3 B.'Tis all we have left, Sir.
Hem.What hast thou? Aqua vitae?
Boy.Yes.
Hem.Fill out then; And give these honest Fellows round.
All B.We thank ye.
Hem.May I speak a word in private to ye?
All B.Yes Sir.
Hem.I have a business for you, honest Friends, If you dare lend your help, shall get you crowns.
Ger.Ha! Lead me a little nearer, Boy.
1 B.What is't Sir? If it be any thing to purchase money, Which is our want, [command] us.
Boors.All, all, all, Sir.
Hem.You know the young spruce Merchant inBruges?
2 B.Who? MasterGoswin?
Hem.That he owes me money, And here in town there is no stirring of him.
Ger.Say ye so?
Hem.This day, upon a sure appointment, He meets me a mile hence, by the Chase side, Under the row of Oaks; do you know it?
All B.Yes Sir.
Hem.Give 'em more drink: there if you dare but venture When I shall give the word to seize upon him Here's twenty pound.
3 B.Beware the Jugler.
Hem.If he resist, down with him, have no mercy.
1 B.I warrant you, we'll hamper him.
Hem.To discharge you, I have a Warrant here about me.
3 B.Here's our Warrant, This carries fire i'th' Tail.
Hem.Away with me then,The time draws on,I must remove so insolent a Suitor,And if he be so rich, make him pay ransomeEre he seeBrugesTowers again. Thus wise menRepair the hurts they take by a disgrace,And piece the Lions skin with the Foxes case.
Ger.I am glad I have heard this sport yet.
Hem.There's for thy drink, come pay the house within Boys, And lose no time.
Ger.Away with all our haste too. [Exeunt.
EnterGoswin.
Gos.No wind blow fair yet? no return of moneys?Letters? nor any thing to hold my hopes up?Why then 'tis destin'd, that I fall, fall miserably!My credit I was built on, sinking with me.Thou boystrous North-wind, blowing my misfortunes,And frosting all my hopes to cakes of coldness;Yet stay thy fury; give the gentle SouthYet leave to court those sails that bring me safety,And you auspicious fires, bright twins in heavenDaunce on the shrowds; he blows still stubbornly,And on his boystrous Rack rides my sad ruin;There is no help, there can be now no comfort,To morrow with the Sun-set, sets my credit.Oh misery! thou curse of man, thou plague,In the midst of all our strength thou strik'st us;My vertuous Love is lost too: all, what I have been,No more hereafter to be seen than shadow;To prison now? well, yet there's this hope left me;I may sink fairly under this days venture,And so to morrow's cross'd, and all those curses:Yet manly I'll invite my Fate, base fortuneShall never say, she has cut my throat in fear.This is the place his challenge call'd me to,And was a happy one at this time for me,For let me fall before my Foe i'th' field,And not at Bar, before my Creditors;H'as kept his word: now Sir, your swords tongue onlyLoud as you dare, all other language—
EnterHemskirke.
Hem.Well Sir, You shall not be long troubled: draw.
Gos.'Tis done Sir, And now have at ye.
Hem.Now.
EnterBoors.
Gos.Betray'd to Villains! Slaves ye shall buy me bravely, And thou base coward.
EnterGerrardandBeggars.
Ger.Now upon 'em bravely, Conjure 'em soundly Boys.
Boors.Hold, hold.
Ger.Lay on still,Down with that Gentleman rogue, swinge him to sirrup.Retire Sir, and take Breath: follow, and take him,Take all, 'tis lawful prize.
Boors.We yield.
Ger.Down with 'em Into the Wood, and rifle 'em, tew 'em, swinge 'em, Knock me their brains into their Breeches. [Exeunt.
Boors.Hold, hold.
Gos.What these men are I know not, nor for what causeThey shou'd thus thrust themselves into my danger,Can I imagine. But sure Heavens hand was in't!Nor why this coward Knave should deal so baselyTo eat me up with Slaves: but Heaven I thank thee,I hope thou hast reserv'd me to an endFit for thy creature, and worthy of thine honour:Would all my other dangers here had suffered,With what a joyful heart should I go home then?Where now, Heaven knows, like him that waits his sentence,Or hears his passing Bell; but there's my hope still.
EnterGerrard.
Ger.Blessing upon you Master.
Gos.Thank ye; leave me, For by my troth I have nothing now to give thee.
Ger.Indeed I do not ask Sir, only it grieves me To see ye look so sad; now goodness keep ye From troubles in your mind.
Gos.If I were troubled, What could thy comfort do? pritheeClause, leave me.
Ger.Good Master be not angry; for what I say Is out of true love to ye.
Gos.I know thou lov'st me.
Ger.Good Mr. blame that love then, if I prove so sawcy To ask ye why ye are sad.
Gos.Most true, I am so, And such a sadness I have got will sink me.
Ger.Heaven shield it, Sir.
Gos.Faith, thou must lose thy Master.
Ger.I had rather lose my neck, Sir: would I knew—
Gos.What would the knowledg do thee good so miserable, Thou canst not help thy self? when all my ways Nor all the friends I have—
Ger.You do not know Sir, What I can do: cures sometimes, for mens cares Flow, where they least expect 'em.
Gos.I know thou wouldst do, But farewellClause, and pray for thy poor Master.
Ger.I will not leave ye.
Gos.How?
