 | Honoria and Mammon |  |
18
ACT. II.
Enter Fulbanke and Phantasme.Pha.
I Think I have brought your business well about, Sir.
Ful.
Thou hast obleig'd me everlastingly.
Nay nay, be covered, thou art my best friend.
Pha.
It was but Justice to advance your merit
With all the Retorick I had, for where
In prudence, could my Lady Mammon place
Her self with more advantage to her fame?
A widdow of a thousand pound per annum Jointure
With some few present bagges of musty Gold,
Old Plate, and hungry houshold-stuff would serve
The Countrey well enough.
Ful.
Excellent Phantasme
Pha.
Where the report of building a Free-school,
And now and then an alme-house for old women,
With five teeth and a half among sixteen,
Would make a mighty noise, and the poor hinds
Wonder, there's so much money left in nature.
The City is her only sphere of glory.
Ful.
Right, very right.
Pha.
Here My Lady Mammon.
(Yours now as things are ordered)
Ful.
Good.
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May have high and noble waies to employ her treasures.
Do things above the vulgar admiration,
Surround the City with a wall of Silver,
Transmute dull Leaden-hall to Gold, rebuild
The great Cathedrall of St. Pauls with Porphyrie
And clap so bright a spire upon't, shall make
The Sea-man afar off wonder what new
And never setting starre, Heaven hath created
To make the day eternall in this Island.
Ful.
My own Phantasme.
Pha.
There is no end, Sir, of her wealth, if you
Have but the patience to spend, you may
Out-do the Roman Luxuries.
Ful.
I'l give thee my Gold-chain.
Pha.
O'h no, it may do you better service, Sir,
Bout your own neck hereafter; for all this
Infinite Treasure that she brings you, Sir,
What Joynture do you make her?
You are mortall.
Ful.
I ha thought of that,
I will secure my whole Estate upon her?
Beside her own, I have no kindred, that
I care for, they are poor, and as my pride,
While I am living, will not look upon e'm,
At death, it will be wisdom to forget them.
Pha.
It would endeare my Lady much, if you
Surprize her with this act, before she think on't.
I would have you do things gallantly—
Ful.
You shall
Give the direction to my Counsell;
Pha.
His name.
Ful.
A very honest able eminent person,
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Phan.
My Lady will take it well, without all doubt, Sir.
Ful.
But shall I engage your trouble—
Pha.
'Tis an honour;
I'l give him order to dispatch all presently.
He is a very honest man you say.
Ful.
He's right, I know him intus & in Cute.
Pha.
My Lady, Sir, leave things to me.
Enter Mammon.
Ful.
My most divine Aurelia!
Mam.
Dear Mr. Fulbanke,
I have no happiness but in your presence,
When shall the worke be perfect?
Ful.
I was considering,
It would become the glory of my Bride,
To have some state, and triumph at our marriage,
I know the City will expect we should
Accept some entertainment, perhaps Pageants,
And speeches to congratulate our Nuptial.
Mam.
'Twill please me much.
Pha.
There may be prejudice in these delay's,
Ful.
Oh Sir, the state is all; what thinks you Ladyship?
We will have tilting too, and feats of Chivalry
At Court where I'l defend my Aurelia Princess,
In the guilt armour that I mustered in,
And the rich saddle of my owne perfuming,
I'l have my squires, my plumes, and my devices,
And with my lance encounter the whole mirrour
Of Knight-hood, and compell the forreign Princes
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As Trophee's to my most victorious Mammon.
Pha.
Without some cure he will be mad immediately.
Enter Alamode, reading a Letter, a Servant waits.
Ala.
Present my humblest service to Honoria,
Say I am all obedience to her commands,
Were I in Heaven, this invitation
Would have the power to draw me thence, I kiss
Her fairest hand, this for your favour,
gives him money.
Mr. Fulbanke,
Ful.
Please you to know my Lady Sir?
Ala.
If I mistake not the Lady Aurelia;
Widdow to the late high Treasurer, Sir
Omnipotent Mammon.
Salutes her?
But are you Master of this rich Peru?
Ful.
She will please to owne me, ha?
Mam.
It is but Justice.
