I she whom once so many did admire,Whose Wit and Charms the coldest Hearts cou’d fire!Now wretched Maid, and most unhappy Wife,In Sighs and in Complaints must end my Life.Abandoned by my Husband, e’re enjoyed,With thoughts of Pleasure, yet untasted, cloy’d.He leaves me now to my sad Frights a Prey;O, my dearBonvile! whither dost thou stray?Unheard, alas! I make my amarous Moans;The Winds and Waves refuse to bear my Groans:Eccho her self can’t suffer my Complaint,But with repeated Sighs grows tir’d and faint.Where to find him, good Heaven direct me!For losing him, I more than lose my self.[Rises, andExit.
I she whom once so many did admire,Whose Wit and Charms the coldest Hearts cou’d fire!Now wretched Maid, and most unhappy Wife,In Sighs and in Complaints must end my Life.Abandoned by my Husband, e’re enjoyed,With thoughts of Pleasure, yet untasted, cloy’d.He leaves me now to my sad Frights a Prey;O, my dearBonvile! whither dost thou stray?Unheard, alas! I make my amarous Moans;The Winds and Waves refuse to bear my Groans:Eccho her self can’t suffer my Complaint,But with repeated Sighs grows tir’d and faint.Where to find him, good Heaven direct me!For losing him, I more than lose my self.[Rises, andExit.
Sum.I must after her, she’s worth my Acquaintance, and has good Moveables about her I perceive, what e’re the Ready is. The next Turning has a most convenient Hollow for the Purpose, and there I’ll make her sure. Now Luck, or never.[Exit afterArabella.
ReenterArabella, andSummerfieldafter her.
Ara.I’m at a stand already, and know not where I am.
Sum.I’ll direct you, Madam; Well overtaken.
Ara.Bless me, Sir; What are you?
Sum.A Man.
Ara.An honest Man, I hope?
Sum.Yes faith in some Respects, I’m very honest, but not altogether so; I were not fit to live in the World if I were too honest, Child.
Ara.Alas! then I begin to fear: Pray tell me what you are?
Sum.Why, faith, an honest Thief.
Ara.How, honest, and yet a Thief? I never heard they were of Kin before; Pray, Heaven, I find it now.
Sum.Indeed! a very honest Thief.
Ara.Well, Sir, since that’s your Title, pray use me kindly: Nay, I’m sure you will, there’s something in your Looks which speaks you mild and noble.
Sum.Yes, I am a Gentleman, and you shall find me so; for I’ll not offer you the least shew of Violence, or offer to corrupt your Chastity; thô indeed you are tempting Fair, and might inflame a colder Heart than mine: Yet Ravishing’s no part of my Profession as yet; or if it were, you look so charming Innocent, you wou’d disarm my wildest Thoughts.
Ara.Blessings on your Goodness!
Sum.Are you a Maid, or Wife?
Ara.I am both, Sir.
Sum.Then this it seems is your Wedding-day, and these the Hours of Interim that keep you in that double State?
Ara.Indeed you are in the right.
Sum.Come then, I’ll be brief, and hinder not your desiredHymen. You have some superfluous Toys I see about you, which you must deliver; I mean, that Chain of Gold and Pearl about your Neck, and those pretty Bracelets about your Arms, (pray, Heaven, they prove not Emblems of the combined Hemp which is to halter mine); come, Madam, pray deliver ’em.
Ara.Nay, I intreat you, Sir, to take ’em, for I cannot give ’em, they are lock’d you see, and truly I have not the Key about me; it may be you are furnish’d with Instruments that may unloose ’em, I pray do.
Sum.No faith, Madam, I’m but a Beginner in this same Business, and am wholly unprovided of any Pick-lock Tools besides this Sword.[Draws his Sword.
Ara.O, good Sir, do not shew me that, ’tis too frightful; pray hurt me not, for I do yield them freely: Use your Hands, perhaps their strength will serve to tear ’em from me without more ado. Some Pain I’ll quietly endure, provide you do not hurt me much.
Sum.Alas, dear Lady, I’ll use you as gently as I can upon my Word; but ’tis devilish strong.—If I hurt you, pray speak.[He endeavours to break the Chain about her Neck.]
Ara.Not much, Sir.
Sum.I am glad on’t,—S’death, I can’t do it.[She draws his Sword, and stands upon her Guard.
Ara.No Sir, nor shall not now: You a Highway-man and guard your self no better: Come, Sir, what Money have you? Deliver quickly.
Sum.Not a Cross by this foolish Hand of mine!
