ACT I.Scene I.A Room with several Tables.EnterHazardin a travelling Habit, andJack, a Sea-Boy, carrying his Portmantle.Haz.What Town’s this, Boy?Boy.James-Town, Master.Haz.Take care my Trunk be brought ashore to night, and there’s for your Pains.Boy.God bless you, Master.Haz.What do you call this House?Boy.Mrs.Flirt’s, Master, the best House for Commendation in allVirginia.Haz.That’s well, has she any handsome Ladies, Sirrah?Boy.Oh! she’s woundy handsome her self, Master, and the kindest Gentlewoman—look, here she comes, Master.—EnterFlirtandNell.God bless you, Mistress, I have brought you a young Gentleman here.Flirt.That’s well, honestJack.—Sir, you are most heartily welcome.Haz.Madam, your Servant.Salutes her.Flirt.Please you walk into a Chamber, Sir?Haz.By and by, Madam; but I’ll repose here awhile for the coolness of the Air.Flirt.This is a Publick Room, Sir, but ’tis at your service.Haz.Madam, you oblige me.Flirt.A fine spoken Person. A Gentleman, I’ll warrant him: come,Jack, I’ll give theea Cogue of Brandyfor old acquaintance.Exeunt Landlady and Boy.Hazardpulls out Pen, Ink and Paper, and goes to write.EnterFriendly.Friend.Here,Nell, a Tankard of cool Drink, quickly.Nell.You shall have it, Sir.Friend.Hah! who’s that Stranger? he seems to be a Gentleman.Haz.If I should give credit to mine Eyes, that should beFriendly.Friend.Sir, you seem a Stranger; may I take the liberty to present my Service to you?ExitNell.Haz.If I am not mistaken, Sir, you are the only Man in the World whom I would soonest pledge; you’ll credit me, if three Year’s absence has not made you forgetHazard.Friend.Hazard, my Friend! come to my Arms and Heart.Haz.This unexpected Happiness o’erjoys me. Who could have imagin’d to have found thee inVirginia? I thought thou hadst been inSpainwith thy Brother.Friend.I was so till ten Months since, when my Uncle ColonelFriendlydying here, left me a considerable Plantation; and, faith, I find Diversions not altogether to be despis’d; the God of Love reigns here with as much power as in Courts or popular Cities. But prithee what Chance (fortunate to me) drove thee to this part of the new World.Haz.Why, faith, ill Company, and that common Vice of the Town, Gaming, soon run out my younger Brother’s Fortune: for imagining, like some of the luckier Gamesters, to improve my Stock at theGroom Porter’s,Iventur’d on, and lost all. My elder Brother, an errant Jew, had neither Friendship nor Honour enough to support me; but at last being mollified by Persuasions, and the hopes ofbeingfor ever rid of me, sent me hither with a small Cargo to seek my Fortune—Friend.And begin the World withal.Haz.I thought this a better Venture than to turn sharping Bully,Cully inPrentices and Country Squires, with my Pocket full of false Dice, yourhigh and low Flats andBars; or turn Broker to young Heirs; take up Goods to pay tenfold at the Death of their Fathers, and take Fees on both sides; or set up all night at the Groom-Porter’s, begging his Honour to go a Guinea the better of the lay. No,Friendly, I had rather starve abroad, than live pity’d and despis’d at home.Friend.Thou art in the right, and art come just in the nick of time to make thy Fortune.—Wilt thou follow my Advice?Haz.Thou art too honest to commandany thingthat I shall refuse.Friend.You must know then, there is about a Mile fromJames-Towna young Gentlewoman—no matter for her Birth, her Breeding’s the best this World affords, she is married to one of the richest Merchants here; he is old and sick, and now gone intoEnglandfor the recovery of his Health, where he’ll e’en give up the Ghost: he has writ her word he finds no Amendment, and resolves to stay another Year. The letter I accidentally took up, and have about me; ’tis easily counterfeited, and will be of great use to us.Haz.Now do I fancy I conceive thee.Friend.Well, hear me first, you shall get another Letter writ like this Character, which shall say, you are his Kinsman, that is come to traffick in this Country, and ’tis his will you should be received into his House as such.Haz.Well, and what will come of this?Friend.Why, thou art young and handsome, she young and desiring; ’twere easy to make her love thee; and if the old Gentleman chance to die, you guess the rest, you are no Fool.Haz.Ay, but if he shou’d return—Friend.If—Why, if she love you, that other will be but a slender Bar to thy Happiness; for if thou canst not marry her, thou mayst lie with her: and, Gad, a younger Brother may pick out a pretty Livelihood here that way,as well as inEngland. Or if thisfail, thouwilt find a perpetual Visiter, the WidowRanter, a Woman bought from the ship by old ColonelRanter; she served him half a Year, and then he marry’d her, and dying in a Year more, left her worth fifty thousand Pounds Sterling, besides Plate and Jewels: She’s a great Gallant, but assuming the humour of the Country Gentry, her Extravagancy is very pleasant, she retains something of her primitive Quality still, but is good-natur’d and generous.Haz.I like all this well.Friend.But I have a further End in this matter; you must know there is in the same House a young Heiress, one ColonelDownright’sDaughter, whom I love, I think not in vain: her Father indeed has an implacable Hatred to me, for which reason I can but seldom visit her, and in this Affair I have need of a Friend in that House.Haz.Me you’re sure of.Friend.And thus you’ll have an opportunity to manage both our Amours: Here you will find occasion to shew your Courage, as well as express your Love; for at this time theIndians, by our ill Management of Trade, whom we have armed against our selves, very frequently make War upon us with our own Weapons; though often coming by the worst, they are forced to make Peace with us again, but so, as upon every turn they fall to massacring uswhereverwe lie exposed to them.Haz.I heard the News of this inEngland, which hastens the new Governour’s arrival here, who brings you fresh Supplies.Friend.Would he were landed, we hear he is a noble Gentleman.Haz.He has all the Qualities of a Gallant Man: besides, he is nobly born.Friend.This Country wants nothing but to be peopled with a well-born Race, to make it one of the best Colonies in the World; but for want of a Governour we are ruledby a Council, some ofwhomhave been perhaps transported Criminals, who having acquired great Estates, are now become your Honour and Right Worshipful, and possess all Places of Authority; there are amongst them some honest Gentlemen, who now begin to take upon ’em, and manage Affairs as they ought to be.Haz.BaconI think was one of the Council.Friend.Now you have named a Man indeed above the common Rank, by Nature generous, brave, resolv’d and daring; who studying the Lives of theRomansand great Men, that have raised themselves to the most elevated Fortunes, fancies it easy for ambitious Men to aim at any pitch of Glory. I’ve heard him often say, Why cannot I conquer the Universe as well asAlexander? or like anotherRomulus, form a newRome, and make my self ador’d?Haz.Why might he not? Great Souls are born in common Men sometimes, as well as Princes.Friend.This Thirst of Glory cherish’d by sullen Melancholy, I believe, was the first motive that made him in love with the youngIndianQueen, fancying no Hero ought to be without his Princess. And this was the reason why he so earnestly press’d for a Commission, to be made General against theIndians, which long was promis’d him; but they fearing his Ambition, still put him off, till the Grievances grew so high, that the whole Country flock’d to him, and beg’d he would redress them.—He took the opportunity, and led them forth to fight, and vanquishing brought the Enemy to fair Terms; but now instead of receiving him as a Conqueror, we treat him as a Traitor.Haz.Then it seems all the Crime this brave Fellow has committed, is serving his Country without Authority.Friend.’Tis so, and however I admire the Man, I am resolv’d to be of the contrary Party, that I may make an Interest in our new Governor. ThusstandAffairs, so that after you have seen MadamSurelove, I’ll present you to the Council for a Commission.Haz.But my Kinsman’s Character—Friend.He was aLeicestershireyounger Brother, came over with a small Fortune, which his Industry has increas’d to a thousand Pounds a year; and he is now ColonelJohn Surelove, and one of the Council.Haz.Enough.Friend.About it then, MadamFlirtto direct you.Haz.You are full of your Madams here.Friend.Oh! ’tis the greatest Affront imaginable to call a Woman Mistress, though but a retail Brandy-monger. Adieu.—One thing more, to morrow is our Country-Court, pray do not fail to be there, for the rarity of the Entertainment: but I shall see you anon atSurelove’s, where I’ll salute thee as my first meeting, and as an old Acquaintance inEngland—here’s Company, farewel.ExitFriend.EnterDullman,TimorousandBoozer.Hazardsits at a Table and writes.Dull.Here,Nell—Well, LieutenantBoozer, what are you for?EnterNell.Booz.I am for coolingNants, Major.Dull.Here,Nell, a Quart ofNants, and some Pipes andSmoke.Tim.And do ye hear,Nell, bid your Mistress come in to joke a little with us; for, adzoors, I was damnable drunk last Night, and I am better at the Petticoat than the Bottle to day.ExitNell.Dull.Drunk last Night, and sick to Day! how comes that about, Mr. Justice? you use to bear your Brandy well enough.Tim.Ay, yourshierBrandy I’ll grant you; but I was drunk at Col.Downright’swith your high Burgundy Claret.Dull.A Pox of thatpaulterLiquor, yourEnglish FrenchWine, I wonder how the Gentlemen do to drink it.Tim.Ay, so do I, ’tis for want of a littleVirginiaBreeding: how much more like a Gentleman ’tis, to drink as we do, brave edifying Punch and Brandy.—But they say, the young Noblemen now, and Sparks inEngland, begin to reform, and take it for their Mornings draught, get drunk by Noon, and despise the lousy Juice of the Grape.Enter Mrs.Flirt,andNell, with drink, pipes, etc.Dull.Come, Landlady, come, you are so taken up with ParsonDunce, that your old Friends can’t drink a Dram with you.