University of Virginia Library

SCENE 3d.

Enter Belphagor attired like a Physician; Akercock his man in a Tawny Coat.
Bel.
Now is Belphagor an incarnate Devil
Come to the earth to seek him out a Dame:
Hell be my speed, and so I hope it will.
In lovely London are we here arrived
Whereas I hear the Earl hath a fair Daughter
So full of vertue, and soft modesty,
That yet she never gave a man foul word.

Ak.
Marry indeed they say she cannot speak.

Bel.
For this cause have I taken this disguise.
And will profess me a Physician,
Come upon purpose for to cure the Lady;
Marry no way shall bind me but her self,
And she I do intend shall be my wife.

Ak.
But Master, tell me one thing by the way,
Do you not mean that I shall marry too?

Bel.
No Akercock, thou shalt be still unwed,
For if: hey be as bad as is reported,
One wife will be enough to tire us both.

Ak.
O then you mean that I shall now and then,
Have, as it were a course at base with her.

Bel.
Nor so, nor so, that's one of Marriage plagues,
Which I must seek to shun amongst the rest,
And live in sweet contentment with my wife,
That when I back again return to hell
All women may be bound to reverence me,
For saving of their Credits as I will.
But who comes here?

Enter Capt. Climon.
Clin.
This needs must tickle Musgrave to the quick,
And stretch his heart-strings farther by an inch,
That Lacy must be married to his Love;
And by that Match my market is near marr'd,
For Mariana, whom I most affect;
But I must cast about by some devise
To help my self and to prevent the Earle.

Bel.
This Fellow fitly comes to meet with me,
Who seems to be acquainted with the Earle;
Good Fortune guide you Sir.

Cli.
As much to you.

Bel.
Might I intreat a favour at your hands?

Cli.
What's that?

Bel.
I am a stranger here in England, Sir,
Brought from my native home upon report,
That the Earle's Daughter wants the use of speech,
I have been practised in such Cures ere now,
And willingly would try my skill on her:
Let me request you so to favour me,
As to direct me to her Father's house.

Cli.
With all my heart, and welcome shall you be
To that good Earle, who mourns his Daughter's want;
But they have for a holy Abbot sent,
Who can (men say) do many miracles,
In hope that he will work this wond'rous cure.

Bel.
What ere he be, I know 'tis past his skill,
Nor any in the world, besides my self,
Did ever sound the depth of that devise.

Enter Musgrave.
Cli.
Musgrave well met; I needs must speak with you.

Musg.
I came to seek you.

Cli.
Tarry you a while.
Shall I intreat you sir to walk before
With this same Gentleman, and overtake you.
Exeunt Bel. Ak.
This is the newes, the Earle of Kent is come,
And in all hast the marriage must be made,
Your Lady weeps, and knows not what to do,
But hopes that you will work some means or other
To stoppe the crosse proceedings of the Earle.

Musg.
Alas poor Clinton, what can Musgrave do?
Unless I should by stealth convey her thence,
On which a thousand dangers do depend.

Cli.
Well (to be brief because I cannot stay)
Thus stands the case, if you will promise me,
To work your Cosen Marian to be mine;
I'le so devise that you shall purchase her,
And therefore tell me if you like the match?

Musg.
With all my heart Sir, yea and thank you too.

Cli.
Then say no more but leave the rest to me,
For I have plotted how it shall be done;
I must go follow yon fair Gentleman,
On whom I build my hopes. Musgrave adue.

Musg.
Clinton farewell, I'le wish thee good success.

Exeunt.