_Bo._ I have no more patience, lets be merry agen
In our owne language, Madam our mirth cooles,
Our Nephew! _Enter Fredericke._
_Are._ Passion of my braine.
_Fre._ Save you gentlemen, save you Ladies. _Are._ I am undone.
_Fre._ I must salute, no matter at which end I begin.
_Are._ There's a complement.
_Cel._ Is this your nephew Madam?
_Are._ _Ie vous prie Madame d'excuser les habitz, & le rude
Comportement de mon cousin. Il est tout fraichement
Venu de l'universitè, ou on l'a tout gastè._
_Cel._ _Excusez moy Madam, il est bien accomply._
_Fre._ This language should be French, by the motions
Of your heads, and the mirth of your faces. _Are._ I am dishonor'd.
_Fre._ Tis one of the finest tongues for Ladies to shew their
Teeth in, If you'le Latine I am for you, or Greek it,
My tailor has not put me into French yet,
_Mille basia, basia mille._
Cel. _Ie ne vous entende pas monsieur,_
I understand you not sir. _Fre._ Why so?
You and I then shall be in charity,
For though we should be abusive, we ha the benefit
Not to understand one another: where's my Aunt?
I did heare musicke somewhere, and my braines
Tun'd with a bottle of your capering claret
Made haste to shew their dancing. _Lit._ Please you Madam,
They are very comfortable. _St._ Alas Madam
How would you have me helpe it, I did use
All meanes I could, after he heard the musicke,
To make him drunke in hope so to containe him,
But the wine made him lighter, and his head
Flew hi'ther, ere I mist his heeles.
_Ale._ Nay he spoke Latine to the Lady.
_Are._ Oh most unpardonable! get him off
Quickly, and discreetely, or if I live----
_St._ Tis not in my power, he sweares I am
An absurd sober fellow, and if you keepe
A servant in his house to crosse his humour,
When the rich sword and belt comes home, hee'le kill him.
_Are._ What shall I doe? Try your skill, Master _Littleworth_.
_Lit._ He has ne're a sword, sweet Mr. _Fredericke_.
_Bo._ Tis pitty Madam such a syen should
Be lost, but you are clouded. _Cel._ Not I sir,
I never found my selfe more cleare at heart.
_Bo._ I could play with a feather, your fan Lady,
Gentlemen, _Aretina_, ta ra ra ra, come Madam.
_Fre._ Why my good tutor in election?
You might have beene a scholler. _Lit._ But I thanke
My friends they brought me up a little better,
Give me the towne wits, that deliver jeasts
Cleane from the bow, that whistle in the aire,
And cleave the pin at twelvescore, Ladies doe
But laugh at a gentleman that has any learning.
Tis sinne enough to have your clothes suspected,
Leave us, and I will find a time to instruct you;
Come here are sugar plumbes, tis a good _Fredericke_.
_Fre._ Why is not this my Aunts house in the strand?
The noble Rendevous? Who laughes at me?
Go, I will foot here, if I list, and talke
Of Retoricke, Logicke, Latine, Greeke, or any thing,
And understand em too, who sayes the contrary?
Yet in a faire way I contemne all learning,
And will be as ignorant as he, or he,
Or any taffata, satten, scarlet, plush,
Tissue, or cloath, a bodkin gentleman,
Whose manners are most gloriously infected;
Did you laugh at me Lady? _Cel._ Not I sir?
But if I did shew mirth upon your question,
I hope you wod not beate me little gentleman.
_Fr._ How little gentleman? you dare not say
These words to my new cloathes, and fighting sword.
_Are._ Nephew _Fredricke_! _Fr._ Little gentleman,
This an affront both to my bloud and person,
I am a gentleman of as tall a birth
As any boast nobility, though my clothes
Smell o'the lampe, my coate is honourable,
Right honourable, full, of or, and argent,
A little gentleman! _Bor._ Coze you must be patient,
My Lady meant you no dishonour, and
You must remember shee's a woman.
_Fre._ Is she a woman, thats another matter,
Dee heare, my uncle tells me what you are.
_Cel._ So sir. _Fr._ You cald me little gentleman. _Cel._ I did sir.
_Fre._ A little pinke has made a lusty ship
Strike her topsaile, the Crow may beard the Elephant,
A whelpe may tame the Tiger, spight of all
False decks and murderers, and a little gentleman
Be hard enough to grapple with your Ladiship
Top and top gallant; will you goe drinke uncle?
Tother inchanted bottle, you and I
Will tiple, and talke phylosophy.
_Bo._ Come Nephew,
You will excuse a minutes absence Madam.
Waite you on us. _St._ My duty sir.
_Are._ Now gentlemen. _Ex. all but Cel. & Alex. & Little._
_Alex._ Madam I had rather you accuse my language
For speaking truth, then vertue suffer in
My further silence, and it is my wonder
That you, whose noble carriage hath deserv'd
All honour, and opinion should now
Be guilty of ill manners. _Cel._ What was that
You told me sir? _Lit._ Doe you not blush Madam?
To aske that question. _Cel._ You amaze rather
My cheeke to palenesse, what you meane by this?
I am not troubled with the hickup gentlemen,
You should bestow this fright upon me. _Lit._ Then
Pride and ill memory goe together. _Cel._ How sir?
_Al._ The gentleman on whom you exercise
Your thin wit, was a nephew to the Lady
Whose guest you are, and though her modesty
Looke calme on the abuse of one so neare
Her bloud, the affront was impious. _Lit._ I am asham'd on't,
You an ingenious Lady, and well mannerd?
Ile teach a Beare as much civility.
_Cel._ You may be master of the Colledge sir
For ought I know. _Lit._ What Colledge? Of the Beares.
_Cel._ Have you a plot upon me? Dee possesse
Your wits, or know me gentlemen. _Enter Bornewell._
_Bor._ How's this?
_Al._ Know you? yes we doe know you to an atome.
_Li._ Madam we know, what stuffe your soule is made on.
_Cel._ But doe not barke so like a mastive, pray,
Sure they are mad, let your braines stand awhile
And settle gentlemen, you know not me,
What am I? _Lit._ Tha'rt a puppet, a thing made
Of clothes and painting, and not halfe so hansome
As that which plaid _Susanna_ in the faire.
_Cel._ I heard you visited those canvas tragedies,
One of their constant audience, and so taken
With _Susan_, that you wish'd your selfe a rivall
With the two wicked elders. _Al._ You thinke this
Is wit now, come you are-- _Cel._ What I beseech you?
Your character will be full of salt and satyre,
No doubt, what am I? _Al._ Why you are a woman.
_Cel._ And that's at least a bow wide of you knowledge.
_Al._ Wo'd be thought hansome, and might passe i'th country
Vpon a market day, but miserably
Forfeit to pride and fashions, that if heaven
Were a new gowne, you'd not stay in't a fortnight.
_Cel._ It must be miserably out of fashion then,
Have I no sinne but pride? _Al._ Hast any vertue?
Or but a good face to excuse that want?
_Cel._ You prais'd it yesterday. _Al._ That made you proud.
_Cel._ More pride? _Al._ You neede not to close up the praise,
I have seene a better countenance in a Sibill.
_Cel._ When you wore spectacles of sacke, mistooke
The painted cloath, and kist it for your mistresse.
_Al._ Let me aske you a question, how much
Have you consum'd in expectation
That I would love you. _Cel._ Why? I thinke as much
As you have paid away in honest debts
This seven yeare, tis a pretty impudence,
But cannot make me angry. _Lit._ Is there any
Man that will cast away his limbes upon her?
