As it was Acted by her Majesties
Servants, at the private
House in _Drury_ Lane.
Written by _James Shirly_.
[Illustration]
_LONDON_,
Printed by _Tho. Cates_, for _Andrew Crooke_,
and _William Cooke_.
1637.
Persons of the Comedy.
_Lord._
_Sir Thomas Bornewell._
_Sir William Sentlove._
_Mr. Alex. Kickshaw._
_Mr. John Littleworth._
_Mr. Hairecut._
_Mr. Fredericke._
Steward to the Lady _Aretina_.
Steward to the Lady _Celestina_.
_Secretary._
_Servants, &c._
_Aretina_, Sir _Thomas Bornwells_ Lady.
_Celestina_, a young Widow.
_Isabella._
_Mariana._
_Madam Decoy._
Scene the Strand.
[Illustration]
TO
THE RIGHT HONORABLE
RICHARD LORD
LOVELACE _of_ Hurley.
My Lord,
I _Cannot want encouragement to present a Poeme to your Lordship,
while you possesse so noble a breast, in which so many seedes of
honour, to the example and glory of your Name obtain'd, before your
yeares a happy maturity. This Comedy fortunate in the Scene, and
one that may challenge a place in the first forme of the Authors
compositions, most humbly addresseth it selfe to your honour, if it
meete your_ _gracious acceptance, and that you repent not to be a
Patron, your Lordshipps will onely crownes the imagination, and for
ever by this favour oblige_,
My Lord
_The most humble Services_
_of your Honourer_,
IAMES SHIRLY.
The Lady of Pleasure.
_The First Act._
_Enter_ Aretina _and her Steward_.
_Stew._ Be patient Madam, you may have your pleasure.
_Are._ Tis that I came to towne for, I wo'd not
Endure againe the countrey conversation,
To be the Lady of sixe shires I the men
So neare the Primitive making, they retaine
A sence of nothing but the earth, their braines
And barren heads standing as much in want
Of plowing as their ground, to heare a fellow
Make himselfe merry and his horse with whisteling
Sellingers round, to observe with what solemnitie
They keepe their Wakes, and throw for pewter Candlestickes,
How they become the Morris, whith whose bells
They ring all into Whitson Ales, and sweate,
Through twenty Scarffes and Napkins, till the Hobbyhorse
Tire, and the maide Marrian dissolv'd to a gelly,
Be kept for spoone meate.
_Ste._ These with your pardon are no Argument
To make the country life appeare so hatefull,
At least to your particular, who enjoy'd
A blessing in that calme; would you be pleasd
To thinke so, and the pleasure of a kingdome,
While your owne will commanded what should move
Delight, your husbands love and power joyned
To give your life more harmony, you liv'd there,
Secure and innocent, beloved of all,
Praisd for your hospitality, and praid for,
You might be envied, but malice knew
Not where you dwelt, I wo'd not prophecy
But leave to your owne apprehension
What may succeede your change.
_Are._ You doe imagine,
No doubt, you have talk'd wisely, and confuted,
London past all defence, your Master should
Doe well to send you backe into the countrie,
With title of Superintendent Baylie.
_Ste._ How Madam.
_Are._ Even so sir.
_Ste._ I am a Gentleman though now your servant.
_Are._ A country-gentleman,
By your affection to converse with stuble,
His tenants will advance your wit, and plumpe it so
With beefe and bag-pudding.
_Ste._ You may say your pleasure,
It becomes not me dispute.
_Are._ Complaine to the Lord of the soyle your master.
_Ste._ Y'are a woman of an ungovern'd passion, and I pitty you.
_Enter Sir Thomas Bornwell._
_Bor._ How how? Whats the matter?
_Ste._ Nothing Sir.
_Bor._ Angry sweeteheart?
_Are._ I am angry with my selfe,
To be so miserably restrained in things,
Wherein it doth concern your love and honour
To see me satisfied.
_Bor._ In what _Aretina_?
Dost thou accuse me? have I not obeyd
All thy desires, against mine owne opinion,
Quitted the countrie, and removed the hope
Of our returne, by sale of that faire Lordship
We liv'd in, chang'd a calme and retire life
For this wild towne, composd of noise and charge.
_Are._ What charge more than is necessarie,
For a lady of my birth and education?
_Bor._ I am not Ignorant, how much Nobilitie
Flowes in your bloud, your kinsmen great and powerfull,
I'th State, but with this lose not your memory
Of being my wife, I shall be studious
Madam to give the dignitie of your birth
All the best ornaments which become my fortune
But would not flatter it, to ruine both,
And be the fable of the towne, to teach
Other men losse of wit by mine, emploid
To serve your vast expences. _Are._ Am I then
Brought in the ballance? so Sir. _Bo._ Though you weigh
Me in a partiall scale my heart is honest,
And must take libertie to thinke you have
Obeyed no modest counsell to effect,
Nay study wayes of pride and costly ceremony,
Your change of gaudy furniture and pictures,
Of this Italian Master, and that Dutchmans.
Your mighty looking-glasses like Artillery;
Brought whom on Engins the superfluous plate,
Anticke and novell, vanities of fires,
Fourescore pound suppers for my Lord your kinsman,
Banquets for tother Lady, aunt, and cozens,
And perfumes that exceede all traine of servants,
To stifle us at home and shew abroad
More motley than the French, or the Venetian,
About your Coach whose rude Postillion
Must pester every narrow lane, till passengers
And tradsmen curse your choaking up their stalls;
And common cries pursue your Ladiship,
For hindring o'their market. _Are._ Have you done sir.
_Bor._ I could accuse the gayetie of your wardrobe,
And prodigall embroderies under which
Rich Sattens, Plushes, cloath of Silver, dare
Not shew their owne complexions, your jewells
Able to burne out the Spectators eyes,
And shew like Bonefires on you by the tapers,
Something might here be spar'd, which safely of
Your birth and honour, since the truest wealth,
Shines from the soule, and drawes up just admirers,
I could urge something more: _Are._ Pray doe I like
Your homilie of thrifte. _Bo._ I could wish Madam
You would not game so much. _Are._ A gamster too?
_Bor._ But are not come to that repentance yet,
Should teach you skill enough to raise your profit,
You looke not through the subtiltie of Cards,
And mysteries of Dice, nor can you save
Charge with the boxe, buy petticotes and purles,
And keepe your familie by the precious income,
Nor doe I wish you should, my poorest servant
Shall not upbraid my tables, nor his hire
Purchasd beneath my honour, you make play
Not a Pastime but a tyrannie, and vexe
Your selfe and my estate by't. _Are._ Good, proceed.
_Bor._ Another game you have, which consumes more
Your fame than purse, your revells in the night,
Your meetings cal'd the Ball, to which appeare,
As to the Court of Pleasure, all your gallants,
And Ladies thither bound by a Subpena
Of _Venus_, and small _Cupids_ high displeasure,
Tis but the family of love translated
Into more costly sinne, there was a play on't,
And had the Poet not beene brib'd to a modest
Expression of your Anticke gambolls in't,
Some darkes had beene discovered, and the deeds too,
In time he may repent and make some blush,
To see the second part danc'd on the Stage;
My thoughts acquit you for dishonoring me
By any foule act, but the vertuous know,
Tis not enough to cleare our selves, but the
Suspitions of our shame. _Are._ Have you concluded
Your lecture? _Bor._ I ha done, and howsoever
My language my appeare to you, it carries
No other than my faire and just intent
To your delights without curbe to their modestie
And noble freedome. _Are._ Ile not be so tedious,
In my reply, but without arte or elegance,
Assure you I keepe still my first opinion,
And though you vay'le, your avaritious meaning
With hansome names of modesty, and thrift,
I finde you would intrench and wound the liberty
I was borne with, were my desires unpriviledged
By example, while my judgement thought 'em fit,
You ought not to oppose, but when the practise
And tract of every honourable Lady,
Authorise me, I take it great injustice,
To have my pleasures circumscribed, and taught me,
A narrow minded husband is a theefe
To his owne fame, and his preferment too,
He shuts his parts and fortunes from the world.