Ara.How, no Money, ’twere pity then to take this from thee; Here, take it again, I know you’l use me ne’re the worse for what I have done.[Gives him his Sword again.]
Sum.No, by my Life!
Ara.I do believe you; and now pray hear me—Here on my Knees, in sight of Heaven, I make this solemn Protestation, That if you’l but forbear the Rifling of this Chain and Bracelets, and go but with me Home, by all the Vows which I this Day have plighted to my dearest Husband, I will deliver you in Money the full Value of these I wear, and cannot for my Life get off.
Sum.Ha! Ready-money is the Prize I look for; it passes without suspicion every where, when Chains and Jewels are often stop’d and call’d for before the Magistrate: But——
Ara.Nay never doubt! You saw I gave you my Advantage up, and questioned not my safety at your hands, pray fear not yours in mine.
Sum.I know not what to do.
Ara.Pray tell me, Sir, did you ever think a Woman true?
Sum.I have heard of some, but very few.
Ara.Will you add one more to your belief?
Sum.I think I may, for they were fewer than the Articles of my Faith, therefore I have room for you, and will believe you—Yet stay, you say you’l ransom your jewels with Ready-money when you come Home; so you may, and then discover me.
Ara.Shall I repeat the Vows I made?
Sum.No, for I’ll trust you; and if you do betray me, then Mercy upon me, and Farewel. I knew a Gentleman that had been a Courtier atWhitehallfifteen Years, and he was buried e’re he took a Bride: ’Tis very strange you’l say; and may be my Case in another way.
Ara.Come, Sir, never fear: A Man and afraid; Fie, fie!
Sum.Give me your Hand, I’ll wait on you; and if you are (as I believe you) True and Just, you are the World’s Wonder! Come, Madam.[Exeunt.
Enter two Boys, one with a Child in his Arms.Compasson the other side.
1 Boy.Jack, Who’s this?
2 Boy.OJeminy! I’ll be hang’d if it ben’t GoodmanCompass, that they said was dead three Years ago.
1 Boy.Od’s Life, and so it is!
Comp.OLondon! sweetLondon! Do I live to see thee once again? My Eyes are full of Brine for Joy. And if my dearPeggybe but living still, I shall cry ’em out.
1 Boy.GoodmanCompass, I am glad to see you; You are welcome home.
Comp.Thank you, good Lad: HonestJackhere too? Why, thou art grown a little Man since I saw thee last: What, is that thy own, heh?
2 Boy.I am fain to keep it, you see, whoever got it; it may be other Mens Cases as well as mine.
Comp.Thou say’st trueJack: But whose pretty Knave is it?
2 Boy.My Dame’s where I live.
Comp.And not thy Master’s?
2 Boy.Nay, nay, I can’t tell that neither: My Master loves it as well as if it were his own, and for ought I see better than my Dame.
Comp.A very good Lad by my Troth!
2 Boy.But, GoodmanCompass, I can tell you News, Your Wife has a brave Boy too of her own, not above a Quarter old, as big as two of this.
Comp.Ha! say’st thou so,Jack? Ha, ha, ha, by my Troth I am heartily glad to hear it: I’ll give thee a dozen of Ale, and thy News be true, Boy.
1 Boy.I assure you ’tis very true: All your Neighbours can tell you the same.
Comp.Ha, ha, ha! But a Quarter old, and so lusty, say you? What plaguy thundering Boys are got now-a-days: I Gad, I shall split my Sides with Laughing; Ha, ha, ha.—ButJack, I have been loth to ask thee all this while, for fear of ill News, how does my Wife?
2 Boy.O never better, nor ever so lusty and handsome—And truly she wears better Clothes than she was wont, especially on Holy-days: she has Silk-Gowns, and Lac’d-Petticoats, and fineHolland-Smocks too, they say, that have seen ’em: And some of our Neighbours say, they were taken up inCheap.
Comp.Like enough,Jack; and there they must be paid for—Well, good Lads, go and tell my Wife the joyful Tidings of my Return.
2 Boy.That I will with all my Heart, for she heard you were dead long ago.
1 Boy.Nay, I’ll go along with youJack.
2 Boy.Come then.[Exeunt 2 Boys.
Comp.Well,Peggy, if I am one of the Livery, I thank thee for it: The Cuckolds are the greatest Company in all the City: And we have more Aldermen among us, than all the other put them together.
EnterPeg, Compass’s Wife.
Peg.O my dear sweet Honey-suckle! Art thou alive? I am glad to see thee with all my Heart and Soul, so I am.[Runs and kisses him.
