 | The Brothers |  |
ACT II.
Enter Luys and Jacinta.Luis.
How do you like Alberto Sister? is he not
A gallant Gentleman?
Jacin.
For what good Brother?
I cannot Judge his Intellectualls,
But we have plentie of more proper men
In Spain.
Luys
He is an excellent Scholar,
He was still Emperour in the Schooles, and since
He studied Logick and Philosophy,
He was the flow'r of's time at Salamanca.
Iacin.
Tis pittie he should be gather'd then.
14
What be gather'd?
Ja.
The flower you talk on.
Lu.
If you affect him Sister, he may grow,
And you may keep him still for seed please you.
Ja.
And sell him out at sowing time to Gardners.
Lu.
Come, you must love him.
Ja.
Ha's he the Black-art?
I know not how Magick or Philters may
Prevail, and yet he lookes suspitiously.
Lu.
You think y' are witty now, d'ee hear, you must
Affect him for my sake.
Ja.
Now you speak reason;
I may for your sake dote upon him, Brother,
This is a conjuration may do much.
Lu.
Well said,
Thou art my Sister, this good nature shews it.
And now I'le tell thee, I ha' promis'd him
As much as mariage comes too, and I lose
My honor, if my Don receive the canvas.
He ha's a good estate, and I have borrow'd
Considerable monies of him Sister,
Peeces of eight, and transitory Ducats.
Ja.
Which must be paid.
Lu.
Not if you marry him;
Conditions have been thought on.
Ja.
How? conditions?
Lu.
And some revenew was convenient
To do things like a Gentleman, I may
Tell you, my Father is a little costive,
Purse-bound, his pension cannot find me tooth-picks,
I must live till he dye 'tis fit you know;
Alberto ha's an Exchequer, which upon
Thy smiles will still be open.
Ja.
Very good;
Then you upon the matter have sold me to him
To find you spending money?
15
No, not sold;
W' are at no certain price; summes have been lent
In expectation, or so, and may again.
Ja.
You deserve Brother I should hate you now.
Lu.
'Tis all one to me, so you love him;
For my part I desire but my expences.
Ja.
What if another man supply your want:
Upon the same conditions of my love?
Lu.
I am indifferent, so I have my charges,
My necessary wine and women paid for,
Love where you please your self; I am but one,
I would not see him want that's all, because
My Father is not yet resolv'd about
His going to heaven.
Ja.
Well sir, for Don Alberto,
You shall be his advocate no more, and there's
A Fee to bribe your silence in his cause.
Lu.
Why, thank you sister,—will you dye a virgin?
Ja.
Why do you ask?
Lu.
I would speak for somebody, tell me but whom
You have a mind to, and I'le plead for him,
And if he be a Don he will consider it;
You may give me what you will, besides.
Ja.
When I
Resolve, You shall be acquainted.
Lu.
But d'ee hear,
Untill you do resolve, I would lose no time,
'Tis good keeping a freind, and a warm client;
You may look lovingly upon Alberto,
And let him hope at all adventures, in
Two moneths you may be otherwise provided
And he may hang himself, i'th meane time
Some favours now and then to the poor Gentleman
Will doe him good, and me no hurt, besides
You'l please my Father in't, whose vote is for him,
And that's a thing materiall. I am
16
I will preserve his confidence, and tell him
I ha' talkd with thee. Have you any more
Of this complexion? cause I know not what
Occasions I may have to keep my credit
With men of mark and honour, vvhere I am going;
You are my Fathers darling, and command
His yellovv Ingots; tother Doblon D'oro.
Ja.
So I may bring a rent-charge upon my self.
Lu.
The tother drop of orient mercie, come.
Ja.
You care not vvhat accounts I give my Father.
Lu.
Thou hast tvventy vvayes to cosen him, vvedge it
Into the next Bill, he vvears Spectacles,
And loves to read—Item for pious uses.
Can it be less to help a brother? well said.
Ja.
Let not this feed your riot.
Luys.
By no means.
I am for no Carthusians to day.
Enter Carlos, Fernando, Francisco, and Felisarda.
Farewell dear Sister—who is that?
Ja.
My Father
Lu.