While from the popular vote and knowledge men
Rise to imployment in the state. _Bor._ I have
No great ambition to buy preferment
At so deare rate. _Are._ Nor I to sell my honour,
By living poore and sparingly, I was not
Bred in that ebbe of fortune, and my fate
Shall not compell me too't. _Bor._ I know not Madam,
But you pursue these wayes. _Are._ What wayes?
_Bor._ In the strict sence of honestie I dare
Make oath, they are Innocent. _Are._ Do not divert,
By busie troubling of your braine, those thoughts
That should preserve em. _Bor._ How was that?
_Are._ Tis English.
_Bor._ But carries some unkinde sence.
_Enter Madam Decoy._
_De._ Good morrow my sweete Madam.
_Are._ _Decoy_ welcome, this visite is a favour.
_De._ Alas sweet Madam, I cannot stay, I came
But to present my service to your Ladiship;
I could not passe by your doore, but I must take
The boldnesse to render my respects.
_Are._ You oblige me Madam, but I must
Not dispence so with your absence.
_De._ Alas, the Coach Madam stayes for me at the doore.
_Are._ Thou shalt command mine, prethee sweete _Decoy_.
_De._ I wou'd waite on you Madam, but I have many
Visits to make this morning I beseech.
_Are._ So you will promise to dine with me. _De._ I shall
Present a guest. _Are._ Why then good morrow Madam.
_De._ A happy day shine on your Ladiship. _Exit._
_Enter Steward._
_Are._ Whats your newes sir? _St._ Madam two gentlemen.
_Are._ What gentlemen? Have they no names. _St._ They are
The gentleman with his owne head of haire,
Whom you commended for his horsemanship
In Hide Parke, and becomming the saddle
The tother day. _Are._ What circumstance is this,
To know him by. _St._ His names at my tongues end,
He lik'd the fashion of your pearle chaine Madam,
And borrowed it for his Jewelier to take
A coppie by it. _Bor._ What cheating gallants this?
_St._ That never walkes without a Ladies buske,
And playes with fannes Mr. _Alexander Kickshaw_,
I thought I should remember him. _Are._ Whats the other?
_St._ What an unluckie memorie I have?
The gallant that still danceth in the streete,
And weares a grosse of Ribbon in his hat,
That carries _Oringado_ in his pocket,
And Suger-plumbs to sweeten his discourse,
That studies complement, defies all wit
On blacke and censures playes that are not bawdy,
Mr. _John Littleworth_. _Are._ They are welcome, but
Pray entertaine them a small time, lest I
Be unprovided. _Bor._ Did they aske for me?
_Ste._ No sir. _Bor._ It matters not, they must be welcome.
_Are._ Fie, how's this haire disordered? here's a curle,
Straddle most impiously, I must to my closet. _Exit._
_Bor._ Waite on em my Lady will returne agen,
I have to such a height fulfill'd her humor,
All applications dangerous, these gallants
Must be received or shee will fall into
A tempest, and the house be shooke with names
Of all her kindred, tis a servitude,
I may in time shake off.
_Enter Alexander and Littleworth._
_Al. Lit._ Save you Sir _Thomas_.
_Bor._ Save you gentlemen. _Al._ I kisse your hand.
_Bor._ What day is it abroad?
_Lit._ The morning rises from your Ladies eye,
If she looke cleare we take the happy omen
Of a faire day. _Bo._ Sheele instantly appeare,
To the discredit of your complement,
But you expresse your wit thus. _Al._ And you modestie,
Nor to affect praises of your owne.
_Bor._ Leaving this subject, what games now on foote?
What exercise carries the generall vote?
Oth towne now nothing moves without your knowledge.
_Al._ The cocking now has all the noise, Ile have
A hundred peeces of one battle, Oh,
These birds of _Mars_! _Lit._ _Venus_ is _Mars_ his bird too.
_Al._ Why and the pretty Doves are _Venusses_,
To show that kisses draw the Charriot.
_Lit._ I am for that skirmish. _Bor._ When shall wee have
More Booths and Bag-pipes upon Bansted downes,
No mighty race is expected, but my Lady returnes.
_Enter Aretina._
_Are._ Faire morning to you gentlemen,
You went not late to bed by your early visit,
You doe me honour. _Al._ It becomes our service.
_Are._ What newes abroade? you hold precious intelligence.
_Lit._ All tongues are so much busie with your praise,
They have not time to frame other discourse,
Will please you Madam? tast a Sugerplum.
_Bor._ What do's the Goldsmith thinke the Pearle is worth
You borrowed of my Lady? _Al._ Tis a rich one.
_Bor._ She has many other toyes whose fashion you,
Will like extremely, you have no intention
To buy any of her Iewels. _Al._ Vnderstand me.
_Bor._ You had rather sell perhaps, but leaving this?
I hope you'le dine with us.
_Al._ I came a purpose.
_Are._ And where were you last night? _Al._ I Madam? where
I slept not, it had beene sin where so much
Delight and beauty was to keepe me waking,
There is a Lady Madam will be worth
Your free societie, my conversation
Nere knew so elegant and brave a soule,
With most incomparable flesh and bloud,
So spirited, so Courtly speakes the Languages,
Sings, Dances, playes o'th Lute to admiration,
Is faire and paints not, games too, keepes a table,
And talkes most witty Satyre, has a wit
Of a cleane Mercury.
_Lit._ Is shee married? _Al._ No.
_Are._ A Virgin? _Al._ Neither. _Lit._ What a widow? something
Of this wide commendation might have beene
Excusd, this such a prodigie? _Al._ Repent
Before I name her, shee did never see
Yet full sixteene, an age in the opinion
Of wise men not contemptible, she ha's
Mourned out her yeare too for the honest Knight
That had compassion of her youth, and dy'd
So timely, such a widow is not common,
And now she shines more fresh and tempting
Then any naturall Virgin.
_Are._ Whats her name?
_Al._ Shee was Christened _Celestina_, by her husband
The Lady _Bellamour_, this Ring was hers.
_Bor._ You borrowed it to coppie out the Posie.
_Al._ Are they not pretty Rubies? twas a grace
She was pleasd to shew me, that I might have one
Made of the same fashion, for I love
All prettie formes. _Are._ And is she glorious?
_Al._ She is full of Jewels Madam, but I am
Most taken with the bravery of her minde,
Although her garments have all grace and ornament.
_Are._ You have beene high in praises. _Al._ I come short,
No flattery can reach her. _Bor._ Now my Lady
Is troubled as she feared to be eclipsd,
This newes will cost me somewhat. _Are._ You deserve
Her favour for this noble character.
_Al._ And I possesse it by my starres benevolence.
_Are._ You must bring us acquainted. _Bo._ I pray doe sir,
I long to see her too, Madam I have
Thought upon't and corrected my opinion,
Pursue what wayes of pleasure your desires
Incline you too, not onely with my state,
But with my person I will follow you,
I see the folly of my thrift, and will
Repent in Sacke and prodigalitie
To your owne hearts content.
_Are._ But doe not mocke.
_Bor._ Take me to your imbraces gentlemen
And tutor me. _Lit._ And will you kisse the Ladies?
_Bor._ And sing and dance, I long to see this beauty,
I wood faine lose a hundred pounds at dice now,
Thou sha't have another gowne and petticote,
To morrow will you sell my running horses?