Comp.O, ho! good Spouse, give me leave to shed a few pearly Tears; the Fountain of Love will have its Course: And thô I cannot Sing at first sight, yet I can Cry you see. I am as it were new come into the World; and Children Cry before they Laugh, a long time you know.
Peg.Yes; and so thou art new born indeed to me, myNumpy; for I was told you were dead long since, and never thought to see this dear sweet Face of thine again: I heard thou wert div’d to the bottom of the Sea, and that you never did intend to see poorPeggymore.
Comp.He, he, he, I was going down, as you sayPeg, but I thought better on’t, and turn’d back: I heard an ill Report of my Neighbours there; the devouring Sharks, and other Sea-Monsters, whose Company, to tell you the Truth, I did not like; and therefore resolv’d to come home and bide with thee my Girl—Come kiss thy poor Hubby, kiss me I say, for Sorrow begins to ebb apace.
Peg.A thousand, thousand Welcomes home dearNumpy!
Comp.An Ocean of Thanks, kindPeggy: Well, and how goes all at Home? What Lank still, poorPeg? Wil’t ne’re be full Sea at our Wharf?
Peg.Alas, Husband, what do you mean?
Comp.A Lass, is it, or a Lad, Wench? I shou’d be glad of both; I look’d for a pair of Compasses long afore now.
Peg.What, and you from home, Love?
Comp.I from home? Why thô I was from home, and other of our Neighbours from home, does that follow that every body else is from home?
Peg.I am pleased you are so merry, Husband.
Comp.Merry, nay I’ll be merrier yet; why shou’d I be sorry? I hope my Boy’s well, is he not? Od’s fish, I look for another by this Time.
Peg.Boy, what Boy, Deary?
Comp.What Boy! why the Boy I got when I came home in the Cock-boat one Night, about a Year ago; You have not forgotten it, I hope, I think I left behind me for a Boy, and a Boy I look for.
Peg.I find he knows all—What shall I do?[Aside.]O dear Husband, pray pardon me.[Kneels.]
Comp.Pardon thee; why I hope thou hast not made away with my Boy, hast thou? Od’s death I’ll hang thee, if there were never a Whore more inLondon, if thou hast.
Peg.O no; but your long Absence, and the Rumour of your Death, [Cries.] made me think I might venture.
Comp.Venture, quoth a, I can’t blame thee,Peg; forWapping, if it were twiceWapping, can’t hold out always, no more thanRedriff,LimehouseorShadwel, nay or the strongest Suburbs aboutLondon; and when it comes to that, wo be to the City too, Girl.
Peg.Consider, Husband, I’m but a Woman, neither the first or last that have done the same, and truly I won’t deny but I have a Child.
Comp.Have you so? And what by Consequence must I have then, I pray?
Peg.If you’l forgive me this Time, it shall be so no more, indeed and indeed, now.
Comp.Well, well. I will forgive thee,Peg, upon this Condition, that you tell me who it was that fell foul aboard thee, and sprung this Leak in thee.
Peg.O dear Husband!
Comp.Nay, no Excuses, for I must know.
Peg.Why then truly it was Mr.Venterthe Merchant.
Comp.I am beholding to him, and wou’d requite his Civility, if his Wife were but as willing, thô he be one of our Merchants at Sea, he shall give me leave to be Owner at home; and where is my Boy? what, shan’t I see him?
Peg.Yes if you please, good Husband: He’s nurs’d atBednal green; ’tis now too late, to Morrow will be better.
Comp.Come then we’l home and to bed.
Let other Fools repine at Scoffs and Scorns,I’ll teach the Cuckold how to hide his Horns.[Exeunt.
Let other Fools repine at Scoffs and Scorns,I’ll teach the Cuckold how to hide his Horns.[Exeunt.
Enter JusticeMerryman, Mr.Venter, Spruce,Mrs.VenterandClara.
Mer.Was the like ever known, that a Bridegroom shou’d absent himself on his Wedding-Day?
Mr.Ven.’Tis somewhat strange indeed.
Mer.And the Bride too my Daughter, she’s out of the way: Why what shou’d be the meaning of all this, Od’s bobs I can’t tell?
Mrs.Ven.Perhaps they’r busy Brother, privately conferring Notes together: You can’t tell but that the young Man may have a stomach to his Supper, and fall too unawares, and we ne’re the wiser.
Spr.Od’s nigs, very true; what wou’d you say then Sir, if they shou’d be stol’n away, and a-bed together seriously?