I cannot indure that old mans company.
Exit
Car.
I am past complement, and must acknowledge
Your fair intentions honor us, she is no Goddess
Of beauty Sir, but let me without pride
Boast my self blest, Fernando, in her virtues,
And that which crowns em all, obedience:
Jacinta, Entertain this Gentleman
With all becoming thoughts of Love, his merit
(Out of no rash, but mature judgement,) hath
Prevaild with me, to name him to the first
And noblest place within your heart.
Ferd.
Untill this hour I never had the confidence
More than to think of love, and hide a flame
That almost hath consum'd me. You may think
17
To shew my vanity of wit or language,
But when you understand that I bring hither
No young affection, but a love took in
Long since at my ambitious eye, it may
Beget your gentle thought, or will, to cure me.
Jac.
Pardon me, if the more you strive to print
A truth on this short story of your passion,
The more I find my self inclin'd to wonder,
Since you seem to inferre, You took in the
Disease at sight of me, I cannot be
So ignorant, as not to have receiv'd
Your Name and Character, but never knew
Before, when you did grace us with a visit,
And how then at such distance you contracted
A danger so consuming, is above
My knowledge, not my pittie, if you could
Direct me to the cure with Virgin honor.
Car.
So, so, I leave you to the amorous Dialogue,
Presume you have my voice.
Jac.
Sir, with your pardon,
You lead me to a Wilderness, and take
Your self away, that should be guide; do you
Engage me to affect this Don Fernando
In earnest?
Car.
Yes.
Jac.
You did direct my love
To Don Alberto.
Car.
I dispence with that
Command; you may by fair degrees, and honor,
Quit his addresses, and dispose your self
Mistris and Bride to Don Ramyres heir.
Felis.
It does not thus become you sir, to mock
A Virgin never injur'd you; he is
Your elder Brother, I am here beneath
The levell of his thoughts, i'th' nature of
A servant to my Cosen, and depend
18
Fran.
May I be
Curst in my own affections, if I
Delude thee, though to atchieve our best desires
We seem to dissemble thus before Don Carlos.
This is a secret yet to poor Jacinta.
Car.
You have my will; obey it.
Ja.
Hath Francisco broken his faith already?
Car.
May you both joy, where you have plac'd your loves.
You apply close Francisco.
Exit
Fran.
With your good favour,
I fairly hope.
Ferd.
Your Father's gone Jacinta.
Ja.
I should be
Equally pleas'd if you would leave me too.
Felis.
This is a change.
Ja.
Unkind Francisco hear me.
Fran.
Tis my meaning. Brother I ha' prepard
Your story there with Felisarda; lose
No time.
Ferd.
Jacinta, clear your thoughts agen,
And pardon that I took a shape to fright you;
I shall not grieve to see Francisco prosper,
And merit all your favours, since my hopes
Must thrive, or have their Funerall here.
Ja.
Are we
So blest Francisco? th'ast a noble Brother.
Ferd.
I may suppose my Brother, Felisarda,
Hath made it now no secret, that I love you;
And since our stars have so contriv'd, that we
Have means to assist our mutuall ambitions,
Do not you make their influence unprofitable;
Tis the first boldness I ere tooke to visit you,
Although my eyes have often with delight
And satisfaction to my heart observ'd you:
Felis.
You seem a noble Gentleman, and can take
19
Whose Fortunes cannot bring you any triumph.
Ferd.
How mean you fairest?
Felis.
Not to be flattered Sir
Into a sin, to cure my poverty;
For men whose expectations are like yours,
Come not with honour to court such as I am,
(Lost to the World for want of portion)
But with some untam'd heat of blood.
Fer.
I dare
With conscience of my pure intent, try what
Rudeness you find upon my lip, tis chast
As the desires that breath upon my language.
I began Felisarda to affect thee
By seeing thee at Prayers, thy vertue wing'd
Loves Arrow first, and 'twere a sacrilege
To choose thee now for sin, that hast a power
To make this place a Temple by thy Innocence.
I know thy poverty, and came not to
Bribe it against thy chastity; if thou
Vouchsafe thy fair and honest love, it shall
Adorn my fortunes, which shall stoop to serve it
In spight of friends or destiny.
