-sheets with the copy in the
Boston Public Library, has sent me his notes. The text is practically that
of the Second Folio.)



APPENDIX

p. 1,
l. 5. A-D] The Speakers of the Play.
l. 29. A-D _omit_ here and in similar cases at the beginning of a scene]
Enter. A-D _omit_] and.

p. 2,
l. 14. A-D] others hands.
l. 15. C] Coach.
l. 20. 2nd Folio _misprints_] Frow. C] of body and of.
l. 24. B and C] vertues.

p. 3,
l. 8. A-D] pleasure.
l. 14. A-D] state.
l. 18. C] the publique.
l. 31. A-C] kings.
l. 32. A-C] in the Country.

p. 4,
l. 14. C] up a.
l. 19. A-C] such one.
l. 30. C] pleasure.
l. 33. A-D _omit_] and.

p. 5,
l. 9. C _omits_] quite,
l. 38. A, B and D] Would 'ee.
l. 39. C] as my M'r.

p. 6,
l. 16. A-D _add_] Ex.
l. 20. B and C] put in.
l. 27. 2nd Folio _misprints_] my.

p. 7,
l. 5. A] to buttry.
l. 11. C] Hoe, Lackey.
l. 18. D] and to.
l. 21. A-D _print the stage direction after_ adorer.
l. 29. B and C] loves.
l. 30. C] with service.

p. 8,
l. 10. B and C] the palm of.
l. 28. B and C] and Bucolicks.
l. 29. B and C] guard.
l. 32. B and C] pleasures.

p. 9,
l. 2. 2nd Folio] Husband.
l. 26. 2nd Folio _misprints_] Compaions.
l. 40. A] Hee's indeed.

p. 10,
l. 12. B and C] nor your.
l. 17. A-C] Trumpe.
l. 33. D] promise.

p. 11,
l. 2. C] much each ease.
l. 3. C] for a shelfe of.
ll. 14 and 17. D] travail...travailes.
l. 19. A] _Eust_. If take.
B] _Eust_. If this take. D also prints _Eust_. here.
C] _Bri_. If this take.
l. 32. A-D _add_] Finis Actus primi.
l. 33. 2nd Folio _misprints_] Seundus.

p. 12,
l. 1. C] But know to.
l. 8. C] entail'd to ye.
l. 20. C] spirit and the.
l. 25. C] tedious speech.
l. 29. A-D] spake.
l. 36. C] a Jesuite.
l. 40. B and C] fat and feesible. A-D] then you sit.

p. 13,
l. 9. A] on't.
l. 27. A] pox of Venice.
l. 36. B and C] girles and.

p. 14,
l. 6. A-D] vent.
l. 16. A] Libratyan Almanack. B-D] Library an.
l. 20. B and C] o'er the ears.
ll. 24 and 25. A] the art.
l. 26. A-D] snowes.

p. 15,
l. 2. A-D] state.
l. 9. C _omits_] shall.
l. 12. A and C] land too, to.
l. 16. A-D] state.
l. 31. A-D omit] these.
l. 34. B and C] auras.
l. 36. A-D] nor do not weigh.

p. 16,
l. 1. B and C] your brains.
l. 4. A-D] University Lovaine.
l. 8. B and C _add_] Exit.
l. 11. B and C] to my.
l. 18. B and D] nor behaviour.
ll. 18 and 19. C _omits_] no gentle...in 'em.
l. 30. C] a fine.
l. 33. A-D] state.

p. 17,
l. 3. B-D] in mine.
l. 28. A-D] Is at's.
l. 34. A-C] spirits.
l. 38. A-D _with variations of_ Ex, _and_ Ex'] _Ex_. Lent.

p. 18,
l. 2. B and C] Males and.
l. 12. A-C] metamaticall.
l. 25. C] bread for.

p. 19,
l. 2. A and D] younger. B and C _omit_] to.
l. 3. A-D] the heir will do.
l. 8. B] fame.
l. 28. A-C] and her lodging.
l. 34. B and C] stie.