Mer.What wou’d I say? marry I wou’d say, Speed ’em well: And if no worse News ever comes to me, I’ll be hang’d if e’re I cry’d for’t.
Enter Nurse.
How now, what’s the Business with you?
Nurse.Business enough, Forsooth; for I have the strangest Tydings!
Mer.Of any One that’s lost, Woman?
Nurse.No forsooth, of One that’s found again, an’t please you.
Mer.O, he was lost then it seems.
Mr.Ven.Her Business is with me, I believe Brother; is it not, Woman?
Nurse.Yes, Sir.
Mr.Ven.Come hither then,[Nurse whispers Mr.Venter.]How, return’d?
Nurse.Yes indeed, Sir, and all discovered.
Mr.Ven.Ah Curse on the Wind that blew him ashore.
Nurse.Aye, so say I Sir, and did not sink him when he was going.
Mr.Ven.Well, well, be sure you do not let him come near the Child.
Nurse.I warrant you, Sir, if you charge me to the contrary.
Mr.Ven.Yes, I do strictly charge you as you tender my Displeasure.
Nurse.Well then let me alone—Besides, Sir, he intends to come to morrow morning with his Wife and see him.
Mr.Ven.I’ll meet him there; and if he chance to be there before me, be sure to keep the Child safe, and not let him touch it.
Nurse.I warrant you, let me alone.[Exit Nurse.
EnterSummerfieldandArabella.
Mer.So, so, Heaven be praised, they are not both lost I see, here’s the Bride, my Daughter, come again.
Ara.Father, and Gentlemen, I desire ye to treat this Stranger here with all Respect and Generosity; He’s a loving Kinsman of myBonvile’s who kindly came to congratulate our Wedding.
Mer.Sir, you are heartily welcome. Od’s bobs you are.
Mr.Ven.Welcome to all of us.
Spruce.Seriously, Sir, and so you are.
Mer.But where’s the Bridegroom, Girl? Od’s bobs we’re all at a Nonplus here, at a stand, quite out; the Musicks ceas’d, and we all look as thô there were neither a light Heart or Heel among us; nay, my CousinClaratoo as cloudy as on a washing Day.
Clara.’Tis then because you will not dance with me, Sir.
Ara.’Tis I alone have cause to be sad, if this Day’s Happiness cou’d admit of any; But I’ve long reason’d with my pressing Thoughts, and from them drawn some Symptoms of Relief. Suppose this Day hath long since appointed by my dearBonvile, to meet some Foe, and right his injur’d Reputation: Nay, say he fights, alas! Why shou’d I fear, when all the Powers above, that guard true Love and Innocence, will never see him fall.
Mer.Prethee peace, good Girl hold thy tongue; Od’s bobs thou’lt make us all Cowards, to hear a Woman preach up Valour thus.
Ara.Well, Sir, I have done: But pray entertain this Gentleman kindly for my sake. Indeed I was afraid when I saw him first.
Sum.Ha! what does she say? Od’s Death she’l tell!
Ara.Being in search of my dearBonvile, I had quite lost my Way when he most opportunely came unto my Aid, and gave me many marks of his Esteem in my distress of Fears; nay more than this, which I’ll declare at large.
Sum.Death and Hell, she’l betray me.
Ara.Well, Gentlemen, since the Bridegroom’s absent, I must supply his Place: Come, when I have waited on you to your Pleasure, I will return [ToSummerfield.] to you, Sir, we must discourse more of myBonvileyet.[Exeunt all butSummerfield.]
ManetSummerfieldsolus.
Sum.What a trembling Trade’s this, when Conscience, that shou’d be our only Guide, flies and leaves us to our accusing Guilt. A Thief! the very Name and Thought chills my Blood, and makes me tremble like an Ague-fit. A Dog, nay every Bough that moves, puts us in fear of present Apprehension. Sure I shall never thrive on this Trade: Perhaps I need take no further Care, I may be now near to my Journey’s End, or at least in a fair way toNewgate, and from thence toTyburn, the only Place that we poor Rogues can claim for an Inheritance. Trust a Woman, and with a Matter of such Importance, what a simple Dog am I? I cou’d find in my Heart to run away: And that were base to run from a woman; I can lay claim to nothing but her Vows, and those the Women seldom or never mind.
EnterArabella.
Ara.So, Sir, now you shall find a Woman as good as her Promise; Here are 20 Pieces, the full Value, on my Life, of what they cost.