_Al._ You doe not sing so well as I imagind,
Nor dance, you reele in your coranto, and pinch
Your petticoate too hard, y'ave no good eare
Toth' musicke, and incline too much one shoulder,
As you were dancing on the rope, and falling,
You speake abominable French, and make
A courtsey like a Dairie maide, not mad?
_Lit._ Doe we not sting her hansomely. _Bor._ A conspiracie.
_Al._ Your state is not so much as tis reported
When you conferre notes, all your husbands debts
And your owne reconcild----but thats not it
Will so much spoile your marriage. _Cel._ As what sir?
Let me know all my faults. _Al._ Some men doe whisper
You are not over honest. _Cel._ All this shall not
Move me to more than laughter, and some pittie,
Because you have the shapes of gentlemen,
And though you have beene insolent upon me,
I will engage no friend to kicke or cudgell you
To spoile your living, and your limbes together,
I leave that to diseases that offend you,
And spare my curse, poore silken Vermine, and
Hereafter shall distinguish Men from Monkies.
_Bo._ Brave soule, you brace of horseleaches, I have heard
Their barbarous language Madam, ya're too mercifull,
They shall be silent to your tongue, pray punish e'm.
_Cel._ They are things not worth my character, nor mention
Of any cleane breath, so lost in honesty
They cannot satisfie for wrongs enough,
Though they should steale out of the world at Tiburne.
_Lit._ We are hang'd already.
_Cel._ Yet I will talke a little to the pilchards,
You two that have not twixt you both the hundred
Part of a soule, course woollen witted fellowes,
Without a nap, with bodies made for burdens,
You that are onely stuffings for apparrell
As you were made but engines for your Taylors
To frame their clothes upon, and get them custome;
Vntill men see you moove, yet, then you dare not
Out of your guilt of being the ignobler beast
But give a horse the wall, whom you excell
Onely in dancing of the brawles, because
The horse was not taught the French way, your two faces,
One fat like Christmas, tother leane like Candlemas,
And Prologue to a Lent, both bound together
Would figure _Ianus_, and doe many cures
On Agues and the greene disease by frighting,
But neither can with all the characters
And conjuring circles charme a woman, though
Sha'd fourescore yeares upon her, and but one
Tooth in her head, to love, or thinke well of you;
And I were miserable, to be at cost
To court such a complexion, as your malice
Did impudently insinuate, but I waste time
And staine my breath in talking to such tadpoles.
Goe home and wash your tongues in Barly water,
Drinke cleane Tobacco, be not hot i'th mouth,
And you may scape the Beadle; so I leave you
To shame and your owne garters. Sir I must
Entreate you for my honour doe not pennance em,
They are not worth your anger, how I shall
Acquit your Ladies silence.
_Bo._ Madam, I
Am sorry to suspect, and dare revenge.
_Cel._ No cause of mine. _Bor._ It must become me to attend you home.
_Cel._ You are noble--farewell Mushroomes.
_Are._ Is she gone. _Li._ I thinke we peperd her.
_Al._ I am glad tis over,
But I repent no service for you Madam.
_Enter servant with a letter._
To me? from whence--a Iewell a good preface,
Be happy the conclusion.
_Are._ Some love letter----_He smiles upont._
_Lit._ He has a hundred Mistresses, you may
Be charitable Madam I ha none,
He surfets, and I fall away i'th kidnyes.
_Al._ Ile meete,
Tis some great Lady questionlesse, that has
Taken notice, and would satisfie her appetite.
_Are._ Now Mr. _Alexander_, you looke bright o the suddaine,
Another spirit's in your eye.
_Al._ Not mine Madam,
Onely a summons to meete a friend.
_Ar._ What friend? _Lit._ By this Jewell, I know her not!
_Ar._ Tis a she friend, Ile follow gentlemen,
We may have a game at Sant before you goe.
_Al._ I shall attend you Madam. _Li._ Tis our duty.
_Are._ I blush while I converse with my owne thoughts,
Some strange fate governes me, but I must on,
The wayes are cast already, and we thrive
When our sinne feares no eye nor perspective. _Exit._
_The fourth Act._
_Enter two men leading Alexander, blinded, and goe off suddenly._
_Al._ I am not hurt, my patience to obey em
Not without feare to ha my throat cut else,
Did me a curtesie whither ha they brought me?
Tis devillish darke, the bottome of a well
At midnight, with but two starres on the top,
Were broad day to this darkenesse, I but thinke
How like a whirlewinde these rogues caught me up
And smoothered my eyesight, let me see,
These may be spirits, and for ought I know
Have brought me hither over twenty steeples,
Pray heaven they were not Bayliefes, thats more worth
My feare, and this a prison, all my debts
Reeke in my nostrill, and may bones beginne
To ake with feare to be made dice, and yet
This is too calme and quiet for a prison;
What if the riddle prove I am robd; and yet
I did not feele em search me? How now? musicke?
_Enter Decoy like an old woman with a light._
And a light? What beldam's this, I cannot pray;
What art? _De._ A friend, feare not young man I am
No spirit. _Alex._ Off. _De._ Despise me not for age,
Or this course outside, which I weare not out
Of poverty; thy eyes be witnesse tis
No cave or beggars cell tha'rt brought too, let
That gold speake here's no want, which thou maist spend,
And finde a spring to tire even prodigality
If thou beest wise. _Alex._ The devill was a coyner
From the beginning, yet the gold lookes currant.
_De._ Tha'rt still in wonder, know I am Mistresse of
This house, and of a fortune that shall serve
And feed thee with delights, twas J sent for thee,
The jewell and the letter came from me.
It was my art, thus to contrive our meeting,
Because J would not trust thee with my fame,
Vntill J found thee worth a womans honor.
_Al._ Honour and fame? the devill meanes to have
A care on's credit, though she sent for me,
J hope, she has another customer
To doe the tricke withall, J wod not turne
Familiar to a witch. _De._ What saist? Canst thou
Dwell in my armes to night, shall we change kisses,
And entertaine the silent houres with pleasure?
Such as old time shall be delighted with,
And blame the too swifte motion of his wings
While we embrace? _Al._ Embrace? She has had no teeth
This twenty years, and the next violent cough
Brings up her tongue, it cannot possibly
Be sound at root, I doe not thinke but one
Strong sneeze upon her, and well mean't would make
Her quarters fall away, one kicke would blow
Her up like gunpowder, and loose all her limbs;
She is so cold, an _Incubus_ wod not heate her,
Her phlegme would quench a furnace, and her breath
Would dampe a musket bullet. _De._ Have you sir
Considerd. _Alex._ What? _De._ My proposition,
Canst love? _Alex._ I could have done, whom doe you meane?
I know you are pleased, but to make sport. _De._ Thou art not
So dull of soule as thou appearst. _Alex._ This is
But some device, my granam has some tricke in't:
Yes I can love. _De._ But canst thou affect me.
_Al._ Although to reverence so grave a matron
Were an ambitious word in me; yet since
You give me boldnesse, I doe love you. _De._ Then
Thou art my owne. _Al._ Has she no cloven foote?
_De._ And I am thine, and all that I command
Thy servants, from this minute thou art happy,
And fate in thee will crowne all my desires.