We have no Greeke wine in the house I thinke,
Pray send one of our footemen to the Merchant,
And throw the hogsheads of March-beare into
The kenell, to make roome for Sackes and Clarret,
What thinke you to be drunke yet before dinner?
We will have constant musicke and maintaine
Them and their Fidles in phantasticke liveries,
Ile tune my voyce to catches, I must have
My dyning roome enlarg'd to invite Embassadors,
Wee'le feast the parish in the fields, and teach
The Military men new discipline,
Who shall charge all their new Artillerie
With Oringes and Lemonds, boy to play
All dinner upon our capons. _Al._ Hee's exalted.
_Bor._ I will doe any thing to please my Lady,
Let that suffice and kisse oth same condition,
I am converted, doe not you dispute
But patiently allow the miracle. _Enter Servant._
_Are._ I am glad to heare you sir in so good tune.
_Ser._ Madam the Painter. _Are._ I am to sit this morning.
_Bor._ Doe, while I give new directions to my Steward.
_Al._ With your favour we'le waite on you, sitting's but
A melancholy exercise without
Some company to discourse. _Are._ It does conclude
A Ladies morning worke, we rise, make fine,
Sit for our Picture, and tis time to dine.
_Lit._ Praying's forgot. _Al._ Tis out of fashion. _Exeunt._
_Enter Celestina and her Steward._
_Cel._ Fie, what an aire this roome has. _St._ Tis perfum'd.
_Cel._ With some cheape stuffe is it your wisedomes thrift
To infect my nostrils thus? Or i'st to favour
The Gout in your worships hand? You are afraid
To exercise your pen in your account Booke?
Of doe you doubt my credit to discharge
Your bills.
_St._ Madam, I hope you have not found
My dutie with the guilt of sloath or jealousie,
Vnapt to your command. _Cel._ You can extenuate
Your faults with language sir, but I expect
To be obeyed; What hangings have we here?
_St._ They are Arras Madam. _Cel._ Impudence I know't,
I will have fresher and more rich, not wrought
With faces that may scandalise a Christian
With Iewish stories stufft with Corne and Camells,
You had best wrap all my chambers in wild Irish,
And make a nursery of Monsters here,
To fright the Ladies comes to visite me.
_St._ Madam I hope. _Cel._ I say I will have other,
Good Master Steward of a finer loome,
Some silke and silver if your worship please,
To let me be at so much cost Ile have
Stories to fit the seasons of the yeare,
And change as often as I please. _St._ You shall Madam.
_Cel._ I am bound to your consent forsooth, and is
My coach brought home?
_St._ This morning I expect it.
_Cel._ The inside as I gave direction,
Of crimson plush. _St._ Of crimson Camell plush.
_Cel._ Ten thousand mothes consum't, shall I ride through
The streets in penance wrapt up round in haire cloath,
Sel't to an Alderman, twill serve his wife
To goe a feasting to their country house,
Or fetch a Merchants Nurse child, and come home
Laden with fruite and Cheese-cakes; I despise it.
_St._ The nailes adorne it Madam, set in method
And pretty formes. _Cel._ But single guilt I warrant.
_St._ No Madam. _Cel._ Another Solecisme, oh fie,
This fellow will bring me to a Consumption
With fretting at his ignorance, some Lady
Had rather never pray, than goe to Church in't;
The nailes not double guilt? to market wo't,
Twill hackny out to Mile-end, or convey
Your citie tumblers to be drunke with Creame
And Prunes at Islington. _St._ Good Madam heare me.
_Cel._ Ile rather be beholding to my Aunt
The Countesse for her mourning coach, then be
Disparag'd so, shall any juggling tradsman
Be at charge to shooe his running horse with gold,
And shall my coach nailes be but single guilt?
How dare these knaves abuse me so? _St._ Vouchsafe
To heare me speake. _Cel._ Is my Sedan yet finish'd?
And liveries for my men--Mules according
As I gave charge. _St._ Yes Madam it is finish'd,
But without tilting plumes at the foure corners,
The scarlet's pure, but not embroidered.
_Cel._ What mischiefe were it to your conscience
Were my coach lin'd with tissue, and my harnesse
Cover'd with needleworke? if my Sedan
Had all the story of the Prodigall,
Embrodered with pearle. _St._ Alas good Madam,
I know tis your owne cost, I am but your Steward,
And wod discharge my duty the best way,
You have beene pleasd to heare me, tis not for
My profit, that I manage your estate,
And save expence, but for your honour Madam.
_Cel._ How sir, my honour? _St._ Though you heare it not,
Mens tongues are liberall in your character,
Since you began to live thus high, I know
Your fame is precious to you. _Cel._ I were best
Make you my governor; audacious Varlet,
How dare you interpose your doting counsell?
Mind your affaires with more obedience,
Or I shall ease you of an office sir,
Must I be limited to please your honour?
Or for the vulgar breath confine my pleasures,
I will pursue 'em in what shapes I fancie,
Here, and abroad, my entertainements shall
Be oftner, and more rich, who shall controule me?
I live i'th strand, whether few Ladies come
To live, and purchase, more than fame, I will
Be hospitable then, and spare no cost
That may engage all generous report
To trumpet forth my bounty and my braverie,
Till the Court envie, and remove, Ile have
My house the Academy of wits, who shall
Exalt with rich Sacke, and Sturgeon,
Write Panegyricks of my feasts, and praise
The method of my wittie superfluities,
The horses shall be taught with frequent waiting
Vpon my gates, to stop in their careere
Toward Charing-crosse, spight of the Coachmans fury.
And not a tilter, but shall strike his plume,
When he sailes by my window, my Balconie
Shall be the Courtiers Idoll, and more gaz'd at,
Than all the Pageantry at Temple barre,
By countrey Clients. _St._ Sure my Ladie's mad.
_Cel._ Take that for your ill manners. _St._ Thanke you Madam,
I would there were lesse quicksilver in your fingers. _Exit._
_Cel._ There's more than simple honesty in a servant
Requir'd to his full dutie, none should dare,
But with a looke, much lesse a sawcie language
Checke at their Mistresse pleasure, I'me resolv'd
To pay for some delight, my estate will beare it,
Ile reine it shorter when I please.
_Enter Steward._
_St._ A gentleman
Desires to speake with your Ladiship. _Cel._ His name?
_St._ He saies you know him not, he seemes to be
Of qualitie. _Cel._ Admit him. Sir with me.
_Enter Hairecut._
_Ha._ Madam I know not, how you may receive
This boldnesse from me, but my faire intents
Knowne, will incline you to be charitable.
_Cel._ No doubt sir. _Ha._ He must live obscurely Madam,
That hath not heard what vertues you possesse,
And I a poore admirer of your fame,
Am come to kisse your hand. _Cel._ That all your businesse?
_Ha._ Though it were worth much travell, I have more
In my ambition. _Cel._ Speake it freely sir.
_Ha._ You are a widow. _Cel._ So. _Ha._ And I a Bachelor.
_Cel._ You come a wooing sir, and would perhaps
Shew me a way to reconcile thee two.
_Ha._ And blesse my starres for such a happinesse.
_Cel._ I like you sir the better, that you doe not
Wander about, but shoote home to the meaning,
Tis a confidence will make a man
Know sooner what to trust to, but I never
Saw you before, and I beleeve you come not
With hope to finde me desperate upon marriage,
If maides out of their ignorance of what
Men, are refuse these offers, widowes may
Out of their knowledge be allow'd some coynesse,
And yet I know not how much happinesse
A peremptorie answer may deprive me of,
You may be some young Lord, and though I see not
Your footmen and your groome, they may not be
Farre off in conference with your horse, please you
To instruct me with your title, against which
I would not willingly offend. _Ha._ I am
A gentleman, my name is _Hairecut_ madam.
_Cel._ Sweete Mr. _Hairecut_, are you a Courtier?