Fran.
My Brother
Knows my whole Interest in thee, to whom
My Fathers care directed him, but we
Thus mutually resolve to aid each other.
Ja.
This must be wisely manag'd of all sides;
Parents have narrow eyes.
Fran.
Our meeting thus
Will happily secure us from their Jealousie;
Our Fathers must not know this countermarch.
Enter Carlos.
Car.
Ha; I like not this; Fernando at busie courtship
With Felisarda, and Francisco so
Close with my Daughter.
20
Las we are betrai'd.
Felis.
My Unkle.
Ferd.
You are her Kinswoman, and of her bosom,
I prethee in my absence, plead to fair
Jacinta for me; as an earnest of
My gratitude, accept this trifle from me.
Car.
Ha, 'tis a Jewell.
Felis.
Without this reward
I should solicite sir your cause, and do
My duty to Don Carlos, who desires it.
Ferd.
I take my leave.
Fran.
Madam, I shall be proud
To call you Sister, but you will prepare
Another happiness if you vouchsafe
To speak for me to pretty Felisarda,
She's bound to hear your counsel and obey it,
If I may owe this favour to your charity.
Jacin.
Your goodness will deserve more.
Fran.
I must follow him.
Exit.
Car.
Do you take notice Felisarda, that
You live here on the bounty of an Unkle?
Your Father had but ill news from the Indies.
Felis.
Sir, as your goodness wants no testimony,
I shall attend it with all humble services.
Car.
How durst you in the presence of my Daughter,
Maintain such whispers with Fernando, ha?
Felis.
Sir, he was pleas'd—
Car.
No more, I here discharge you.
Jacinta, I'l provide one to attend you
With less relation to your blood. I'l hear
Of no defence, away—out of my dores.
Go to your Father Signior Teodoro:
His ships may rise agen were sunk by th'Hollander,
And Fleet from St. Thome, he may prefer you
To some Rich Don, or who knows but you may,
Born on the Plumes of his estate, be made
21
Mai illustre Sennora Felisarda.
Exit.
Ja.
Thus have I heard a tall ship has been wrack'd
By some strange gust within the Bay: his passion
Admits of no dispute. O my poor Cose,
I fear my turn is next to be an exile,
Thy absence must deprive me of Francisco,
Who can no more glad his Jacinta's eyes,
With a pretence to visit thee.
Felis.
Tis not
My fear to suffer want so much afflicts me,
As that I must lose you, but he returnes.
Enter Carlos with a Letter, and Servant.
Car.
Don Pedro de Fuente Calada comming hither,
With Don Alberto, and my Son?
Serv.
Yes sir, the Count desires to see Jacinta
Whom your Son has so commended, and sent me
To give you notice.
Car.
Ha Iacinta, retire
To your closet, and put on your richest Jewels,
A Count is come to visit you; Felisarda
There may be some more art us'd in her dress,
To take the eyes of greatness.
Iac.
Sir you speak
As I were meant for sacrifice, or sale;
The Count Don Pedro—
Car.
No reply; be carefull,
And humble in your office Felisarda,
And you may live, and eat here, till Iacinta
Provide another servant to attend her,
Which may be three whole dayes; my anger is
Not everlasting; bid my Wife come to me.
Enter Alsimira.
I expect an honourable guest, the Count Don Pedro,
To see our Daughter, whom I have commanded
22
Alsi.
If his Intents be honourable, I have heard
Don Pedro loves a hansom Donna.
Car.
He had better cool his hot blood i'the frosen
Sea, and rise thence a rock of Adamant
To draw more wonder to the North, than but
Attempt to wrong her chastity.
Enter Don Pedro, Luys and Alberto.
This from Don Pedro is an honor binds
The service of our lives.
Ped.
Noble Don Carlos.
Alsi.
If we had been prepar'd, we should have met
This grace with more becoming Entertainment.
Ped.
Tis fair, and equall to my wishes,—she
He kisses Alsi
Does smel of rosted Garlick; this your Sister?
Enter Jacinta and Ferlisarda.
Luys.
That is my Mother, here is Jacinta Sir.
Ped.