—What, no smutty Catch now, no Gibe or Joke to make the Punch go down merrily, and advance Trading? Nay, they say, Gad forgive ye, you never miss going to Church when Mr.Duncepreaches,—but here’s to you.Drinks.Flirt.Lords, your Honours are pleas’d to be merry— but my service to your Honour.Drinks.Haz.Honours! who the Devil have we here? some of the wise Council at least, I’d soonertake’em forHoggerds.Aside.Flirt.Say what you please of the Doctor, but I’ll swear he’s a fine Gentleman, he makes the prettiest Sonnets, nay, and sings ’em himself to the rarest Tunes.Tim.Nay, the Man will serve for both Soul and Body; for they say he was a Farrier inEngland, but breaking, turn’d Life-guard-man, and his Horse dying, he counterfeited a Deputation from the Bishop, and came over here a substantial Orthodox. But come, where stands the Cup? Here, my service to you, Major.Flirt.Your Honours are pleased,—but methinks DoctorDunceis a very edifying Person, and a Gentleman, and I pretend to know a Gentleman; for I my self am a Gentlewoman: my Father was a Baronet, but undone in the late Rebellion, and I am fain to keepanOrdinary now, Heaven help me.Tim.Good lack, why, see how Virtue may be bely’d. We heard your Father was a Taylor, buttrusting for oldOliver’sFuneral broke, and so came hither to hide his Head.—But my service to you; what, you are never the worse?Flirt.Your Honour knows this is a scandalous place, for they say your Honour was but a broken Excise-Man, who spent the King’s Money to buy your Wife fine Petticoats; and at last not worth a Groat, you came over a poor Servant, though now a Justice of the Peace, and of the Honourable Council.Tim.Adz zoors, if I knew who ’twas said so, I’d sue him forScandalum Magnatum.Dull.Hang ’em, Scoundrels, hang ’em, they live upon Scandal, and we are Scandal-proof.—They say too, that I was a Tinker, and running the Country, robb’d a Gentleman’s House there, was put intoNewgate, got a Reprieve after Condemnation, and was transported hither; —and that you,Boozer, was a common Pick-pocket, and being often flogg’d at the Carts-tale, afterwards turn’d Evidence, and when the Times grew honest was fain to flie.Booz.Ay, ay, Major, if Scandal would have broke our Hearts, we had not arriv’d to the Honour of being Privy-Counsellors.—But come, Mrs.Flirt, what, never a Song to entertain us?Flirt.Yes, and a Singer too newly come ashore.Tim.Adz zoors, let’s have it then.Enter a Girl who sings,they bear the Bob.Haz.Here, Maid, a Tankard of your Drink.Flirt.Quickly,Nell, wait upon the Gentleman.Dull.Please you, Sir, to taste of our Liquor.—My service to you. I see you are a Stranger, and alone; please you to come to our Table?He rises and comes.Flirt.Come, Sir, pray sit down here; these are very honourable Persons, I assure you: This is MajorDullman,Major of his Excellency’s own Regiment, when he arrives; this Mr.Timorous, Justice a Peace inCorum; this CaptainBoozer, all of the honourable Council.Haz.With your leave, Gentlemen.Sits.Tim.My service to you, Sir.Drinks.What, have you brought over any Cargo, Sir? I’ll be your Customer.Booz.Ay, and cheat him too, I’ll warrant him.Aside.Haz.I was not bred to Merchandizing, Sir, nor do intend to follow the drudgery of Trading.Dull.Men of Fortune seldom travel hither, Sir, to see Fashions.Tim.Why, Brother, it may be the Gentleman has a mind to be a Planter; will you hire your self to make a Crop of Tobacco this Year?Haz.I was not born to work, Sir.Tim.Not work, Sir! Zoors, your Betters have workt, Sir. I have workt my self, Sir, both set and stript Tobacco, for all I am of the honourable Council. Not work, quoth a!—I suppose, Sir, you wear your Fortune upon your Back, Sir?Haz.Is it your Custom here, Sir, to affront Strangers? I shall expect Satisfaction.Rises.Tim.Why, does any body here owe you any thing?Dull.No, unless he means to be paid for drinking with us,—ha, ha, ha.Haz.No, Sir, I have money to pay for what I drink: here’s my Club, my Guinea,Flings down aGuinea.I scorn to be oblig’d to such Scoundrels.Booz.Hum—call Men of Honour Scoundrels.Rise in huff.Tim.Let him alone, let him alone, Brother; how should he learn Manners? he never was inVirginiabefore.Dull.He’s some Covent-Garden Bully.Tim.Or some broken Citizen turned Factor.Haz.Sir, you lye, and you are a Rascal.Flings the Brandy in his Face.Tim.Adz zoors, he has spil’d all the Brandy.Tim.runs behind the Door,Dull, andBooz.strikeHazard.Haz.I understand no Cudgel-play, but wear a Sword to right myself.Draws, they run off.Flirt.Good Heavens! what, quarelling in my House?Haz.Do the Persons of Quality in this Country treat Strangers thus?Flirt.Alas, Sir, ’tis a familiar way they have, Sir.Haz.I’m glad I know it.—Pray, Madam, can you inform one how I may be furnish’d with a Horse and a Guide to MadamSurelove’s?Flirt.A most accomplish’d Lady, and my very good Friend, you shall be immediately—Exeunt.Scene II.The Council-Table.EnterWellman,Downright,Dunce,Whimsey,Whiff, and others.Well.Come, Mr.Dunce, though you are no Counsellor, yet your Counsel may be good in time of Necessity, as now.Dun.If I maygiveworthy Advice, I do not look upon our Danger to be so great from theIndians, as from youngBacon, whom the People have nick-nam’dFright-all.Whim.Ay, ay, that sameBacon, I would he were well hang’d: I am afraid that under pretence of killing all theIndianshe means to murder us, lie with our Wives, and hang up our little Children, and make himself Lord and King.Whiff.BrotherWhimsey, not so hot; with leave of the honourable Board, my Wife is of opinion, thatBaconcame seasonably to our Aid, and what he has done was for our Defence, theIndianscame down upon us, and ravish’d us all, Men, Women, and Children.Well.If these Grievances were not redrest, we had our Reasons for it; it was not that we were insensible, CaptainWhiff, of what we suffer’d from the Insolence of theIndians; but all knew what we must expect fromBacon, if that by lawful Authority he had arrived to so great a Command as General; nor would we be hufft out of our Commissions.Down.’Tis most certain thatBacondid not demand a Commission out of a design of serving us, but to satisfy his Ambition and his Love; it being no secret that he passionately admires theIndianQueen, and under the pretext of a War, intends to kill the King her Husband, establish himself in her Heart, and on all occasionsmakehimself a more formidable Enemy than the Indians are.Whim.Nay, nay, I ever foresaw he would prove a Villain.Whiff.Nay, and he be thereabout, myNancyshall have no more to do with him.Well.But, Gentlemen, the People daily flock to him, so that his Army is too considerable for us to oppose by any thing but Policy.Down.We are sensible, Gentlemen, that our Fortunes, our Honours, and our Lives are at stake; and therefore you are call’d together to consult what’s to be done in this Grand Affair, till our Governour and Forces arrive fromEngland: the Truce he made with theIndianswill be out to morrow.Whiff.Ay, and then he intends to have another bout with theIndians. Let’s have patience, I say, till he has thrumb’d their Jackets, and then to work with your Politicks as soon as you please.Down.ColonelWellmanhas answer’d that point, good CaptainWhiff; ’tis the Event of this Battel we ought to dread; and if won or lost, will be equally fatal for us, either from theIndiansor fromBacon.Dun.With the Permission of the honourable Board, I think I have hit upon an Expedient that may prevent this Battel: your Honours shall write a Letter toBacon,where you shall acknowledge his Services, invite him kindly home, and offer him a Commission for General—Whiff.Just myNancy’sCounsel—Dr.Duncehas spoken like a Cherubin, he shall have my Voice for General; what say you, BrotherWhimsey?Down.I say he is a Noble Fellow, and fit for a General.Dun.But conceive me right, Gentlemen; as soon as he shall have render’d himself, seize him, and strike off his Head at the Fort.Whiff.Hum! his Head—Brother.Whim.Ay, ay, Dr.Duncespeaks like a Cherubin.Well.Mr.Dunce, your Counsel in extremity, I confess, is not amiss; but I should be loth to deal dishonourably with any Man.Down.His Crimes deserve Death, his Life is forfeited by Law, but shall never be taken by my consent by Treachery: If by any Stratagem we could take him alive, and either send him forEnglandto receive there his Punishment, or keep him Prisoner here till the Governour arrive, I should agree to it; but I question his coming in upon our Invitation.Dun.Leave that to me.Whim.Come, I’ll warrant him, the Rogue’s as stout asHector, he fears neither Heaven nor Hell.Down.He’s too brave and bold to refuse our Summons, and I am for sending him forEngland, and leaving him to the King’s Mercy.Dun.In that you’ll find more difficulty, Sir; to take him off here will be more quick and sudden: for the People worship him.Well.I’ll never yield to so ungenerous an Expedient. The seizing him I am content in the Extremity wherein we are to follow. What say you, ColonelDownright? shall we send him a Letter now, while this two days Truce lasts, between him and theIndians?Down.I approve it.All.And I, and I, and I.Dun.If your Honours please to make me the Messenger, I’ll use some Arguments of my own to prevail with him.Well.You say well, Mr.Dunce, and we’ll dispatch you presently.Ex.Well.Down.and all butWhim.Whiff.andDunce.Whiff.Ah, Doctor, if you could but have persuaded ColonelWellmanand ColonelDownrightto have hanged him—Whim.Why, BrotherWhiff, you were for making him a General but now.Whiff.The Counsels of wise States-men, BrotherWhimsey, must change as Causes do, d’ye see.Dun.Your Honours are in the right; and whatever those two leading Counsellors say, they would be glad ifBaconwere dispatch’d: but the punctilio of Honour is such a thing.Whim.Honour, a Pox on’t; what is that Honour that keeps such a bustle in the World, yet never did good as I heard of?Dun.Why, ’tis a foolish word only, taken up by great Men, but rarely practis’d.—But if you wou’d be great Men indeed—Whiff.If we wou’d, Doctor, name, name the way.Dun.Why, you command each of you a Company—whenBaconcomes from the Camp, as I am sure he will, (and full of this silly thing call’d Honour, will come unguarded too) lay some of your Men in Ambush along those Ditches by theSevana, about a Mile from the Town; and as he comes by, seize him, and hang him up upon the next Tree.Whiff.Hum—hang him! a rare Plot.Whim.Hang him!