 | Honoria and Mammon |  |
54
ACT IV.
Enter Traverse.Tra.
I have secur'd the person of Honoria,
At my Mannor in the Countrey, who believes
Her Alworth dead, and must be allowed some time
For that digestion. I have made known
My self, and the affection which engag'd me.
But though my Lady Mammon have a place
Beneath her in my thoughts; on better counsel,
I think it wisdom to preserve my interest
In her, already mine by her consent,
And the great plea of Law, Possession.
If I can make the Lady Honoria sure,
She shall be my wife, and that my Concubine,
Rare, Excellent!
Enter Dash.
Dash.
Oh Sir, y'are welcome home.
Tra.
Thou look'st with a warp'd face.
Dash.
You can resolve me,
Is there no case, wherein a man, without
Impeachment to his Credit or his Conscience,
May be allowed to hang himself?
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What's the matter?
Thou art not desperate?
Dash.
I know not, but
I finde some inclinations to Hemp.
You are my Master, I may be concern'd
To follow a good example.
Tra.
Leave your fooling,
How does my Lady Mammon?
Da.
There's the business.
My Lady Mammon is Sir—
Tra.
What, what is she?
Das.
She is my Lady Mammon, yet I lye,
She is not mine, I would she were your Worships,
I know you will be mad, but it must out,
My Ladies gone.
Tra.
Ha?
Das.
Run quite away Sir,
With a glib Gentleman came to visit her,
And the young spirit that did wait upon her.
Without much ceremony, she would have your Worship
Provide more locks, and keys, and bars, and bolts.
I tell you Sir, Verbatim, for a need
I have it all in pedescript.
Tra.
Mammon gone?
Das.
What think you Sir, of a ne Exeat Regnum?
Tra.
Gone? my vexation? no pursuit will reach her,
Give her the start, and she'll out-strip the Devil.
These things will turn me wild, but that's no cure,
I must be a man agen, and tame this passion,
Her loss may have recompence, if Honoria
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I'll return instantly, come you along Sir.
Enter Men carrying burthens of Money.
What are these? ha? 'tis money, whence I pray
Comes all this Treasure?
1.
From the City Sir.
Tra.
But whether goes it?
1.
Do you not observe
Us march in rank and file, this money goes
To maintain many honest Gentlemen
That want it, that will fight, and do fine things
For all our goods; you are a fool I see,
And do not know the Law.
Tra.
What Law?
1.
Club Law.
Tra.
How's that?
1.
The Cannon Law, do I speak loud enough?
The Gentlemen behinde will tell you more.
Enter Fulbank and Citizens, other men waiting with Bags of money.
Tra.
I like not this: let us to horse immediately.
Exit.
Ful.
'Tis high time, that we tame the insolence,
Of this long Robe, these Princes of the Law
Will invade all our Liberties and Fortunes.
1. Cit.
Presume to take our Lady Mammon from us?
Ful.
And as I hear, she's closely hurried
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2. Cit.
I should consent the City be still great,
And our names spread, like our ambitions,
But we not prudently consider, whom
We trust with our revenge—
Ful.
Our Mercenaries,
Who findes 'em buff, and iron, and when they
Come lame and halting home, who shall provide 'em
Good Hospitals, and old shirts to make lint on?
When we please, we can scatter all the Regiments,
If we but rein our purses.
1. Cit.
I am clear
There is no other way to carry on
The work, the sword strikes Terrour, and who knows,
The body of the Law being vast, and powerful,
Might (if not timely thus prevented) raise
Considerable strength and opposition.
But thus we stifle all, and having once
Recovered Mammon, we are Princes.
Omnes,
Princes!
Enter Colonel, and Captain Squanderbag:
Squ.
Where shall we dine Colonel? I ha lost
My credit at the Ordinary, this Town
I think is onely scituate to starve in.
What are these?
Col.
They have City faces.
Squa.
And are a thought too handsome to be Serjeants,
They have serious eyes upon us, and move to us.
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Would you with me Gentlemen?
Ful.
Yes Sir, with you.
2 Cit.
May I take boldness Sir, to ask your name?
Squa.
My name?
2 Cit.
For no harm Sir, you are a Souldier,
And I presume have had commands.
Squa.
What then Sir, keep off.
2 Cit.
I come in friendship, and mean all
Civilities to your person: De'e want money?
Squ.
Would you have your pate broke?
For such a foolish question to a Gentleman?
I do want money Sir, you wo'not furnish me.
2 Cit.
Do not mistake your self, come hither sirrah,
VVill this do you much harm?
Squ,
Harm! pray be covered. Miracles! De'e know
VVhat you have done?
2 Cit.
An act of Justice,
To call it Charity, would stain your honour,
I look for no security.
Squa.
Not a note under my hand never to pay you,
VVhat must I do for all this Sir? whose throat
VVould you have cut now? these fine Devils
Must do something.
2 Cit.
Buy you new cloathes, a better sword,
The Leather of your boots are of two families,
You may want linnen too, get fresh, and part
VVith bosom friends.