I griev'd a proper man should be compeld
To bring his body to the common market,
My wealth shall make thee glorious, and the more
To encourage thee, how ere this forme may fright
Thy youthfull eyes, yet thou wo't find by light
Of thy owne sense, for other light is banish'd
My chamber, when our armes tie lovers knots,
And kisses seale the welcome of our lippes,
I shall not there affright thee, nor seeme old,
With riveld veines, my skin is smooth and softe
As _Ermines_, with a spirit to meete thine,
Active and equall to the queene of Loves
When she did court _Adonis_. _Al._ This doth more
Confirme she is a devill, and I am
Within his owne dominions, I must on,
Or else be torne a peeces, I have heard
These Succubi must not be crost. _De._ We trifle
Too precious time away, Ile shew you a prospect
Of the next chamber, and then out the candle.
_Al._ Have you no sacke i'th house, I would goe arm'd
Vpon this breach. _De._ It shanot need. _Al._ One word
Mother, have not you beene a Cat in your dayes?
_De._ I am glad you are so merry sir, you observe
That bed. _Alex._ A very brave one. _De._ When you are
Disrob'd, you can come thither in the darke,
You shanot stay for me, come as you wish
For happinesse. _Exit._
_Al._ I am preferd, if I
Be modest and obey, she cannot have
The heart to doe me harme, and she were _Hecate_
Herselfe, I will have a strong faith, and thinke,
I march upon a Mistris, the lesse evill,
If I scape fire now, I defie the devill. _Exit._
_Enter Fred. Littlew. Steward._
_Fre._ And how dee like me now? _St._ Most excellent.
_Fre._ Your opinion Mr. _Littlewor_. _Lit._ Your French tailor
Has made you a perfect gentleman, I may
Converse now with you, and preserve my credit,
De'e find no alteration in your body
With these new clothes? _Fre._ My body altered? No.
_Lit._ You are not yet in fashion then, that must
Have a new motion garbe, and posture too,
Or all your pride is cast away, it is not
The cut of your apparrell makes a gallant,
But the geometricall wearing of your clothes.
_St._ Mr. _Littleworth_ tells you right, you weare your hat
Too like a citizen. _Lit._ Tis like a Midwife,
Place it with best advantage of your haire,
Is halfe your feather molted? this does make
No shew, it should spread over like a Canopy,
Your hot reind Monsieur weares it for a shade,
And cooler to his backe, your doublet must
Be more unbutton'd hereabouts, you'le not
Be a sloven else, a foule shirt is no blemish,
You must be confident, and outface cleane linnen
Your doublet and your breeches must be allow'd
No private meeting here, your cloak's too long,
It reaches to your buttocke, and doth smell
Too much of Spanish gravitie, the fashion
Is to weare nothing but a Cape, a coate
May be allowed a covering for one elbow,
And some to avoid the trouble, choose to walke
In quirpo thus. _St._ Your coat, and cloak's a brushing
In Long-lane Lumbard. _Fre._ But what if it raine?
_Lit._ Your belt about your shoulder is sufficient
To keepe off any storme, beside a reede
But wau'd discreetly, has so many pores,
It suckes up all the raine that falls about one,
With this defence, when other men have beene
Wet to the skin through all their cloakes, I have
Defied a tempest and walked by the Tavernes
Drie as a bone. _St._ Because he had no money
To call for wine. _Fr._ Why you doe walke enchanted,
Have you such pretty charmes in towne? But stay,
Who must I have to attend me? _Lit._ Is not that
Yet thought upon. _St._ I have laid out for servants.
_Lit._ They are every where. _St._ I cannot yet be furnish'd
With such as I would put into his hands.
_Fr._ Of what condition must they be, and how
Many in number sir? _Lit._ Beside your fencing,
Your singing, dancing, riding, and French-master,
Two may serve domesticke to be constant waiters
Vpon a gentleman, a foole, a pimpe.
_St._ For these two officers I have enquird,
And I am promisd a convenient whiskin,
I could save charges, and employ the Pye wench
That carries her intelligence in whitepots,
Or tis but taking order with the woman
That holds the ballads, she could fit him with
A concubin to any tune, but I
Have a designe to place a fellow with him
That has read all Sir _Pandarus_ workes, a Trojan
That lies conceal'd, and is acquainted with
Both citty and sub urbian fripperies
Can fetch em with a spell at midnight to him,
And warrant which are for his turne, can for
A neede supply the Surgeon too. _Fre._ I like
Thy providence,--such a one deserves a livery twice a yeare.
_St._ It shanot need, a cast suite of your worships
Will serve, he'le find a cloke to cover it
Out of his share with those he brings to bed to you.
_Fre._ But must I call this fellow Pimpe? _Lit._ It is
Not necessary, or _Jacke_ or _Harry_,
Or what hees knowne abroad by will sound better,
That men may thinke he is a Christian.
_Fre._ But heare you Mr. _Littleworth_, is there not
A method, and degrees of title in
Men of this art. _Lit._ According to the honour
Of men that doe employ em. An Emperour
May give this office to a Duke, A King
May have his Viceroy to negotiate for him,
A Duke may use a Lord, the Lord a Knight.
A Knight may trust a gentleman, and when
They are abroad, and merry, gentlemen
May pimpe to one another. _Fre._ Good, good fellowship!
But for the foole now, that should waite on me,
And breake me jeasts. _Lit._ A foole is necessary.
_St._ By any meanes. _Fre._ But which of these two servants
Must now take place. _Lit._ That question Mr. _Fredericke_
The schoole of Heraldry should conclude upon;
But if my judgement may be heard, the foole
Is your first man, and it is knowne a point
Of state to have a foole. _St._ But sir the other
Is held the finer servant, his employments
Are full of trust, his person cleane, and nimble,
And none so soone can leape into preferment
Where fooles are poore. _Lit._ Not all, theres story for't,
Princes have beene no wiser than they should be,
Would any noble man, that were no foole
Spend all in hope of the Philosophers stone,
To buy new Lordships in another countrey,
Would Knights build Colledges, or gentlemen
Of good estates, challenge the field and fight
Because a whore wo'not be honest, come,
Fooles are a family over all the world;
We doe affect one naturally, indeede
The foole is Leiger with us. _St._ Then the Pimpe
Is extraordinary. _Fre._ Doe not you fall out
About their places; here's my noble Aunt! _Enter Aretina._
_Lit._ How doe you like your nephew Madam now?
_Are._ Well, turne about _Fredricke_, very well.
_Fre._ Am I not now a proper gentleman?
The vertue of rich clothes! now could I take
The wall of _Iulius Cesar_, affront
Great _Pompeys_ upperlip, and defie the Senate,
Nay I can be as proud as your owne heart Madam,
You may take that for your comfort; J put on
That vertue with my clothes, and J doubt not
But in a little time, J shall be impudent
As any Page or Players boy, J am
Beholding to this gentleman's good discipline,
But J shall doe him credit in my practise,
Your Steward has some pretty notions too
In morall mischiefe. _Are._ Your desert in this
Exceedes all other service, and shall bind me
Both to acknowledge, and reward. _Lit._ Sweet Madam!
Thinke me but worth your favour, J wo'd creepe
Vpon my knees to honour you and for every
Minute you lend to my reward, ile pay
A yeare of serviceable tribute. _Are._ You
Can complement. _Lit._ Thus still she puts me off,
Vnlesse J speake the downe right word, she'le never
Vnderstand me, a man would thinke that creeping
Vpon one's knees Were English to a Lady. _Enter Alex._
_Ale._ How ist _Iacke_? Pleasures attend you Madam,
How does my plant of honour? _Are._ Who is this?
_Al._ Tis _Alexander_. _Are._ Rich and glorious!
_Lit._ Tis _Alexander_ the great. _Ale._ And my _Bucephalus_
Waites at the doore. _Are._ Your case is alterd sir.