—we’ll do’t, we’ll do’t, Sir, and I doubt not but to be made General for the Action—I’ll take it all upon my self.Aside.Dun.If you resolve upon this, you must about instantly—Thus I shall at once serve my Country, and revenge my self on the Rascal for affronting my Dignity once at the Council-Table, by calling me Farrier.Ex.Dr.Whiff.Do you know, Brother, what we are to do?Whim.To do! yes, to hang a General, Brother, that’s all.Whiff.All! but is it lawful to hang any General?Whim.Lawful, yes, that ’tis lawful to hang any General that fights against Law.Whiff.But in what he has done, he has serv’d the King and our Country, and preserv’d our Lives and Fortunes.Whim.That’s all one, Brother; if there be but a Quirk in the Law offended in this Case, though he fought likeAlexander, and preserv’d the whole World from Perdition, yet if he did it against Law, ’tis lawful to hang him; why, what, Brother, is it fit that every impudent Fellow that pretends to a little Honour, Loyalty, and Courage, should serve his King and Country against the Law? no, no, Brother, these things are not to be suffer’d in a civil Government by Law establish’d,—wherefore let’s about it.Exeunt.Scene III.Surelove’sHouse.EnterRanterandJefferyher Coachman.Ran.Here,Jeffery, ye drunken Dog, set your Coach and Horses up, I’ll not go till the cool of the Evening, I love to ride inFresco.Enter aBoy.Coach.Yes, after hard drinking—Aside.It shall be done, Madam.Exit.Ran.How now, Boy, is MadamSureloveat home?Boy.Yes, Madam.Ran.Go tell her I am here, Sirrah.Boy.Who are you pray forsooth?Ran.Why, you Sonof a Baboon, don’t you know me?Boy.No, Madam, I came over but in the last Ship.Ran.What, fromNewgateorBridewell? fromshoveing the Tumbler, Sirrah,liftingorfiling the Cly?Boy.I don’t understand this Country Language, forsooth, yet.Ran.You Rogue, ’tis what we transport fromEnglandfirst—go, ye Dog, go tell your Lady the WidowRanteris come to dine with her—ExitBoy.I hope I shall not find that RogueDaringhere sniveling after Mrs.Chrisante: If I do, by the Lord, I’ll lay him thick. Pox on him, why shou’d I love the Dog, unless it be a Judgment upon me.EnterSureloveandChrisante.—My dear Jewel, how do’st do?—as for you, Gentlewoman, you are my Rival, and I am in Rancour against you till you have renounc’d myDaring.Chris.All the Interest I have in him, Madam, I resign to you.Ran.Ay, but your House lying so near the Camp, gives me mortal Fears—but prithee how thrives thy Amour with honestFriendly?Chris.As well as an Amour can that is absolutely forbid by a Father on one side, and pursued by a good Resolution on the other.Ran.Hay Gad, I’ll warrant forFriendly’sResolution, what though his Fortune be not answerable to yours, we are bound to help one another.—Here, Boy, some Pipes and a Bowl of Punch; you know my Humour, Madam, I must smoak and drink in a Morning, or I am maukish all day.Sure.But will you drink Punch in a Morning?Ran.Punch! ’tis my Morning’s Draught, my Table-drink, my Treat, myRegalio, my every thing; ah, my dearSurelove, if thou wou’d but refresh and cheer thyHeart with Punch in a Morning, thou wou’dst not look thus cloudy all the day.Enter Pipes and a great Bowl, she falls to smoaking.Sure.I have reason, Madam, to be melancholy, I have receiv’d a Letter from my Husband, who gives me an account that he is worse inEnglandthan when he was here, so that I fear I shall see him no more, the Doctors can do no good on him.Ran.A very good hearing. I wonder what the Devil thou hast done with him so long? an old fusty weatherbeaten Skeleton, as dried as Stock-fish, and much of the Hue.—Come, come, here’s to the next, may he be young, Heaven, I beseech thee.Drinks.Sure.You have reason to praise an old Man, who dy’d and left you worth fifty thousandPound.Ran.Ay, Gad—and what’s better, Sweetheart, dy’d in good time too, and left me young enough to spend this fifty thousandPoundin better Company—rest his Soul for that too.Chris.I doubt ’twill be all laid out inBacon’smad Lieutenant GeneralDaring.Ran.Faith, I think I could lend it the Rogue on good Security.Chris.What’s that, to be bound Body for Body?Ran.Rather that he should love no body’s Body besides my own; but my fortune is too good to trust the Rogue, my Money makes me an Infidel.Chris.You think they all love you for that.Ran.For that, ay, what else? if it were not for that, I might sit still and sigh, and cry out, a Miracle! a Miracle! at sight of a Man within my Doors.EnterMaid.Maid.Madam, here’s a young Gentleman without wou’d speak with you.Sure.With me? sure thou’rt mistaken; is it notFriendly?Maid.No, Madam, ’tis a Stranger.Ran.’Tis notDaring, that Rogue, is it?Maid.No, Madam.Ran.Is he handsome? does he look like a Gentleman?Maid.He’s handsome, and seems a Gentleman.Ran.Bring him in then, I hate a Conversation without a Fellow,—hah,—a good handsome Lad indeed.EnterHazardwith a Letter.Sure.With me, Sir, would you speak?Haz.If you are MadamSurelove.Sure.So I am call’d.Haz.Madam, I am newly arriv’d fromEngland, and from your Husband my Kinsman bring you this.—Gives a Letter.Ran.Please you to sit, Sir.Haz.She’s extremely handsome.Aside—sits down.Ran.Come, Sir, will you smoke a Pipe?Haz.I never do, Madam.Ran.Oh, fie upon’t, you must learn then, we all smoke here, ’tis a part of good Breeding.—Well, well, what Cargo, what Goods have ye? any Points, Lace, rich Stuffs, Jewels; if you have, I’ll be your Chafferer, I live hard by, any body will direct you to the WidowRanter’s.Haz.I have already heard of you, Madam.Ran.What, you are like all the young Fellows, the first thing they do when they come to a strange Place, is to enquire what Fortunes there are.Haz.Madam, I had no such Ambition.Ran.Gad, then you’re a Fool, Sir; but come, my service to you; we rich Widows are the best Commodity this Country affords, I’ll tell you that.This whileSure.readsthe Letter.Sure.Sir, my Husband has recommended you here in a most particular manner, by which I do not only find the esteem he has for you, but the desire he has of gaining youmine, which on a double score I render you, first for his sake, next for those Merits that appear in your self.Haz.Madam, the endeavours of my Life shall be to express my Gratitude for this great Bounty.EnterMaid.Maid.Madam, Mr.Friendly’shere.Sure.Bring him in.Haz.Friendly!—I had a dear Friend of that name, who I hear is in these Parts.—Pray Heaven it may be he.Ran.How now,Charles.EnterFriendly.Friend.Madam, your Servant—Hah! should not I know you for my dear friendHazard.Embracing him.Haz.Or you’re to blame, myFriendly.Friend.Prithee what calm brought thee ashore?Haz.Fortunede la guerre, but prithee ask me no Questions in so good Company, where a Minute lost from this Conversation is a Misfortune not to be retriev’d.Friend.Dost like her, Rogue—Softly aside.Haz.Like her! have I sight, or sense?—Why, I adore her.Friend.Mrs.Chrisante, I heard your Father would not be here to day, which made me snatch this opportunity of seeing you.Ran.Come, come, a Pox of this whining Love, it spoils good Company.Friend.You know, my dear Friend, these Opportunities come but seldom, and therefore I must make use of them.Ran.Come, come, I’ll give you a better Opportunity at my House to morrow, we are to eat a Buffalo there, and I’ll secure the old Gentleman from coming.Friend.Then I shall seeChrisanteonce more before I go.Chris.Go—Heavens—whither, myFriendly?Friend.I have received a Commission to go against theIndians,Baconbeing sent for home.Ran.But will he come when sent for?Friend.If he refuse we are to endeavour to force him.Chris.I do not think he will be forc’d, not even byFriendly.Friend.And, faith, it goes against my Conscience to lift my Sword against him, for he is truly brave, and what he has done, a Service to the Country, had it but been by Authority.Chris.What pity ’tis there should be such false Maxims in the World, that noble Actions, however great, must be criminal for want of a Law to authorise ’em.Friend.Indeed ’tis pity that when Laws are faulty they should not be mended or abolish’d.Ran.Hark ye,Charles, by Heaven, if you kill myDaringI’ll pistol you.Friend.No, Widow, I’ll spare him for your sake.They join withSurelove.Haz.Oh, she’s all divine, and all the Breath she utters serves but to blow my Flame.EnterMaid.Maid.Madam, Dinner’s on the Table—Sure.Please you, Sir, to walk in—come, Mr.Friendly.She takesHazard.Ran.Prithee, good Wench, bring in the Punch-Bowl.Exeunt.ACT II.Scene I.A Pavilion.Discovers theIndian KingandQueensitting in State, with Guards ofIndians, Men and Women attending: To themBaconrichly dress’d, attended byDaring,Fearlessand other Officers; he bows to theKingandQueen, who rise to receive him.King.I am sorry, Sir, we meet upon these Terms, we who so often have embrac’d as Friends.Bac.How charming is the Queen!Aside.War, Sir, is not my Business nor my Pleasure: Nor was I bred in Arms, my Country’s Good has forc’d me to assume a Soldier’s Life; and ’tis with much regret that I employ the first Effects of it against my Friends: yet whilst I may—whilst this Cessation lasts, I beg we may exchange those Friendships, Sir, we have so often paid in happier Peace.King.For your part, Sir, you’ve been so noble, that I repent the fatal Difference that makes us meet in Arms. Yet though I’m young, I’m sensible of Injuries; and oft have heard my Grandsire say, That we were Monarchs once of all this spacious World, till you, an unknown People, landing here, distress’d and ruin’d by destructive Storms, abusing all our charitable Hospitality, usurp’d our Right, and made your Friends your Slaves.Bac.I will not justify the Ingratitude of my Forefathers, but finding here my Inheritance, I am resolv’d still to maintain it so, and by my Sword which first cut out my Portion, defend each Inch of Land, with my last drop of Blood.Queen.Even his Threatshave Charmsthat please the Heart.Aside.King.Come, Sir, let this ungrateful Theme alone, which is better disputed in the Field.Queen.Is it impossible there might be wrought an understanding betwixt my Lord and you? ’Twas to that end I first desired this Truce, my self proposing to beMediator, to which my LordCavernioshall agree, could you but condescend—I know you are noble: And I have heard you say our tender Sex could never plead in vain.Bac.Alas! I dare not trust your pleading, Madam: a few soft