Ger.I dare not leave ye, Sir, I must not leave ye,And till ye beat me dead, I will not leave ye.By what ye hold most precious, by Heavens goodness,As your fair youth may prosper, good Sir tell me:My mind believes yet something's in my powerMay ease you of this trouble.
Gos.I will tell thee,For a hundred thousand crowns upon my credit,Taken up of Merchants to supply my traffiques,The winds and weather envying of my fortune,And no return to help me off, yet shewingTo morrow,Clause, to morrow, which must come,In prison thou shalt find me poor and broken.
Ger.I cannot blame your grief Sir.
Gos.Now, what say'st thou?
Ger.I say you should not shrink, for he that gave ye, Can give you more; his power can bring ye off Sir, When friends and all forsake ye, yet he sees you.
Gos.There's all my hope.
Ger.Hope still Sir, are you ty'd Within the compass of a day, good Master, To pay this mass of mony?
Gos.Ev'n to morrow: But why do I stand mocking of my misery? Is't not enough the floods, and friends forget me?
Ger.Will no less serve?
Gos.What if it would?
Ger.Your patience,I do not ask to mock ye: 'tis a great sum,A sum for mighty men to start and stick at;But not for honest: have ye no friends left ye,None that have felt your bounty? worth this duty?
Gos.Duty? thou knowst it not.
Ger.It is a duty,And as a duty, from those men have felt ye,Should be return'd again: I have gain'd by ye,A daily alms these seven years you have showr'd on me,Will half supply your want.
Gos.Why do'st thou fool me? Can'st thou work miracles?
Ger.To save my Master, I can work this.
Gos.Thou wilt make me angry with thee.
Ger.For doing good?
Gos.What power hast thou?
Ger.Enquire not: So I can do it, to preserve my Master; Nay if it be three parts.
Gos.O that I had it, But goodClause, talk no more, I feel thy charity, As thou hast felt mine: but alas!
Ger.Distrust not,'Tis that that quenches ye: pull up your Spirit,Your good, your honest, and your noble Spirit;For if the fortunes of ten thousand peopleCan save ye, rest assur'd; you have forgot Sir,The good ye did, which was the power you gave me;Ye shall now know the King of Beggars treasure:And let the winds blow as they list, the Seas roar,Yet, here to morrow, you shall find your harbour.Here fail me not, for if I live I'le fit ye.
Gos.How fain I would believe thee!
Ger.If I ly Master, Believe no man hereafter.
Gos.I will try thee, But he knows, that knows all.
Ger.Know me to morrow, And if I know not how to cure ye, kill me; So pass in peace, my best, my worthiest Master. [Exeunt.
EnterHubert,like a Huntsman.
Hub.Thus have I stoln away disguiz'd fromHemskirkTo try these people, for my heart yet tells meSome of these Beggars, are the men I look for:Appearing like my self, they have no reason(Though my intent is fair, my main end honest)But to avoid me narrowly, that face too,That womans face, how near it is! O may itBut prove the same, and fortune how I'le bless thee!Thus, sure they cannot know me, or suspect me,If to my habit I but change my nature;As I must do; this is the wood they live in,A place fit for concealment: where, till fortuneCrown me with that I seek, I'le live amongst 'em. [Exit.
EnterHiggen, Prigg, Ferret, Ginks,and the rest of theBoors.
Hig.Come bring 'em out, for here we sit in justice:Give to each one a cudgel, a good cudgel:And now attend your sentence. That you are rogues,And mischievous base rascalls, (there's the point now)I take it, is confess'd.
Prig.Deny it if you dare knaves.
Boors.We are Rogues Sir.
Hig.To amplify the matter then, rogues as ye are, And lamb'd ye shall be e're we leave ye.
Boors.Yes Sir.
Hig.And to the open handling of our justice, Why did ye this upon the proper person Of our good Master? were you drunk when you did it?
Boors.Yes indeed were we.
Prig.You shall be beaten sober.
Hig.Was it for want you undertook it?
Boors.Yes Sir.
Hig.You shall be swing'd abundantly.
Prig.And yet for all that, You shall be poor rogues still.
Hig.Has not the Gentleman,Pray mark this point BrotherPrig, that noble GentlemanReliev'd ye often, found ye means to live by,By imploying some at Sea, some here, some there;According to your callings?
Boors.'Tis most true Sir.
Hig.Is not the man, an honest man?
Boors.Yes truly.
Hig.A liberal Gentleman? and as ye are true rascals Tell me but this, have ye not been drunk, and often, At his charge?
Boors.Often, often.
Hig.There's the point then, They have cast themselves, BrotherPrig.
Prig.A shrewd point, Brother.
Hig.Brother, proceed you now; the cause is open, I am some what weary.
Prig.Can you do these things? You most abhominable stinking Rascals, You turnip-eating Rogues.
Boors.We are truly sorry.
Prig.Knock at your hard hearts Rogues, and presentlyGive us a sign you feel compunction,Every man up with's cudgel, and on his neighbourBestow such alms, 'till we shall say sufficient,For there your sentence lyes without partiality;Either of head, or hide Rogues, without sparing,Or we shall take the pains to beat you dead else:You shall know your doom.
Hig.One, two, and three about it.
Prig.That fellow in the blue, has true Compunction, [Beat one another.He beats his fellows bravely, oh, well struck boyes.
EnterGerrard.
Hig.Up with that blue breech, now playes he the Devil. So get ye home, drink small beer, and be honest; Call in the Gentleman.
Ger.Do, bring him presently, His cause I'le hear my self.