_Ale._ J cannot helpe these things, the Fates will have it,
Tis not my land does this. _Lit._ But thou hast a plough
That brings it in. _Are._ Now he lookes brave and lovely.
_Fre._ Welcome my gallant Macedonian.
_Al._ Madam, you gave your Nephew for my pupill,
I rea'd but in a taverne, if you'le honour us,
The Beare at the bridge foote shall entertaine you,
A drawer is my Ganimed, he shall skinke
Briske _Nectar_ to us, we will onely have
A dozen Partridge in a dish, as many Phesants,
Quailes, Cockes and Godwits, shall come marching up
Like the train'd band, a sort of Sturgeon
Shall give most bold defiance to an army,
And triumph ore the table. _Are._ Sir, it will
But dull the appetite to heare more, and mine
Must be excusd, another time I may
Be your guest. _Ale._ Tis growne in fashion now with Ladies,
When you please ile attend you; _Littleworth_.
Come _Fredericke_. _Fre._ Weele have musicke, I love noise,
We will out roare the Thames and shake the bridge boy. _Ex._
_Lit._ Madam I kisse your hand, wod you wod thinke
Of your poore servant, flesh and bloud is fraile,
And troublesome to carry without helpe.
_Are._ A coach will easily convey it, or
You may take water at strand bridge. _Lit._ But I
Have taken fire. _Are._ The Thames will coole.
_Lit._ But never quench my heart, your charitie
Can onely doe that! _Are._ I will keepe it cold
Of purpose, _Lit._ Now you blesse me, and I dare
Be drunke in expectation. _Are._ I am confident
He knowes me not, and I were worse than mad
To be my owne betrayer, here's my husband. _Enter Born._
_Bor._ Why, how now _Aretina_? What alone?
The mystery of this solitude? my house
Turne desart o'the sudaine, all the gamsters
Blowne up? Why is the musicke put to silence?
Or ha their instruments caught a cold, since we
Gave e'm the last heate? I must know thy ground
Of Melancholy. _Are._ You are merry, as
You came from kissing _Celestina_. _Bor._ I
Feele her yet warme upon my lip, she is
Most excellent company, I did not thinke
There was that sweetnesse in her sexe, I must
Acknowledge twas thy cure to disinchant me
From a dull husband to an active lover,
With such a Lady, I could spend more yeeres,
Than since my birth my glasse hath run soft minutes,
And yet be young, her presence has a spell
To keepe off age, she has an eye would strike
Fire through an adamant. _Are._ I have heard as much
Bestow'd upon a dull fac'd chambermaid
Whom love and wit would thus commend, true beauty
Is mock'd when we compare thus, it selfe being
Above what can be fetch'd to make it lovely,
Or could our thoughts reach some thing to declare
The glories of a face, or bodies elegance,
That touches but our sense, when beauty spreads
Over the soule, and calls up understanding
To looke when thence is offer'd, and admire,
In both I must acknowledge _Celestina_
Most excellently faire, faire above all
The beauties I ha seene, and one most worthy
Mans love and wonder. _Bor._ Doe you speake _Aretina_,
This with a pure sence to commend, or ist
The mockery of my praise. _Aret._ Although it shame
My selfe, I must be just, and give her all
The excellency of women, and were I
A man. _Bo._ What then? _Are._ I know not with what losse,
I should attempt her love, she is a peece
So angellically moving, I should thinke
Frailty excusd to dote upon her forme,
And almost vertue to be wicked with her. _Exit._
_Bor._ What should this meane? this is no jealousie,
Or she beleeves I counterfeit, I feele
Something within me, like a heate, to give
Her cause, would _Celestina_ but consent,
What a fraile thing is man, it is not worth
Our glory to be chaste, while we deny
Mirth and converse with women, he is good
That dares the tempter, yet corrects his bloud. _Exit._
_Celestina, Mariana, Isabella._
_Cel._ I have told you all my knowledge since he is pleasd
To invite himselfe he shall be entertaind,
And you shall be my witnesses. _Mar._ Who comes with him?
_Cel._ Sir _William Sentlove_, that prepard me for
The honourable encounter, I expect
His Lordship every minute. _Enter Sentlove._
_Sent._ My Lord is come. _Enter Lord Hairecut._
_Cel._ He has honord me. _Se._ My Lord your periwig is awry?
_Lo._ You sir----
_While Hairecut is busie about his haire, Sentlove goes to_ Celestina.
_Sent._ You may guesse, at the gentleman thats with him.
It is his Barbar, Madam, dee observe
And your Ladiship want a shaver. _Hai._ She is here sir,
I am betraid _Sentlove_ your plot, I may
Have opportunity to be reveng'd. _Exit._
_Sent._ She in the midst. _Lo._ She's faire, I must confesse,
But does she keepe this distance out of state.
_Cel._ Though I am poore in language to expresse
How much your Lordship honors me, my heart
Is rich and proud in such a guest, I shall
Be out of love with every aire abroad,
And for his grace done my unworthy house,
Be a fond prisoner, become anchorite,
And spend my houres in prayer, to reward
The blessing, and the bounty of this presence.
_Lor._ Though you could turne each place you move in, to
A temple, rather than a wall should hide
So rich a beauty from the world, it were
Lesse want to lose our piety and your prayer,
A throne were fitter to present you to
Our wonder, whence your eyes more worth than all
They looke on, should chaine every heart a prisoner.
_Sent._ Twas pretty well come off. _Lo._ By your example
I shall know how to complement in this
You more confirme my welcome. _Cel._ I shall love
My lippes the better, if their silent language
Perswade your Lordship but to thinke so truely.
_Lo._ You make me smile Madam. _Cel._ I hope you came not
With feare that any sadnesse here should shake
One blossome from your eye, I should be miserable
To present any object should displease you.
_Lo._ You doe not Madam. _Cel._ As I should account
It no lesse sorrow, if your Lordship should
Lay too severe a censure on my freedome.
I wonot court a Prince against his justice,
Nor bribe him with a smile to thinke me honest,
Pardon my Lord this boldnesse, and the mirth
That may flow from me, I beleeve my father
Thought of no winding sheete when he begot me.
_Lor._ She has a merry soule, it will become
Me aske your pardon Madam for my rude
Approach so much a stranger to your knowledge.
_Cel._ Not my Lord so much stranger to my knowledge,
Though I have but seene your person a farre off,
I am acquainted with your character,
Which I have heard so often, I can speake it.
_Lo._ You shall doe me an honor. _Cel._ If your Lordship will
Be patient. _Lo._ And glad to heare my faults.
_Cel._ That as your conscience can agree upon em,
How ever if your Lordship give me priviledge,
Ile tell you whats the opinion of the world.
_Lo._ You cannot please me better. _Cel._ Y'are a Lord
Borne with as much nobilitie as would
Divided serve to make ten noble men
Without a Herald, but with so much spirit,
And height of soule, as well might furnish twenty.
You are learnd, a thing not compatible now
With native honour, and are master of
A language that doth chaine all yeares, and charme
All hearts, where you perswade, a wit so flowing
And prudence to correct it, that all men
Beleeve they onely meete in you, which with
A spacious memory make up the full wonders;
To these you have knowne valour, and upon
A noble cause, know how to use a sword
To honors best advantage, though you were none;
You are as bountifull, as the showers that fall
Into the Springs greene bosome; as you were
Created Lord of fortune, not her steward;
So constant to the cause, in which you make
Your selfe an advocate, you dare all dangers,
And men had rather you should be their friend,
Than justice or the bench, bound up together.