Ala.
A thousand streams of joy flow in your bosoms,
I'l take some fortunate hour to visit you,
And with an humble lip print my devotions
On your white hand.
Mam.
You'l do me an honour sir.
Ala.
Some high affairs compell this rude departure,
But you have mercy to excuse your servant.
Exit.
Ful.
VVhat heaps of words some men have got together
22
Pha.
How do you like this Gentleman?
Ful.
These Courtiers are another sort of flesh-flies,
That haunt our City dames, but we must winke,
Or loose our Chatter?
Pha.
Bless the Body Politick.
Enter Maslin in rich Cloths, but Antick.
Mas.
By your leave Gentlemen.
Ful.
VVhat Pageant's this?
Mas.
VVhere De'e think I have been, Madam?
Mas.
At the Brokers.
Mas.
At the Exchange by these silke-stockings,
Mr. Usher—a word to the wise,
If they will fit your rowling-pin, they'r paid for;
Perhaps the wages you receive in your
Relation to my Lady, wo'not find you
Convenient vanities. Now I'me for you Madam.
Mam.
In good time.
Mas.
I wanted but your hand,
I could ha fitted you with gloves, but here are
Some trifles for the finger, you must weare
This Diamond, and this Ruby,
Mam.
De'e understand
VVhat you do sir?
Mas.
And here's a casting Net of Pearl.
Mam.
A Carkanet? these will deserve—
Mas.
Tell not me of desert, I hate it perfectly,
Hang toyes and yellow rubbish that paid for e'm,
How De'e like my clothes?
Ful.
Sir I am concern'd to thank you for these favours.
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You? prethee away, I ha nothing to say to thee?
Ful.
We have no other gratitude sweet-heart,
But to invite him to our wedding.
Mas.
Wedding? Phantasme.
Pha.
And you had come but half an hour sooner,
This very shape had don't.
Mas.
Do not, do not make me mad too soone.
Ful.
You have been very bountifull, and we pray
Your noble presence at our Festivall,
Which we have deferr'd to be attended with
Some Triumph, such as may become the City,
And my dear Ladies honour, is't not so,
My America? look how the oyster gapes.
Leave him to chew his Countrey cud, come Madam.
Exeunt.
Pha.
Sir I confess.—
Mas.
And be hang'd, I am undone, and I could cry now.
Pha.
Sir,
You have been at a great charge to go without her,
Such rings, and Carknet, beside the cost
Of this fine habit? for your bounty, Sir,
Bestowed on me, the unworthiest of your Servants,
I have a gratitude, if you please to accept it.
Mas.
What is't? a halter or a knife to cure me,
Or a comfortable poison?
Pha.
'Tis the first
You nam'd, a most convenient, neatly twisted
Halter, for I do see your inclinations,
And shall commend your fortidude, beside
'Twill shew a brave contempt upon their scorns.
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To cure some other mad men that love widdows.
You have my judgement and the cord for nothing,
Lose not the nick of the next beam you come at,
No way like this to be High-Constable.
Mas.
Here, take my clothes; I will be mad, and hang
My self immediately;—and yet I will consider,
Till the ayre be a little warmer; when I have
Cut Fulbanks throat, 'tis but a hanging afterwards.
'Tis good to be malicious, and wise;
Some notable revenge would be worth all
My cost, and then a sico for the Devill.
Exit.
Enter Alworth and Alamode,
Alw.
Please you to have a little patience
I shall acquaint my Lady that y'are come, Sir.
Ala.
Before you go, dear Sir, I know your prudence
And neere imployment with my Lady, has
Endeer'd you to partake some of her Counsells;
You shall obliege a very humble Servant,
To let me know how she affects, you reach
My meaning, by what motive am I sent for?
Alw.
My Lady keeps the key of her own Cabinet,
But if you'l have my Judgement on the scheme,
I think my Lady will this day determine
Her choice, I encline the rather to this Judgement,
Because the Colonell is sent for too.
My attendance is expected, Sir, your pardon.
Ala.
Ha musick.
A song within praise of a Courtier.
I like this well
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Alw.
My Lady will appear presently,
I'l give her knowledge, if you please.