EnterHemskirk.
Hig. Prig.With all due reverence, We do resign Sir.
Ger.Now huffing Sir, what's your name?
Hem.What's that to you Sir?
Ger.It shall be ere we part.
Hem.My name isHemskirk, I follow the Earl, which you shall feel.
Ger.No threatning, For we shall cool you Sir; why did'st thou basely Attempt the murder of the MerchantGoswin?
Hem.What power hast thou to ask me?
Ger.I will know it, Or fley thee till thy pain discover it.
Hem.He did me wrong, base wrong.
Ger.That cannot save ye, Who sent ye hither? and what further villanies Have you in hand?
Hem.Why would'st thou know? what profit,If I had any private way, could riseOut of my knowledge, to do thee commodity?Be sorry for what thou hast done, and make amends fool,I'le talk no further to thee, nor these Rascals.
Ger.Tye him to that tree.
Hem.I have told you whom I follow.
Ger.The Devil you should do, by your villanies, Now he that has the best way, wring it from him.
Hig.I undertake it: turn him to the Sun boyes; Give me a fine sharp rush, will ye confess yet?
Hem.Ye have rob'd me already, now you'le murder me.
Hig.Murder your nose a little: does your head purge Sir? To it again, 'twill do ye good.
Hem.Oh, I cannot tell you any thing.
Ger.Proceed then.
Hig.There's maggots in your nose, I'le fetch 'em out Sir.
Hem.O my head breaks.
Hig.The best thing for the rheum Sir, That falls into your worships eyes.
Hem.Hold, hold.
Ger.Speak then.
Hem.I know not what.
Hig.It lyes in's brain yet, In lumps it lyes, I'le fetch it out the finest; What pretty faces the fool makes? heigh!
Hem.Hold,Hold, and I'le tell ye all, look in my doublet;And there within the lining in a paper,You shall find all.
Ger.Go fetch that paper hither, And let him loose for this time.
EnterHubert.
Hub.Good ev'n my honest friends.
Ger.Good ev'n good fellow.
Hub.May a poor huntsman, with a merry heart,A voice shall make the forest ring about him,Get leave to live amongst ye? true as steel, boyes?That knows all chases, and can watch all hours,And with my quarter staff, though the Devil bid stand,Deal such an alms, shall make him roar again?Prick ye the fearfull hare through cross waves, sheep-walks,And force the crafty Reynard climb the quicksetts;Rouse ye the lofty Stag, and with my bell-horn,Ring him a knel, that all the woods shall mourn him,'Till in his funeral tears, he fall before me?ThePolcat,Marterne, and the rich skin'dLucerneI know to chase, the Roe, the wind out-strippingIsgrinhimself, in all his bloody angerI can beat from the bay, and the wild SounderSingle, and with my arm'd staff, turn the Boar,Spight of his foamy tushes, and thus strike him;'Till he fall down my feast.
Ger.A goodly fellow.
Hub.What mak'st thee here, ha? [aside.
Ger.We accept thy fellowship.
Hub.Hemskirk, thou art not right I fear, I fear thee. [aside.
EnterFerret,with a Letter.
Fer.Here is the paper: and as he said we found it.
Ger.Give me it, I shall make a shift yet, old as I am,To find your knavery: you are sent here, Sirra,To discover certain Gentlemen, a spy-knave,And if ye find 'em, if not by perswasionTo bring 'em back, by poyson to despatch 'em.
Hub.By poyson, ha?
Ger.Here is another,Hubert; What is thatHubertSir?
Hem.You may perceive there.
Ger.I may perceive a villany and a rank one, Was he joyn'd partner of thy knavery?
Hem.No.He had an honest end, would I had had so,Which makes him scape such cut-throats.
Ger.So it seems.For here thou art commanded, when thatHubertHas done his best and worthiest service, this wayTo cut his throat, for here he's set down dangerous.
Hub.This is most impious.
Ger.I am glad we have found ye, Is not this true?
Hem.Yes; what are you the better?
Ger.You shall perceive Sir, ere you get your freedom: Take him aside, and friend, we take thee to us, Into our company, thou dar'st be true unto us?
Hig.I, and obedient too?
Hub.As you had bred me.
Ger.Then take our hand: thou art now a servant to us, Welcom him all.
Hig.Stand off, stand off: I'le do it,We bid ye welcom three wayes; first for your person,Which is a promising person, next for your quality,Which is a decent, and a gentle quality,Last for the frequent means you have to feed us,You can steal 'tis to be presum'd.
Hub.Yes, venison, and if you want—
Hig.'Tis well you understand right, And shall practise daily: you can drink too?
Hub.Soundly.
Hig.And ye dare know a woman from a weathercock?
Hub.If I handle her.
Ger.Now swear him.
Hig.I crown thynab, with agag of benbouse, Andstallthee by theSalmoninto theclows, Tomandon thepad, andstrikeall thecheats; ToMillfrom theRuffmans,commisionandslates,Twang dell's, i' thestiromell, and let theQuire Cuffin: AndHerman Beck strine, andtrineto theRuffin.
Ger.Now interpret this unto him.
Hig.I pour on thy pate a pot of good ale,And by the Rogues [oth] a Rogue thee instal:To beg on the way, to rob all thou meets;To steal from the hedge, both the shirt and the sheets:And lye with thy wench in the straw till she twang,Let the Constable, Justice, and Devil go hang.
Hig.You are welcom Brother.
