APPENDIX

Val.Wilt thou go eat?

Lan.I scorn meat, I come for rompering, I come to wait upon my charge discreetly; for look you, if you will not take your Mortgage again, here do I lie S' George, and so forth.

Val.And here do I S' George, bestride the Dragon, thus with my Lance.

Lan.I sting, I sting with my tail.

Val.Do you so, do you so, Sir? I shall tail you presently.

Fran.By no means, do not hurt him.

Val.Take thisNelson, and now rise, thou Maiden Knight of Malllgo, lace on thy Helmet of inchanted Sack, and charge again.

Lan.I'le play no more, you abuse me, will you go?

Fran.I'le bid you good morrow, Brother, for sleep I cannot, I have a thousand fancies.

Val.Now thou art arrived, go bravely to the matter, and do something of worth,Frank.

Lan.You shall hear from us.[ExeuntLanceandFrank.

Val.This Rogue, if he had been sober, sure had beaten me, is the most tettish Knave.

EnterUncleandMerchant,Boy with a Torch.

Unc.'Tis he.

Mer.Good morrow.

Val.Why, Sir, good morrow to you too, and you be so lusty.

Unc.You have made your Brother a fine man, we met him.

Val.I made him a fine Gentleman, he was a fool before, brought up amongst the midst of Small-Beer-Brew-houses, what would you have with me?

Mer.I come to tell you, your latest hour is come.

Val.Are you my sentence?

Mer.The sentence of your state.

Val.Let it be hang'd then, and let it be hang'd high enough, I may not see it.

Unc.A gracious resolution.

Val.What would you have else with me, will you go drink, and let the world slide, Uncle? Ha, ha, ha, boyes, drink Sack like Whey, boyes.

Mer.Have you no feeling, Sir?

Val.Come hither Merchant: make me a supper, thou most reverent Land-catcher, a supper of forty pounds.

Mer.What then, Sir?

Val.Then bring thy Wife along, and thy fair Sisters, thy Neighbours and their Wives, and all their trinkets, let me have forty Trumpets, and such Wine, we'll laugh at all the miseries of Mortgage, and then in state I'le render thee an answer.

Mer.What say you to this?

Unc.I dare not say, nor think neither.

Mer.Will you redeem your state, speak to the point, Sir?

Pal.Not, not if it were mine heir in theTurksGallies.

Mer.Then I must take an order?

Val.Take a thousand, I will not keep it, nor thou shalt not have it, because thou camest i'th' nick, thou shalt not have it, go take possession, and be sure you hold it, hold fast with both hands, for there be those hounds uncoupled, will ring you such a knell, go down in glory, and march upon my land, and cry, All's mine; cry as the Devil did, and be the Devil, mark what an Echo follows, build fine March-panes, to entertain Sir Silk-worm and his Lady, and pull the Chappel down, and raise a Chamber for Mistress Silver-pin, to lay her belly in, mark what an Earthquake comes. Then foolish Merchant my Tenants are no Subjects, they obey nothing, and they are people too never Christened, they know no Law nor Conscience, they'll devour thee; and thou mortal, the stopple, they'll confound thee within three days; no bit nor memory of what thou wert, no not the Wart upon thy Nose there, shall be e're heard of more; go take possession, and bring thy Children down, to rost like Rabbets, they love young Toasts and Butter,Bow-bellSuckers; as they love mischief, and hate Law, they are Cannibals; bring down thy kindred too, that be not fruitful, there be those Mandrakes that will mollifie 'em, go take possession. I'le go to my Chamber, afore Boy go.[Exeunt.

Mer.He's mad sure.

Unc.He's half drunk sure: and yet I like this unwillingness to lose it, this looking back.

Mer.Yes, if he did it handsomely, but he's so harsh and strange.

Unc.Believe it 'tis his drink, Sir, and I am glad his drink has thrust it out.

Mer.Cannibals? if ever I come to view his Regiment, if fair terms may be had.

Unc.He tells you true, Sir, they are a bunch of the most boisterous Rascals disorder ever made, let 'em be mad once, the power of the whole Country cannot cool 'em, be patient but a while.

Mer.As long as you will, Sir, before I buy a bargain of such Runts, I'le buy a Colledge for Bears, and live among 'em.

EnterFrancisco, Lance,Boy with a Torch.

Fran.How dost thou now?

Lan.Better than I was, and straighter, but my head's a Hogshead still, it rowls and tumbles.

Fran.Thou wert cruelly paid.

Lan.I may live to requite it, put a Snaffle of Sack in my mouth and then ride me very well.

Fran.'Twas all but sport, I'le tell thee what I mean now, I mean to see this Wench.

Lan.Where a Devil is she? and there were two, 'twere better.

Fran.Dost thou hear the Bell ring?

Lan.Yes, yes.

Fran.Then she comes to prayers, early each morning thither: Now if I could but meet her, for I am of another mettle now.

EnterIsabel,andShorthosewith a Torch.

Lan.What light's yon?

Fran.Ha, 'tis a light, take her by the hand and court her.

Lan.Take her below the girdle, you'l never speed else, it comes on this way still, oh that I had but such an opportunity in a Saw-pit, how it comes on, comes on! 'tis here.