_Ha._ Yes. _Cel._ J did thinke so by your confidence,
Not to detaine you sir with circumstance,
J was not so unhappy in my husband
But that tis possible I may be a wife
Agen, but I must tell you, he that winnes
My affection shall deserve me. _Ha._ J will hope
If you can love, J shanot present Madam
An object to displease you in my person,
And when time, and your patience shall possesse you
With further knowledge of me, and the truth
Of my devotion, you will not repent
The offer of my service. _Cel._ You say well.
How long doe you imagine you can love sir?
Is it a Quotidian, or will it hold
But every other day? _Ha._ You are pleasant Madam.
_Cel._ Dost take you with a burning at the first,
Or with a cold fit for you gentlemen
Have both your Summer, and your Winter service.
_Ha._ J am ignorant what you meane, but J shall never
Be cold in my affection to such beautie.
_Cel._ And twill be somewhat long ere J be warme in't.
_Ha._ If you vouchsafe me so much honour Madam,
That J may waite on you sometimes, J shanot
Despaire to see a change. _Cel._ But now J know
Your minde, you shall not neede to tell it, when
You come agen, J shall remember it.
_Ha._ You make me fortunate. _Enter Steward._
_St._ Madam your kinswomen
The Lady _Novice_ and her sister are
New lighted from their coach. _Cel._ I did expect e'm,
They partly are my pupills, ile attend e'm.
_Ha._ Madam I have beene too great a trespasser
Vpon your patience, ile take my leave,
You have affaires, and I have some imployment
Calls me to Court, I shall present agen
A servant to you. _Cel._ Sir you may present, _Exit Ha._
But not give fire I hope, now to the Ladies
This recreation's past, the next must be
To read to them some Court Philosophie. _Exeunt._
_The second Act._
_Enter sir Thomas Bornewell._
Tis a strange humour I have undertaken
To dance, and play, and spend as fast as she does,
But I am resolv'd, it may doe good upon her,
And fright her into thrift, nay ile endeavour
To make her jealous too, if this doe not
Allay her gamboling, shee's past a woman
And onely a miracle must tame her.
_Enter Steward._
_St._ Tis Mr. _Fredericke_ my Ladies nephew. _Bo._ What of him?
_St._ Is come from the Universitie. _Bo._ By whose directions?
_St._ It seemes my Ladies. _Bo._ Let me speake with him
Before he see his Aunt, I doe not like it.
_Enter Mr. Fredericke._
Mr. _Fredericke_ welcome I expected not
So soone your presence, what's the hasty cause?
_Fr._ These letters from my Tutor will acquaint you.
_St._ Welcome home sweet Mr. _Fredericke_. _Fr._ Where's my Aunt?
_St._ Shee's busie about her painting, in her closet,
The Outlandish man of Art, is copying out
Her countenance. _Fr._ She is sitting for her picture.
_St._ Yes sir, and when tis drawne, she will be hang'd
Next the French Cardinall in the dining roome,
But when she heares you'r come, she will dismisse
The Belgicke gentleman to entertaine
Your worship. _Fr._ Change of aire has made you witty.
_Bo._ Your Tutor gives you a hansome character
_Fredericke_, and is sorry your Aunts pleasure
Commands you from your studies, but I hope
You have no quarrell to the liberall arts,
Learning is an addition beyond
Nobilitie of birth, honour of bloud
Without the ornament of knowledge is
A glorious ignorance.
_Fr._ I never knew more sweet and happy houres
Than I emploid upon my bookes, I heard
A part of my Philosophy, and was so
Delighted with the harmony of nature,
I could have wasted my whole life upon't.
_Bo._ Tis pitty a rash indulgence should corrupt
So faire a Genius, shee's here, ile observe.
_Enter Aretina. Alexander. Littleworth. Steward._
_Fr._ My most lov'd Aunt. _Are._ Support me, J shall faint.
_Lit._ What ailes your Ladiship? _Are._ Is that _Fredericke_,
In blacke. _Alex._ Yes Madam, but the doublets Sattin.
_Are._ The boy's undone. _Fre._ Madam you appeare troubled.
_Are._ Have J not cause? Was not J trusted with
Thy education boy, and have they sent thee
Home like a very scholler. _Alex._ Twas ill done
How ere they usd him in the Vniversitie,
To send him to his friends thus. _Fre._ Why sir, blacke
(For tis the colour that offends your eyesight)
Is not within my reading any blemish,
Sables are no disgrace in Heraldry.
_Alex._ Tis comming from the Colledge thus, that makes it
Dishonorable, while you ware it for
Your father, it was commendable, or were
Your Aunt dead, you might mourne and justifie.
_Are._ What lucke I did not send him into France,
They would have given him generous education,
Taught him another garbe, to weare his locke,
And shape, as gawdie as the Summer, how
To dance, and wagge his feather ala mode,
To complement, and cringe, to talke not modestly
Like J forsooth, and no forsooth, to blush
And looke so like a Chaplaine, there he might
Have learned a brazen confidence, and observ'd
So well the custome of the countrey, that
He might by this time have invented fashions
For us, and beene a benefit to the Kingdome
Preserv'd our Tailors in their wits, and sav'd
The charge of sending into forraine Courts
For pride and anticke fashions, observe,
In what a posture he does hold his hat now.
_Fr._ Madam with your pardon, you have practisd
Another dialect then was taught me when
I was commended to your care and breeding,
I understand not this, Latine or Greeke
Are more familiar to my apprehension,
Logicke was not so hard in my first lectures
As your strange language. _Are._ Some strong waters, oh!
_Lit._ Comfits will be as comfortable to your stomacke Madam.
_Are._ I feare hee's spoild forever, he did name
Logicke, and may for ought I know be gone
So farre to understand it, I did alwayes
Suspect they would corrupt him in the Colledge,
Will your Greeke sawes and sentences discharge
The Mercer, or is Latin a fit language
To court a mistresse in? Mr. _Alexander_
If you have any charitie, let me
Commend him to your breeding, I suspect
I must employ my Doctor first, to purge
The Vniversitie that lies in's head
It alters his complexion. _Alex._ If you dare
Trust me to serve him. _Are._ Mr. _Littleworth_
Be you joynd in commission. _Lit._ I will teach him
Postures and rudiments. _Are._ I have no patience
To see him in this shape, it turnes my stomacke,
When he has cast his Academicke skinne
He shall be yours, I am bound in conscience
To see him bred, his owne state shall maintaine
The change, while hees my Ward, come hither sir.
_Fr._ What does my Aunt meane to doe with me?
_St._ To make you a fine gentleman, and translate you
Out of your learned language sir, into
The present Goth and Vandall, which is French.
_Bo._ Into what mischiefe wilt this humour ebbe?
Shee will undo the boy, I see him ruind,
My patience is not manly, but I must
Vse stratagem to reduce her, open wayes
Give me no hope. _Exit._
_St._ You shall be obey'd Madam. _Exeunt._
_Fr._ Mr. _Steward_, are you sure we doe not dreame?
Was't not my Aunt you talkt to. _St._ One that loves you
Deare as her life, these cloathes doe not become you,
You must have better sir. _Fr._ These are not old.
_St._ More sutable to the towne and time, we keepe
No Lent here, nor is't my Ladies pleasure you
Should fast from any thing you have a minde to,
Vnlesse it be your learning, which she would have you
Forget with all convenient speed that may be,
For the credit of your noble family.
The case is alter'd since we liv'd i'th country,
We doe not invite the poore o'th parish
To dinner, keepe a table for the tenants,
Our kitchen does not smell of beefe, the sellar
Defies the price of malt and hops, the footmen
And coachdrivers may be drunke like gentlemen
With wine, nor will three Fidlers upon holidayes
With aid of Bagge pipes, that cald in the countrey
To dance, and plough the hall up with their hobnailes,
Now make my Lady merry, wee doe feed
Like princes, and feast nothing but princes,
And are these robes fit to be seene amongst em.