All.Welcom, welcom, welcom, but who shall have the keeping Of this fellow?
Hub.Sir, if you dare but trust me;For if I have kept wild dogs and beasts for wonder,And made 'em tame too: give into my custodyThis roaring Rascal, I shall hamper him,With all his knacks and knaveries, and I fear meDiscover yet a further villany in him;O he smells ranck o'th' Rascal.
Ger.Take him to thee, But if he scape—
Hub.Let me be ev'n hang'd for him, Come Sir, I'le tye ye to my leash.
Hem.Away Rascal.
Hub.Be not so stubborn: I shall swindge ye soundly, And ye play tricks with me.
Ger.So, now come in, But ever have an eye Sir, to your Prisoner.
Hub.He must blind both mine eyes, if he get from me.
Ger.Go get some victuals, and some drink, some good drink; For this day we'll keep holy to good fortune, Come, and be frolick with us.
Hig.You are a stranger, Brother, I pray lead, You must, you must, Brother. [Exeunt.
EnterGoswinandGertrude.
Ger.Indeed you're welcome: I have heard your scape,And therefore give her leave, that only loves you;(Truly and dearly loves you) give her joy leaveTo bid you welcome: what is't makes you sad man?Why do you look so wild? Is't I offend you?Beshrew my heart, not willingly.
Gos.No,Gertrude.
Ger.Is't the delay of that ye long have look'd for, A happy marriage? now I come to urge it. Now when you please to finish it?
Gos.No news yet?
Ger.Do you hear Sir?
Gos.Yes.
Ger.Do you love me?
Gos.Have I liv'd In all the happiness Fortune could seat me, In all mens fair opinions?
Ger.I have provided A Priest, that's ready for us.
Gos.And can the Devil, In one ten days, that Devil Chance devour me?
Ger.We'll fly to what place you please.
Gos.No Star prosperous! All at a swoop?
Ger.You do not love meGoswin? You will not look upon me?
Gos.Can mens PrayersShot up to Heaven, with such a zeal as mine are,Fall back like lazy mists, and never prosper?Jives I must wear, and cold must be my comfort;Darkness, and want of meat; alas she weeps too,Which is the top of all my sorrows,Gertrude.
Ger.No, no, you will not know me; my poor beauty, Which has been worth your eyes.
Gos.The time grows on still; And like a tumbling wave, I see my ruine Come rowling over me.
Ger.Yet will ye know me?
Gos.For a hundred thousand Crowns.
Ger.Yet will ye love me? Tell me but how I have deserv'd your slighting?
Gos.For a hundred thousand Crowns?
Ger.Farewel Dissembler.
Gos.Of which I have scarce ten: O how it starts me!
Ger.And may the next you love, hearing my ruine.
Gos.I had forgot my self, O my bestGertrude, Crown of my joys and comforts.
Ger.Sweet what ails ye? I thought you had been vext with me.
Gos.My mind, Wench, My mind o'rflow'd with sorrow, sunk my memory.
Ger.Am I not worthy of the knowledge of it? And cannot I as well affect your sorrows, As your delights? you love no other Woman?
Gos.No, I protest.
Ger.You have no ships lost lately?
Gos.None, that I know of.
Ger.I hope you have spilt no blood, whose innocence May lay this on your conscience.
Gos.Clear, by Heaven.
Ger.Why should you be thus then?
Gos.GoodGertrudeask not, Ev'n by the love you bear me.
Ger.I am obedient.
Gos.Go in, my fair, I will not be long from ye, Nor long I fear me with thee. At my return Dispose me as you please.
Ger.The good gods guide ye. [Exit.
Gos.Now for my self, which is the least I hope for, And when that fails, for mans worst fortune, pity. [Exit.
EnterGoswinand4. Merchants.
Gos.Why gentlemen, 'tis but a week more, I intreat youBut 7. short days, I am not running from ye;Nor, if you give me patience, is it possibleAll my adventures fail; you have ships abroadEndure the beating both of Wind and Weather:I am sure 'twould vex your hearts, to be protested;Ye are all fair Merchants.
1 Mer.Yes, and must have fair play:There is no living here else; one hour's failingFails us of all our friends, of all our credits:For my part, I would stay, but my wants tell me,I must wrong others in't.
Gos.No mercy in ye!
2 Mer.'Tis foolish to depend on others mercy:Keep your self right, and even cut your cloth, Sir,According to your calling, you have liv'd here,In Lord-like Prodigality, high, and open,And now ye find what 'tis: the liberal spendingThe Summer of your Youth, which you should glean in,And like the labouring Ant, make use and gain of,Has brought this bitter, stormy Winter on ye,And now you cry.
3 Mer.Alas, before your Poverty,We were no men, of no mark, no endeavour;You stood alone, took up all trade, all businessRunning through your hands, scarce a Sail at Sea,But loaden with your Goods: we poor weak Pedlers;When by your leave, and much intreaty to it,We could have stowage for a little Cloath,Or a few Wines, put off, and thank your Worship.Lord, how the World's chang'd with ye? now I hope, Sir,We shall have Sea-room.
Gos.Is my miseryBecome my scorn too! have ye no humanity?No part of men left? are all the Bounties in meTo you, and to the Town, turn'd my reproaches?
4 Mer.Well, get your moneys ready: 'tis but 2 hours; We shall protest ye else, and suddenly.
Gos.But two days.