Col.
Your favour, Sir,
You are learned beyond books, what's your opinion
Of my Lady, in relation to things at present?
What do you think of me?
Alw.
My thoughts are much
Too narrow to conclude your worth, which left
An object for Divine Honoria's wisdom,
Must only take from her, a worthy character
And just reward.
A song in praise of a Soldier.
Col.
I like this preface.
Ala.
My noble Colonell, thy Servant.
Enter Honoria attended, a Table set forth, with a Cabinet upon it.
Hon.
Excuse the trouble that I give you Gentlemen,
Y'are welcome, and thus knit into a freindship,
Your persons have more grace, and shine upon e'm:
Some chairs, pray sit. I see you both preserve
Your fair respects to honour, and I have
After some pause, and serious dispute
Within my self, collected now at last,
Upon whose person to repose my self,
My fortune, and my same, and since but one
(Where many may deserve) can weare the Garland
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And wait a kinder providence.
Col.
'Tis but Justice.
She takes a wreath of Bayes from the Cabinet.
Hon.
This wreath of bayes, embleme of victory,
Must crowne his head to whom I fall a Conquest,
Forgive the Ceremony.
Col.
Oh 'tis very pleasing,
Ala.
I like it well, Madam, and commend your fancy.
Hon.
You, Sir, were bred up in the Schoole of honour,
The Court, this may not unbecome your Temples,
Wise Courtiers are the Jewels of a Crown,
The Columnes and the ornaments of state,
Fitted with parts; and piety to act:
They serve the Power for Justice, not themselves;
Their Faith the Cabinet, in which is laid
The Princes safety, and the Nations peace,
The Oracles, and the mysteries of Empire;
Men borne above the sordid guilt of avarice,
Free as the mountain aire, and calme as mercy.
Borne without Eyes, when the poor man complains
Against the great oppressor, without hands,
To take the bloudy price of mans undoing,
But keeping at each sense a Court of Guard,
Draws fear from Love, and teaches good by example.
She puts the Wreath upon the Colonell.
Ala.
Divine Honoria.
Hon.
You must give me leave,
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VVith the same grace, it dwells upon his head,
Does he not look like mighty Julius now,
When he returned triumphant from the Gaules,
Or bringing home the wealthy spoiles of Egypt,
Pontus, and Africa? allow him but
The same commands, and men to fight, why may not
His Valour equall what is fam'd in story,
Atchiev'd by the great souls of Rome, and Carthage?
A soldier merits first to be called man,
By whom not only Courts but Kingdoms flourish,
Unto whose severall offices, the VVorld
Owes all the great and glorious names of honour.
How would the age grow rusty, and the soule
Of Common-wealths corrupt with ease, and surfeits,
Should not the sword call e'm to exercise,
And sweat out their unmanly Luxuries,
By acting things worth envy, even of Princes.
The honour of the Gowne without his sword,
VVill run it self into contempt, and Laws
Are not good made, but while the sword secures e'm.
The Court must weare no silke, nor the prowd City
Make the Sea groane with burden of her wealth,
Did not the active soldier, with expence
Of his dear blood, expose himself abroad,
Their convoy, and security at home.
Col.
I am transported.
Hon.
Give me the same favour
To let me looke a little on this Chaplet,
To which I have annexed my self a Labell.
Me thinks the Trifle looks, as it had lost,
Some Verdure since I took it from your heads,
The Courtier, and the Soldier both inviting
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The progress I should make, but pardon me,
I shall soone quit the Labarynth.
Col.
What's the meaning?
Hon.
I would you were not two, or that one had
Less of desert, when you are both in ballance,
Have you no art, Gentlemen, to contract
Your selves into one person?
Ala.
'Tis not possible.
Hon.
Think you so? it is worth the experiment,
Come hither Alworth.
Alw.
Madam.
Hon.
Nay come nearer,
This is a Scholar, Gentlemen, and the cloud
He weares, remov'd, for he's no more a Servant,
May bring him into a civill competition:
Me thinks it fits him, your opinions?
Col.
We are in a fair way to be ridiculous, what think you?
Chiaus'd by a Scholar?
Ala.