p. 20,
l. 1. B and C] Crown's awry.
l. 2. 2nd Folio] slip.
l. 6. B] your bookes. C] I have not swept your.
l. 16. C] ages.
l. 20. B] nere have marryed. C] nere have warmed.
l. 23. C] I not regarded them.
l. 31. A--D] as daintily.
l. 39. A] Gammer.

p. 21,
l. 3. B--D] do find.
l. 7. C] the happy day that.
l. 9. B--D] my great care.
l. 15. A--D] state. B and C _omit_] a.
l. 19. A--D] on our.
l. 28. A, B and D read _Not._ for _Lew._ C _omits_] Lew.
l. 29. A--D _print for Not.] Lewis, and make Not.'s speech begin_
If it had been etc.

p. 22,
l. 6. C] he may make.
l. 18. C] an annual.
l. 33. C] set it ready.
l. 36. 2nd Folio _misprints_] clook.

p. 23,
l. 2. C] to make.
l. 23. B _omits_] a. C] What noise is this, my.
l. 37. C] squeaking's.

p. 24,
l. 2. C] angry Sir.
l. 15. C] And there's.
l. 27. C] today.
l. 36. A--C] O you'ld.
l. 37. C and D] book.

p. 25,
l. 2. C] elder.
l. 15. C] very wide.
l. 18. A--D] book.
l. 25. C] I come not for.
l. 32. C] I'le assure you.
l. 36. C] Thee, thou art.

p. 26,
l. 4. A--D] Gincracke.
l. 11. C] venter.
l. 12. A] t'ee.
l. 38. C] sensible when the. C _omits_] when it.

p. 27,
l. 11. A and D] speak. B and C] spake.

p. 28,
l. 4. B and C] the care.
l. 11. B and C] women.
l. 13. C _adds after_ prethee] 'twill be tenne times better.
l. 22. A--D _omit_] and.
l. 24. C _omits_] Is your's ready.
l. 25. C _omits all the Priest's speech_.
l. 27. C _omits_] Do...exactly.
l. 29. C] fault Sir.

p. 29,
l. 5. A--D] nor he.
l. 7. B and C _omit_] Faith.
l. 9. B and C] so think I too.
l. 15. D _omits_] and.
l. 29. C _omits_] but.
l. 32. C] Will you set too your hand brother.
l. 38. C _omits_] only.

p. 30,
l. 10. A--C _omit_] to.
l. 17. C] want man.
l. 20. B and C] Lampes.

p. 31,
l. 22. A and C] want present.
l. 31. C] fingred morn.
l. 33. C] till your.

p. 32,
l. 7. C] and stop.
l. 11. B--D] Has.
l. 12. B--D] Has.
ll. 12 and 13. C _omits_] I hope...an Ass.
l. 21. C] are gay and.
l. 24. C] Can you love.
l. 36. A] failling.
ll. 36 and 37. A--D] all elements.

p. 33,
l. 2. C] shall close.
l. 12. A and B] our inside.
l. 28. 2nd Folio _misprints_] your.
l. 29. C] your fingers.
l. 37. B and C] hand too.

p. 34,
l. 1. C] He shall Coxcombe. C _omits_] Jew, thou...asses Coxcomb.
l. 11. C] friends.
l. 12. C] Land, pox on't has got the wench too.

p. 35,
l. 5. C] sots.
l. 11. B and C] thy owne.
l. 21. A--D] cowardliness.
l. 29. 2nd Folio] house I'll,
l. 34. B and C] their Country.
l. 40. A and D] and cover.

p. 37,
l. 3. E and 2nd Folio] chafer.
l. 24. B and C] travelling language.
l. 27. B and C] but those.
l. 29. A--D _omit_] And.
l. 30. D and 2nd Folio _omit_] they.
l. 32. B and C] pruning and dressing up.
l. 39. B and C] and a little.

p. 38,
l. 10. A--D _omit_] Enter. 2nd Folio] Angellia.
l. 13. C] a strange set.
l. 22. C] in bed.
l. 31. A and D] fie.
l. 36. B _omits] Ang., making it a continuation of Char's previous
speech._ B and C _omit_] Sir.