1 Mer.Not an hour, ye know the hazard. [Exeunt.
Gos.How soon my light's put out! hard heartedBruges! Within thy Walls may never honest Merchant Venture his fortunes more: O my poor Wench too.
EnterGerrard.
Ger.Good fortune, Master.
Gos.Thou mistak'st me,Clause, I am not worth thy Blessing.
Ger.Still a sad man!
EnterHiggenandPrigg,likePorters. No belief gentle Master? come bring it in then, And now believe your Beadsman.
Gos.Is this certain? Or dost thou work upon my troubled sense?
Ger.'Tis gold, Sir, Take it and try it.
Gos.Certainly 'tis treasure; Can there be yet this Blessing?
Ger.Cease your wonder,You shall not sink, for ne'r a sowst Flap-dragon,For ne'r a pickl'd Pilcher of 'em all, Sir,'Tis there, your full sum, a hundred thousand crowns:And good sweet Master, now be merry; pay 'em,Pay the poor pelting Knaves, that know no goodness:And chear your heart up handsomely.
Gos.GoodClause, How cam'st thou by this mighty Sum? if naughtily, I must not take it of thee, 'twill undo me.
Ger.Fear not, you have it by as honest meansAs though your father gave it: Sir, you know notTo what a mass, the little we get daily,Mounts in seven years; we beg it for Heavens charity,And to the same good we are bound to render it.
Gos.What great security?
Ger.Away with that, Sir, Were not ye more than all the men inBruges; And all the money in my thoughts—
Gos.But goodClause, I may dye presently.
Ger.Then this dies with ye:Pay when you can good Master, I'll no Parchments,Only this charity I shall entreat you;Leave me this Ring.
Gos.Alas, it is too poor,Clause.
Ger.'Tis all I ask, and this withal, that when I shall deliver this back, you shall grant me Freely one poor petition.
Gos.There, I confirm it, [Gives the Ring.And may my faith forsake me when I shun it.
Ger.Away, your time draws on. Take up the money, And follow this young Gentleman.
Gos.FarewellClause, And may thy honest memory live for ever.
Ger.Heaven bless you, and still keep you, farewel Master. [Exeunt.
EnterHubert.
Hub.I have lockt my Youth up close enough for gadding, In an old Tree, and set watch over him.
EnterJaculin.
Now for my Love, for sure this Wench must be she,She follows me; Come hither, prettyMinche.
Jac.No, no, you'll kiss.
Hub.So I will.
Jac.Y'ded law? How will ye kiss me, pray you?
Hub.Thus, soft as my loves lips.
Jac.Oh!
Hub.What's your Father's name?
Jac.He's gone to Heaven.
Hub.Is it notGerrard, Sweet?
Jac.I'll stay no longer;My Mother's an old Woman, and my BrotherWas drown'd at Sea, with catching Cockles. O Love!O how my heart melts in me: how thou fir'st me!
Hub.'Tis certain she; pray let me see your hand, Sweet?
Jac.No, no, you'l bite it.
Hub.Sure I should know that Gymmal!
Jac.'Tis certain he: I had forgot my Ring too. OHubert!Hubert!
Hub.Ha! methought she nam'd me— Do you know me, Chick?
Jac.No indeed, I never saw ye; But methinks you kiss finely.
Hub.Kiss again then; By Heaven 'tis she.
Jac.O what a joy he brings me!
Hub.You are notMinche?
Jac.Yes, pretty Gentleman, And I must be marry'd to morrow to a Capper.
Hub.Must ye my Sweet, and does the Capper love ye?
Jac.Yes, yes, he'I give me pie, and look in mine eyes thus. 'Tis he: 'tis my dear Love: O blest Fortune.
Hub.How fain she would conceal her self, yet shew it! Will you love me, and leave that man? I'll serve.
Jac.O I shall lose my self!
Hub.I'll wait upon you, And make you dainty Nose-gays.
Jac.And where will you stick 'em?
Hub.Here in [thy] bosom, Sweet, and make a crown of Lilies For your fair head.
Jac.And will you love me deed-law?
Hub.With all my Heart.
Jac.Call me to morrow then, And we'll have brave chear, and go to Church together: Give you good ev'n Sir.
Hub.But one word fairMinche.
Jac.I must be gone a milking.
Hub.Ye shall presently. Did you never hear of a young maid calledJaculin?
Jac.I am discover'd; hark in your ear, I'll tell ye: You must not know me, kiss and be constant ever.
Hub.Heaven curse me else 'tis she, and now I am certain They are all here: now for my other project— [Exeunt.
EnterGoswin, 4. Merchants, Higgen,andPrigg.
1 Mer.Nay, if 'twould do you courtesie.
Gos.None at all, Sir: Take it, 'tis yours, there's your ten thousand for ye, Give in my Bills. Your sixteen.
3 Mer.Pray be pleas'd Sir To make a further use.
Gos.No.
3 Mer.What I have, Sir, You may command; pray let me be your Servant.
Gos.Put your Hats on: I care not for your courtesies, They are most untimely done, and no truth in 'em.
2 Mer.I have a fraught of Pepper.
Gos.Rot your Pepper, Shall I trust you again? there's your seven thousand.
4 Mer.Or if you want fine Sugar, 'tis but sending.
Gos.No, I can send toBarbary, those peopleThat never yet knew faith, have nobler freedoms:These carry toVanlock, and take my Bills in,ToPeter Zutenthese: bring back my Jewels,Why are these pieces?
EnterSayler.
Sayler.Health to the noble Merchant, TheSusanis return'd.