Squa.
I have more stowage.
2 Cit.
And I'll employ it, at your service Sir,
He gives him another bag.
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VVhat will become of me?
2 Cit.
Nay Sir, I must tell you,
Y'are like to have more of this.
Squa.
Has he no cloven foot?
This is the rarest Citizen!
Enter Colonel, Fulbank.
2 Cit.
De'e hear Sir?
VVe are making of our VVill, and in the humour
That now predominates, that Gentleman
May be the Cities heir.
Squa.
VVere it not pity this should be a dream now?
Ful.
You have commission, and full instructions,
Be sure you do not pinch to spare our purses,
Our Money grows, we are fain to weed the silver,
Our men are rank, and rot upon the stalk
For want of cutting, every drum-stick is
A Lime-twig, they are mad for innovations,
Pray know my brother Sir.
Salute
Col.
I am his faithful servant.
2 Cit.
One of the Birds, that keep the Capitol,
Our feathers are all at your service Gentlemen,
VVhen you have pluck'd and pick'd us well, you may
Give order for our roasting, we are tame Sir.
Squa.
Beshrew me an understanding fellow.
Ful.
VVe have no more to say, 'tis the Publique cause,
Bring Mammon home, and we will rout the Laws.
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And so we'll pray for you.
Col.
For your selves Gentlemen, I do conceive
VVe shall do well enough.
Exeunt F. & Cit.
Captain Squanderbag,
VVhat think you of this change? silver comes in
Upon us like a Sea.
Squa.
An ebb must be expected, I hate naturally
This mettal of the Moon, 'tis a pale flood,
VVould I were in Pactolus streams, or Tagus,
There were a lasting Element.
Col.
VVhat do you
Think of these Golden Images?
Squa.
I honour the bright sons of Sol.
Col.
Pity these Gentlemen should want Civil VVar,
They take such pains, and pay so heartily,
VVe have much to do o'th sudden.
Squa.
This long peace
Hath made us tame i'th world, let e'm now pay 'fort.
Col.
VVe are emergent from our shades, let's rise.
VVith subtil motion, treasure makes men wise.
Exeunt.
Enter Phantasm, Maslin, Contrey-men.
Phan.
She has gull'd the Lawyer too.
Mas.
Most excellent,
I do adore her wit, and will she visit
The Countrey, ha? come neerer.
Phan.
I have repented Sir, my past neglect?
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VVhich has prevail'd, and now she comes to you Sir,
VVith pure affection to your self, the Lady
Mammon is onely yours.
Mas.
Did you hear that?
The Empress of the world is coming hither
To me, with pure affection to my person,
We are her Vassals.
Phan.
'Cause the times are dangerous
Sir, she comes private, but one Gentleman
That knows not her design, I ever thought
You were born to be a greatman.
Mas.
We'll go forth to meet her.
Phan.
By no means Sir, 'twas her desire,
You should be onely thus prepar'd, I'll tell her.
Exit. Phan.
Mas.
'Tis my happiness,
Shall I be at last a Dominus fac totum?
There's Latin for you Neighbours, I am inspir'd
With Languages, with all things, and you shall,
The poorest Copiholder of my Tenants
Be allow'd a Concubine.
1.
Whaw! then we shall
Be Turks Sir.
Mas.
Turks? the Turks a Civil Gentleman.
2.
But no Christiam.
Mas.
Ye'e are a fool, we
Must all come to't if the times hold, and my
Deer Mammon stay with us.
1.
Bless me a Turk!
4.
Is that such a matter; why you, and I,
And the best on us, are but Turks, if you
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1.
I grant, as we are brethren, and Turks, another way, and worse—
Mas.
Let me see, how shall I consume my wealth?
1.
VVhat think you of building Sir a Church?
Mas.
A Church? and give it my own name to save
A Consecration, No, no, I must do
Something to shame the Chronicles—silence,
I'll build another Town in every County,
In midst of that, a most magnificent Colledge,
To entertain men of most eminent wit,
To invent new Religions.
1.
That were excellent, we want Religion extreamly.
Mas.
Can none of you invent? I think I must
Keep men in pension to project me ways
To spend my gold.
2.
Pave all the high-way with't,
'Twould be excellent for Travellers.
Mas.
I'll pave a street, that shall run cross the Island,
From Sea to Sea, with Pearl build a bridge
From Dover Cliff to Callis.
1.
A Draw-bridge?
4.
This may be done, but I am of opinion
VVe shan'ot live to see't.
Mas.
'Twon'ot be want of money, but of time,
Meer time, to finish it; my Lady Mammon,
Believe it, can do all things; for your parts,
But think what you would have, I say no more:
If she smile but upon you, you are made,
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VVith telling of your money—ha? 'tis she.
Enter Mammon, Alamode and Phantasm.
I Charge you kneel, and kiss her hand,
My Lady Mammon!
Ala.
How's this?
Mas.
VVelcome to my heart, Madam.
Al.
Is my Lady in earnest?