p. 39,
l. 5. C] blushes too, men.
l. 14. A--C] Ceremony.
l. 16. B and C] should seal. C] hand.
l. 17. B--D] an Heretick.
ll. 17 and 18. C] would do.
l. 20. C] slumbers.
l. 21. C] see your.
l. 26. C] clip ye. C] kiss ye.
l. 31. C] Queens to wear.

p. 40,
l. 2. A--C] anything, anything fit.
ll. 5 and 6. C] mingled, Mistris, and.
ll. 6 and 7. C] should consent now, I. C _omits_] fo'rt.
l. 8. C] beauteous sparkle.
l. 9. B and C] part of life run.
l. 11. C] that which.
ll. 17 and 18. C] flowers woe us to tumble; yet.
ll. 22 and 23. C] but your affections.
l. 24. C _omits_] A good night t'ye, and.
ll. 24 and 25. C] fall on you, and lock.
l. 33. C] they'l not be kept out.
l. 34. A--D _omit_] fit.

p. 41,
l. 4. C] her ore sufficiently.
l. 16. C] my.
l. 21. D _omits_] may.
ll. 24 and 25. E and 2nd Folio print stage direction after Eustace's
speech.
l. 39. C] too; to think is.

p. 42,
l. 2. A, B and D] sign of man.
l. 20. B and D] I'll talke thee.
l. 30. C] poore slight despicable thing.

p. 43,
l. 9. B] In truth, Sir.
l. 12. C] one who.
l. 13. C] so frighted 'um, so.
l. 17. A and C] frosts.
l. 22. B and C] Glo-wormes taile.
l. 30. C] the reason.
l. 35. A--D] to you.

p. 44,
ll. 8 and 9. C] and shall to as Ile handle it, it shall.
l. 30. C and D] spake.
l. 31. A--C] ere I done.

p. 46,
l. 1. C, _after_ his own, _inserts_] _And._ I warrant thee Wench.
l. 9. C] _after_ grant a little, _inserts line 11 here instead of below_.
l. 12. A--C] will put.
l. 23. C] with his wife within.
l. 24. A--D] Farm in Cuckolds.

p. 47,
l. 4. A] poll'd off.
l. 15. A and D] an hundred.
l. 29. 2nd Folio _misprints_] Agne.
A--D] Hee's.

p. 48,
l. 6. B and C] women.
l. 12. A--D] a' has a.
l. 22. C] us Scholars.
l. 36. A _adds_] _Lew_ before _Cow_.

p. 49,
l. 12. A--C] do nor suffer.
l. 13. B and C] are there.
l. 33. A--C] thinke's no.
l. 38. A, B and D] no use.

p. 50,
ll. 17 and 18. B and C] make you the Court.

p. 51,
ll. 24--26. A--D _place the stage direction after_ opens _instead of
after_ opportunity.
l. 37. C] None Sir.

p. 52,
l. 2. B and C] doores.

p. 53,
l. 4. A and B] ever could.
l. 7. B and C] plung'd in, teaching.
l. 8. A] how fare.
l. 9. B and C] you were thought.
l. 17. A--D] would dispense.

p. 54,
l. 3. B and C] till thine.

p. 55,
l. 12. B and C] and will.
l. 19. 2nd Folio _misprints_] my.

p. 56,
l. 3. A] you valour.
l. 8. 2nd Folio _misprints_] reptation.
l. 11. C] and old as.
l. 22. 2nd Folio] Angellia.
l. 23. C] perswasion.
l. 25. B and C] falsly.
l. 27. A] so fare.
ll. 28 and 29. C] repairs, but rather ruines that honour...up; you destroy
what.
l. 30. C] or my reputation.
l. 31. C _omits_] good.
l. 34. C] Love Charles.
l. 35. C] limbs held.

p. 57,
l. 1. C] thy honour.
l. 4. C] thou.
l. 6. B and C] entertain.
l. 18. C] Kill if.
l. 35. A--D] states. C _omits_] and.

p. 58,
l. 8. A--D] affect it.
l. 10. _After_ old Fool C _inserts_] _Bri._ Your brother Sir.
l. 18. C] we continue still good.
C _adds_] Finis.
l. 22. A and D] Till you.
l. 25. C] live.

p. 59,
A, B and D _add_] Finis.