Gos.Well?
Say.Well, and rich Sir, And now put in.
Gos.Heaven thou hast heard my prayers.
Say.The braveRebeccahtoo, bound from the Straits, With the next Tide is ready to put after.
Gos.What news o'th' fly-boat?
Say.If this Wind hold till midnight, She will be here, and wealthy, 'scap'd fairly.
Gos.How, prithee, Sayler?
Say.Thus Sir, she had fightSeven hours together, with six Turkish Gallies,And she fought bravely; but at length was boardedAnd overlaid with strength: when presentlyComes boring up the wind CaptainVannoke,That valiant Gentleman, you redeem'd from prison;He knew the Boat, set in, and fought it bravely:Beat all the Gallies off, sunk three, redeem'd her,And as a service to ye sent her home Sir.
Gos.An honest noble Captain, and a thankfull; There's for thy news: go drink the Merchants health,Saylor.
Say.I thank your bounty, and I'le do it to a doyt, Sir. [ExitSaylor.
1 Mer.What miracles are pour'd upon this fellow!
Gos.This here I hope, my friends, I shall scape prison, For all your cares to catch me.
2 Mer.You may please Sir To think of your poor servants in displeasure, Whose all they have, goods, moneys, are at your service.
Gos.I thank you, When I have need of you I shall forget you: You are paid I hope.
All.We joy in your good fortunes.
EnterVan-dunck.
Van-d.Come Sir, come take your ease, you must go home With me, yonder is one weeps and howls.
Gos.Alas how does she?
Van-d.She will be better soon I hope.
Gos.Why soon Sir?
Van-d.Why when you have her in your arms, this night My boy she is thy wife.
Gos.With all my heart I take her.
Van-d.We have prepar'd, all thy friends will be there,And all my Rooms shall smoak to see the revel;Thou hast been wrong'd, and no more shall my serviceWait on the knave her Uncle, I have heard all,All his baits for my Boy, but thou shalt have her;Hast thou dispatch't thy business?
Gos.Most.
Van-d.By the mass Boy,Thou tumblest now in wealth, and I joy in it,Thou art the best Boy, thatBrugesever nourish'd.Thou hast been sad, I'le cheer thee up with Sack,And when thou art lusty I'le fling thee to thy Mistris.She'I hug thee, sirrah.
Gos.I long to see it,I had forgot you: there's for you my friends:You had but heavy burthens; commend my loveTo my best love, all the love I haveTo honestClause, shortly I will thank him better. [Exit.
Hig.By the mass a royal Merchant, Gold by the handfull, here will be sport soon,Prig.
Prig.It partly seems so, and here will I be in a trice.
Hig.And I boy, Away apace, we are look'd for.
Prig.Oh these bak'd meats, Me thinks I smell them hither.
Hig.Thy mouth waters. [Exeunt.
EnterHubert,andHemskirk.
Hub.I Must not.
Hem.Why? 'tis in thy power to do it, and in mine To reward thee to thy wishes.
Hub.I dare not, nor I will not.
Hem.Gentle Huntsman,Though thou hast kept me hard: though in thy duty,Which is requir'd to do it, th' hast used me stubbornly;I can forgive thee freely.
Hub.You the Earls servant?
Hem.I swear I am near as his own thoughts to him; Able to doe thee—
Hub.Come, come, leave your prating.
Hem.If thou dar'st but try.
Hub.I thank you heartily, you will beThe first man that will hang me, a sweet recompence,I could do, but I do not say I will,To any honest fellow that would think on't,And be a benefactor.
Hem.If it be not recompenc'd, and to thy own desires, If within these ten days I do not make thee—
Hub.What, a false knave!
Hem.Prethee, prethee conceive me [rightly], any thing Of profit or of place that may advance thee.
Hub.Why what a Goosecap would'st thou make me, Do not I know that men in misery will promise Any thing, more than their lives can reach at?
Hem.Believe me Huntsman,There shall not one short syllableThat comes from me, passWithout its full performance.
Hub.Say you so Sir? Have ye e're a good place for my quality?
Hem.A thousand Chases, Forests, Parks: I'le make thee Chief ranger over all the games.
Hub.When?
Hem.Presently.
Hub.This may provoke me: and yet to prove a knave too.
Hem.'Tis to prove honest: 'tis to do good service,Service for him thou art sworn to, for thy Prince,Then for thy self that good; what fool would live here,Poor, and in misery, subject to all dangers,Law, and lewd people can inflict, when bravelyAnd to himself he may be law and credit?
Hub.Shall I believe thee?
Hem.As that thou holdst most holy.
Hub.Ye may play tricks.
Hem.Then let me never live more.
Hub.Then you shall see Sir, I will do a service That shall deserve indeed.
Hem.'Tis well said, Huntsman, And thou shall be well thought of.
Hub.I will do it: 'tis not your setting free, for that's meer nothing, But such a service, if the Earl be noble, He shall for ever love me.
Hem.What is't Huntsman?
Hub.Do you know any of these people live here?
Hem.No.
Hub.You are a fool then: here be those, to have 'em, I know the Earl so well, would make him caper.
Hem.Any of the old Lords that rebel'd?
Hub.Peace, all, I know 'em every one, and can betray 'em.
Hem.But wilt thou doe this service?
[Hub.] If you'l keep Your faith, and free word to me.
Hem.Wilt thou swear me?
Hub.No, no, I will believe ye: more than that too, Here's the right heir.