Sum.Pray, Madam, do not thus suspend my doubtful Soul; but if you do design to insnare my Life, speak, speak freely: Or if the Constable be at the Door, let him shew his Staff of Authority, perhaps I may corrupt him with a Bribe.
Ara.How! base ungrateful Man, do you suspect my Faith? Nay then, Father, Uncle, and Gentlemen, where are you?
Enter all as before.
Mer.How now, how now! What’s the matter, Girl?
Ara.For shame, will you not entertain your Kinsman here a little better: you leave him here alone, as thô you despised his Company.
Mer.Is that all? I thought the Bridegroom had been return’d: Sir, pray pardon this Rudeness; But indeed I had quite forgot you, quite forgot you, as I hope to be sav’d: But what makes you tremble, Sir, are you ill dispos’d.
Ara.Think you he hath not reason to be ill-disposed at this cold[Aside to JusticeMerryman.]Entertainment? for my part I blush for shame.
Spr.Come pray, Sir, shake off this Dulness, and participate of our Mirth, Od’s nigs do.
Sum.I am very well, Sir, I thank you, only the Gentleman is a little under a Mistake.
Mer.It may be so, Ay, ay, it may be so; I vow I thought you had trembled, but I believe it might be my own Hand; you must pardon me, I was stiffer once.
Sum.Sir, your humble Servant.
Mer.But, Gentlemen, what think you of an Adventure?
Spr.Adventure whither?
Mer.Why, to theEast-Indies? I have a Vessel, Gentlemen, called theSea-Horse, bound thither, and to morrow I do expect her to sail. Now, Gentlemen, if you’l venture, ye shall have fair Dealing, that I’ll promise you. And for the French, you need not fear them, for she is a smart new Vessel: Nay, she hath a Letter of Mart too, and twenty brave roaring Boys on both Sides her, Starboard and Larboard: And I intend to go as far asMargetdown with her, ’twill be as good as Physick to me.
Spr.A very good Motion, Sir, I begin, there’s my ten Pieces.
Sum.And, Sir, if a proffer’d Love may be accepted, be pleased to take my ten Pieces with you.
Mer.Your’s above all the rest, Sir.
Ara.That’s kindly said, Sir, and I thank you: Now pray venture Ten more for my sake.
Sum.Alas, Madam, it’s a younger Brother’s Portion.
Ara.At my Request, Sir, venture the other Ten; if you want, I’ll supply you with as many more.
Sum.With all my Heart then: Come, Sir, if you please, I’ll double mine: So now she’s got her Gold again, and I am now no Thief, (aside) Sir, I have a Suit to you,[ToMerryman.
Mer.You may command it, for I am always at your Service: But pray your Pleasure?
Sum.My Request, Sir, is, to have the Honour of keeping you Company to Sea, for I have a great desire to seeMarget.
Mer.Sir, I shall be very happy in your good Company.
Ara.I hope you will be both better acquainted e’re you return; and by that time your Kinsman may be here to make you more welcome.
And for the Gold at my Request you lent,I’ll double it to give you more content.Sum.Why shou’d I fear, since she is prov’d so just?I’ll quit my Trade: NowJack Catchdo thy worst.
And for the Gold at my Request you lent,I’ll double it to give you more content.
Sum.Why shou’d I fear, since she is prov’d so just?I’ll quit my Trade: NowJack Catchdo thy worst.
Exeunt.
The End of the Second ACT.
EnterBonvileandFriendly.
Bon.Come my braveFriendly, I think we are here the first: Your Enemy is not yet i’th Field; let’s walk a Turn or two, perhaps by that time he may arrive.
Fri.I’m very confident that he’s here already.
Bon.Thy Looks, me-thinks, speak Conquest sure thy own; an ardent Rage has kindled both thy Cheeks.
Fri.Like a red Morning, Friend; which still foretels a stormy Day to follow—And now I well observe your Face, me-thinks it waxes pale, there’s Death in it already.
Bon.How,Friendly, do you then take me for a Coward? My Face look pale, and Death in it already? By Heav’n, shou’d any but myFriendlydare to tell me what thou hast said, my Sword shou’d ram the base Affront down the curst Villain’s Throat. But you are my Friend, and I must only chide your Error. But prethee tell me who is it you are to fight with, for as yet I am ignorant both of the Cause and Person.
Fri.Ha, his Name! Did you enquire his Name?
Bon.Yes.
Fri.I dare not yet reveal it for fear of——
Bon.For fear of what?
Fri.O Confusion! I know not what to say!