Hereafter like me, ever doate on learning,
The meere beleefe is excellent, 'twill save you;
And next love valour, though you dare not fight
Your selfe, or fright a foolish Officer, 'young _Eustace_
Can doe it to a haire. And to conclude,
Let _Andrew's_ Farm b'encreas'd, that is your penance,
You know for what, and see you rut no more,
You understand me, So embrace on all sides;
Ile pay those Billmen, and make large amends;
Provided we preserve you still our friends.-- _Exeunt._

[_A few misprints in the above have been corrected in square brackets to
agree with _B.]


THE ELDER BROTHER: VARIANTS IN THE EGERTON MS.

There is a manuscript version of this play in the Egerton collection,
British Museum (No. 1994). It is, presumably, a transcript of one of the
early copies. It differs frequently from the Folio and the Quartos in
single words and, occasionally, in lines but, as its authority is of
doubtful value, it has seemed best to give a collation of it here, apart
from the collations of the Quartos.

_Begins_ Actus Primus. Scaena I.

p. 1,
l. 29. _Omits_ and.

p. 2,
l. 7. foolish idle.
l. 14. others hands.
l. 24. vertues.

p. 3,
l. 9. kinde.
l. 13. purposed.
l. 14. state.
l. 30. great mans.
l. 31. kings.

p. 4,
l. 28. Merry wenches.

p. 5,
l. 9. Cellar dry.
l. 14. knowing pallat.
l. 39. ever should ask.

p. 6,
l. 6. how ere.
l. 20. put in act.
l. 24. was addicted to.
l. 31. blest with.
l. 39. _Omits_ what yet ...Flatter
l. 40. _Omits_ without.
_Also gives stage direction in margin_:--Trampling.

p. 7,
l. 15. _Omits_ _Chas._ Your blessing, Sir.
l. 18. Countries garb.
l. 25. _Stage direction_:--plucks out a booke and reades.
l. 29. loves.
l. 30. with service.
l. 31. And report.
l. 32. Pray you first make use of it.
l. 37. Exit cum sociis.

p. 8,
l. 4. lay it.
l. 5. and the.
l. 6. leads to.
l. 10. the palme of.
l. 13. ore worne.
l. 25. _Omits_ and there ...bring me.
l. 29. guard.

p. 9,
l. 11. from thee.
l. 16. Quiddits from this time to Adam.
l. 19. estates.
l. 22. that bends not.
ll. 23 and 24. fix their.
l. 37. any sense.
l. 38. my yonger Eustace.

p. 10,
l. 12. nor your.
l. 14. shall never.
l. 16. _Omits_ and but ... that I.
l. 32. I did sir ... a word. He's.

p. 11,
l. 18. would resist.
l. 19. _Apportions thus_:--_Egre._ If this take now we are made for ever.
_Cowsy._ And will rebell it. Exeunt all but Andrew.
l. 21. my Master.
ll. 24 and 25. out their.
l. 29. blade he was wont to be.
l. 30. heele ring 'em...as will shake.

p. 12,
l. 1. But know to.
l. 5. a fool, an.
l. 8. to yee.
ll. 24 and 25. new Congees.
l. 28. _Omits_ therefore.
l. 30. _Omits_ Sir.
l. 32. Do you know what learning is brother?

p. 13,
l. 15. _Omits_ Brother.
l. 36. foolish girles & puppets.

p. 14,
l. 5. to my best.
l. 6. vent.
l. 13. You.
l. 16. library an Almanacke.
l. 26. Snowes.
l. 36. to build up.
l. 39. Charles shall set.

p. 15,
l. 12. Land too to your.
l. 13. he is no heir.
l. 16. my state.
l. 19. staies pulling.
l. 31. know things.
l. 36. nor do not weigh.

p. 16,
l. 4. University Lovaine.
l. 11. look now to my.
l. 22. spit fire, snow.
l. 23. that we call.
l. 30. a fine youth.
l. 33. his state ... Did you see my Mistris.