Words from such a charming Mouthwould make me lay the Conquerorat your Feet, as a Sacrifice for all the Ills he has done you.Queen.How strangely am I pleas’d to hear him talk.Aside.King.Semernia, see, the Dancers do appear;Sir, will you take your Seat?ToBacon.He leads theQueento a Seat, they sit and talk.Bac.Curse on his Sports that interrupted me, my very Soul was hovering at my Lip, ready to have discover’d all its Secrets. But oh! I dread to tell her of my pain, and when I wou’d an awful trembling seizes me, and she can only from my dying Eyes read all the Sentiments of my captive Heart.Sits down, the rest wait.EnterIndiansthat danceAnticks: after the Dance theKingseems in discourse withBacon, theQueenrises and comes forth.Queen.The more I gaze upon thisEnglishStranger, the more Confusion struggles in my Soul: Oft I have heard of Love, and oft this Gallant Man (when Peace had made him pay his idle Visits) has told a thousand Tales of dying Maids; and ever when he spoke, my panting Heart, with a prophetick Fear in Sighs reply’d, I shall fall a Victim to his Eyes.Enter anIndian.Indian.Sir, here’s a Messenger from theEnglishCouncil desires admittance to the General.To theKing.Bac.With your Permission he may advance.To theKing.Re-enterIndianwithDunce. A Letter.Dun.All Health and Happiness attend your Honour, this from the honourable Council.Gives him a Letter.King.I’ll leave you till you have dispatch’d the Messenger, and then expect your presence in the Royal Tent.ExeuntKing,Queen, andIndians.Bac.Lieutenant, read the Letter.ToDaring.Daringreads.SIR, the necessity of what you have acted makes it pardonable, and we could wish we had done the Country and ourselves so much Justice as to have given you that Commission you desired.—We now find it reasonable to raise more Forces, to oppose these Insolences, which possibly yours may be too weak to accomplish, to which end the Council is ordered to meet this Evening, and desiring you will come and take your place there, and be pleas’d to accept from us a Commission to command in Chief in this War.—Therefore send those Soldiers under your Command to their respective Houses, and haste, Sir, to your affectionate Friends—Fear.Sir, I fear the Hearts and Pen did not agree when this was writ.Dar.A plague upon their shallow Politicks! Do they think to play the old Game twice with us?Bac.Away, you wrong the Council, who of themselves are honourable Gentlemen; but the base coward Fear of some of them, puts the rest on tricks that suit not with their Nature.Dun.Sir, ’tis for noble ends you are sent for, and for your safety I’ll engage my Life.Dar.By Heaven, and so you shall;—and pay it too with all the rest of your wise-headed Council.Bac.Your Zeal is too officious now; I see no Treachery, and can fear no Danger.Dun.Treachery! now Heavens forbid, are we not Christians, Sir, all Friends and Countrymen? believe me, Sir, ’tis Honour calls you to increase your Fame, and he who would dissuade you is your Enemy.Dar.Go cant, Sir, to the Rabble—for us, we know you.Bac.You wrong me when you but suspect for me; let him that acts dishonourably fear. My innocence and my good Sword’s my Guard.Dar.If you resolve to go, we will attend you.Bac.What, go like an invader! No,Daring, the Invitation’s friendly, and as a Friend attended only by my menial Servants, I’ll wait upon the Council, that theymay see that when I could command it, I came an humble Suppliant for their Favour.—You may return, and tell ’em I’ll attend.Dun.I kiss your Honour’s Hands—Goes out.Dar.’Sdeath, will you trust the faithless Council, Sir, who have so long held you in hand with Promises, that Curse of States-men, that unlucky Vice that renders even Nobility despis’d?Bac.Perhaps the Council thought me too aspiring, and would not add Wings to my ambitious Flight.Dar.A pox of their considering Caps, and now they find that you can soar alone, they send for you toknipyour spreading Wings. Now, by my Soul, you shall not go alone.Bac.Forbear, lest I suspect you for a Mutineer; I am resolv’d to go.Fear.What, and send your Army home; a pretty fetch.Dar.By Heaven, we’ll not disband, not till we see how fairly you are dealt with: If you have a Commission to be General, here we are ready to receive new Orders: If not, we’ll ring them such a thundring Peal shall beat the Town about their treacherous Ears.Bac.I do command you not to stir a Man, till you’re inform’d how I am treated by ’em.—leave me, all.Exeunt Officers.WhileBaconreads the Letter again, to him theIndian Queenwith Women waiting.Queen.Now while my Lord’s asleep in his Pavilion, I’ll try my Power with the General for an Accommodation of a Peace: The very dreams of War fright my soft Slumbers that us’d to be employ’d in kinder Business.Bac.Ha!—the Queen—what Happiness is this presents it self which all my Industry could never gain?Queen.Sir—Approaching him.Bac.Prest with the great extremes of Joy and Fear, I trembling stand, unable to approach her.Queen.I hope you will not think it Fear in me, though timorous as a Dove by nature fram’d: Nor that my Lord, whose Youth’s unskill’d in War, can either doubt his Courage, or his Forces, that makes me seek a Reconciliation on any honourable Terms of Peace.Bac.Ah Madam! if you knew how absolutely you command my Fate, I fear but little Honour would be left me, since whatsoe’er you ask me I should grant.Queen.Indeed I would not ask your Honour, Sir, that renders you too brave in my esteem. Nor can I think that you would part with that. No, not to save your Life.Bac.I would do more to serve your least commands than part with trivial Life.Queen.Bless me, Sir, how came I by such a Power?Bac.The Gods and Nature gave it you in your Creation, form’d with all the Charms that ever grac’d your Sex.Queen.Is’t possible? am I so beautiful?Bac.As Heaven, or Angels there.Queen.Supposing this, how can my Beauty make you so obliging?Bac.Beauty has still a Power over great Souls, and from the moment I beheld your Eyes, my stubborn Heart melted to compliance, and from a nature rough and turbulent, grew soft and gentle as the God of Love.Queen.The God of Love! what is the God of Love?Bac.’Tis a resistless Fire, that’s kindled thus—at everyTakes her by the Hand and gazes on her.gaze we take from such fine Eyes, from such bashful Looks, and such soft Touches—it makes us sigh,—and pant as I do now, and stops the breath when e’er we speak of Pain.Queen.Alas for me if this should be Love!Aside.Bac.It makes us tremble when we touch the fair one; and all the Blood runs shivering through the Veins, the Heart’s surrounded with a feeble Languishment, the Eyes are dying, and the Cheeks are pale, the Tongue is faltring, and the Body fainting.Queen.Then I’m undone, and all I feel is Love.Aside.If Love be catching, Sir, by Looks and Touches, let us at distance parley—or rather let me fly, for within view is too near—Aside.Bac.Ah! she retires—displeas’d I fear with my presumptuous Love,—Oh, pardon, fairest Creature.Kneels.Queen.I’ll talk no more, our Words exchange our Souls, and every Look fades all my blooming Honour, like Sun-beams on unguarded Roses—Take all our Kingdoms —make our People Slaves, and let me fall beneath your conquering Sword: but never let me hear you talk again, or gaze upon your Eyes.—Goes out.Bac.She loves! by Heaven, she loves! and has not Art enough to hide her Flame, though she have cruel Honour to suppress it. However, I’ll pursue her to the Banquet.Exit.Scene II.The WidowRanter’sHall.EnterSurelovefan’d by two Negroes, followed byHazard.Sure.This MadamRanteris so prodigious a Treater —oh! I hate a Room that smells of a great Dinner, and what’s worse, a desert of Punch and Tobacco—what! are you taking leave so soon, Cousin?Haz.Yes, Madam, but ’tis not fit I should let you know with what regret I go,—but Business will be obey’d.Sure.Some Letters to dispatch toEnglishLadies you have left behind—come, Cousin, confess.Haz.I own I much admire theEnglishBeauties but never yet have put their Fetters on.Sure.Never in love! oh, then you have pleasure to come.Haz.Rather a Pain when there’s no Hope attends it.Sure.Oh, such Diseases quickly cure themselves.Haz.I do not wish to find it so; for even in Pain I find a Pleasure too.Sure.You are infected then, and come abroad for Cure.Haz.Rather to receive my Wounds, Madam.Sure.Already, Sir,—whoe’er she be, she made good haste to conquer, we have few here boast that Dexterity.Haz.What think you ofChrisante, Madam?Sure.I must confess your Love and your Despair are there plac’d right, of which I am not fond of being made a Confident, since I am assur’d she can love none butFriendly.Coldly.Haz.Let her love on as long as Life shall last, letFriendlytake her, and the Universe, so I had my next wish—Sighs.Madam, it is yourself that I adore—I should not be so vain to tell you this, but that I know you have found the Secret out already from my Sighs.Sure.Forbear, Sir, and know me for your Kinsman’s Wife, and no more.Haz.Be scornful as you please, rail at my Passion, and refuse to hear it; yet I’ll love on, and hope in spite of you; my Flame shall be so constant and submissive, it shall compel your Heart to some return.Sure.You’re very confident of your Power, I perceive; but if you chance to find yourself mistaken, say your Opinion and your Affectation were misapply’d, and not that I was cruel.Ex.Surelove.Haz.Whate’er denials dwell upon your Tongue, your Eyes assure me that your Heart is tender.Goes out.Enter the Bagpiper, playing before a great Bowl of Punch, carry’d between two Negroes, a Highlander dancing after it; the WidowRanterled byTimorous;ChrisantebyDullman; Mrs.FlirtandFriendly, all dancing after it; they place it on the Table.Dull.This is like the noble Widow all over, i’faith.Tim.Ay, ay, the Widow’s Health in a full Ladle, Major.Drinks.—But a Pox on’t, what made that young Fellow here, that affronted us yesterday, Major?While they drink about.Dull.Some damned Sharper that would lay his Knife aboard your Widow, Cornet.
EnterHazardin a travelling Habit, andJack, a Sea-Boy, carrying his Portmantle.
Haz.What Town’s this, Boy?
Boy.James-Town, Master.
Haz.Take care my Trunk be brought ashore to night, and there’s for your Pains.
Boy.God bless you, Master.
Haz.What do you call this House?