_Lor._ But did you heare all this. _Cel._ And more my Lord.
_Lor._ Pray let me have it Madam.
_Cel._ To all these vertues, there is added one,
(Your Lordship will remember when I name it,
I speake but what I gather from the voyce
Of others) it is growne to a full fame
That you have lov'd a woman. _Lo._ But one Madam?
_Cel._ Yes many, give me leave to smile my Lord,
I shall not neede to interpret in what sence,
But you have shewd your selfe right honorable,
And for your love to Ladies have deserv'd,
If their vote might prevaile a marble statue,
I make no comment on the peoples text.
My Lord I should be sorry to offend.
_Lor._ You cannot Madam, these are things we owe
To nature for. _Cel._ And honest men will pay
Their debts. _Lo._ If they be able, or compound.
_Cel._ She had a hard heart, would be unmercifull,
And not give day to men so promising,
But you ow'd women nothing. _Lo._ Yes I am
Still in their debt, and I must owe them love,
It was part of my character. _Cel._ With your Lordships
Pardon I onely said, you had a fame
For loving women, but of late men say
You have against the imperiall lawes of love,
Restraind the active flowings of your bloud,
And with a Mistris buried all that is
Hop'd for in loves succession, as all beauty
Had died with her, and left the world benighted!
In this you more dishonor all our sexe
Than you did grace a part, when every where
Love tempts your eye to admire a glorious harvest,
And every where as full blowne eares submit
Their golden heads, the laden trees bow downe
Their willing fruit, and court your amorous tasting.
_Lor._ I see men would dissect me to a fibre,
But doe you beleeve this? _Cel._ It is my wonder!
I must confesse a man of nobler earth
Then goes to vulgar composition,
Borne and bred high, so unconfind, so rich
In fortunes, and so read in all that summe
Vp humane knowledge, to feed gloriously,
And live at court, the onely spheare wherein
True beauty moves, natures most wealthy garden,
Where every blossome is more worth, than all
The _Hesperian_ fruite, by jealous Dragon watch'd
Where all delights doe circle appetite,
And pleasures multiply by being tasted,
Should be so lost with thought of one, turne ashes.
There's nothing left my Lord that can excuse you,
Vnlesse you pleade, what I am asham'd to prompt
Your wisedome too? _Lo._ What that? _Cel._ That you have plaid
The Surgeon with your selfe. _Lo._ And am made Eunuch.
_Cel._ It were much pitty. _Lo._ Trouble not your selfe,
I could convince your feares with demonstration
That I am man enough, but knew not where
Vntill this meeting beauty dwelt; the court
You talk'd of must be where the queene of love is,
Which moves but with your person, in your eye
Her glory shines, and onely at that flame
Her wanton boy doth light his quickning torch.
_Cel._ Nay now you complement, I would it did
My Lord for your owne sake. _Lor._ You would be kind,
And love me then. _Cel._ My Lord I should be loving
Where I found worth to invite it, and should cherish
A constant man. _Lor._ Then you should me Madam.
_Cel._ But is the ice about your heart fallen off,
Can you returne to doe what love commands?
_Cupid_ thou shalt have instand sacrifice,
And I dare be the Priest. _Lor._ Your hand, your lip,
Now I am proofe gainst all temptation.
_Cel._ Your meaning my good Lord. _Lor._ I that have strength
Against thy voyce and beauty, after this
May dare the charmes of womankind, thou art
_Bella Maria_ unprophaned yet,
This Magicke has no power upon my bloud.
Farewell Madam, if you durst be the example
Of chaste as well as faire, thou wert a brave one.
_Cel._ I hope your Lordship meanes not this for earnest,
Be pleasd to grace a banquet. _Lo._ Pardon Madam.
_Will Sentlove_ follow, I must laugh at you.
_Cel._ My Lord I must beseech you stay, for honour
For her whose memory you love best. _Lo._ Your pleasure.
_Cel._ And by that vertue you have now profest,
I charge you to beleeve me too, I can
Now glory, that you have beene worth my triall,
Which I beseech you pardon, had not you
So valiantly recoverd in this conflict,
You had beene my triumph, without hope of more
Than my just scorne upon your wanton flame;
Nor will I thinke these noble thoughts grew first
From melancholy, for some femall losse,
As the phantasticke world beleeves, but from
Truth, and your love of Innocence, which shine
So bright in the two royall luminaries
At Court, you cannot lose your way to chastitie,
Proceede, and speake of me as honour guides you. _Exit Lord._
I am almost tir'd, come Ladies weele beguile
Dull time, and take the aire annother while. _Exeunt._
_The fifth Act._
_Enter Aretina and Servant._
_Are._ But hath Sir _Thomas_ lost five hundred pounds
Already? _Ser._ And five hundred more he borrow'd,
The Dice are notable devourers Madam,
They make no more of peeces, than of pebbles,
But thrust their heapes together to engender,
Two hundred more the Caster cries this gentleman,
I am w'ee. I ha that to nothing sir, the Caster
Agen, tis covered, and the table too,
With summes that frighed me, here one sneakes out,
And with a Martyrs patience, smiles upon
His moneyes Executioner, the Dice,
Commands a pipe of good Tobacco, and
I'th smoke on't vanishes; another makes
The bones vault ore his head, sweares that ill throwing
Has put his shoulder out of joynt, calls for
A bone setter that lookes to'th boxe, to bid
His master send him some more hundred pounds,
Which lost, he takes tobacco, and is quiet;
Here a strong arme throwes in, and in, with which
He brusheth all the table, payes the Rookes
That went their smelts a peece upon his hand,
Yet sweares he has not drawne a stake this seven yeare.
But I was bid make haste, my master may
Lose this five hundred pounds ere I come thither. _Exit._
_Are._ If we both waste so fast, we shall soone finde
Our state is not immortall, some thing in
His other wayes appeare not well already. _Enter sir Thomas._
_Bor._ Yee Tortoises, why make you no more haste,
Go pay to'th master of the house that money,
And tell the noble gamsters, I have another
Superfluous thousand pound, at night ile visit em.
Dee heare? _Ser._ Yes and please you. _Bor._ Doo't ye drudges,
Ta ra ra--_Aretina_. _Ar._ You have a pleasant humor sir.
_Bor._ What should a gentleman be sad? _Ar._ You have lost.
_Bor._ A transitory summe, as good that way
As another. _Are._ Doe you not vexe within for't?
_Bor._ I had rather lose a thousand more, than one
Sad thought come neere my heart fort, vexe for trash,
Although it goe from other men like drops
Of their life bloud, we lose with the alacrity,
Wee drinke a cup of sacke, or kisse a Mistris,
No money is considerable with a gamster,
They have soules more spacious than Kings, did two
Gamsters divide the Empire of the world
Theyd make one throw for't all, and he that lost
Be no more melancholy, then to have plai'd for
A mornings draught, vexe a rich soule for dirt,
The quiet of whose every thought is worth
A Province. _Are._ But when Dice have consumd all,
Your patience will not pawne for as much more.
_Bor._ Hang pawning, sell outright, and the feares over.
_Are._ Say you so? I'le have another coach to morrow
If there be rich above ground. _Bor._ I forgot
To bid the fellow aske my Jeweller,
Whether the chaine of Diamonds be made up,
I will present it to my Lady _Bellamour_,
Faire _Celestina_. _Are._ This gowne J have worne
Sixe dayes already, it lookes dull, ile give it
My waiting woman, and have one of cloth
of gold enbrodered, shooes and pantables
Will show well of the same. _Bor._ I have invited
A covey of Ladies, and as many gentlemen
To morrow to the _Italian_ Ordinary,
I shall have rarities, and regalli as
To pay for Madam, musicke, wanton songs,
And tunes of silken petticotes to dance to.