_Fr._ My Lady keepes a court then, is Sir _Thomas_
Affected with this state and cost. _Ste._ He was not,
But is converted, and I hope you wo'not
Persist in heresie, but take a course
Of riot to content your friends, you shall
Want nothing, if you can be proud and spend it
For my Ladies honour, here are a hundred
Peeces, will serve you till you have new clothes,
I will present you with a nag of mine
Poore tender of my service please you accept,
My Ladies smile more than rewards me for it,
I must provide fit servants to attend you,
Monsieures for horse and foote. _Fr._ I shall submit
If this be my Aunts pleasure and be ruld,
My eyes are open'd with this purse already,
And Sacke will helpe to inspire me, I must spend it.
_St._, What else sir? _Fr._ Ile begin with you, to incourage
You, to have still a speciall care of me,
There is five peeces, not for your nag.
_St._ No sir, I hope it is not. _Fr._ Buy a Beaver
For thy owne blocke, I shall be ruld, who does
Command the wineseller? _St._ Who command but you sir?
_Fr._ Ile try to drinke a health or two, my Aunts
Or any bodies, and if that foundation
Stagger me not too much, I will commence
In all the arts of London. _St._ If you finde sir
The operation of the wine, exalt
Your bloud to the desire of any femall
Delight, I know your Aunt wonot deny
Any of her chambermaides to practise on,
She loves you but too well. _Fr._ I know not how
I may be for that exercise, farewell _Aristotle_,
Prethee commend me to the Library
At Westminster, my bones I bequeath thither,
And to the learned wormes that meane to visit 'em,
I will compose my selfe, I beginne to thinke
I have lost time indeed, come to the wineseller. _Exit._
_Enter Celestina, Mardana, Isabella._
_Ma._ But shall we not Madam expose our selves
To censure for this freedome. _Cel._ Let them answer
That dare mistake us, shall we be so much
Cowards to be frighted from our pleasure,
Because men have malitious tongues, and shew
What miserable soules they have, no cozen,
We hold our life and fortunes, upon no
Mans charitie, if they dare shew so little
Discretion to traduce our fames, we will
Be guilty of so much wit to laugh at em.
_Is._ Tis a becomming fortitude. _Cel._ My starres
Are yet kinde to me, for in a happy minute
Be't spoke, I'me not in love, and men shall never
Make my heart leane with sighing, nor with teares
Draw on my eyes the infamie of spectacles,
Tis the chiefe principle to keepe your heart
Vnder your owne obedience, jeast, but love not,
I say my prayers yet, can weare good clothes,
And onely satisfie my tailor for em.
I wonot lose my priviledge.
_Ma._ And yet they say your entertainments are,
Give me your pardon Madam, to proclaime
Your selfe a widow, and to get a husband.
_Cel._ As if a Lady of my yeares, some beautie
Left by her husband rich, that had mourn'd for him
A twelve moneth too, could live so obscure i'th towne
That gallants would not know her, and invite
Themselves without her chargeable proclamations;
Then we are worse than Citizens, no widow
Left wealthy can be throughly warme in mourning,
But some one noble bloud or lusty kindred
Claps in, with his gilt coach, and Flandrian trotters,
And hurries her away to be a Countesse.
Courtiers have spies, and great ones with lharge titles,
Cold in their owne estates, would warme themselves
At a rich city bonefire.
_Is._ Most true Madam.
_Cel._ No matter for corruption of the bloud,
Some undone Courtier made her husband rich,
And this new Lord receives it backe againe.
Admit it were my policie, and that
My entertainements pointed to acquaint me
With many sutors, that I might be safe,
And make the best election, could you blame me?
_Ma._ Madam tis wisdome. _Cel._ But I should be
In my thoughts miserable to be fond
Of leaving the sweet freedome I possesse,
And court my selfe into new marriage fetters,
I now observe mens severall wits, and windings,
And can laugh at their follies. _Ma._ You have given
A most ingenious satisfaction.
_Cel._ One thing ile tell you more, and this I give you
Worthy your imitation from my practise,
You see me merry, full of song and dancing,
Pleasant in language, apt to all delights
That crowne a publike meeting, but you cannot
Accuse me of being prodigall of my favours
To any of my guests, I doe not summon
By any winke, a gentleman to follow me,
To my withdrawing chamber, I heare all
Their pleaes in Court, nor can they boast abroad
And doe me justice, after a salute
They have much conversation with my lippe,
I hold the kissing of my hand a courtesie,
And he that loves me, must upon the strength
Of that, expect till I renew his favour.
Some Ladies are so expensive in their graces,
To those that honour 'em, and so prodigall
That in a little time, they have nothing but
The naked sinne left to reward their servants,
Whereas a thrift in our rewards, will keepe
Men long in their devotion, and preserve
Our selves in stocke, to encourage those that honour us.
_Is._ This is an art worthy a Ladies practise.
_Cel._ It takes not from the freedome of our mirth,
But seemes to advance it, when we can possesse
Our pleasures with security of our honour,
And that preservd, I welcome all the joyes
My fancy can let in. In this I have given
The copie of my minde, nor doe I blush,
You understand it. _Enter Celestinaes gentlewoman._
_Is._ You have honord us.
_Gen._ Madam, Sir _William Sentlove_'s come to waite on you.
_Cel._ There's one would be a client, make excuse
For a few minuts. _Mar._ One that comes a woing?
_Cel_. Such a thing he would seeme, but in his guiltinesse
Of little land, his expectation is not
So valiant as it might be, he weares cloathes,
And feeds with noblemen, to some I heare
No better than a wanton emissarie,
Or scout for _Venus_ wild soule, which made tame,
He thinkes no shame to stand court centinell,
In hope of the reversion. _Mar._ I have heard
That some of them are often my Lords tasters,
The first fruits they condition for, and will
Exact as fees for the promotion.
_Cel._ Let them agree, there's no account shall lie
For me among their trafficke.
_Enter Gentlewo._
_Gen._ Mr. _Hairecut_ Madam
Is new come in, to tender you his service.
_Cel._ Let him discourse a little with sir _William_. _Exit._
_Ma._ What is this gentleman Mr. _Hairecut_ Madam?
I note him very gallant, and much courted
By gentlemen of qualitie. _Cel._ I know not
More than a trim gay man, he has some great office
Sure by his confident behaviour,
He would be entertaind under the title
Of servant to me, and I must confesse,
He is the sweetest of all men that visite me.
_Is._ How meane you Madam?
_Cel._ He is full of powder,
He will save much in perfume for my chamber,
Were he but constant here; give e'm accesse.
_Enter Sir Will. Sentlove, Mr. Hairecut._
_Sent._ Madam the humblest of your servants is
Exalted to a happinesse, if you smile
Vpon my visit.
_Ha._ I must begge your charitie
Vpon my rudenesse Madam, I shall give
That day up lost to any happinesse,
When I forget to tender you my service.
_Cel._ You practise Courtship gentlemen. _Sent._ But cannot
Find where with more desert to exercise it,
What Ladie's this I pray? _Cel._ A kinswoman
Of mine sir _William_. _Sent._ I am more her servant.
_Cel._ You came from Court, now I presume. _Ha._ Tis Madam
The sphere I move in, and my destinie
Was kinde to place me there, where J enjoy
All blessings that a mortall can possesse,
That lives not in your presence, and J should
Fixe my ambition, when you would vouchsafe
Me so much honour, to accept from me
An humble entertainment there. _Cel._ But by
What name shall I be knowne, in what degree
Shall J be of kinred to you. _Hair._ How meane you Madam?