Boy.Mrs.Flirt’s, Master, the best House for Commendation in allVirginia.
Haz.That’s well, has she any handsome Ladies, Sirrah?
Boy.Oh! she’s woundy handsome her self, Master, and the kindest Gentlewoman—look, here she comes, Master.—
EnterFlirtandNell.
God bless you, Mistress, I have brought you a young Gentleman here.
Flirt.That’s well, honestJack.—Sir, you are most heartily welcome.
Haz.Madam, your Servant.Salutes her.
Flirt.Please you walk into a Chamber, Sir?
Haz.By and by, Madam; but I’ll repose here awhile for the coolness of the Air.
Flirt.This is a Publick Room, Sir, but ’tis at your service.
Haz.Madam, you oblige me.
Flirt.A fine spoken Person. A Gentleman, I’ll warrant him: come,Jack, I’ll give theea Cogue of Brandyfor old acquaintance.Exeunt Landlady and Boy.
Hazardpulls out Pen, Ink and Paper, and goes to write.
EnterFriendly.
Friend.Here,Nell, a Tankard of cool Drink, quickly.
Nell.You shall have it, Sir.
Friend.Hah! who’s that Stranger? he seems to be a Gentleman.
Haz.If I should give credit to mine Eyes, that should beFriendly.
Friend.Sir, you seem a Stranger; may I take the liberty to present my Service to you?ExitNell.
Haz.If I am not mistaken, Sir, you are the only Man in the World whom I would soonest pledge; you’ll credit me, if three Year’s absence has not made you forgetHazard.
Friend.Hazard, my Friend! come to my Arms and Heart.
Haz.This unexpected Happiness o’erjoys me. Who could have imagin’d to have found thee inVirginia? I thought thou hadst been inSpainwith thy Brother.
Friend.I was so till ten Months since, when my Uncle ColonelFriendlydying here, left me a considerable Plantation; and, faith, I find Diversions not altogether to be despis’d; the God of Love reigns here with as much power as in Courts or popular Cities. But prithee what Chance (fortunate to me) drove thee to this part of the new World.
Haz.Why, faith, ill Company, and that common Vice of the Town, Gaming, soon run out my younger Brother’s Fortune: for imagining, like some of the luckier Gamesters, to improve my Stock at theGroom Porter’s,Iventur’d on, and lost all. My elder Brother, an errant Jew, had neither Friendship nor Honour enough to support me; but at last being mollified by Persuasions, and the hopes ofbeingfor ever rid of me, sent me hither with a small Cargo to seek my Fortune—
Friend.And begin the World withal.
Haz.I thought this a better Venture than to turn sharping Bully,Cully inPrentices and Country Squires, with my Pocket full of false Dice, yourhigh and low Flats andBars; or turn Broker to young Heirs; take up Goods to pay tenfold at the Death of their Fathers, and take Fees on both sides; or set up all night at the Groom-Porter’s, begging his Honour to go a Guinea the better of the lay. No,Friendly, I had rather starve abroad, than live pity’d and despis’d at home.
Friend.Thou art in the right, and art come just in the nick of time to make thy Fortune.—Wilt thou follow my Advice?
Haz.Thou art too honest to commandany thingthat I shall refuse.
Friend.You must know then, there is about a Mile fromJames-Towna young Gentlewoman—no matter for her Birth, her Breeding’s the best this World affords, she is married to one of the richest Merchants here; he is old and sick, and now gone intoEnglandfor the recovery of his Health, where he’ll e’en give up the Ghost: he has writ her word he finds no Amendment, and resolves to stay another Year. The letter I accidentally took up, and have about me; ’tis easily counterfeited, and will be of great use to us.
Haz.Now do I fancy I conceive thee.
Friend.Well, hear me first, you shall get another Letter writ like this Character, which shall say, you are his Kinsman, that is come to traffick in this Country, and ’tis his will you should be received into his House as such.
Haz.Well, and what will come of this?
Friend.Why, thou art young and handsome, she young and desiring; ’twere easy to make her love thee; and if the old Gentleman chance to die, you guess the rest, you are no Fool.
Haz.Ay, but if he shou’d return—
Friend.If—Why, if she love you, that other will be but a slender Bar to thy Happiness; for if thou canst not marry her, thou mayst lie with her: and, Gad, a younger Brother may pick out a pretty Livelihood here that way,as well as inEngland. Or if thisfail, thouwilt find a perpetual Visiter, the WidowRanter, a Woman bought from the ship by old ColonelRanter; she served him half a Year, and then he marry’d her, and dying in a Year more, left her worth fifty thousand Pounds Sterling, besides Plate and Jewels: She’s a great Gallant, but assuming the humour of the Country Gentry, her Extravagancy is very pleasant, she retains something of her primitive Quality still, but is good-natur’d and generous.
Haz.I like all this well.
Friend.But I have a further End in this matter; you must know there is in the same House a young Heiress, one ColonelDownright’sDaughter, whom I love, I think not in vain: her Father indeed has an implacable Hatred to me, for which reason I can but seldom visit her, and in this Affair I have need of a Friend in that House.
Haz.Me you’re sure of.
Friend.And thus you’ll have an opportunity to manage both our Amours: Here you will find occasion to shew your Courage, as well as express your Love; for at this time theIndians, by our ill Management of Trade, whom we have armed against our selves, very frequently make War upon us with our own Weapons; though often coming by the worst, they are forced to make Peace with us again, but so, as upon every turn they fall to massacring uswhereverwe lie exposed to them.
Haz.I heard the News of this inEngland, which hastens the new Governour’s arrival here, who brings you fresh Supplies.
Friend.Would he were landed, we hear he is a noble Gentleman.
Haz.He has all the Qualities of a Gallant Man: besides, he is nobly born.
Friend.This Country wants nothing but to be peopled with a well-born Race, to make it one of the best Colonies in the World; but for want of a Governour we are ruledby a Council, some ofwhomhave been perhaps transported Criminals, who having acquired great Estates, are now become your Honour and Right Worshipful, and possess all Places of Authority; there are amongst them some honest Gentlemen, who now begin to take upon ’em, and manage Affairs as they ought to be.
Haz.BaconI think was one of the Council.
Friend.Now you have named a Man indeed above the common Rank, by Nature generous, brave, resolv’d and daring; who studying the Lives of theRomansand great Men, that have raised themselves to the most elevated Fortunes, fancies it easy for ambitious Men to aim at any pitch of Glory. I’ve heard him often say, Why cannot I conquer the Universe as well asAlexander? or like anotherRomulus, form a newRome, and make my self ador’d?
Haz.Why might he not? Great Souls are born in common Men sometimes, as well as Princes.
Friend.This Thirst of Glory cherish’d by sullen Melancholy, I believe, was the first motive that made him in love with the youngIndianQueen, fancying no Hero ought to be without his Princess. And this was the reason why he so earnestly press’d for a Commission, to be made General against theIndians, which long was promis’d him; but they fearing his Ambition, still put him off, till the Grievances grew so high, that the whole Country flock’d to him, and beg’d he would redress them.—He took the opportunity, and led them forth to fight, and vanquishing brought the Enemy to fair Terms; but now instead of receiving him as a Conqueror, we treat him as a Traitor.
Haz.Then it seems all the Crime this brave Fellow has committed, is serving his Country without Authority.
Friend.’Tis so, and however I admire the Man, I am resolv’d to be of the contrary Party, that I may make an Interest in our new Governor. ThusstandAffairs, so that after you have seen MadamSurelove, I’ll present you to the Council for a Commission.
Haz.But my Kinsman’s Character—
Friend.He was aLeicestershireyounger Brother, came over with a small Fortune, which his Industry has increas’d to a thousand Pounds a year; and he is now ColonelJohn Surelove, and one of the Council.
Haz.Enough.
Friend.About it then, MadamFlirtto direct you.
Haz.You are full of your Madams here.
Friend.Oh! ’tis the greatest Affront imaginable to call a Woman Mistress, though but a retail Brandy-monger. Adieu.—One thing more, to morrow is our Country-Court, pray do not fail to be there, for the rarity of the Entertainment: but I shall see you anon atSurelove’s, where I’ll salute thee as my first meeting, and as an old Acquaintance inEngland—here’s Company, farewel.ExitFriend.
EnterDullman,TimorousandBoozer.Hazardsits at a Table and writes.
Dull.Here,Nell—Well, LieutenantBoozer, what are you for?
EnterNell.
Booz.I am for coolingNants, Major.
Dull.Here,Nell, a Quart ofNants, and some Pipes andSmoke.
Tim.And do ye hear,Nell, bid your Mistress come in to joke a little with us; for, adzoors, I was damnable drunk last Night, and I am better at the Petticoat than the Bottle to day.ExitNell.
Dull.Drunk last Night, and sick to Day! how comes that about, Mr. Justice? you use to bear your Brandy well enough.
Tim.Ay, yourshierBrandy I’ll grant you; but I was drunk at Col.Downright’swith your high Burgundy Claret.
Dull.A Pox of thatpaulterLiquor, yourEnglish FrenchWine, I wonder how the Gentlemen do to drink it.
Tim.Ay, so do I, ’tis for want of a littleVirginiaBreeding: how much more like a Gentleman ’tis, to drink as we do, brave edifying Punch and Brandy.—But they say, the young Noblemen now, and Sparks inEngland, begin to reform, and take it for their Mornings draught, get drunk by Noon, and despise the lousy Juice of the Grape.
Enter Mrs.Flirt,andNell, with drink, pipes, etc.
Dull.Come, Landlady, come, you are so taken up with ParsonDunce, that your old Friends can’t drink a Dram with you.—What, no smutty Catch now, no Gibe or Joke to make the Punch go down merrily, and advance Trading? Nay, they say, Gad forgive ye, you never miss going to Church when Mr.Duncepreaches,—but here’s to you.Drinks.
Flirt.Lords, your Honours are pleas’d to be merry— but my service to your Honour.Drinks.
Haz.Honours! who the Devil have we here? some of the wise Council at least, I’d soonertake’em forHoggerds.Aside.
Flirt.Say what you please of the Doctor, but I’ll swear he’s a fine Gentleman, he makes the prettiest Sonnets, nay, and sings ’em himself to the rarest Tunes.