Hem.O honest, honest huntsman!
Hub.Now, how to get these Gallants, there's the matter, You will be constant, 'tis no work for me else.
Hem.Will the Sun shine again?
Hub.The way to get 'em.
Hem.Propound it, and it shall be done.
Hub.No sleight;(For they are Devilish crafty, it concerns 'em,)Nor reconcilement, (for they dare not trust neither)Must doe this trick.
Hem.By force?
Hub.I, that must doe it.And with the person of the Earl himself,Authority (and mighty) must come on 'em:Or else in vain: and thus I would have ye do it.To morrow-night be here: a hundred men will bear 'em,(So he be there, for he's both wise and valiant,And with his terrour will strike dead their forces)The hour be twelve a Clock, now for a guideTo draw ye without danger on these persons,The woods being thick, and hard to hit, my selfWith some few with me, made unto our purpose,Beyond the wood, upon the plain, will wait yeBy the great Oak.
Hem.I know it: keep thy faith huntsman, And such a showr of wealth—
Hub.I warrant ye: Miss nothing that I tell ye.
Hem.No.
Hub.Farewel;You have your liberty, now use it wisely;And keep your hour, goe closer about the wood there,For fear they spy you.
Hem.Well.
Hub.And bring no noise with ye. [Exit.
Hem.All shall be done to th' purpose: farewel hunts-man.
EnterGerrard, Higgen, Prig, Ginks, Snap, Ferret.
Ger.Now, what's the news in town?
Ginks.No news, but joy Sir; Every man wooing of the noble Merchant, Who has his hearty commendations to ye.
Fer.Yes this is news, this night he's to be married.
Ginks.By th' mass that's true, he marrysVandunksDaughter, The dainty black-ey'd bell.
Hig.I would my clapper Hung in his baldrick, a what a peal could I Ring?
Ger.Married?
Ginks.'Tis very true Sir, O the pyes, The piping-hot mince-pyes!
Prig.O the Plum-pottage!
Hig.For one leg of a goose now would I venture a limb boys,I love a fat goose, as I love allegiance,And———upon the Boors, too well they know it,And therefore starve their poultry.
Ger.To be married ToVandunksDaughter?
Hig.O this [pretious] Merchant:What sport he will have! but hark you brotherPrig,Shall we do nothing in the foresaid wedding?There's mony to be got, and meat I take it,What think ye of a morise?
Prig.No, by no means,That goes no further than the street, there leaves us,Now we must think of something that must draw usInto the bowels of it, into th' buttery,Into the Kitchin, into the Cellar, somethingThat that old drunken Burgo-master loves,What think ye of a wassel?
Hig.I think worthily.
Prig.And very fit it should be, thou, andFerret, AndGinksto sing the Song: I for the structure, Which is the bowl.
Hig.Which must be up-seyEnglish, Strong, lustyLondonbeer; let's think more of it.
Ger.He must not marry.
EnterHubert.
Hub.By your leave in private, One word Sir, with ye;Gerrard: do not start me, I know ye, and he knows ye, that best loves ye:Hubertspeaks to ye, and you must beGerrard. The time invites you to it.
Ger.Make no show then, I am glad to see you Sir; and I amGerrard. How stand affairs?
Hub.Fair, if ye dare now follow,HemskirkI have let goe, and these my causes, I'le tell ye privately, and how I have wrought him, And then to prove me honest to my friends, Look upon these directions, you have seen his.
Hig.Then will I speak a speech, and a brave speech In praise of Merchants, where's the Ape?
Prig.——— Take him, A gowty Bear-ward stole him the other day.
Hig.May his Bears worry him, that Ape had paid it,What dainty tricks! ——— O that bursen Bear-ward:In his French doublet, with his blister'd bullions,In a long stock ty'd up; O how daintilyWould I have made him wait, and shift a trencher,Carry a cup of wine? ten thousand stinksWait on thy mangy hide, thou lowzy Bear-ward.
Ger.'Tis passing well, I both believe and joy in't,And will be ready: keep you here the mean while,And keep in, I must a while forsake ye,Upon mine anger no man stir, this two hours.
Hig.Not to the wedding Sir?
Ger.Not any whither.
Hig.The wedding must be seen sir; we want meat too. We are horrible out of meat.
Prig.Shall it be spoken,Fat Capons shak't their tails at's in defiance?And turkey tombs such honorable monuments,Shall piggs, Sir, that the Parsons self would envy,And dainty Ducks—
Ger.Not a word more, obey me. [ExitGer.
Hig.Why then come dolefull death, this is flat tyranny, And by this hand—
Hub.What?
Hig.I'le goe sleep upon't. [ExitHig.
Prig.Nay, and there be a wedding, and we wanting, Farewel our happy days: we do obey Sir. [Exeunt.
Enter two youngMerchants.
1 Mer.Well met Sir, you are for this lusty wedding.
2 Mer.I am so, so are you I take it.
1 Mer.Yes,And it much glads me, that to doe him serviceWho is the honour of our trade, and lustre,We meet thus happily.
2 Mer.He's a noble fellow, And well becomes a bride of such a beauty.
1 Mer.She is passing fair indeed, long may their lovesContinue like their youths, in spring of sweetness,All the young Merchants will be hereNo doubt on't,For he that comes not to attend this wedding,The curse of a most blind one fall upon him,A loud wife, and a lazie: here'sVanlock.
EnterVanlockandFrancis.