Bon.How, afraid to tell his Name? Then I begin to doubt the Justice of your Quarrel.
Fri.Too well you may, for by yon’ setting Sun, that Globe of heavenly Light I swear, I come to kill the only Man that strives to save my Life—Man did I say? Nay more than common Man, for those the World abound with; but such a Man besides, all this vast Land affords not.
Bon.By this your large Encomium of your Friend, I’m afraid ’twas Wine first made your Quarrel, and thereupon this Challenge did ensue.
Fri.O no! I call the Powers above to witness, that in all the Course of our unhappy Friendship, I to my knowledg never did receive the least Affront or Injury from him.
Bon.How came this Challenge then?
Fri.O dear Friend, the noblest that Man cou’d ever boast of: [embraces him] When first my rigid Fate threw on me this Command to fight, I had recourse to many whom I always thought my Friends; but when the Touchstone of my Danger try’d ’em, I found ’em like the cursed Fruit ofSodom, fair without, but rotten atthe Heart: But then I found outBonvile, my only dearest Friend.Bonvileno sooner heard of my Engagement, but flew unto my Succour with as much Bravery, as a great General hastned by Alarms, marches to meet the Foe: You left your Nuptial Bed perhaps to meet your Death. O unheard-of Friendship! My Father gave me Life, ’tis true; but you, my Friend, support my Honour. All this for me, while I, ungrateful Man, thus seek your Life: For to my eternal Horror be it spoke, you are the Man whom I come here to kill.
Bon.Ha!
Fri.Too true alas! there read the Warrant for your Death.[Gives him the Letter.]
Bon.’Tis a Woman’s Hand.
Fri.Yes, and a bad One too, they all speak fair, write foul, but mean worse.
Bon.How! kill me? Sure, I dream, and this is all Delusion, or else thou dost it only to try thy Friend.
Fri.O, from my Soul, I wish it were no more. But read, read on, see how I’m fetter’d in aCirce’sCharms—I love beyond Imagination, love even to Madness, and must as madly do a Deed will damn me to the hottest Flames of Hell.
Bon.And woo’t thou kill thy Friend for such a Woman?
Fri.Alas! I must, you see I am commanded, commanded too by Love; Love more powerful than all the Sacred Ties of Friendship, therefore draw, and guard thy self.[Draws.
Bon.Not I by Heaven! What wou’dst thou have me draw and kill my Friend?
Fri.There thou stab’st my Soul. O where, where is now my Resolution fled? A fatal Blast has struck me; a sudden Horror shot me thrô the Heart; a Trembling seiz’d my Knees, that I can hardly stand, and all my Vital Powers methinks seem dead; yet Love’s the Fire must kindle all again, therefore I charge thee draw, or naked as thou art, I will assail thee.
Bon.I am defended against all that thou canst do, in having Justice on my Side, and Friendship too to back it.
But since Humanity now bears so sway,To this unguarded Breast come make your way.
But since Humanity now bears so sway,To this unguarded Breast come make your way.
Strike home be sure.[Opens his Bosom.
Fri.That were a barbarous Murder.
Bon.How can the Effect prove different from the Cause? Or how can any thing but damn’d Barbarity ensue a Woman’s much more damn’d Design? Who wou’d expect Reason from one that raves, or hope for Mercy in a Tyger’s Den? Believe me,Friendly, all this may sooner be; Mercy may sooner dwell among theSavageWolves and Bears, than in a Woman’s Breast.
Fri.O, my too rigid Fate, to place me thus on such a dangerous Precipice, that wheresoe’re I turn my self for help, I see my Ruin still before mine Eyes.[Seems to weep.
Bon.[Pausing.] Stay—The Command which thyMedeasent thee, was to kill thy only dearest Friend, was it not?
Fri.Alas! it was.
Bon.Then here, all Friendship dies between us; thus hast thou kill’d thy Friend, and satisfied that infernal Hag, thy cursed Mistress, who thus commanded thee: Away, I say, begon, and never see me more.
Fri.Ha!
Bon.Yes, base ungrateful Wretch, farewel, (Offers to go) —Yet stay, and since that Sacred Tie of Friendship’s broke, know thou, most vile of Men, thatBonvile’s now thy Enemy; therefore do thou draw and guard thy spotted Life.
Fri.How, Friend!
Bon.Friend didst thou call me? On forfeit of thy Life that word no more; the very Name of Friend from thee, shall be a Quarrel: How can I tell but that thou lovest my Wife, and therefore feign’d this damn’d Design to draw me from her Arms?