p. 17,
l. 9. that ride.
l. 11. that have ... and speake.
l. 23. I shall kisse.
l. 27. thy master.
l. 34. no spirits a'th.
l. 36. Shall we have.

p. 18,
l. 2. males and.
l. 4. Red Sea early a question.
l. 12. Metamatical.
ll. 19 and 20. are above.
l. 22. ravish with.
l. 25. thy bread.
l. 26. wouldst blanch an Almond. _Omits_ the Sect...invented that.
l. 27. the trenchers.
l. 33. scraps.
l. 36. the drink.
l. 38. not he.

p. 19,
ll. 2 and 3. bowle, my yonger Mr. that must be now the heire will do all
these.
l. 28. and her lodging.
l. 34. sty growne.

p. 20,
l. 1. Crowne's awry, two.
l. 6. swept your books.
l. 9. has pleased.
l. 10. I beleeve her Constellation bee loose.
ll. 15 and 16. and bound up in monstrous [sic] smooth.
l. 25. you one Sir.
l. 31. goes as daintily.

p. 21,
l. 2. a secret out.
l. 3. I doe find.
l. 6. _Adds_ and Servants.
ll. 7 and 8. the happy day that.
l. 9. my great care.
l. 15. state...in Joynter.
l. 19. drawn of our.
l. 28. _Not._ [character]. land.
ll. 29 and 30. _Lew._ T'was not conditional. _Not._ If it had been found,
twas but a fault in the writing &c.

p. 22,
l. 1. seeks, kills.
l. 5. as in others.
l. 6. yet hee may.
l. 8. that's been.
l. 14. Cook, Butler, Lillie.
ll. 25--28. and bee serviceable...see your Sauces bee all poynant and
sharpe in...looke to yor roast and bakt meates made things--Is the.
l. 31. the roome cleare...open for all.
l. 34. Cordes they be not.
l. 35. _Omits_ abroad.
l. 38. cannot slip.

p. 23,
l. 6. wee shall see.
l. 10. not trouble.
l. 11. Sweet-heart.
l. 12. Exeunt. Andrew stayes.
l. 13. ripe? make but my farme as much more and kisse her.
l. 16. pleasure; he can do her no harme, and if it were.
l. 22. _Adds stage direction_ A noyse.
l. 23. What noyse.
l. 24. Note. The words "within a Parenthesis" are omitted in the MS. but
("my head is broken") is in parentheses in MS. It is obvious that these
words were intended as a direction to the printer and have got into the
text in error.
l. 25. Collicke.
l. 29. tis faithful.
l. 37. squeaking is that.

p. 24,
ll. 1 and 2. Geese and Turkeys for the spit Sir...are angry too that makes
the medley.
l. 3. thus every.
l. 4. _Omits_ yet.
l. 9. foul.
l. 16. make 'em drink.
l. 25. I never have.
l. 26. that's a small.
l. 27. married Sir this day.
l. 33. _Omits_ young, sweet, and modest.
ll. 36 and 37. with his booke.
l. 38. for him.

p. 25,
l. 2. elder.
l. 4. shoulders now Sir.
l. 10. Notary, Servants.
ll. 16 and 17. Cherub's ... with wings of modest.
l. 18. booke.
l. 24. I come not for.
l. 28. and a sharp to reprehend.
l. 32. Ile assure.

p. 26,
l. 4. he can get.
l. 27. is here too.

p. 27,
l. 1. book, when it fell on your head, Sir.
l. 6. but new string.
l. 12. Must my.
l. 19. stubbornst willfullest.
l. 21. provide a wife for you.
l. 27. How dost thou Charles what still still at.
l. 38. I have boy, unto.

p. 28,
l. 4. yo'ur care.
l. 12. _Omits_ and wish my Brother fortune.
l. 13. _Adds_ it will bee ten times better.
l. 22. _Omits_ and.
l. 24. _Gives this line to Eustace_.
l. 29. fault Sir.
l. 32. thy owne.
l. 35. kickses.