_Cel._ Perhaps you'le call me sister, I shall take it
A speciall preferment, or it may be
J may passe under title of your Mistresse,
If I seeme rich, and faire enough, to engage
Your confidence to owne me. _Ha._ J would hope.
_Cel._ But tis not come to that yet, you will sir
Excuse my mirth.
_Ha._ Sweet Madam. _Cel._ Shall J take
Boldnesse to aske what place you hold in Court?
Tis an uncivill curiositie,
But you'le have mercie to a womans question.
_Ha._ My present condition Madam, carries
Honour and profit, though not to be nam'd
With that employment J expect i'th state
Which shall discharge the first maturitie
Vpon your knowledge, untill then I begge
You allow a modest silence. _Cel._ I am charmd sir,
And if you scape embassador, you cannot
Reach a preferment, wherein I'me against you,
But where's sir _William Sentlove_?
_Ha._ Give him leave
To follow his nose Madam, while he hunts
In view, hee'le soone be at a fault. _Cel._ You know him.
_Ha._ Know _Sentlove_? not a page but can decipher him,
The waitingwomen know him to a scruple,
Hee's cal'd the Blistermaker of the towne.
_Cel._ Whats that?
_Is._ The laundry Ladies can resolve you,
And you may guesse, an arrant Epicure
As this day lives, borne to a prettie wit,
A Knight but no gentleman; J must
Be plaine to you, your Ladiship may have
Vse of this knowledge, but conceale the author.
_Sen._ J kisse your fairest hand. _Mar._ You make a difference,
Pray reconcile e'm to an equall whitenesse.
_Sent._ You wound my meaning Lady.
_Cel._ Nay sir _William_
Has the art of complement. _Sent._ Madam, you honor me
'Bove my desert of language. _Cel._ Will you please
To enrich me with your knowledge of that gentleman.
_Sent._ Doe you not know him Madam. _Cel._ What is he?
_Sen._ A Camphire ball, you shall know more hereafter
He shall tell you himselfe, and save my character,
Till then, you see hee's proud.
_Cel._ One thing gentlemen
I observe in your behaviour, which is rare
In two that court one mistresse, you preserve
A noble friendship, theres no gum within
Your hearts, you cannot fret, or shew an envy
Of one anothers hope, some would not governe
Their passions with that temper. _Sent._ The whole world
Shanot divorce our friendship. Mr _Hairecut_
Would I had lives to serve him, he is lost
To goodnesse does not honour him. _Ha._ My knight!
_Cel._ This is right playing at Court Shuttlecocke.
_Enter Gentlew._
_Gen._ Madam, there is a gentleman desires
To speake w'ee, one sir _Thomas Bornwell_. _Cel._ _Bornewell?_
_Gen._ He sayes he is a stranger to your Ladiship.
_Sen._ I know him. _Haire._ Your neighbour Madam.
_Sen._ Husband to the Lady, that so revells in the strand.
_Ha._ He has good parts they say, but cannot helpe
His Ladies bias. _Cel._ They have both much fame
Ith towne for severall merits, pray admit him.
_Ha._ What comes he for? _Enter sir Thomas._
_Bo._ Your pardon noble Lady, that I have
Presum'd a stranger to your knowledge. _Cel._ Sir,
Your worth was here before you, and your person
Cannot be here ingratefull. _Bor._ Tis the bounty
Of your sweet disposition Madam, make me
Your servant lady by her faire example,
To favour me--I never knew one turne
Her cheeke to a gentleman that came to kisse her
But sha'd a stinking breath, your servant gentlemen,
_Will Sentlove_ how ist? _Cel._ I am sorry Coze
To accuse you, we in nothing more betray
Our selves to censure of ridiculous pride,
Then answering a faire salute too rudely,
Oh it shewes ill upon a gentlewoman
Not to returne the modest lip, if she
Would have the world beleeve, her breath is not
Offensive. _Bor._ Madam, I have businesse
With you. _Sent._ His lookes are pleasant. _Cel._ With me sir?
_Bor._ I heare you have an ex'lent wit Madam,
I see your faire. _Cel._ The first is but report,
And doe not trust your eyesight for the last,
Cause I presume y'are mortall and may erre.
_Ha._ He is very gamesome. _Bor._ Y'ave an ex'lent voyce;
They say you catcht it from a dying Swan,
Which joyn'd to the sweete harmony of your lute,
You ravish all mankind. _Cel._ Ravish mankind?
_Bo._ With their consent. _Cel._ It were the stranger rape,
But there's the lesse inditement lies against it,
And there is hope, your little honesties
Cannot be much the worse, for men doe rather
Beleeve they had a maiden head, then put
Themselves to'th racke of memory, how long
Tis since they left the burden of their innocence.
_Bo._ Why you are bitter Madam. _Cel._ So is physicke,
I doe not know your constitution.
_Bo._ You shall if please you Madam. _Cel._ Y'are too hasty,
I must examine what certificate
You have, first to preferre you. _Bo._ Fine! certificate?
_Cel._ Vnder your Ladies hand, and seale. _Bor._ Go to,
I see you are a wag. _Cel._ But take heede, how
You trust too't. _Bor._ I can love you in my wedlocke,
As well as that young gallant, oth first haire,
Or the knight Bachelor, and can returne
As amorous delight to thy soft bosome.
_Cel._ Your person and your language are both strangers.
_Bo._ But may be more familiar, I have those
That dare make affidavit for my body.
_Cel._ D'ee meane your Surgeon? _Bor._ My Surgeon Madam?
I know not how you value my abilities,
But I dare undertake, as much, to expresse
My service to your Ladiship, and with
As fierce ambition, fly to your commands,
As the most valiant of these, 'lay siege to you.
_Cel._ You dare not sir. _Bor._ How Madam? _Cel._ I will justifi't.
You dare not marry me, and I imagine
Some here should I consent, would fetch a priest
Out of the fire. _Bor._ I have a wife indeede.
_Cel._ And there's a statute not repeald I take it.
_Bor._ Yar'e in the right I must confesse y'ave hit,
And bled me in a master veine. _Cel._ You thinke
I tooke you on the advantage, use your best
Skill at defence, Ile come up to your valour
And shew another worke you dare not doe,
You dare not sir be vertuous. _Bor._ I dare,
By this faire hand I dare, and aske a pardon
If my rude words offend thy innocence,
Which in a forme so beautifull, would shine
To force a blush in them suspected it,
And from the rest draw wonder. _Ha._ I like not
Their secret parly, shall I interrupt em?
_Is._ By no meanes sir. _Sent._ Sir _Thomas_ was not wont
To shew so much a Courtier. _Mar._ He cannot
Be prejudiciall to you, suspect not
Your owne deserts so much, hee's married.
_Bo._ I have other businesse Madam, you keepe musicke,
I came to try how you can dance.
_Cel._ You did? Ile trie his humour out of breath,
Although boast no cunning sir in revells,
If you desire to shew your art that way,
I can waite on you. _Bor._ You much honour me,
Nay all must joyne to make a harmony.
_They dance._
_Bor._ I have nothing now, Madam, but to beseech
After a pardon for my boldnesse, you
Would give occasion to pay my gratitude,
I have a house will be much honourd
If you vouchsafe your presence, and a wife
Desires to present her selfe your servant,
I Came with the ambition to invite you,
Deny me not, your person you shall trust
On faire securitie. _Cel._ Sir, although I use not
This freedome with a stranger, you shall have
No cause to hold me obstinate. _Bor._ You grace me
Sir _William Sentlove_-- _Ha._ I must take my leave,
You will excuse me Madam, Court attendances----
_Cel._ By any meanes. _Bor._ Ladies you will vouchsafe
Your company. _Is._ M. We waite upon you sir. _Exeunt._
_The third Act._
_Enter Lord unready. Hairecut preparing his Periwigge,
Table, and Lookingglasse._
_Lor._ What houre ist? _Ha._ Bout three'a clocke my Lord.