Fri.How! wrong thy Wife? O no, I never had a Thought so vile! Yet you must forgive me, indeed you must, by all that once was dear to me; and what I dare not mention more, by Love and Honour, I implore thy Pardon—Still art thou deaf to my Complaints?—Nay, then upon my Knee, I will enforce thy Pity. Behold me,Bonvile, prostrate at thy Feet, crawling for Mercy, swimming in Tears, and almost drown’d with Shame; extend thy Arm to help me, as thou’rt a Man, be God-like in thy Nature, and raise me from the Grave; turn thy Eyes on me, and sink me not with Frowns; O save me, save me, or I fall for ever.
Bon.As soon shall Heav’n reverse the Fate of Hell, as I recal what I have said, or plant thee in my Breast again.
Fri.Nay, then I am lost to thee, and all the World besides.[Rises.
Bon.Thou are indeed for ever lost to me; see what a miserable Wretch thy Folly now has made thee: A Creature so far below my Pity, that I despise and scorn thy base Submission, and will never hear thee more, more.
Fri.Say but thou hast forgiven me, and I will ask no more.
Bon.I never will.
Fri.O cruelBonvile!
Bon.More barbarousFriendly: Hold off, or I will use thee like a Dog, tread thee to Earth, and spurn thee like a Slave, base as thou art.
Fri.Still thou art my Friend——
Bon.Thou ly’st, I have abjured the Name.
Fri.Let me but go with thee.
Bon.Not for the World; I’de rather venture my self with Crocodiles, catch the last dying Gasps of some poor Wretch infested with the Plague, than trust my self with thee.
Farewel, I leave thee with the greatest Curse,Condemn’d to Woman, Hell affords no worse.
Farewel, I leave thee with the greatest Curse,Condemn’d to Woman, Hell affords no worse.
[Exit, breaking from him.
Friendly solus, rising in a Passion.
Fri.Death and Destruction, am I thus despised! Condemned to Woman’s Lust, and scorn’d by Man. ByBonviletoo, after imploring, like a School-Boy, at his Feet—My Blood boils high, and scalds my very Heart! My inward Grief calls on me for Revenge, and I am all on fire! O that I had the proudBonvilehere now at my Feet, I’de use him worse than he did me before.
But since that open Force yields no Relief,Private Revenge shall ease my swelling Grief.With Thoughts of Jealousy I’ll fill his Soul,Which shall its Powers of all their Rest controul.Thus for a Woman I’ve begun a War,And for her sake must damn my Soul like her.[Exit.
But since that open Force yields no Relief,Private Revenge shall ease my swelling Grief.With Thoughts of Jealousy I’ll fill his Soul,Which shall its Powers of all their Rest controul.Thus for a Woman I’ve begun a War,And for her sake must damn my Soul like her.[Exit.
EnterNurse, Compass,and his Wife.
Nurse.Indeed you must pardon me, I can’t let ye see the Child; to tell you the Truth, I am commanded to the contrary.
Comp.Commanded! Prethee who commanded thee?
Nurse.The Father.
Comp.The Father, Why who am I?
Nurse.Not the Father sure, the Civil Law has found it otherwise.
Comp.The Civil Law found it otherwise! Why then the Uncivil Law shall make it mine again, I’ll be as dreadful as aShrove-Tuesdayto thee; for I’ll besiege thy squalling catterwauling Castle, with my Friends the Mob, and gut thy stinking Nursery, but I’ll both see and have my Child.
Nurse.Harkee, Goodman Swabber, say but half so much again, and I’ll call the Constable, and lay Burglary to your Charge. You wou’d not be so hot if the Enemy were in View, nor if you had to do with any body but a poor innocent Woman, so you wou’d’nt.
Peg.Good Husband be patient, and let me alone with her: Come, come, good Nurse, let him see the Boy.
Nurse.Indeed I dare not GoodyCompass: The Father first you know delivered me the Child, and order’d me to let no body see it. He pays me well and weekly for my Pains, and therefore I’ll do as be bad me, so I will.
Comp.Why thou white Bastard-breeder; Is not this Woman here the Mother?
Nurse.Yes, I grant you that.
Comp.Do you so? Well, and I grant it too; And is not the Child then my own by the Wives Copy-hold?
Nurse.The Law must try that.
Comp.The Law! What then you think I’ll be but its Father-in-Law? I tell thee, all the Wit and Law twixtCuckolds-PointandWestminster-Hall, shan’t keep my own dear Flesh and Blood from me, I warrant you that. No an’t does, I’ll be hanged at the Main-yard: Why, who, dost think, uses to get my Children but my self?