p. 29,
ll. 1 and 2. dark secret.
l. 4. admirable.
l. 5. nor he.
l. 7. _Omits_ Faith.
l. 9. think I to.
l. 29. Man was my argument.
l. 32. Will yo'u sett to your hand brother.
l. 35. I say Son you trifle time.
l. 38. if you had shewed me land only.

p. 30,
l. 17. though.
l. 20. with Dim Lamps.
l. 32. and blush.
l. 38. than life.
l. 39. me love.

p. 31,
l. 5. yours still and your glory.
l. 6. I your.
l. 31. rosy morn.
l. 35. those lights.

p. 32,
l. 1. there be lesse.
l. 12. into feaver,
l. 24. can you love with.
l. 30. I confesse.
l. 31. but yee shall.
ll. 36 and 37. all Elements.

p. 33,
l. 5. _Omits_ one stay.
l. 17. nor horses.
l. 30. art thou in.

p. 34,
l. 1. Many asses.
l. 13. Pox could he not.
l. 20. take up.
l. 24. No, no, no.

p. 35,
l. 1. mettle.
l. 11. thy own.
l. 12. my own.
l. 21. Cowardlines...upon.
ll. 33 and 34. seene but their owne Country smoak, would grow.

p. 36,
l. 10. a meer.
l. 21. on 'em.
l. 31. in my armes.

p. 37,
l. 13. his two noble warlike.
l. 16. as they came newly from.
l. 23. to fall into a greene.
l. 24. travailing language.
l. 29. _Omits_ And.
ll. 30 and 31. to distinguish between a.
l. 32. pruning and dressing up.
l. 36. _Omits_ Sir.
l. 39. and a little.

p. 38,
l. 1. fit Sir.
l. 13. strang.
ll. 36-38. _gives these lines as continuation of Charles's speech_.

p. 39,
l. 5. too men.
l. 15. ours healthful.
l. 21. see.
l. 26. _Omits_ Nature.
l. 26. clip yee.
ll. 26 and 27. kiss yee.
l. 37. have need.
l. 38. studied among.

p. 40,
l. 2. anything, anything fit.
l. 8. beauties favour.
l. 9. part of life run.
ll. 17 and 18. flowers woe us to't; yet ... these pleasures.
l. 24. _Omits_ A good night t'ye, and. _Begins_ May the dew etc.
l. 32. are at.
l. 38. I command.

p. 41,
l. 1. _Omits the line_ Enter Eustace &c.
l. 16. my own.
l. 24. Snatches out his.
l. 38. _Omits_ to me.

p. 42,
l. 1. neither wit.
l. 2. of man.
l. 13. on 'em.
l. 20. lie talke.
l. 24. your mercy.
l. 30. _Omits_ ye despicable creatures.
l. 34. _Omits_ What did you bring to carry her?

p. 43,
l. 3. _Omits_ Enter Miramont.
l. 5. _Eust_ (char.).
l. 6. by friends.
l. 9. In truth, I ... duty Sir.
l. 11. Bring in a.
l. 17. nor frost.
l. 21. but yong neither.
l. 22. tayle.
l. 24. have the right.
l. 25. are Anagrams.
l. 34. hear and hereafter laugh at.
l. 35. you dear.

p. 44,
l. 5. such question.
l. 9. old goate.
l. 10. _Omits_ her.
l. 12. _Omits_ that's a.
l. 21. a feast for him to make him fat.
ll. 23 and 24. and we'le breake.
l. 27. like servants.
l. 31. take them.

p. 45,
l. 16. I must needs tast of.
ll. 17 and 18. tender of you, and for your healths and credlts sake must
tell you, you have all you are like to have.
l. 19. _Omits_ And.
l. 23. is truth Sir...find it, you.
l. 26. of an.
l. 35. scoffing cheating queane.

p. 46,
l. 3. his lease.
l. 8. loving and.
l. 12. will put.
l. 14. marke hlm.
l. 15. thank you for thy office.
l. 17. Cue Sir, and second me. By.
l. 21. _Omits_ me.
l. 21. alas nothing.
l. 24. Cockold Tenure.
l. 30. Andrew wilt thou.
l. 32. be the Justice.
l. 34. in thee.