_Are._ And to morrow have I invited halfe the Court
To dine here, what misfortune tis your company
And ours should be devided? after dinner
J entertaine e'm with a play. _Bor._ By that time
Your play inclines to the Epilogue, shall we
quit our _Italian_ host, and whirle in coaches,
To the Douch Magazine of sawce, the Stillyard,
Where deale, and backragge, and what strange wine else,
They dare but give a name too in the reckoning
Shall flow into our roome, and drowne Westphalias,
Tongues, and Anchoavis, like some little towne
Endangered by a sluce, through whole fierce ebbe
We wade and wash our selves into a boate,
And bid our Coachmen drive their leather tenements
By land, while we saile home with a fresh tide
To some new randevous. _Are._ If you have not
Pointed the place, pray bring your Ladies hither,
J meane to have a Ball to morrow night,
And a rich banquet for e'm, where we'le dance
Till morning rise, and blush to interrupt us.
_Bor._ Have you no Ladies i'th next roome, to advance
A present mirth? What a dull house you governe?
Farewell, a wife's no company--_Aretina_,
J've summ'd up my estate, and find we may have
A month good yet. _Are._ What meane you? _Bo._ And Jde rather
Be Lord one moneth of pleasures, to the height
And rapture of our senses, than be yeares,
Consuming what we have in foolish temperance,
Live in the darke, and no fame waite upon us,
I will live so, posterity shall stand
At gaze when I am mentioned. _Are._ A mon'th good,
And what shall be done then. _Bor._ Ile over Sea,
And traile a pike, with watching, marching, lying
In trenches, with enduring cold, and hunger,
And taking here and there a musketshot,
I can earne every weeke foure shillings Madam,
And if the bullets favour me to snatch
Any superfluous limbe, when I returne
With good friends, I despaire not to be enrold
Poore Knight of Windsore; for your course Madam,
No doubt you may doe well, your friends are great,
Or if your poverty, and their pride cannot
Agree, you neede not trouble much invention,
To find a trade to live by, there are customers,
Farewell, be frolicke Madam, if I live
I will feast all my senses, and not fall
Lesse than a _Phaeton_ from my throne of Pleasure,
Though my estate flame like the world about me.
_Are._ Tis very pretty. _Enter Decoy._
Madam _Decoy_. _De._ What melancholy _Exit._
After so sweet a nights worke? Have not I
Shew'd my selfe Mistris of my art. _Are._ A Lady.
_De._ That title makes the credit of the act
A story higher, y'ave not seene him yet,
I wonder what hee'le say. _Are._ He's here.
_Ale._ Beare up _Enter Alexander and Fredericke._
My little _Mirmidan_, does not _Jacke Littleworth_
Follow? _Fre._ Follow? He fell into the Thames
At landing. _Alex._ The devill shall dive for him
Ere I endanger my silke stockings for him,
Let the Watermen alone, they have drags and engins,
When he has drunke his Julip, I shall laugh
To see him come in pickeld the next tide.
_Fre._ Hee'le never sinke, he has such a corke braine.
_Ale._ Let him be hang'd or drown'd alls one to me,
Yet he deserves to die by water, cannot
Beare his wine credibly. _Fre._ Is not this my Aunt?
_Ale._ And another hansome Lady, I must know her.
_Fre._ My bloud is rampant too, I must court some body,
As good my Aunt, as any other body.
_Are._ Where have you beene cozen? _Fre._ At the bridge,
At the Beares foote, where our first health began
To the faire _Aretina_, whose sweet company
Was wished by all, we could not get a lay,
a Tumbler, a Device, a _bona roba_
For any money, drawers were growne dull;
We wanted our true firkes and our vagaries;
When were you in drinke Aunt? _Are._ How? _Fr._ Do not Ladies
Play the good fellowes too? there's no true mirth
Without e'm, I have now such tickling fancies,
That Doctour of the chaire of wit, has read
A precious lecture, how I should behave
My selfe to Ladies, as now for example.
_Are._ Would you practise upon me? _Fre._ I first salute you,
You have a soft hand Madam, are you so
All over? _Are._ Nephew. _Fre._ Nay you should but smile,
And then agen I kisse you; and thus draw
Off your white glove, and start to see your hand
More excellently white, I grace my owne
Lip with this touch, and turning gently thus,
Prepare you for my skill in Palmistry,
Which out of curiosity no Lady
But easily applies too, the first line
I tooke with most ambition to find out,
Is _Venus_ girdle, a faire semicircle
Enclosing both the mount of _Sol_ and _Saturne_,
If that appeare, she's for my turne, a Lady
Whom nature has prepar'd for the careere,
And _Cupid_ at my elbow, I put forward,
You have this very line, Aunt.
_Are._ The boy's franticke.
_Fre._ You have a Couch or Palate, I can shut
The Chamber doore, enrich a stranger when
Your Nephew's comming into play. _Are._ No more.
_Fre._ Are you so coy to your owne flesh and bloud?
_Al._ Here take your playfellow, I talke of sport,
And she would have me marry her.
_Fre._ Heres _Littleworth_. _Enter Littleworth wet._
Why how now Tutour? _Lit._ I ha beene fishing.
_Fr._ And what ha you caught? _Lit._ My belly full of water.
_Al._ Ha ha, wheres thy rapier? _Lit._ My rapier's is drown'd,
And I am little better, I was up bi'th heeles,
And out came a tun of water beside wine.
_Al._ 'T has made thee sober. _Lit._ Would you have me drunk
With Water? _Are._ I hope your fire is quenched by this time.
_Fre._ It is not now, as when your worship walkd
By all the tavernes _Jacke_, drie as a bone.
_Al._ You had store of fish under water _Jacke_.
_Lit._ It has made a poore _John_ of me.
_Fre._ J doe not thinke but if we cast an angle
Jnto his belly, we might find some Pilchards.
_Lit._ And boild by this time, deere Madam a bed.
_Al._ Carry but the water Spaniel to a grasseplot
Where he may roule himselfe, let him but shake
His eares twice in the Sunne, and you may grind him
Into a posset. _Fre._ Come thou shalt to my bed
Poore pickerell. _De._ Alas sweete gentleman.
_Lit._ I have ill lucke, and I should smell by this time,
I am but new tane I am sure, sweet gentlewoman.
_De._ Your servant. _Lit._ Pray doe not plucke off my skin,
It is so wet, unlesse you have good eyes
You'le hardly know it from a shirt. _De._ Feare nothing.
_Are._ He has sacke enough, and I may find his humor. _Exeunt._
_Al._ And how ist with your Ladiship? you looke
Without a sunshine in your face. _Are._ You are glorious
In mind and habit. _Al._ Ends of gold and silver.
_Are._ Your other clothes were not so rich, who was
Your tailor sir? _Al._ They were made for me long since,
They have knowne but two bright dayes upon my backe,
I had a humor Madam to lay things by,
They will serve two dayes more, I thinke I ha gold enough
To goe to'th Mercer, Ile now allow my selfe
A suite a weeke as this, with necessary
Dependances, Beaver, silke stockings, garters,
And roses in their due conformitie,
Bootes are forbid a cleane legge, but to ride in,
My linnen every morning comes in new,
The old goes too great bellies. _Ar._ You are charitable.
