Jac.
A second rape
To the poor remnant of content that's left me,
If this be granted: and all my former wrongs
Were but beginnings to my miseries,
But this the height of all: rather than part
With myAscanio, I'le deny my oath,
Profess my self a Strumpet, and endure
What punishment soe're the Court decrees
Against a wretch that hath forsworn her self,
Or plai'd the impudent whore.
Assist.
This tastes of passion,
And that must not divert the course of Justice;
Don Henrique, take your Son, with this condition
You give him maintenance, as becomes his birth,
And 'twill stand with your honour to doe something
For this wronged woman: I will compel nothing,
But leave it to your will. Break up the Court:
It is in vain to move me; my doom's pass'd,
And cannot be revok'd.—
[Exit.
Hen.
There's your reward.
Bar.
More causes, and such Fees. Now to my Wife,
I have too long been absent: Health to your Lordship.
[Exit.
Asc.
You all look strangely, and I fear believe
This unexpected fortune makes me proud,
Indeed it do's not: I shall ever pay you
The duty of a son, and honour you
Next to my Father: good my Lord, for yet
I dare not call you, uncle, be not sad,
I never shall forget those noble favours
You did me being a stranger, and if ever
I live to be the master of a fortune,
You shall command it.
Jam.
Since it was determin'd
I should be cozen'd, I am glad the profit
Shall fall on thee, I am too tough to melt,
But something I will do.
Hen.
'Pray you take leave
Of your steward (gentle Brother) the good husband
That takes up all for you.
Jam.
Very well, mock on,
It is your turn: I may have mine—
[Exit.
Oct.
But do not
Forget us, dearAscanio.
Asc.
Do not fear it,
I every day will see you: every hour
Remember you in my prayers.
Oct.
My grief's too great
To be expressed in words—
[Exit.
Hen.
Take that and leave us,
[gives mony to Jacinta.
Leave us without reply, nay come back sirrah
And study to forget such things as these
As are not worth the knowledge.
[Asca.offers to follow.
Asc.
O good Sir,
These are bad principles—
Hen.
Such as you must learn
Now you are mine, for wealth and poverty
Can hold no friendship: and what is my will
You must observe and do, though good or ill.
[Exeunt.
SCENA IV.
EnterBartolus.
Bar.
Where is my wife? 'fore heaven, I have done wonders,
Done mighty things to day, myAmaranta,
My heart rejoyces at my wealthy Gleanings,
A rich litigious Lord I love to follow,
A Lord that builds his happiness on brawlings,
O 'tis a blessed thing to have rich Clyents,
Why, wife I say, how fares my studious Pupil?
Hard at it still? ye are too violent,
All things must have their rests, they will not last else,
Come out and breathe. [Leandrowithin.
Lean.
I do beseech you pardon me,
I am deeply in a sweet point Sir.
Bar.
I'le instruct ye:
EnterAmaranta.
I say take breath, seek health first, then your study.
O my sweet soul, I have brought thee golden birds home,
Birds in abundance: I have done strange wonders:
There's more a hatching too.
Am.
Have ye done, good husband?
Then 'tis a good day spent.
Bar.
Good enough chicken,
I have spread the nets o'th' law, to catch rich booties,
And they come fluttering in: how do's my Pupil?
My modest thing, hast thou yet spoken to him?
Am.
As I past by his chamber I might see him,
But he is so bookish.
Bar.
And so bashfull too,
I' faith he is, before he will speak, he will starve there.
Am.
I pitie him a little.
Bar.
So do I too.
Am.
And if he please to take the air o'th' gardens,
Or walk i'th' inward rooms, so he molest not—
Bar.
He shall not trouble thee, he dare not speak to thee.
EnterMoor,with Chesse-board.
Bring out the Chesse-board,—come let's have a game wife,
I'le try your masterie, you say you are cunning.
Am.
As learned as ye are, Sir, I shall beat ye.
EnterLeandro.
Bar.
Here he steals out, put him not out of countenance,
Prethee look another way, he will be gone else
Walk and refresh your self, I'll be with you presently.
Lean.
I'le take the air a little. [Play at chess.
Bar.
'Twill be healthfull.
Am.
Will ye be there? then here? I'le spare ye that man.
Lea.
Would I were so near too, and a mate fitting.
Am.
What think ye, Sir, to this I have at your Knight now.
Bar.
'Twas subtilly play'd: your Queen lies at my service.
Prethee look off, he is ready to pop in again,
Look off I say, do'st thou not see how he blushes?
Am.
I do not blast him.
Lean.
But ye do, and burn too,
What killing looks she steals!
Bar.
I have you now close,
Now for a Mate.
Lean.
You are a blessed man that may so have her.
Oh that I might play with her—
[knock within.
Bar.
Who's there? I come, you cannot scape me now wife.
I come, I come.
[knock.
Lean.
Most blessed hand that calls him.
Bar.
Play quickly wife.
Am.
'Pray ye give leave to think, Sir.
EnterMoor.
Moor.
An honest neighbour that dwells hard by, Sir,
Would fain speak with your worship about business.
Lean.
The devil blow him off.
Bar.
Play.
Am.
I will study:
For if you beat me thus, you will still laugh at me—[knock.
Bar.
He knocks again; I cannot stay.Leandro,
'Pray thee come near.
Lean>.
I am well, Sir, here.
Bar.
Come hither:
Be not afraid, but come.