p. 47,
l. 3. arizing.
l. 5. _Omits_ O.
l. 15. the farme...to it.
l. 20. troth Sir there is...mine, (_omits_ Sir).
l. 29. have got an ague that you shake...he's.

p. 48,
l. 6. women.
l. 8. of my brother.
l. 21. ride the better.
ll. 23 and 24. _Puts_ Andrew _after_ promise. _Omits_ Andrew _after_ Farm.
ll. 36 and 37. reparable a losse and easily recoverd.

p. 49,
l. 2. dozen or 2 of oaths.
l. 6. so well, that on my.
l. 8. rules out.
l. 12. nor suffer.
l. 13. are there no.
l. 16. with us.
l. 38. no use.

p. 50,
ll. 10--12. _Omits_ that batten...no palats.
ll. 17 and 18. make you the.
l. 36. Antidote, or--.

p. 51,
l. 4. are reformd.
l. 28. Ere I went.
ll. 31--34. is in itself a guard and yet since...may weare...nor can eat
or study.
l. 37. None Sir.

p. 52,
l. 4. not done in scorn.
l. 11. what you.
l. 14. ask from.
l. 17. toil ascended.
l. 22. what this tempest.
l. 37. I goe lesse.

p. 53,
l. 4. ever could.
l. 7. plung'd in teachlng.
l. 9. you were.
l. 20. nor threats.
l. 25. Noe, Noe.
l. 26. and the other.
l. 33. _Adds_ They fight.

p. 54,
l. 2. in time.
l. 3. till thine.
l. 8. as your father is.
l. 15. late in me Sir.
ll. 22 and 23. _Omits_ nay, the...are bound.
l. 25. that Eustace.
l. 26. and that the perfect.
l. 27. Nay, no.
l. 28. Sure I shall not need, Sir.
ll. 30, 31. _Omits_ to all that men call good.
l. 33. to.

P. 55,
l. 7. and so deserve it.
l. 12. gravity in...and will.
l. 13. him, if he rebel, that.
l. 19. read a tragedy in my face, Sir.

p. 56,
l. 4. _Omits_ and such a one.
l. 10. why, so, this is.
l. 11. and old.
l. 23. Death...perswasion.
l. 25. falsely.
l. 26. let me.
l. 28. but ruins rather that.
l. 30. reputation.
l. 34. love Charles.
l. 35. held mulcts.
l. 36. in the.

p. 57,
l. 1. to mine honour.
l. 11. _Omits_ yields.
l. 15. _Adds_ Will you doe what you are sworne too.
l. 23. loose you.
l. 32. in that.
l. 35. states.

p. 58,
l. 6. but is an Amadis.
l. 8. effect it.
l. 9. kind of consent.
l. 14. Andrew have his farme increasd.
l. 15. and rut no.
l. 17. the Billmen.

_The MS. gives the_ Epilogue _but not the_ Prologue.

It also adds the following verses:--

Epigram:

A freemans life is like a pilgrimage
Whats his life then that lives in mariage
Tis Sisiphus his toyle that with a stone
Doth doe what surely for ease must be done
His laboures Journey's endles, tis no Riddle
Since he's but halfe on's way that stands in th'middle.



_Ad Janum_.

Take Comfort Janus, never feare thy head
Which to the quick belongs, not to the dead
Thy wife did lye with one, thou being dead drunke
Thou art no Cuckold though shee bee a Punke.

Tis not the state nor soveraintie of Jove
could draw thy pure affections from my love
nor is there any Venus in the Skyes
could from thy looks with draw my greedy eyes.




THE SPANISH CURATE

A = First Folio; B = Second Folio.

p. 60,
ll. 3-41. Omitted in A.
l. 42. A _omits_] and.
l. 46. A] heirs.

p. 61,
l. 38. A] Encreasing by.
l. 39. B _misprints_] Vialante.

p. 63,
l. 17. A] base and abject.

p. 64,


 


Back to Full Books