Tim.Nay, the Man will serve for both Soul and Body; for they say he was a Farrier inEngland, but breaking, turn’d Life-guard-man, and his Horse dying, he counterfeited a Deputation from the Bishop, and came over here a substantial Orthodox. But come, where stands the Cup? Here, my service to you, Major.
Flirt.Your Honours are pleased,—but methinks DoctorDunceis a very edifying Person, and a Gentleman, and I pretend to know a Gentleman; for I my self am a Gentlewoman: my Father was a Baronet, but undone in the late Rebellion, and I am fain to keepanOrdinary now, Heaven help me.
Tim.Good lack, why, see how Virtue may be bely’d. We heard your Father was a Taylor, buttrusting for oldOliver’sFuneral broke, and so came hither to hide his Head.—But my service to you; what, you are never the worse?
Flirt.Your Honour knows this is a scandalous place, for they say your Honour was but a broken Excise-Man, who spent the King’s Money to buy your Wife fine Petticoats; and at last not worth a Groat, you came over a poor Servant, though now a Justice of the Peace, and of the Honourable Council.
Tim.Adz zoors, if I knew who ’twas said so, I’d sue him forScandalum Magnatum.
Dull.Hang ’em, Scoundrels, hang ’em, they live upon Scandal, and we are Scandal-proof.—They say too, that I was a Tinker, and running the Country, robb’d a Gentleman’s House there, was put intoNewgate, got a Reprieve after Condemnation, and was transported hither; —and that you,Boozer, was a common Pick-pocket, and being often flogg’d at the Carts-tale, afterwards turn’d Evidence, and when the Times grew honest was fain to flie.
Booz.Ay, ay, Major, if Scandal would have broke our Hearts, we had not arriv’d to the Honour of being Privy-Counsellors.—But come, Mrs.Flirt, what, never a Song to entertain us?
Flirt.Yes, and a Singer too newly come ashore.
Tim.Adz zoors, let’s have it then.
Enter a Girl who sings,they bear the Bob.
Haz.Here, Maid, a Tankard of your Drink.
Flirt.Quickly,Nell, wait upon the Gentleman.
Dull.Please you, Sir, to taste of our Liquor.—My service to you. I see you are a Stranger, and alone; please you to come to our Table?He rises and comes.
Flirt.Come, Sir, pray sit down here; these are very honourable Persons, I assure you: This is MajorDullman,Major of his Excellency’s own Regiment, when he arrives; this Mr.Timorous, Justice a Peace inCorum; this CaptainBoozer, all of the honourable Council.
Haz.With your leave, Gentlemen.Sits.
Tim.My service to you, Sir.Drinks.
What, have you brought over any Cargo, Sir? I’ll be your Customer.
Booz.Ay, and cheat him too, I’ll warrant him.Aside.
Haz.I was not bred to Merchandizing, Sir, nor do intend to follow the drudgery of Trading.
Dull.Men of Fortune seldom travel hither, Sir, to see Fashions.
Tim.Why, Brother, it may be the Gentleman has a mind to be a Planter; will you hire your self to make a Crop of Tobacco this Year?
Haz.I was not born to work, Sir.
Tim.Not work, Sir! Zoors, your Betters have workt, Sir. I have workt my self, Sir, both set and stript Tobacco, for all I am of the honourable Council. Not work, quoth a!—I suppose, Sir, you wear your Fortune upon your Back, Sir?
Haz.Is it your Custom here, Sir, to affront Strangers? I shall expect Satisfaction.Rises.
Tim.Why, does any body here owe you any thing?
Dull.No, unless he means to be paid for drinking with us,—ha, ha, ha.
Haz.No, Sir, I have money to pay for what I drink: here’s my Club, my Guinea,Flings down aGuinea.
I scorn to be oblig’d to such Scoundrels.
Booz.Hum—call Men of Honour Scoundrels.Rise in huff.
Tim.Let him alone, let him alone, Brother; how should he learn Manners? he never was inVirginiabefore.
Dull.He’s some Covent-Garden Bully.
Tim.Or some broken Citizen turned Factor.
Haz.Sir, you lye, and you are a Rascal.Flings the Brandy in his Face.
Tim.Adz zoors, he has spil’d all the Brandy.Tim.runs behind the Door,Dull, andBooz.strikeHazard.
Haz.I understand no Cudgel-play, but wear a Sword to right myself.Draws, they run off.
Flirt.Good Heavens! what, quarelling in my House?
Haz.Do the Persons of Quality in this Country treat Strangers thus?
Flirt.Alas, Sir, ’tis a familiar way they have, Sir.
Haz.I’m glad I know it.—Pray, Madam, can you inform one how I may be furnish’d with a Horse and a Guide to MadamSurelove’s?
Flirt.A most accomplish’d Lady, and my very good Friend, you shall be immediately—
Exeunt.
EnterWellman,Downright,Dunce,Whimsey,Whiff, and others.
Well.Come, Mr.Dunce, though you are no Counsellor, yet your Counsel may be good in time of Necessity, as now.
Dun.If I maygiveworthy Advice, I do not look upon our Danger to be so great from theIndians, as from youngBacon, whom the People have nick-nam’dFright-all.
Whim.Ay, ay, that sameBacon, I would he were well hang’d: I am afraid that under pretence of killing all theIndianshe means to murder us, lie with our Wives, and hang up our little Children, and make himself Lord and King.
Whiff.BrotherWhimsey, not so hot; with leave of the honourable Board, my Wife is of opinion, thatBaconcame seasonably to our Aid, and what he has done was for our Defence, theIndianscame down upon us, and ravish’d us all, Men, Women, and Children.
Well.If these Grievances were not redrest, we had our Reasons for it; it was not that we were insensible, CaptainWhiff, of what we suffer’d from the Insolence of theIndians; but all knew what we must expect fromBacon, if that by lawful Authority he had arrived to so great a Command as General; nor would we be hufft out of our Commissions.
Down.’Tis most certain thatBacondid not demand a Commission out of a design of serving us, but to satisfy his Ambition and his Love; it being no secret that he passionately admires theIndianQueen, and under the pretext of a War, intends to kill the King her Husband, establish himself in her Heart, and on all occasionsmakehimself a more formidable Enemy than the Indians are.
Whim.Nay, nay, I ever foresaw he would prove a Villain.
Whiff.Nay, and he be thereabout, myNancyshall have no more to do with him.
Well.But, Gentlemen, the People daily flock to him, so that his Army is too considerable for us to oppose by any thing but Policy.
Down.We are sensible, Gentlemen, that our Fortunes, our Honours, and our Lives are at stake; and therefore you are call’d together to consult what’s to be done in this Grand Affair, till our Governour and Forces arrive fromEngland: the Truce he made with theIndianswill be out to morrow.
Whiff.Ay, and then he intends to have another bout with theIndians. Let’s have patience, I say, till he has thrumb’d their Jackets, and then to work with your Politicks as soon as you please.
Down.ColonelWellmanhas answer’d that point, good CaptainWhiff; ’tis the Event of this Battel we ought to dread; and if won or lost, will be equally fatal for us, either from theIndiansor fromBacon.
Dun.With the Permission of the honourable Board, I think I have hit upon an Expedient that may prevent this Battel: your Honours shall write a Letter toBacon,where you shall acknowledge his Services, invite him kindly home, and offer him a Commission for General—
Whiff.Just myNancy’sCounsel—Dr.Duncehas spoken like a Cherubin, he shall have my Voice for General; what say you, BrotherWhimsey?
Down.I say he is a Noble Fellow, and fit for a General.
Dun.But conceive me right, Gentlemen; as soon as he shall have render’d himself, seize him, and strike off his Head at the Fort.
Whiff.Hum! his Head—Brother.
Whim.Ay, ay, Dr.Duncespeaks like a Cherubin.
Well.Mr.Dunce, your Counsel in extremity, I confess, is not amiss; but I should be loth to deal dishonourably with any Man.
Down.His Crimes deserve Death, his Life is forfeited by Law, but shall never be taken by my consent by Treachery: If by any Stratagem we could take him alive, and either send him forEnglandto receive there his Punishment, or keep him Prisoner here till the Governour arrive, I should agree to it; but I question his coming in upon our Invitation.
Dun.Leave that to me.
Whim.Come, I’ll warrant him, the Rogue’s as stout asHector, he fears neither Heaven nor Hell.
Down.He’s too brave and bold to refuse our Summons, and I am for sending him forEngland, and leaving him to the King’s Mercy.
Dun.In that you’ll find more difficulty, Sir; to take him off here will be more quick and sudden: for the People worship him.
Well.I’ll never yield to so ungenerous an Expedient. The seizing him I am content in the Extremity wherein we are to follow. What say you, ColonelDownright? shall we send him a Letter now, while this two days Truce lasts, between him and theIndians?
Down.I approve it.
All.And I, and I, and I.
Dun.If your Honours please to make me the Messenger, I’ll use some Arguments of my own to prevail with him.
Well.You say well, Mr.Dunce, and we’ll dispatch you presently.
Ex.Well.Down.and all butWhim.Whiff.andDunce.
Whiff.Ah, Doctor, if you could but have persuaded ColonelWellmanand ColonelDownrightto have hanged him—
Whim.Why, BrotherWhiff, you were for making him a General but now.
Whiff.The Counsels of wise States-men, BrotherWhimsey, must change as Causes do, d’ye see.
Dun.Your Honours are in the right; and whatever those two leading Counsellors say, they would be glad ifBaconwere dispatch’d: but the punctilio of Honour is such a thing.
Whim.Honour, a Pox on’t; what is that Honour that keeps such a bustle in the World, yet never did good as I heard of?
Dun.Why, ’tis a foolish word only, taken up by great Men, but rarely practis’d.—But if you wou’d be great Men indeed—
Whiff.If we wou’d, Doctor, name, name the way.
Dun.Why, you command each of you a Company—whenBaconcomes from the Camp, as I am sure he will, (and full of this silly thing call’d Honour, will come unguarded too) lay some of your Men in Ambush along those Ditches by theSevana, about a Mile from the Town; and as he comes by, seize him, and hang him up upon the next Tree.
Whiff.Hum—hang him! a rare Plot.
Whim.Hang him!—we’ll do’t, we’ll do’t, Sir, and I doubt not but to be made General for the Action—I’ll take it all upon my self.Aside.
Dun.If you resolve upon this, you must about instantly—Thus I shall at once serve my Country, and revenge my self on the Rascal for affronting my Dignity once at the Council-Table, by calling me Farrier.Ex.Dr.