She has a tempting shape, I now am pleas'd.
I Use to kiss all; hum a pretty thing?
To Phelis.
Car.
I like not his busie eyes on Felisarda.
Alber.
You will be faithfull to me?
Luys.
Who, I faithfull? how shall I live else?
Car.
Son Luys.
Alber.
Madam.
Ped.
Will you be pleas'd admit Don Pedro, by
The Title of your servant, to presume
Somtime to wait upon you.
Jacin.
It were pride
And sawcy ambition sir in me, to think
You can descend so much from your great birth,
To own a name, and office so beneath you.
Ped.
I that before thought women easie trifles,
And things which nature meant only to quench
High flames in man, am taken with this Lady.
Luys thou hast wrong'd the fair Jacinta,
Thy praise was thyn, and cold, Spain is not rich
23
Luys.
Oh she will be to proud to know it Sir.
Ped.
Proud, she must be, whose eyes have such command.
She has a pretty servant too, Luys,
I like 'em both.
Luys.
How, both?
Ped.
They will do well,
One for a Wife, the other for a Concubine.
Luys.
It will becom your high blood.
Ped.
Say I kiss
Her white hand, and present her with these Pearls?
Luys.
Your honor shall command.
Ped.
Your Daughter has a most magnetick face,
And I pronounce her happy, your consent
Confirmes her mine.
Car.
Ther's nothing in my blood, or fortune, but
Don Pedro shall command. I was Propheticall?
Come hither Alsimira, wouldst imagine?
Hee's taken with Jacinta, and hath praid
Already my consent.
Alis.
Believe not all
That great men speak are Oracles, our Daughter—
Car.
If she be stubborn, uncreates her self,
Be you wise, and counsell her to this ambition,
Or thus I loose you all; ha turn away,
That Faery shees a Witch, the Count talks with her.
Alb.
I hope you hold me not Sir less deserving
Than when you gave me free access to plead
My service to your Daughter—if that Don—
Car.
Sir you too much prejudicate my thoughts
I must give due respects to men of honor,
Nor is it fit I should impose upon
The Freedom of Jacintas love.
Alb.
Y'are noble.
Car.
My Lord.
Alb.
I do not like this Don.
24
Th'art of my mind, I do not like him neither,
And yet the blackbirds in the bush, see what present he would give my sister.
Alb.
Did she refuse it?
Luys.
I never mean she shall, what wrong my friend?
Yet I'l take all, and let him hang himself;
(embraces him:
If he would send his eyes, I would undertake
To carry 'em to the Ieweller, they would off,
For pretty toadstones. Have no fear, my Mother
Is for you too, you must fee both your Advocates.
Car.
Jacinta.
Jacin.
Sir.
Luys.
She takes her self much honor'd.
Ped.
You oblige.
Luys.
Let me alone to carry things.
Be confident to trust me with your honor,
If it would pawn for any thing.
[aside]
Iac.
I'm not perfect
How to neglect Alberto yet, and must I
Throw off Fernando, but new Entertain'd
By your command? the World will censure strangely.
Car.
The World will praise thy wisdom, & my care;
Or if some giddy tongues condemn what's good,
Must wee be servile to that fear, and lose
That which will make us Judges of their folly,
And damn it with a frown of state? they'r fooles
That dote upon those shaddowes, Idle talk,
The slime of Earth-worms, that doth shine to cosen
Infants, 'tis fit wee raise our thoughts to substances.
Jac.
Let modesty and nature plead a little,
If I appear not fond to Entertain him.
I may collect more strength by time and counsell,
And for your satisfaction dare profess
My Lord hath too much grac'd the low Jacinta
With a pretence so noble, but I should
Be held not worth his person, and too light
25
My Virgin strength, and give my self his captive.
Car.
I shall alow that ceremony; the Count
Makes an address.
Ex Alsi. Felisard.
Ped.
I must use thrift in my delight, my eyes
Are prowd, and must be taught by absence how
To value such a Mistris. I do miss the chambermaid.
Car.
It will become me to attend.
Ex. Albex. & Jacin.
Ped.
Your pardon.
I'l take it for an honor, if your Sonne
Be pleas'd—but to my coach?