Fran.'Tis she: fortune I kiss thy hand—Good morrow Lady.

Isa.What voice is that, Sirra, do you sleep as you go, 'tis he, I am glad on't. Why,Shorthose?

Short.Yes forsooth, I was dreamt, I was going to Church.

Lan.She sees you as plain as I do.

Isab.Hold the torch up.

Short.Here's nothing but a stall, and a Butcher's Dog asleep in't, where did you see the voice?

Fran.She looks still angry.

Lan.To her and meet Sir.

Isab.Here, here.

Fran.Yes Lady, never bless your self, I am but a man, and like an honest man, now I will thank you—

Isab.What do you mean, who sent for you, who desired you?

Short.Shall I put out the Torch forsooth?

Isab.Can I not go about my private meditations, Ha, but such companions as you must ruffle me? you had best go with me Sir?

Fran.'Twas my purpose.

Isab.Why, what an impudence is this! you had best, being so near the Church, provide a Priest, and perswade me to marry you.

Fran.It was my meaning, and such a husband, so loving, and so carefull, my youth, and all my fortunes shall arrive at—Hark you?

Isab.'Tis strange you should be thus unmannerly, turn home again sirra, you had best now force my man to lead your way.

Lan.Yes marry shall he Lady, forward my friend.

Isab.This is a pretty Riot, it may grow to a rape.

Fran.Do you like that better? I can ravish you an hundred times, and never hurt you.

Short.I see nothing, I am asleep still, when you have done tell me, and then I'le wake Mistris.

Isab.Are you in earnest Sir, do you long to be hang'd?

Fran.Yes by my troth Lady in these fair Tresses.

Isab.Shall I call out for help?

Fran.No by no means, that were a weak trick Lady, I'le kiss, and stop your mouth.

Isab.You'l answer all these?

Fran.A thousand kisses more.

Isab.I was never abused thus, you had best give out too, that you found me willing, and say I doted on you?

Fran.That's known already, and no man living shall now carry you from me.

Isab.This is fine i'faith.

Fran.It shall be ten times finer.

Isab.Well, seeing you are so valiant, keep your way, I will to Church.

Fran.And I will wait upon you.

Isab.And it is most likely there's a Priest, if you dare venture as you profess, I would wish you look about you, to do these rude tricks, for you know the recompences, and trust not to my mercy.

Fran.But I will Lady.

Isab.For I'le so handle you.

Fran.That's it I look for.

Lan.Afore thou dream.

Shor.Have you done?

Isab.Go on Sir, and follow if you dare.

Fran.If I do not, hang me.

Lan.'Tis all thine own boy, an 'twere a million, god a mercy Sack, when would small Beer have done this?

Knocking within. EnterValentine.

Val.Whose that that knocks and bounces, what a Devil ails you, is hell broke loose, or do you keep an Iron mill?

Enter aServant.

Ser.'Tis a Gentlewoman Sir that must needs speak with you.

Val.A Gentlewoman? what Gentlewoman, what have I to do with Gentlewomen?

Ser.She will not be answered Sir.

Val.Fling up the bed and let her in, I'le try how gentle she is—[ExitServant.This Sack has fill'd my head so full of babies, I am almost mad; what Gentlewoman should this be? I hope she has brought me no butter print along with her to lay to my charge, if she have 'tis all one, I'le forswear it.

EnterWidow.

Wid.O you're a noble Gallant, send off your Servant pray.[ExitServant.

Val.She will not ravish me? by this light she looks as sharp set as a Sparrow hawk, what wouldst thou woman?

Wid.O you have used me kindly, and like a Gentleman, this is to trust to you.

Val.Trust to me, for what?

Wid.Because I said in jest once, you were a handsom man, one I could like well, and fooling, made you believe I loved you, and might be brought to marrie.

Val.The widow is drunk too.

Wid.You out of this, which is a fine discretion, give out the matter's done, you have won and wed me, and that you have put, fairly put for an heir too, these are fine rumours to advance my credit: i'th' name of mischief what did you mean?

Val.That you loved me, and that you might be brought to marrie me? why, what a Devil do you mean, widow?

Wid.'Twas a fine trick too, to tell the world though you had enjoyed your first wish you wished, the wealth you aimed at, that I was poor, which is most true, I am, have sold my lands, because I love not those vexations, yet for mine honours sake, if you must be prating, and for my credits sake in the Town.

Val.I tell thee widow, I like thee ten times better, now thou hast no Lands, for now thy hopes and cares lye on thy husband, if e're thou marryest more.

Wid.Have not you married me, and for this main cause, now as you report it, to be your Nurse?

Val.My Nurse? why, what am I grown to, give me the Glass, my Nurse.

Wid.You n'er said truer, I must confess I did a little favour you, and with some labour might have been perswaded, but when I found I must be hourly troubled, with making broths, and dawbing your decayes with swadling, and with stitching up your ruines, for the world so reports.

Val.Do not provoke me.

Wid.And half an eye may see.

Val.Do not provoke me, the world's a lying world, and thou shalt find it, have a good heart, and take a strong faith to thee, and mark what follows, my Nurse, yes, you shall rock me: Widow I'le keep you waking.