Whiff.Do you know, Brother, what we are to do?
Whim.To do! yes, to hang a General, Brother, that’s all.
Whiff.All! but is it lawful to hang any General?
Whim.Lawful, yes, that ’tis lawful to hang any General that fights against Law.
Whiff.But in what he has done, he has serv’d the King and our Country, and preserv’d our Lives and Fortunes.
Whim.That’s all one, Brother; if there be but a Quirk in the Law offended in this Case, though he fought likeAlexander, and preserv’d the whole World from Perdition, yet if he did it against Law, ’tis lawful to hang him; why, what, Brother, is it fit that every impudent Fellow that pretends to a little Honour, Loyalty, and Courage, should serve his King and Country against the Law? no, no, Brother, these things are not to be suffer’d in a civil Government by Law establish’d,—wherefore let’s about it.
Exeunt.
EnterRanterandJefferyher Coachman.
Ran.Here,Jeffery, ye drunken Dog, set your Coach and Horses up, I’ll not go till the cool of the Evening, I love to ride inFresco.
Enter aBoy.
Coach.Yes, after hard drinking—Aside.It shall be done, Madam.Exit.
Ran.How now, Boy, is MadamSureloveat home?
Boy.Yes, Madam.
Ran.Go tell her I am here, Sirrah.
Boy.Who are you pray forsooth?
Ran.Why, you Sonof a Baboon, don’t you know me?
Boy.No, Madam, I came over but in the last Ship.
Ran.What, fromNewgateorBridewell? fromshoveing the Tumbler, Sirrah,liftingorfiling the Cly?
Boy.I don’t understand this Country Language, forsooth, yet.
Ran.You Rogue, ’tis what we transport fromEnglandfirst—go, ye Dog, go tell your Lady the WidowRanteris come to dine with her—ExitBoy.I hope I shall not find that RogueDaringhere sniveling after Mrs.Chrisante: If I do, by the Lord, I’ll lay him thick. Pox on him, why shou’d I love the Dog, unless it be a Judgment upon me.
EnterSureloveandChrisante.
—My dear Jewel, how do’st do?—as for you, Gentlewoman, you are my Rival, and I am in Rancour against you till you have renounc’d myDaring.
Chris.All the Interest I have in him, Madam, I resign to you.
Ran.Ay, but your House lying so near the Camp, gives me mortal Fears—but prithee how thrives thy Amour with honestFriendly?
Chris.As well as an Amour can that is absolutely forbid by a Father on one side, and pursued by a good Resolution on the other.
Ran.Hay Gad, I’ll warrant forFriendly’sResolution, what though his Fortune be not answerable to yours, we are bound to help one another.—Here, Boy, some Pipes and a Bowl of Punch; you know my Humour, Madam, I must smoak and drink in a Morning, or I am maukish all day.
Sure.But will you drink Punch in a Morning?
Ran.Punch! ’tis my Morning’s Draught, my Table-drink, my Treat, myRegalio, my every thing; ah, my dearSurelove, if thou wou’d but refresh and cheer thyHeart with Punch in a Morning, thou wou’dst not look thus cloudy all the day.
Enter Pipes and a great Bowl, she falls to smoaking.
Sure.I have reason, Madam, to be melancholy, I have receiv’d a Letter from my Husband, who gives me an account that he is worse inEnglandthan when he was here, so that I fear I shall see him no more, the Doctors can do no good on him.
Ran.A very good hearing. I wonder what the Devil thou hast done with him so long? an old fusty weatherbeaten Skeleton, as dried as Stock-fish, and much of the Hue.—Come, come, here’s to the next, may he be young, Heaven, I beseech thee.Drinks.
Sure.You have reason to praise an old Man, who dy’d and left you worth fifty thousandPound.
Ran.Ay, Gad—and what’s better, Sweetheart, dy’d in good time too, and left me young enough to spend this fifty thousandPoundin better Company—rest his Soul for that too.
Chris.I doubt ’twill be all laid out inBacon’smad Lieutenant GeneralDaring.
Ran.Faith, I think I could lend it the Rogue on good Security.
Chris.What’s that, to be bound Body for Body?
Ran.Rather that he should love no body’s Body besides my own; but my fortune is too good to trust the Rogue, my Money makes me an Infidel.
Chris.You think they all love you for that.
Ran.For that, ay, what else? if it were not for that, I might sit still and sigh, and cry out, a Miracle! a Miracle! at sight of a Man within my Doors.
EnterMaid.
Maid.Madam, here’s a young Gentleman without wou’d speak with you.
Sure.With me? sure thou’rt mistaken; is it notFriendly?
Maid.No, Madam, ’tis a Stranger.
Ran.’Tis notDaring, that Rogue, is it?
Maid.No, Madam.
Ran.Is he handsome? does he look like a Gentleman?
Maid.He’s handsome, and seems a Gentleman.
Ran.Bring him in then, I hate a Conversation without a Fellow,—hah,—a good handsome Lad indeed.
EnterHazardwith a Letter.
Sure.With me, Sir, would you speak?
Haz.If you are MadamSurelove.
Sure.So I am call’d.
Haz.Madam, I am newly arriv’d fromEngland, and from your Husband my Kinsman bring you this.—Gives a Letter.
Ran.Please you to sit, Sir.
Haz.She’s extremely handsome.Aside—sits down.
Ran.Come, Sir, will you smoke a Pipe?
Haz.I never do, Madam.
Ran.Oh, fie upon’t, you must learn then, we all smoke here, ’tis a part of good Breeding.—Well, well, what Cargo, what Goods have ye? any Points, Lace, rich Stuffs, Jewels; if you have, I’ll be your Chafferer, I live hard by, any body will direct you to the WidowRanter’s.
Haz.I have already heard of you, Madam.
Ran.What, you are like all the young Fellows, the first thing they do when they come to a strange Place, is to enquire what Fortunes there are.
Haz.Madam, I had no such Ambition.
Ran.Gad, then you’re a Fool, Sir; but come, my service to you; we rich Widows are the best Commodity this Country affords, I’ll tell you that.
This whileSure.readsthe Letter.
Sure.Sir, my Husband has recommended you here in a most particular manner, by which I do not only find the esteem he has for you, but the desire he has of gaining youmine, which on a double score I render you, first for his sake, next for those Merits that appear in your self.
Haz.Madam, the endeavours of my Life shall be to express my Gratitude for this great Bounty.
EnterMaid.
Maid.Madam, Mr.Friendly’shere.
Sure.Bring him in.
Haz.Friendly!—I had a dear Friend of that name, who I hear is in these Parts.—Pray Heaven it may be he.
Ran.How now,Charles.
EnterFriendly.
Friend.Madam, your Servant—Hah! should not I know you for my dear friendHazard.Embracing him.
Haz.Or you’re to blame, myFriendly.
Friend.Prithee what calm brought thee ashore?
Haz.Fortunede la guerre, but prithee ask me no Questions in so good Company, where a Minute lost from this Conversation is a Misfortune not to be retriev’d.
Friend.Dost like her, Rogue—Softly aside.
Haz.Like her! have I sight, or sense?—Why, I adore her.
Friend.Mrs.Chrisante, I heard your Father would not be here to day, which made me snatch this opportunity of seeing you.
Ran.Come, come, a Pox of this whining Love, it spoils good Company.
Friend.You know, my dear Friend, these Opportunities come but seldom, and therefore I must make use of them.
Ran.Come, come, I’ll give you a better Opportunity at my House to morrow, we are to eat a Buffalo there, and I’ll secure the old Gentleman from coming.
Friend.Then I shall seeChrisanteonce more before I go.
Chris.Go—Heavens—whither, myFriendly?
Friend.I have received a Commission to go against theIndians,Baconbeing sent for home.
Ran.But will he come when sent for?
Friend.If he refuse we are to endeavour to force him.
Chris.I do not think he will be forc’d, not even byFriendly.
Friend.And, faith, it goes against my Conscience to lift my Sword against him, for he is truly brave, and what he has done, a Service to the Country, had it but been by Authority.
Chris.What pity ’tis there should be such false Maxims in the World, that noble Actions, however great, must be criminal for want of a Law to authorise ’em.
Friend.Indeed ’tis pity that when Laws are faulty they should not be mended or abolish’d.
Ran.Hark ye,Charles, by Heaven, if you kill myDaringI’ll pistol you.
Friend.No, Widow, I’ll spare him for your sake.They join withSurelove.
Haz.Oh, she’s all divine, and all the Breath she utters serves but to blow my Flame.
EnterMaid.
Maid.Madam, Dinner’s on the Table—
Sure.Please you, Sir, to walk in—come, Mr.Friendly.She takesHazard.
Ran.Prithee, good Wench, bring in the Punch-Bowl.
Exeunt.
Discovers theIndian KingandQueensitting in State, with Guards ofIndians, Men and Women attending: To themBaconrichly dress’d, attended byDaring,Fearlessand other Officers; he bows to theKingandQueen, who rise to receive him.
King.I am sorry, Sir, we meet upon these Terms, we who so often have embrac’d as Friends.
Bac.How charming is the Queen!Aside.War, Sir, is not my Business nor my Pleasure: Nor was I bred in Arms, my Country’s Good has forc’d me to assume a Soldier’s Life; and ’tis with much regret that I employ the first Effects of it against my Friends: yet whilst I may—whilst this Cessation lasts, I beg we may exchange those Friendships, Sir, we have so often paid in happier Peace.
King.For your part, Sir, you’ve been so noble, that I repent the fatal Difference that makes us meet in Arms. Yet though I’m young, I’m sensible of Injuries; and oft have heard my Grandsire say, That we were Monarchs once of all this spacious World, till you, an unknown People, landing here, distress’d and ruin’d by destructive Storms, abusing all our charitable Hospitality, usurp’d our Right, and made your Friends your Slaves.
Bac.I will not justify the Ingratitude of my Forefathers, but finding here my Inheritance, I am resolv’d still to maintain it so, and by my Sword which first cut out my Portion, defend each Inch of Land, with my last drop of Blood.
Queen.Even his Threatshave Charmsthat please the Heart.Aside.
King.Come, Sir, let this ungrateful Theme alone, which is better disputed in the Field.