_Bor._ Tis time to rise. _Ha._ Your Lordship went but late
To bed last night. _Lor._ Twas early in the morning. _Enter Secre._
_Sec._ Expect a while, my Lord is busie?
_Lor._ Whats the matter? _Sec._ Here is a Lady
Desires accesse to you upon some affaires
She saies may specially concerne your Lordship.
_Lor._ A Lady? What her name? _Sec._ Madam _Decoy_.
_Lor._ _Decoy?_ prethee admit her. _Enter Decoy._
Have you businesse Madam
With me? _Decoy._ And such I hope as will not be
Offensive to your Lordship. _Lor._ I pray speake it.
_De._ I would desire your Lordships eare more private.
_Lor._ Waite i'th next chaber till I call, now Madam. _Exeunt._
_De._ Although I am a stranger to your Lordship
I wo'd not lose a faire occasion offer'd,
To shew how much I honour, and would serve you.
_Lor._ Please you to give me the particular
That I may know the extent of my engagement,
I am ignorant by what desert you should
Be encouragd to have care of me. _De._ My Lord,
I will take boldnesse to be plaine, beside
Your other excellent parts, you have much fame
For your sweet inclination to our sexe.
_Lor._ How dee meane Madam? _Dec._ I'that way your Lordship
Hath honorably practisd upon some
Not to be nam'd, your noble constancie
To a mistresse hath deserv'd our generall vote,
And I a part of woman kind have thought
How to expresse my duty. _Lor._ In what Madam?
_Dec._ Be not so strange my Lord, I know the beauty
And pleasures of your eyes, that hansome creature
With whose faire life all your delight tooke leave,
And to whose memory you have paid too much
Sad tribute. _Lor._ Whats all this? _Dec._ This, if your Lordship
Accept my service, in pure zeale to cure
Your melancholy, I could point where you might
Repaire your losse. _Lor._ Your Ladiship I conceive
Doth trafficke in flesh marchandize. _De._ To men
Of honour like your selfe, I am well knowne
To some in court and come not with ambition
Now to supplant your officer. _Lor._ What is
The Lady of pleasure you preferre. _De._ A Lady
Of birth and fortune, one upon whose vertue
I may presume, the Lady _Aretina_.
_Lor._ Wife to sir _Thomas Bornwell_? _Dec._ The same sir.
_Lor._ Have you prepard her?
_De._ Not for your Lordship, till I have found your pulse,
I am acquainted with her disposition
She has a very appliable nature.
_Lor._ And Madam when expect you to be whipt
For doing these fine favors. _De._ How my Lord?
Your Lordship does but jeast I hope, you make
A difference betweene a Lady that
Does honorable offices, and one
They call a bawd, your Lordship was not wont
To have such course opinion of our practice.
_Lor._ The Lady _Aretina_ is my kinswoman.
_De._ What if she be my Lord? the nearer bloud
The dearer sympathie. _Lor._ Ile have thee carted.
_De._ Your Lordship wonot so much staine your honour
And education, to use a woman
Of my qualitie.----_Lord._----Tis possible you may
Be sent off with an honorable convoy
Of Halberdeers. _De._ Oh my good Lord!
_Lor._ Your Ladiship shall be no protection
If thou but staist three minutes. _De._ I am gone,
When next you finde rebellion in your bloud,
May all within ten mile o'th court turne honest. _Exit._
_Lor._ I doe not finde that pronenesse since the faire
_Bella Maria_ died, my bloud is cold,
Nor is there beautie enough surviving
To highten me to wantonnesse, who waites?
And what said my Lady? _Enter Hairecut._
_Ha._ The silent language of her face my Lord
Was not so pleasant, as it shewd upon
Her entrance. _Lor._ Would any man that meetes
This Lady take her for a bawde. _Ha._ She does
The trade an honor, credit to the profession,
We may in time see baldnesse, quarter noses,
And rotten legges to take the wall of footclothes.
_Lor._ I ha thought better, call the Lady backe,
I wonot lose this opportunitie,
Bid her not feare, the favour is not common,
And ile reward it. I doe wonder much
_Will Sentlove_ was not here to day.
_Ha._ I heard him say this morning, he would waite
Vpon your Lordship.
She is returnd sir. _Enter Secre. and Decoy._
_Sec._ Madam be confident my Lords not angry.
_Bor._ You returne welcome Madam, you are better
Read in your art I hope then to be frighted
With any shape of anger, when you bring
Such newes to gentlemen, Madam you shall
Soone understand how I accept the office.
_De._ You are the first Lord, since I studied carriage,
That shew'd such infidelity and fury
Vpon so kind a message, every gentleman
Will shew some breeding, but if one right honourable
Should not have noble bloud. _Lor._ You shall returne
My complement in a letter to my Lady
_Aretina_, favour me with a little patience,
Shew her that chamber. _De._ Ile attend your Lordship. _Ex._
_Lor._ Write, Madam where your honour is in danger,
My love must not be silent. _Enter Sentlove and Kickshaw._
_Sentlove_ and _Kickshaw_! _Kic._ Your Lordship's busie.
_Lor._ Writing a letter, nay it shanot barre
Any discourse. _Sec._----Silent.
_Lo._ Though I be no Physitian, I may prevent a feaver in your bloud,
And where have you spent the mornings conversation?
_Sent._ Where you would have given the best Barbary
In your stable to have met on honorable termes.
_Lor._ What new beautie? You acquaint your selves
With none but wonders. _Sent._ Tis too low a miracle.
_Lor._ Twill require a strong faith. _Secr._ Your bloud.
_Lor._ If you be innocent preserve your fame least this _Decoy_
Madam betray it to your repentance.
By what name is she knowne?
_Sent._ Aske _Alexander_, he knowes her? _Alex._ Whom?
_Sent._ The Lady _Celestina_.
_Lor._ He has a vast knowledge of Ladies, las poore _Alexander_!
When dost thou meane thy body shall lie fallow?
_Al._ When there is mercy in a petticote,
I must turne pilgrime for some breath. _Lor._ I thinke
Twere cooler travell if you examine it
Vpon the hoofe through Spaine.
_Sent._ Through _Ethiopia_.
_Lor._ Nay lesse laborious to serve a prentiship
In Peru, and dig gold out of the mine,
Though all the yeare were dogdayes. _Sec._ To repentance.
_Lor._ In briefe, this Lady, could you fall from vertue,
Within my knowledge will not blush to be a Bawde.
_Sent._ But hang't tis honorable journey worke,
Thou art famous by't, and thy name's up. _Alex._ So sir,
let me aske you a question my deare knight,
Which is lesse servile to bring up the Pheasant,
And waite, or sit at table uncontrould
And carve to my owne appetite? _Sent._ No more,
Th'art witty, as I am--_Sec._ A bawd. _Sent._ How's that?
_Al._ Oh you are famous by't and your names up sir.
_Lor._ Be wise, and reward my caution, with
Timely care of your selfe, so I shall not repent
To be knowne your lovings kinsman and servant.
Gentlemen, the Lady _Celestina_.
Is she so rare a thing? _Alex._ If you'le have my
Opinion my Lord, I never saw
So sweete, so faire, so rich a peece of nature.
_Lor._ Ile shew thee a fairer presently, to shame
Thy eyes and judgement, looke o'that.----So Ile subscribe
Seale it, ile excuse your pen for the direction.
_Al._ _Bella Marias_ picture; she was hansome.
_Sent._ But not to be compar'd.
_Lor._ Your patience gentlemen ile returne instantly. _Exit._
_Al._ Whither is my Lord gone?