Nurse.Nay, I can’t tell; you must look to that, for my part I ne’re knew you get any.
Comp.Say’st thou so? Why, look you, do but put on a clean Smock, and try me, if thou darst, I’ll hold thee three to one I get thee with Child before I leave thee: Heh! what say’st thou?[Offers to lay hold on her.
Nurse.I’ll see you hang’d first—Nay, pray be quiet, and don’t offer to spoil my Milk. Lord, you are as boisterous as my Husband was the first Night we were married: Pray, GoodyCompass, take off your Cur, or else he’l bite me.
Peg.No never fear him, Nurse, he’s not so furious I assure ye.
Enter Mr.Venterand his Wife.
Nurse.O! here’s my Master, the Child’s Father, now talk with him.
Mr.Ven.Good morrow Neighbour, good morrow to ye both.
Comp.Both! Good morrow to you and your Wife too, if you go to that.
Mr.Ven.I wou’d speak calmly with you, Friend, if you think fit.
Comp.I know what belongs to Calm, and a Storm too; and if you please, a cold word or two wi’ you.
Mr.Ven.With all my Heart.
Comp.I understand that you have ty’d your Mare in my Ground.
Mr.Ven.My Mare, Friend, nay I assure you, ’twas only my Nag.
Comp.Your Nag? Well your Nag then let it be: Harke, Sir, to be short, I’ll cut off your Nag’s Tail, if e’re I catch him there again.
Mr.Ven.Pray hear me, you are too rough to maintain——
Comp.I say, Sir, you shall maintain no Child of mine; my Wife does not bestow her Labour for that purpose.
Mr.Ven.You are too passionate—I will not maintain——
Comp.No marry shall you not.
Mr.Ven.The Deed I have done to be lawful, I have repented it, and given Satisfaction to the Law, my Purse has paid for’t; therefore I wou’d treat milder with you if you’d be pleased.
Comp.Yes, yes, I am very well pleased, and shall be better pleased if you can serve me so still: For, look you Sir, one of these Days I shall to Sea again, you know where my Wife lives; yet you’l but lose your labour, for get as many Children as you can, I assure you, you shall keep none of them.
Mr.Ven.I think you are mad.
Comp.Why, if I am Horn-mad, what’s that to you?
Mr.Ven.Nay then, since you are so rough, I tell you plainly you are—a——
Comp.A what? What am I, heh?
Mr.Ven.A Coxcomb.
Comp.A Coxcomb! a Cuckold you mean, and you a Fool for your pains.
Mr.Ven.The Child is mine, I am the Father of it, and will keep it.
Comp.Yes if you can, I know you will. But pray tell me, is not my Wife the Mother? You may be as far from being the Father as I am, for my Wife’s acquainted with more Whore-masters besides your self; ay, and as crafty Merchants too, let me tell you that.
Peg.No indeed Husband, I had to do with no body else, ’twas he begot, indeed and indeed now. Yet for all that, the Child’s mine, I bred it and bore it, and I’ll have it and keep it, so I will.
Mrs.Ven.Pray hold there Mrs. Jill-flurt, the Child’s my Husband’s, and he shall have it, or I’ll tear your Eyes out, ye Whore you.
Comp.Good Words, Mistress; d’ye hear, give good Words you’d best, or I shall tell you your own.
Mr.Ven.I’ll have no more to say to ye, the Law shall determine it; in the mean time Nurse keep the Child for me, there, there’s Money for thee.[Gives her Money.
Comp.There’s Money for me too, keep it for me, Nurse; give him both thy Duggs at once, I pay thee for the right one, Girl.
Nurse.I have two Hands, you see Gentlemen; this does but show ye how the Law will hamper ye; even thus you’l be used, Gentlemen, if you go to Law.
Mr.Ven.It can’t be helpt, for I won’t lose my Right.
Comp.Nor I mine for all you’re a Merchant.
Mrs.Ven.Nor I mine for all I did not bear it.
Peg.Nor I, tho but a poor Sailer’s Wife.
Mr.Ven.Well, fare ye well, we shall meet in another Place—ComeWinny.[ExitVenterand his Wife.
Comp.Ay, ay, I’ll meet you when and where you dare, and do your worst, I fear you not: By the LordHarrythe World’s come to a fine Pass, that we must go to Law for our Children. No wonder the Lawyers are all so rich, yet e’re the Law shall have a Limb, a Leg, a Joint or Nail of this same Boy,