_Al._ I may dine w'ee sometime, or at the Court
To meete good company, not for the table,
My Clarke o'th Kitchins here, a witty Epicure,
A spirit that to please me with whats rare
Can flie a hundred mile a day to market,
And make me Lord of Fish and Foule, I shall
Forget there is a butcher, and to make
My footmen nimble, he shall feede on nothing
But wings of wildfoule. _Are._ These wayes are costly.
_Al._ Therefore Ile have it so, I ha sprung a mine.
_Are._ You make me wonder sir, to see this change
Of fortune, your revenew was not late
So plentifull. _Al._ Hang durty land and Lordships,
I wonot change one lodging I ha got
For the Chamber of London. _Are._ Strange of such a sudden,
To rise to this estate, no fortunate hand
At dice could lift you up so, for tis since
Last night, yesterday, you were no such Monarke.
_Al._ There be more games then dice. _Are._ It cannot be
A Mistris, though your person is worth love,
None possibly are rich enough to feed
As you have cast the method of your riots,
A Princesse, after all her Jewels must
Be forc'd to sell her provinces. _Al._ Now you talke
Of Jewels? What doe you thinke of this? _Are._ A rich one.
_Al._ You'le honour me to wear't, this other toy
I had from you, this chaine I borrowed of you,
A friend had it in keeping, if your Ladiship
Want any summe, you know your friend and _Alexander_.
_Are._ Dare you trust my security. _Al._ There's gold,
I shall have more to morrow.
_Are._ You astonish me, who can supply these?
_Al._ A deare friend I have,
She promisd we should meete agen i'th morning.
_Are._ Not that I wish to know
More of your happinesse, then I have aready
Heart to congratulate, be pleasd to lay
My wonder. _Al._ Tis a secret. _Are._ Which ile die
Ere Ile betray. _Al._ You have alwayes wish'd me well,
But you shall sweare not to reveale the partie.
_Are._ Ile lose the benefit of my tongue. _Alex._ Nor be
Afraid at what I say, what thinke you first
Of an old Witch, a strange ill favor'd hag
That for my company last night, has wrought
This cure upon my fortune? I doe sweat
To thinke upon her name. _Are._ How sir a Witch?
_Ale._ I would not fright your Ladiship too much
At first, but Witches are a kin to Spirits,
The truth is--nay if you looke pale already,
I ha done. _Are._ Sir I beseech you. _Ale._ If you have
But courage then to know the truth, ile tell you
In one word, my chiefe friend is the devill.
_Are._ What devill? How I tremble. _Ale._ Have a heart,
Twas a shee devill too, a most insatiate
Abominable devill with a taile
Thus long. _Are._ Goodnesse defend me, did you see her?
_Al._ No twas i'th darke, but she appeard first to me
I'th likenesse of a Bedlam, and was brought
I know not how, nor whither, by two Goblins,
More hooded than a Hawke. _Are._ But would you venter
Vpon a devill? _Al._ I for meanes. _Are._ How blacke
An impudence is this? But are you sure
It was the devill you enjoy'd. _Al._ Say nothing,
I did the best to please her, but as sure
As you live, twas a Helcat. _Are._ Dee not quake?
_Al._ I found my selfe the very same i'th morning,
Where two of her familiars had left me. _Enter Servant._
_Ser._ My Lord is come to visite you. _Al._ No words,
As you respect my safety, I ha told tales
Out of the devills schoole, if it be knowne
I lose a friend, tis now about the time
I promis'd her to meete agen, at my
Returne Ile tell you wonders, not a word. _Exit._
_Are._ Tis a false glasse, sure I am more deform'd,
What have I done, my soule is miserable. _Enter Lord._
_Lor._ I sent you a letter Madam. _Are._ You exprest
Your noble care of me my Lord. _Enter Bornwell, Celestina._
_Bor._ Your Lordship
Does me an honour. _Lor._ Madam I am glad
To see you here, I meant to have kist your hand
Ere my returne to Court. _Cel._ Sir _Thomas_ has
Prevaild to bring me to his trouble hither.
_Lor._ You doe him grace. _Bor._ Why whats the matter Madam?
Your eyes are tuning _Lachrimæ_. _Are._ As you
Doe hope for heaven withdraw, and give me but
The patience of ten minutes. _Born._ Wonderfull!
I wonot heare you above that proportion,
Shee talkes of heaven, come, where must we to counsell?
_Ar._ You shall conclude me when you please. _Bo._ I follow.
_Lor._ What alteration is this? I that so late
Stood the temptation of her eye, and voyce,
Boasted a heart, 'bove all licentious flame,
At second veiw turne renegade, and thinke
I was too superstitious, and full
Of phlegme not to reward her amorous Courtship
With manly freedome. _Cel._ I obey you sir.
_Bor._ Ile waite upon your Lordship presently.
_Lor._ She could not want a cunning to seeme honest
When I neglected her, I am resolv'd,
You still looke pleasant Madam. _Cel._ I have cause
My Lord, the rather for your presence, which
Hath power to charme all trouble in my thoughts.
_Lor._ I must translate that complement and owe
All that is cheerefull in my selfe to these
All quickning smiles, and rather than such bright
Eyes should repent their influence upon me,
I would release the aspects, and quit the bountie
Of all the other starres; Did you not thinke me
A strange and melancholy gentleman
To use you so unkindly. _Cel._ Me my Lord?
_Lor._ I hope you made no loude complaint, I wod not
Be tride by a Jury of Ladies. _Cel._ For what my Lord?
_Lor._ I did not meete that noble entertainment,
You were late pleasd to shew me. _Cel._ I observd
No such defect in your Lorship, but a brave
And noble fortitude. _Lor._ A noble folly
I bring repentance fort, I know you have
Madam a gentle faith, and wonot ruine
What you have built to honour you. _Cel._ Whats that?
_Lor._ If you can love, ile tell your Ladiship.
_Cel._ I have a stubborne soule else. _Lor._ You are all
Composd of harmony. _Cel._ What love de'e meane?
_Lor._ That which doth perfect both, Madam you have heard
I can be constant, and if you consent
To grace it so, there is a spacious dwelling
Prepar'd within my heart for such a Mistrisse.
_Cel._ Your Mistris, my good Lord? _Lor._ Why my good Lady?
Your sexe doth hold it no dishonour
To become Mistris to a noble servant
In the now court, Platonicke way, consider
Who tis that pleades to you, my birth, and present
Value can be no staine to your embrace,
But these are shadowes when my love appeares,
Which shall in his first miracle returne
Me in my bloome of youth, and thee a Virgin,
When I within some new _Elisium_
Of purpose made and meant for us, shall be
In every thing _Adonis_, but in his
Contempt of love, and court thee from a _Daphne_
Hid in the cold rinde of a bashfull tree,
With such warme language, and delight, till thou
Leape from that bayes into the queene of love,
And pay my conquest with composing garlands
Of thy owne mirtle for me. _Cel._ Whats all this?
_Lor._ Consent to be my Mistris _Celestina_,
And we will have it Spring-time all the yeare,
Vpon whose invitations when we walke,
The windes shall play soft descant to our feete,
And breathe rich odors to repure the aire,
Greene bowers on every side shall tempt our stay,
And Violets stoope to have us treade upon em.
The red rose shall grow pale, being neere thy cheeke,
And the white blush orecome with such a forehead,
Here laid, and measuring with our selves some banke,
A thousand birds shall from the woods repaire,
And place themselves so cunningly, behinde
The leaves of every tree, that while they pay
As tribute of their songs, thou shalt imagine
The very trees beare musicke, and sweet voyces
Doe grow in every arbour, here can we
Embrace and kisse, tell tales, and kisse agen,
And none but heaven our rivall. _Cel._ When we are
Weary of these, what if we shift our Paradise?