_Sec._ To a Lady i'th next Chamber. _Sen._ What is she?
_Sec._ You shall pardon me, I am his Secretary.
_Sen._ I was wont to be of his counsell, a new officer
And I not know't? I am resolvd to batter
All other with the praise of _Celestina_
I must retaine him. _Enter Lord._
_Lor._ Has not that object
Convinc't your erring judgements.
_Al._ What this picture?
_Lor._ Were but your thoughts as capable as mine
Of her Idea, you would with no thought
That were not active in her praise above
All worth and memory of her sexe. _Sent._ She was faire
I must confess, but had your Lordship look'd
With eyes more narrow and some lesse affection
Vpon her face. _Alex._ I doe not love the copies
Of any dead, they make me dreame of goblins,
Give me a living mistresse, with but halfe
The beauty of _Celestina_, come my Lord,
Tis pitty that a Lord of so much flesh
Should waste upon a ghost, when they are living
Can give you a more honourable consumption.
_Sen._ Why doe you meane my Lord to live an Infidell?
Doe, and see what will come ont, observe still
And dote upon your vigills, build a chamber
Within a rocke, a tombe, among the wormes,
Not farre off, where you may in proofe apocryphall
Court em not devoure the pretty pile.
Of flesh your mistresse carried to the grave,
There are no women in the world, all eyes
And tongue and lippes are buried in her coffin.
_Lor._ Why doe you thinke your selves competent Judges,
Of beauty gentlemen? _Both._ What should hinder us?
_Al._ I have seene and tried as many as another
With a mortall backe. _Lord._ Your eyes are bribd,
And your hearts chain'd to some desires, you cannot
Enjoy the freedome of a sence. _Alex._ Your Lordship
Has a cleare eyesight, and can judge and penetrate.
_Lor._ I can, and give a perfect censure of
Each line and point, distinguish beautie from
A thousand formes, which your corrupted optiks
Would passe for naturall. _Sent._ I desire no other
Judge should determine us, and if your Lordship
Dare venture but your eyes upon this Lady,
Ile stand their justice, and be confident
You shall give _Celestine_ victorie,
And triumph ors all beauties past and living.
_Al._ I dare my Lord venture a sute of clothes,
You will be orecome. _Lor._ You doe not know my fortitude.
_Sent._ Nor frailtie, you dare not trust you selfe to see he.
_Lor._ Thinke you so gentlemen, I dare see this creature
To make you know your errors, and the difference
Of her, whose memory is my Saint, not trust
My sences? J dare see, and speake with her,
Which holds the best acquaintance to prepare
My visit to her.
_Sent._ I will doo't my Lord.
_Al._ Shee is a Lady free in entertainements.
_Lor._ I would give this advantage to your cause,
Bid him appeare in all the ornaments
Did ever waite on beautie, all the riches
Pride can put on, and teach her face more charme
Then ever Poet drest up _Venus_ in,
Bid her be all the graces, and the queene
Of love in one, Ile see her _Sentlove_, and
Bring off my heart arm'd, but single thought
Of one that is dead, without a wound, and when
I have made your follie prisoner, ile laugh at you.
_Sent._ She shall expect you, trust me for knowledge.
_Lor._ I'me for the present somewhere else engagd,
Let me heare from you. _Sent._ So I am glad hee's yet
So neere conversion. _Alex._ I am for _Aretina_.
_Sent._ No mention of my Lord. _Alex._ Prepare his Lady,
Tis time he were reduc'd to the old sport,
One Lord like him more would undoe the court. _Exit._
_Enter Aretina with a letter. Decoy._
_De._ He is the ornament of your bloud Madam,
I am much bound to his Lordship. _Are._ He gives you
A noble character. _De._ Tis his goodnesse Madam.
_Are._ I wanted such an engine, my Lord has
Done me a curtesie to disclose her nature,
I now know one to trust, and will employ her.
Touching my Lord, for reasons, which I shall
Offer to your Ladiship hereafter, I
Desire you would be silent, but to shew
How much I dare be confident in your secrecie,
I powre my bosome forth, I love a gentleman
On whom there woo'not meet much conjuration
To meet--your eare--
_De._ I apprehend you, and I shall
Be happy to be serviceable, I am sorry
Your Ladiship did not know me before now,
I have done offices, and not a few
Of the nobilitie, but have done feates
Within my house, which is convenient
for situation, and artfull chambers,
And pretty pictures to provoke the fancie.
_Enter Littleworth._
_Lit._ Madam all pleasures languish in your absence.
_Are._ Your pardon a few minutes sir----you must
Contrive it thus. _Lit._ I attend, and shall account it
Honour to waite on your returne. _Are._ He must not
Have the least knowledge of my name, or person.
_De._ I have practisd that already for some great ones,
And dare agen to satisfie you Madam;
I have a thousand wayes to doe sweet offices.
_Lit._ If this Lady _Aretina_ should be honest,
I ha lost time, shee's free as aire, J must
Have closer conference, and if I have art,
Make her affect me in revenge. _De._ This evening?
Leave me to manage things. _Are._ You will oblige me.
_De._ You shall commend my art, and thanke me after. _Ex._
_Are._ I hope the revells are maintained within.
_Lit._ By sir _Thomas_ and his Mistris. _Are._ How? his Mistris.
_Lit._ The Lady _Celestina_, I nere saw
Eyes shoote more amorous enterchange. _Are._ Ist so?
_Lit._ He weares her favor with ore pride. _Ar._ Her favor?
_Lit._ A feather that he ravish'd from her fan.
_Lit._ And is so full of courtship, which she smiles on.
_Are._ Tis well. _Lit._ And praises her beyond all poetry.
_Are._ I'me glad he has so much wit. _Lit._ Not jealous!
_Are._ This secures me, what would make other Ladies pale
With jealousie, gives but a licence to my wandrings,
Let him now taxe me if he dare----and yet
Her beauti's worth my envie, and I wish
Revenge upon it, not because he loves,
But that it shines above my owne. _Enter Alex._
_Al._ Deare Madam.
_Are._ I have it, you two gentlemen professe
Much service to me, if I have a way
To employ your wit and secrecie. _Both._ You'le honour us.
_Are._ You gave a high and worthy character
Of _Celestina_. _Alex._ I remember Madam.
_Are._ Doe either of you love her? _Alex._ Not I Madam.
_Lit._ I wod not, if I might. _Are._ Shee's now my guest,
And by a tricke invited by my husband
To disgrace me, you gentlemen are held
Wits of the towne, the Consulls that doe governe
The Senate here, whose jeeres are all authenticke,
The Tavernes and the Ordinaries are
Made academies where you come, and all
Your sinnes and surfets made the times example,
Your very nods can quell a Theater,
No speech or Poem good without your seale,
You can protect scurrility, and publish
By your authority beleev'd, no rapture
Ought to have honest meaning. _Alex._ Leave our characters.
_Lit._ And name the emploiment. _Are._ You must exercise
The strength of both your wits upon this Lady,
And talke her into humblenesse or anger
Both which are equall to my thought, if you
Dare undertake this slight thing for my sake,
My favour shall reward it, but be faithfull,
And seeme to let all spring from your owne freedome.
_Ale._ This all? We can defame her, if you please
My friend shall call her whore or any thing,
And never be endangerd to a duell. _Are._ How's that?
_Al._ He can endure a cudgelling, and no man
Will fight after so faire a satisfaction,
But leave us to our Art, and doe not limit us.
_Are._ They are here, begin not till I whisper you.
_Enter Sir Thomas, Celestina, Marcana, Isabella._
Ar. _Je vous prie Madam d'excuser l'importunitè de mes affaires
Qui m'ont fait offenser, par mon absence, une dame de la quelle
I'ay receu tant d'obligation._