Wid.You are disposed Sir.

Val.Yes marry am I Widow, and you shall feel it, nay and they touch my freehold, I am a Tiger.

Wid.I think so.

Val.Come.

Wid.Whither?

Val.Any whither.[Sings.

The fit's upon me now, the fit's upon me now,Come quickly gentle Ladie, the fit's upon me now,The world shall know they're fools,And so shalt thou do too,Let the Cobler meddle with his tools,The fit's upon me now.

Take me quickly, while I am in this vein, away with me, for if I have but two hours to consider, all the widows in the world cannot recover me.

Wid.If you will, go with me Sir.

Val.Yes marrie will I, but 'tis in anger yet, and I will marrie thee, do not cross me; yes, and I will lie with thee, and get a whole bundle of babies, and I will kiss thee, stand still and kiss me handsomely, but do not provoke me, stir neither hand nor foot, for I am dangerous, I drunk sack yesternight, do not allure me: Thou art no widow of this world, come in pitie, and in spite I'le marrie thee, not a word more, and I may be brought to love thee.[Exeunt.

EnterMerchant,andUncle,at several doors.

Mer.Well met again, and what good news yet?

Unc.Faith nothing.

Mer.No fruits of what we sowed?

Unc.Nothing I hear of.

Mer.No turning in this tide yet?

Unc.'Tis all flood, and till that fall away, there's no expecting.

EnterFran. Isab. Lance, Shorthose,a torch.

Mer.Is not this his younger Brother?

Unc.With a Gentlewoman the widow's sister, as I live he smiles, he has got good hold, why well saidFranki'faith, let's stay and mark.

Isab.Well, you are the prettiest youth, and so you have handled me, think you ha' me sure.

Fran.As sure as wedlock.

Isab.You had best lie with me too.

Fran.Yes indeed will I, and get such black ey'd boyes.

Unc.God a Mercy,Frank.

Isab.This is a merrie world, poor simple Gentlewomen that think no harm, cannot walk about their business, but they must be catcht up I know not how.

Fran.I'le tell you, and I'le instruct ye too, have I caught you, Mistress?

Isab.Well, and it were not for pure pity, I would give you the slip yet, but being as it is.

Fran.It shall be better.

EnterValentine, Widow,andRalph,with a torch.

Isab.My sister, as I live, your Brother with her! sure, I think you are the Kings takers.

Unc.Now it works.

Val.Nay, you shall know I am a man.

Wid.I think so.

Val.And such proof you shall have.

Wid.I pray speak softly.

Val.I'le speak it out Widow, yes and you shall confess too, I am no Nurse-child, I went for a man, a good one, if you can beat me out o'th' pit.

Wid.I did but jest with you.

Val.I'le handle you in earnest, and so handle you: Nay, when my credit calls.

Wid.Are you mad?

Val.I am mad, I am mad.

Fran.Good morrow, Sir, I like your preparation.

Val.Thou hast been at it,Frank.

Fran.Yes faith, 'tis done Sir.

Val.Along with me then, never hang an arse, widow.

Isab.'Tis to no purpose, sister.

Val.Well said Black-brows, advance your torches Gentlemen.

Unc.Yes, yes Sir.

Val.And keep your ranks.

Mer.Lance, carrie this before him.

Unc.Carrie it in state.

EnterMusicians, Fount. Hare. Bel.

Val.What are you, Musicians? I know your coming, and what are those behind you?

Musi.Gentlemen that sent us to give the Lady a good morrow.

Val.O I know them, come boy sing the song I taught you,And sing it lustily, come forward Gentlemen, you're welcom,Welcom, now we are all friends, go get the Priest ready,And let him not be long, we have much business:ComeFrank, rejoyce with me, thou hast got the start boy,But I'le so tumble after, come my friends lead,Lead cheerfully, and let your Fiddles ring boyes,My follies and my fancies have an end here,Display the morgageLance, Merchant I'le pay you,And every thing shall be in joynt again.

Unc.Afore, afore.

Val.And now confess, and know,Wit without Money, sometimes gives the blow.[Exeunt.

On the last leaf appears a list of 17 'Plays written by Francis Beamount and John Flecher, | printed in Quarto.'

(A) The First Folio, 1647.

Another issue of the above, dated 1661, has a fresh title-page and bears the following notice:—'You may speedily expect those other Playes, which | Kirkman, and his Hawkers have deceived the | buyers withall, selling them at treble the value, that | this and the rest will be sold for, which are the | onely Originall and corrected copies, as they | were first purchased by us at no mean | rate, and since printed by us.'

B prints the Prologue and Epilogue toThe Captaineas though they belonged toBeggars Bush, apparently treating the last page ofThe Captainin A as though it were the first page ofBeggars Bush.

Dramatis Personae.

Goswina young Merchant ofBruges, viz.Florezthe right Earl ofFlandersWoolfort, Usurper of the Earldome,ClauseKing of Beggars,viz. GerrardFather toFlorez,Hubertdisguised like a Huntsman, A Lord of FlandersHemskirk, A Favourite of the Usurper.

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