Luys.
Oh my good Lord!
So much I am your creature, if you knew
But where to match me, I would be your coach-horse.
Exe. Pedro & Luys.
Car.
So, so, Iacinta's starres do smile upon her,
'Twil be a match, were but my Son as fair
In expectation of a bride, I'd write
Nil ultra to my cares, he is to aery
And volatile, a wife would timely fix him,
And make him fit to manage my estate.
Enter Luys.
But he returnes, I'l feel his pulse.
Luys, thou seest how near Iacinta is to happiness.
Luys.
I did some office in't, she may thank me.
I first inspir'd his Lordship.
Car.
Such a providence
To build thy self a Fortune by some brave
And noble mariage would become thy study,
And make thy Father willingly resign
His breath, with confidence to know thee wise
To govern what my Industry hath gatherd;
What think'st thou of a wife?
Luys.
I think little sir.
26
Car.
Imitate me, and study fame, and wealth
To thy posterity. Have I with care
Acquir'd such an estate, that must not last
Two Generations?
Luys.
The way to make it
Last, is not to think of Wiving; for my part
(Sir with your pardon, if I may speak freely)
I had opinion once I was your Son,
But fearing by your narrow exhibition
You lov'd me not, I had a controversie
Within my thoughts, whether I should resolve
To geld my self, or turn a begging Frier.
Car.
A begging Frier?
Luys.
Tis as I tell you Sir;
This last I fixt upon, and ha' been studying
Where I conveniently might raise a sum
To compass a hair shirt Sir,
To make triall before I thrust my self
Point blank into the Order.
Car.
Thus wild Sons interpret still
A prudent Father; but you may discharge
Your Jealousies, unless it be your own
Devotion to be chast, and live a recluse.
Luys.
For that I can be ruld; I ha' not liv'd
After the rate of hating any women
But I can hear of Mariage, if it be
Your pleasure: but these Wives Sir are such tickle
Things, not one hardly staid amongst a thousand;
Beside, unless you finde one very rich
A man may cast a way himself, and get
A bundle of Beggeries, Mouths, that day and night,
Are open like Hell Gates, to feed; I would not
Hazard my Freedom, and the blessings Heaven
Has lent you Sir, upon a Wife with nothing.
Car.
Thy pension doubles for that word; in Earnest,
27
I will have no account, and find me out
A wealthy Maid or Widdow, but not ugly.
Luys.
No? not ilfavourd Sir, if she be rich?
A little old or crippel'd?
Car.
I wo'not ha' thee
Mary a crooked, deform'd thing, because
She may have children—
Luys.
Not, unless she have
An Infinit wealth to make 'em strait sir;
I'le marry a witch so she have mony sir.
Car.
No, on no terms a Monster.
Luys.
Then I wo'not.
And now it comes into my mind, they talk of
A young rich Widdow, Donna Estifaniar,
What do you think of her?
Car.
Thou hast nam'd one
To my own desires, she lives a Widdow still,
But she has refus'd many brave Dons.
Luys.
No matter,
I like her sir the better.
Car.
She gives good entertainment.
Luys.
I will have her
If you but say the word. I wear a charm
To catch a Widdow; but this Purse will hardly
Last till we finish, I must do things with honor.
Car.
Thou shalt be furnish'd like my Son; kneel down
And ask me blessing, I do long to give it thee.
Luys.
I have your blessing here.
Car.
Ile find thee out
Some Jewells to present thy Mistris too.
Luys.
'Two 'not be much amiss, the Gold will go
The farther Sir. I know not how this
Exit Car.
Came about, unless Don Pedros coming to
My Sister ha' made him mad, & wrought this miracle.
How carefull he was I should not mary one
28
And I mary with a Witch at these years, let the Devill
Ride my wild Mare to death; and now I
Consider on't I wo'not have the Widdow
For fear o'th' worst, yet I'l to her,
And make a business on't to keep the old
Mans Baggs in motion; this with some good
Husbandry, and no play, may last a Fortnight,
Tis very Gold: yes, it will pay some scores,
Maintaine my Negro, and a brace of Whores.
Now fiddles do your worst.
Exit.
| The Brothers | |