Vanl.Well overtaken Gentlemen: save ye.
1 Mer.The same to you sir; save ye fair MistrisFrancis, I would this happy night might make you blush too.
Vanl.She dreams apace.
Fran.That's but a drowsie fortune.
3 Mer.Nay take us with ye too; we come to that end, I am sure ye are for the wedding.
Vanl.Hand and heart man: And what their feet can doe, I could have tript it Before this whorson gout.
EnterClause.
Clau.Bless ye Masters.
Vanl.Clause? how nowClause? thou art come to see thy Master, (And a good master he is to all poor people) In all his joy, 'tis honestly done of thee.
Clau.Long may he live sir, but my business now is If you would please to doe it, and to him too.
EnterGoswin.
Vanl.He's here himself.
Gos.Stand at the door my friends?I pray walk in: welcom fair MistrisFrancis,See what the house affords, there's a young LadyWill bid you welcom.
Vanl.We joy your happiness. [Exeunt.
Gos.I hope it will be so:Clausenobly welcom, My honest, my best friend, I have been carefull To see thy monys—
Clau.Sir, that brought not me, Do you know this Ring again?
Gos.Thou hadst it of me.
Cla.And do you well remember yet, the boun you gave me Upon the return of this?
Gos.Yes, and I grant it, Be it what it will: ask what thou canst, I'le do it; Within my power.
Cla.Ye are not married yet?
Gos.No.
Cla.Faith I shall ask you that that will disturb ye, But I must put ye to your promise.
Gos.Do, And if I faint and flinch in't—
Cla.Well said Master, And yet it grieves me too: and yet it must be.
Gos.Prethee distrust me not.
Cla.You must not marry, That's part of the power you gave me: which to make up, You must presently depart, and follow me.
Gos.Not marry,Clause?
Cla.Not if you keep your promise, And give me power to ask.
Gos.Pre'thee think better, I will obey, by Heaven.
Cla.I have thought the best, Sir
Gos.Give me thy reason, do'st thou fear her honesty?
Cla.Chaste as the ice, for any thing I know, Sir.
Gos.Why should'st thou light on that then? to what purpose?
Cla.I must not now discover.
Gos.Must not marry? Shall I break now when my poor heart is pawn'd? When all the preparation?
Cla.Now or never.
Gos.Come, 'tis not that thou would'st: thou do'st but fright me.
Cla.Upon my soul it is, Sir, and I bind ye.
Gos.Clause, can'st thou be so cruel?
Cla.You may break, Sir, But never more in my thoughts appear honest.
Gos.Did'st ever see her?
Cla.No.
Gos.She is such a thing,OClause, she is such a wonder, such a mirror,For beauty, and fair vertue,Europehas not:Why hast thou made me happy, to undo me?But look upon her; then if thy heart relent not,I'le quit her presently: who waits there?
Ser.[within] Sir.
Gos.Bid my fair love come hither, and the Company.Prethee be good unto me; take a mans heartAnd look upon her truly: take a friends heartAnd feel what misery must follow this.
Cla.Take you a noble heart and keep your promise; I forsook all I had, to make you happy.
EnterGertrude, Vandunk,and the restMerchants.
Can that thing call'd a Woman, stop your goodness?
Gos.Look there she is, deal with me as thou wilt now, Did'st ever see a fairer?
Cla.She is most goodly.
Gos.Pray ye stand still.
Ger.What ails my love?
Gos.Didst thou ever,By the fair light of Heave[n], behold a sweeter?O that thou knew'st but love, or ever felt him,Look well, look narrowly upon her beauties.
1 Mer.Sure h'as some strange design in hand, he starts so.
2 Mer.This Beggar has a strong power over his pleasure.
Gos.View all her body,
Cla.'Tis exact and excellent.
Gos.Is she a thing then to be lost thus lightly?Her mind is ten times sweeter, ten times nobler,And but to hear her speak, a Paradise,And such a love she bears to me, a chaste love,A vertuous, fair, and fruitful love: 'tis now tooI am ready to enjoy it; the Priest ready,Clause,To say the holy words shall make us happy,This is a cruelty beyond mans study,All these are ready, all our joyes are ready,And all the expectation of our friends,'Twill be her death to do it.
Cla.Let her dye then.
Gos.Thou canst not: 'tis impossible.
Cla.It must be.
Gos.'Twill kill me too, 'twill murder me: by heavenClauseI'le give thee half I have; come thou shalt save me.
Cla.Then you must go with me: I can stay no longer, If ye be true, and noble.
Gos.Hard heart, I'le follow: Pray ye all go in again, and pray be merry, I have a weighty business, (give my Cloak there,)
EnterServant (with a Cloak.)
Concerns my life, and state, (make no enquiry,)This present hour befaln me: with the soonestI shall be here again: nay pray go in, Sir,And take them with you, 'tis but a night lost, Gentlemen.
Van.Come, come in, we will not lose our meat yet, Nor our good mirth, he cannot stay long from her, I am sure of that.
Gos.I will not stay; believe, Sir. [Exit.
Gertrude, a word with you.
Ger.Why is this stop, Sir?
Gos.I have no more time left me, but to kiss thee, And tell thee this, I am ever thine: farewel wench. [Exit.
Ger.And is that all your Ceremony? Is this a wedding?Are all my hopes and prayers turn'd to nothing?Well, I will say no more, nor sigh, nor sorrow;Till to thy face I prove thee false. Ah me! [Exit.