And through a grove of tall and even pine,
Descend into a Vally, that shall shame
All the delights of _Tempe_, upon whose
Greene plush the graces shall be cald to dance
To please us, and maintaine their Fairy revells,
To the harmonious murmurs of a streame
That gently falls upon a rocke of pearle,
Here doth the Nimph forsaken Eccho dwell,
To whom we'le tell the story of our love,
Till at our surfet and her want of joy,
We breake her heart with envy, not farre off
A grove shall call us to a wanton river,
To see a dying Swan give up the ghost,
The fishes shooting up their teares in bubbles
That they must lose the Genius of their waves,
And such love linsey woolsey, to no purpose.
_Lor._ You chide me hansomely, pray tell me how
You like this language. _Cel._ Good my Lord forbeare.
_Lor._ You neede not flie out of this circle Madam,
These widowes so are full of circumstance,
Ile undertake in this time I ha courted
Your Ladiship for the toy, to ha broken ten,
Nay twenty colts, Virgins I meane, and taught em
The amble, or what pace I most affected.
_Cel._ Y'are not my Lord agen, the Lord I thought you,
And I must tell you now, you doe forget
Your selfe and me. _Lor._ You'le not be angry Madam.
_Cel._ Nor rude, though gay men have a priviledge,
It shall appeare, there is a man my Lord
Within my acquaintance, rich in worldly fortunes,
But cannot boast any descent of bloud,
Would buy a coate of armes. _Lor._ He may, and legges
booted and spurr'd to ride into the countrey.
_Cel._ But these will want antiquitie: my Lord
The seale of honour, whats a coate cut out
But yesterday to make a man a gentleman?
Your family as old, as the first vertue
That merited an Escucheon, doth owe
A glorious coat of armes, if you will sell now
All that your name doth challenge in that ensigne,
Ile helpe you to a chapman, that shall pay
And powre downe wealth enough fort. _Lor._ Sell my armes?
I cannot Madam. _Cel._ Give but your consent,
You know not how the state may be enclind
To dispensation, we may prevaile
Vpon the Heralds office afterward.
_Lor._ Ile sooner give these armess to'th hangmans axe,
My head, my heart, to twenty executions
Than sell one atome from my name. _Cel._ Change that,
And answer him would buy my honour from me.
Honour that is not worne upon a flagge
Or pennon, that without the owners dangers,
An enemy may ravish, and beare from me,
But that which growes and withers with my soule,
Beside the bodies staine, think, thinke my Lord
To what you would unworthily betray me,
If you would not for price of gold, or pleasure,
(If that be more your idoll) lose the glory
And painted honour of your house----I ha done.
_Lor._ Enough to rectifie a Satires bloud,
Obscure my blushes here. _Enter Sentlove and Hairecut._
_Ha._ Or this or fight with me,
It shall be no exception that I waite
Vpon my Lord, I am a gentleman,
You may be lesse and be a Knight, the office,
I doe my Lord is honest sir, how many
Such you have beene guilty of, heaven knowes.
_Sent._ Tis no feare of your sword, but that I wod not
Breake the good lawes established against duells.
_Ha._ Off with your periwig, and stand bare. _Lor._ From this
Minute ile be a servant to thy goodnesse,
A Mistris in the wanton sence is common,
Ile honor you with chaste thoughts, and call you so.
_Cel._ Ile study to be worth your faire opinion.
_Lor._ _Sentlove_, your head was usd to a covering,
Beside a hat, when went the haire away.
_Sent._ I laid a wager my Lord with _Hairecut_,
Who thinkes I shall catch cold, that ile stand bare
This halfe houre. _Ha._ Pardon my ambition
Madam, I told you truth, I am a gentleman,
And cannot feare that name is drown'd in my
Relation to my Lord. _Cel._ I dare not thinke so.
_Ha._ From henceforth call my service duty Madam,
That Pigges head that betraid me to your mirth,
Is doing penance for't. _Sent._ Why may not I
My Lord begin a fashion of no haire.
_Cel._ Doe you sweat sir William. _Sent._ Not with store of nightcaps.
_Enter Aretina, Bornwell._
_Are._ Heaven has dissolv'd the clouds that hung upon
My eyes, and if you can with mercy meet
A penitent, I throw my owne will off,
And now in all things obey yours, my nephew
Send backe agen to'th colledge, and my selfe
To what place you'le confine me. _Bor._ Dearer now
Than ever to my bosome, thou shalt please
Me best to live at thy owne choice, I did
But fright thee with a noise of my expences,
The summes are safe, and we have wealth enough,
If yet we use it nobly? My Lord----Madam,
Pray honour to night. _Are._ I begge your presence,
And pardon. _Bor._ I know not how my _Aretina_
May be disposd to morrow for the country.
_Cel._ You must not goe, before you both have done
Me honour to accept an entertainment,
Where I have power, on those termes I me your guest.
_Bor._ You grace us Madam. _Are._ Already
I feele a cure upon my soule, and promise
My after life to vertue, pardon heaven,
My shame yet hid from the worlds eye.
_De._ Sweet Madam. _Enter decoy._
_Ar._ Not for the world be seene here, we are lost,
Ile visite you at home; but not to practise
What she expects, my counsell may recover her.
_Enter Alexander._
_Al._ Wheres Madam? pray lend me a little money,
My spirit has deceiv'd me, _Proserpine_
Has broke her word. _Are._ Doe you expect to find
The devill true to you. _Al._ Not too loud. _Are._ Ile voyce it
Louder, to all the world your horrid sinne,
Vnlesse you promise me religiously,
To purge your foule bloud by repentance sir.
_Al._ Then I'me undone. _Are._ Not while I have power
To encourage you to vertue, ile endeavour
To find you out some nobler way at Court
To thrive in. _Al._ Doo't, and ile forsake the devill,
And bring my flesh to obedience; you shall steere me,
My Lord--your servant. _Lor._ You are brave agen.
_Al._ Madam your pardon. _Bor._ Your offence requires
Humility. _Al._ Low as my heart. Sir _Thomas_
Ile sup with you, a part of satisfaction.
_Bor._ Our pleasures coole, musicke, and when our Ladies
Are tired with active motion, to give
Them rest in some new rapture to advance
Full mirth, our soules shall leape into a dance.
_Exeunt._
_FINIS._
* * * * * *
Transcriber's note:
"Supernitendent" changed to "Superintendent" (With title of
Superintendent Baylie).
"Dutchmnas" and "Dutchmans" (Of this Italian Master, and that
Dutchmans).
"siir" changed to "sir" (Yes sir, and when tis drawne).
"houour" changed to "honour" (Me so much honour, to accept from me).
End of second act: "Exunt" changed to "Exeunt".
"Am I not now a proper gentleman?" should not be attributed to "Are."
but probably to "Fre." and has been changed.
"hre's" changed to "here's" (To be my owne betrayer, here's my husband).
"Issabella" changed to "Isabella" (Celestina, Mariana, Isabella).
"earness" changed to "earnest" (I hope your Lordship meanes not this
for earnest).
The "Exit" at the end of the line "Madam _Decoy_. _De._ What melancholy"
probably refers to "Bor" two lines above.
"divell" changed to "devill" (Twas a shee devill too, a most insatiate).
"in" removed (I found my selfe the very same i'th morning).
"shat" changed to "shalt" (As tribute of their songs, thou shalt
imagine, Than ever to my bosome, thou shalt please).