Queen.Is it impossible there might be wrought an understanding betwixt my Lord and you? ’Twas to that end I first desired this Truce, my self proposing to beMediator, to which my LordCavernioshall agree, could you but condescend—I know you are noble: And I have heard you say our tender Sex could never plead in vain.
Bac.Alas! I dare not trust your pleading, Madam: a few soft Words from such a charming Mouthwould make me lay the Conquerorat your Feet, as a Sacrifice for all the Ills he has done you.
Queen.How strangely am I pleas’d to hear him talk.Aside.
King.Semernia, see, the Dancers do appear;
Sir, will you take your Seat?ToBacon.
He leads theQueento a Seat, they sit and talk.
Bac.Curse on his Sports that interrupted me, my very Soul was hovering at my Lip, ready to have discover’d all its Secrets. But oh! I dread to tell her of my pain, and when I wou’d an awful trembling seizes me, and she can only from my dying Eyes read all the Sentiments of my captive Heart.Sits down, the rest wait.
EnterIndiansthat danceAnticks: after the Dance theKingseems in discourse withBacon, theQueenrises and comes forth.
Queen.The more I gaze upon thisEnglishStranger, the more Confusion struggles in my Soul: Oft I have heard of Love, and oft this Gallant Man (when Peace had made him pay his idle Visits) has told a thousand Tales of dying Maids; and ever when he spoke, my panting Heart, with a prophetick Fear in Sighs reply’d, I shall fall a Victim to his Eyes.
Enter anIndian.
Indian.Sir, here’s a Messenger from theEnglishCouncil desires admittance to the General.To theKing.
Bac.With your Permission he may advance.To theKing.
Re-enterIndianwithDunce. A Letter.
Dun.All Health and Happiness attend your Honour, this from the honourable Council.Gives him a Letter.
King.I’ll leave you till you have dispatch’d the Messenger, and then expect your presence in the Royal Tent.
ExeuntKing,Queen, andIndians.
Bac.Lieutenant, read the Letter.ToDaring.
Daringreads.
SIR, the necessity of what you have acted makes it pardonable, and we could wish we had done the Country and ourselves so much Justice as to have given you that Commission you desired.—We now find it reasonable to raise more Forces, to oppose these Insolences, which possibly yours may be too weak to accomplish, to which end the Council is ordered to meet this Evening, and desiring you will come and take your place there, and be pleas’d to accept from us a Commission to command in Chief in this War.—Therefore send those Soldiers under your Command to their respective Houses, and haste, Sir, to your affectionate Friends—
Fear.Sir, I fear the Hearts and Pen did not agree when this was writ.
Dar.A plague upon their shallow Politicks! Do they think to play the old Game twice with us?
Bac.Away, you wrong the Council, who of themselves are honourable Gentlemen; but the base coward Fear of some of them, puts the rest on tricks that suit not with their Nature.
Dun.Sir, ’tis for noble ends you are sent for, and for your safety I’ll engage my Life.
Dar.By Heaven, and so you shall;—and pay it too with all the rest of your wise-headed Council.
Bac.Your Zeal is too officious now; I see no Treachery, and can fear no Danger.
Dun.Treachery! now Heavens forbid, are we not Christians, Sir, all Friends and Countrymen? believe me, Sir, ’tis Honour calls you to increase your Fame, and he who would dissuade you is your Enemy.
Dar.Go cant, Sir, to the Rabble—for us, we know you.
Bac.You wrong me when you but suspect for me; let him that acts dishonourably fear. My innocence and my good Sword’s my Guard.
Dar.If you resolve to go, we will attend you.
Bac.What, go like an invader! No,Daring, the Invitation’s friendly, and as a Friend attended only by my menial Servants, I’ll wait upon the Council, that theymay see that when I could command it, I came an humble Suppliant for their Favour.—You may return, and tell ’em I’ll attend.
Dun.I kiss your Honour’s Hands—Goes out.
Dar.’Sdeath, will you trust the faithless Council, Sir, who have so long held you in hand with Promises, that Curse of States-men, that unlucky Vice that renders even Nobility despis’d?
Bac.Perhaps the Council thought me too aspiring, and would not add Wings to my ambitious Flight.
Dar.A pox of their considering Caps, and now they find that you can soar alone, they send for you toknipyour spreading Wings. Now, by my Soul, you shall not go alone.
Bac.Forbear, lest I suspect you for a Mutineer; I am resolv’d to go.
Fear.What, and send your Army home; a pretty fetch.
Dar.By Heaven, we’ll not disband, not till we see how fairly you are dealt with: If you have a Commission to be General, here we are ready to receive new Orders: If not, we’ll ring them such a thundring Peal shall beat the Town about their treacherous Ears.
Bac.I do command you not to stir a Man, till you’re inform’d how I am treated by ’em.—leave me, all.Exeunt Officers.
WhileBaconreads the Letter again, to him theIndian Queenwith Women waiting.
Queen.Now while my Lord’s asleep in his Pavilion, I’ll try my Power with the General for an Accommodation of a Peace: The very dreams of War fright my soft Slumbers that us’d to be employ’d in kinder Business.
Bac.Ha!—the Queen—what Happiness is this presents it self which all my Industry could never gain?
Queen.Sir—Approaching him.
Bac.Prest with the great extremes of Joy and Fear, I trembling stand, unable to approach her.
Queen.I hope you will not think it Fear in me, though timorous as a Dove by nature fram’d: Nor that my Lord, whose Youth’s unskill’d in War, can either doubt his Courage, or his Forces, that makes me seek a Reconciliation on any honourable Terms of Peace.
Bac.Ah Madam! if you knew how absolutely you command my Fate, I fear but little Honour would be left me, since whatsoe’er you ask me I should grant.
Queen.Indeed I would not ask your Honour, Sir, that renders you too brave in my esteem. Nor can I think that you would part with that. No, not to save your Life.
Bac.I would do more to serve your least commands than part with trivial Life.
Queen.Bless me, Sir, how came I by such a Power?
Bac.The Gods and Nature gave it you in your Creation, form’d with all the Charms that ever grac’d your Sex.
Queen.Is’t possible? am I so beautiful?
Bac.As Heaven, or Angels there.
Queen.Supposing this, how can my Beauty make you so obliging?
Bac.Beauty has still a Power over great Souls, and from the moment I beheld your Eyes, my stubborn Heart melted to compliance, and from a nature rough and turbulent, grew soft and gentle as the God of Love.
Queen.The God of Love! what is the God of Love?
Bac.’Tis a resistless Fire, that’s kindled thus—at everyTakes her by the Hand and gazes on her.
gaze we take from such fine Eyes, from such bashful Looks, and such soft Touches—it makes us sigh,—and pant as I do now, and stops the breath when e’er we speak of Pain.
Queen.Alas for me if this should be Love!Aside.
Bac.It makes us tremble when we touch the fair one; and all the Blood runs shivering through the Veins, the Heart’s surrounded with a feeble Languishment, the Eyes are dying, and the Cheeks are pale, the Tongue is faltring, and the Body fainting.
Queen.Then I’m undone, and all I feel is Love.Aside.
If Love be catching, Sir, by Looks and Touches, let us at distance parley—or rather let me fly, for within view is too near—Aside.
Bac.Ah! she retires—displeas’d I fear with my presumptuous Love,—Oh, pardon, fairest Creature.Kneels.
Queen.I’ll talk no more, our Words exchange our Souls, and every Look fades all my blooming Honour, like Sun-beams on unguarded Roses—Take all our Kingdoms —make our People Slaves, and let me fall beneath your conquering Sword: but never let me hear you talk again, or gaze upon your Eyes.—Goes out.
Bac.She loves! by Heaven, she loves! and has not Art enough to hide her Flame, though she have cruel Honour to suppress it. However, I’ll pursue her to the Banquet.
Exit.
EnterSurelovefan’d by two Negroes, followed byHazard.
Sure.This MadamRanteris so prodigious a Treater —oh! I hate a Room that smells of a great Dinner, and what’s worse, a desert of Punch and Tobacco—what! are you taking leave so soon, Cousin?
Haz.Yes, Madam, but ’tis not fit I should let you know with what regret I go,—but Business will be obey’d.
Sure.Some Letters to dispatch toEnglishLadies you have left behind—come, Cousin, confess.
Haz.I own I much admire theEnglishBeauties but never yet have put their Fetters on.
Sure.Never in love! oh, then you have pleasure to come.
Haz.Rather a Pain when there’s no Hope attends it.
Sure.Oh, such Diseases quickly cure themselves.
Haz.I do not wish to find it so; for even in Pain I find a Pleasure too.
Sure.You are infected then, and come abroad for Cure.
Haz.Rather to receive my Wounds, Madam.
Sure.Already, Sir,—whoe’er she be, she made good haste to conquer, we have few here boast that Dexterity.
Haz.What think you ofChrisante, Madam?
Sure.I must confess your Love and your Despair are there plac’d right, of which I am not fond of being made a Confident, since I am assur’d she can love none butFriendly.Coldly.
Haz.Let her love on as long as Life shall last, letFriendlytake her, and the Universe, so I had my next wish—Sighs.
Madam, it is yourself that I adore—I should not be so vain to tell you this, but that I know you have found the Secret out already from my Sighs.
Sure.Forbear, Sir, and know me for your Kinsman’s Wife, and no more.
Haz.Be scornful as you please, rail at my Passion, and refuse to hear it; yet I’ll love on, and hope in spite of you; my Flame shall be so constant and submissive, it shall compel your Heart to some return.
Sure.You’re very confident of your Power, I perceive; but if you chance to find yourself mistaken, say your Opinion and your Affectation were misapply’d, and not that I was cruel.Ex.Surelove.
Haz.Whate’er denials dwell upon your Tongue, your Eyes assure me that your Heart is tender.Goes out.
Enter the Bagpiper, playing before a great Bowl of Punch, carry’d between two Negroes, a Highlander dancing after it; the WidowRanterled byTimorous;ChrisantebyDullman; Mrs.FlirtandFriendly, all dancing after it; they place it on the Table.
Dull.This is like the noble Widow all over, i’faith.
Tim.Ay, ay, the Widow’s Health in a full Ladle, Major.Drinks.
—But a Pox on’t, what made that young Fellow here, that affronted us yesterday, Major?While they drink about.
Dull.Some damned Sharper that would lay his Knife aboard your Widow, Cornet.