Are you in earnest Madam?
Hon.
I repent not
The placing of it there, in him do meet
The Courtier and the Soldier, at least
He's not without the best capacity
Of both your worths, when they have brightest lustre
Ala.
There is no remedy.
Would I had Mammon.
Hon.
Gentlemen stay, & hear the Scholars character.
Col.
No thank you Madam, we have heard too much.
Fortune has given you Lawrell, and us willow.
May your wreath flourish, Sir?
Exeunt.
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Soule of my muse! what? active unknown fire
Already doth thy Delphick wreath inspire?
O'th suddain how my faculties swell high,
And I am all a powerfull Prophecie.
Sleep ye dull Cæsars, Rome will boast in vain
Your glorious Triumphs, one is in my brain
Great, as all theirs, and circled with thy bayes,
My thoughts take Empire ore all Land, and Seas?
Proof against all the Planets, and the stroke
Of Thunder, I rise up Augustus Oake,
Within my guard of Lawrell, and made free
From age, look fresh still, as my Daphnean tree:
My fancy's narrow yet, till I create
For thee another World, and in a state
As free as innocence, shame all Poets wit,
To climb no higher than Elizium yet;
Where the pale Lovers meet, and teach the groves
To sigh, and sing bold legends of their Loves.
We will have other flights, and tast such things
Are only fit for sainted Queens and Kings.
All that was Earth falls of, my spirits free,
I have nothing left now, but my Soule and thee.
Honoria takes off the Wreath.
Hon.
VVhat means this Extasie? this was not meant,
Unless you use my favours with less insolence,
I can repent, and frowne e'm back to nothing.
Have you forgot your distance? can a smile
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Or make me less, than when you were my Servant.
I look you should be humble still,
Alw.
Good Heaven!
What unexpected, most prodigious cloud,
With his black wings, hath in a minute veild
The brightest day, that ever smil'd upon me?
Did not you place it here?
Hon.
It is confest,
As an encouragement to your vertue, Sir,
No Conquest of Honoria, yet you triumph,
And make me blush as I had courted you.
Al.
O do not charge my thoughts with such a stain,
This might deserve your anger, and vouchsafe me
The boldness to say Madam, if you punish
My hasty application of your favours,
You gave me the encouragement to be guilty.
It is a tyrany to cherish Servants,
And punish their obedience.
Hon.
But when flattered by
Pride, which darkes the soule, you challenge
And measure the reward by your own fancy,
You loose the noblest recompence of service,
And merit but the hire of common duties;
'Tis possible, that Gold may satisfie
My debt to your imployment.
Alw.
Till this minute
I was not lost, but having heard this, Madam,
You must do something like a miracle
To save me now;—I dare contemne your Gold,
And am compell'd to aske your Justice, what
Action since I had reference to honour,
Look'd with a mercenary staine upon it?
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I served you for your self, and since I'm thought
Beneath the merit of your smile, I'l make
My self above the price of sordid contracts,
For I can with as much ease despise your wealth,
As I can shift the ayre, I take my leave,
And can pray for you in a Wilderness.
Ho.
Come back, this minute every cloud is vanish'd
That did present displeasing formes: I find
Thy soule is pure, forgive this Triall, thou hast
Deserved me best.
Alw.
I dare not understand you now.
Hon.
The language is not hard.
Alw.
I want a name, to call this blessing by,
Then I may kiss your hand, and may I not,
Madam approach your lip, and be forgiven?
Now I begin to doubt.
Hon.
My Faith?
Alw.
That I am not awake, or if I be
That I am short-liv'd, and must soone dissolve
Under this storme of happiness; ha? 'tis come
And I have lost my courage o'the suddain.
faints.
Your pardon Madam, something gathers here
That wo'd surprize my heart. I am asham'd on't.
Enter Ser.
Hon.
Who waits, contribute your best help to his
Support, convey him gently to his chamber,
Run for Phisitians, thy good genius guard thee.
Alw.
I am not Worth your fears.
Hon.
And worth my love?
Alw.
That very word should cure me,
Hon
I have been
Too much, I fear unkind, to both our dangers.
Exeunt.
| Honoria and Mammon | |