Mam.
You have done me Sir a favour, I'm at home,
And disingage your further service; I
VVish you a fair retreat.
Ala.
Do you hear Madam?
You will not thus reward me, after all
My travel and attendance?
Mam.
'Tis my meaning,
Nor will it Sir, be safe to lose much time,
These have a natural antipathy
To men of your fine making.
Phan.
'Tis Alamode the Courtier,
VVhom my Lady has onely made her property,
To be part of her convoy.
Ala.
You wo'not marry him?
Mam.
I think I sha'll not,
I must not be confin'd, while there is ayr,
And men to change.
Mas.
How Master Courtier?
Phan.
They'l toss him in a blanket.
Mas.
As long as you please Madam, he's welcome,
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Or I have Canibals that will devour him;
VVith his sword, boots treble tann'd, and spurs upon 'em.
Ala.
Sure I dream, but Madam
You wo'not play the Cockatrice thus wo'me.
Mam.
If you will stay, upon your good behaviour;
I may dispense some private favour—
Ala.
Good, excellent VVhore, I'll stay to observe her humor.
Mas.
I'll be your guide Madam,
On, go before, and bid'm ring the bells,
For bonefires, 'twill be time enough at night
To burn up all the Villages about us.
Ala.
Indeed it shall be yours: Sir, you are too civil.
Exeunt.
Enter Travers, and Dash the Clark.
Tra.
Intreat my Lady hither, and attend her,
I did embrace too much, Mammon is lost,
If my stars prosper my ambition
To Honoria, I forgive their future influence.
A Discovery of Treasures and Jewels.
Here is a blaze to melt a frozen soul.
65
Hon.
VVhat is my Jaylors pleasure with his Prisoner?
Tra.
That character doth wound your servant, Madam,
I am your Prisoner, by the fate of Love,
Condemnd to everlasting chains, my heart
Consumes at every frown, and I beg now
Not to be happy owner of that beauty,
Since you decree my Exile, but to dye,
Collect up so much terrour in a look,
And from that Throne of Majestie, your eyes,
Dart forth a flame of wrath so high, it may
Turn me to ashes, I'll submit your Sacrifice.
Hon.
I have no thoughts so impious, to destroy
A life that may be happy, if you be not
Your own Tormenter.
Tra.
Those words have a sound of mercy, Madam.
Hon.
Cruelty and honour
Are inconsistent.
Tra.
I taste Heaven,
Already, a warm stream descends upon
My timorous heart; Oh pause, let me consider
How much I am behinde in worth, to know
VVhat change hath blest it.
Hon.
Change?
Tra.
Let me but touch
Your white hand, were my breath the Treasure
of all the, East, no other Altar should
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Salutes her.
For every smile I drop a Pearl, these Diamonds
Are pale, and beg a lustre from your Eyes,
VVear them, and be their ornament: I'll rifle
My Indies for more wealth, and when I have,
With giving up my soul, purchas'd a kiss
Of bright Honoria, from my dust at one,
One pittying look upon me, I ascend
A new Creation from your Eye.
Hon.
What means
This rapture? what would all this passionate noise?
Expound, I am still Honoria.
Tra.
Oh say but mine.
Hon.
Sir, shut up your shop,
Your gay temptations wo'not take.
Tra.
Is't possible?
Not all this treasure buy one kiss?
Hon.
A thousand,
From those that have a subtil art to sell them:
Why do you trifle with your soul? Intents
That carry honour, need not bribe with wealth
To purchase nothing.
Tra.
I can love you vertuously.
Hon.
By that love be commanded then, to tell me
How have you dispos'd of Alworths dust, when was I
Surpris'd dishonourably, and transported
Against my own thoughts and consent, to this
Unhappy place? and immur'd up like
Some guilty person, not allow'd the freedom
Of ayr, nor to see heaven at all, but from
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Interpret this affection? 'tis tyrannie,
That must without a penitence draw from heaven
A justice, and from me (by you made miserable)
A just contempt of all your flatteries.
Tra.
There are some men i'th world, that would not think
You handsom in that look, and make you tremble.
Hon.
You dare not be so impious.
Tra.
When my love,
That courts you honourably is scorn'd, I can
Be angry, had I wanton thoughts about me,
As some may mix with flesh and blood, you are
Within my power.
Hon.
That power is circumscrib'd,
You have confin'd already this poor weight
Of Dust I carry, but if blacker thoughts
Tempt you to force my honour, I can call
Rescue from heaven.
Tra.
What needs this bravery? you see I use
No violence, I court you to a Bride.
Hon.
My vows once gave me up a pledge to Alworth,
And my heart cut out for his Epitaph,
Will not contain one Character beside.
Tra.
I play my self to death in flames unpittied:
Resolve, not look for tedious considerings;
If I may honourably succeed your Alworth,
His soul had not a purer faith to serve you,
If this be slighted—
68
Das.
Help, help, we are all undone, O Sir, where is
Your two handed sword?
Tra.
Thou Messenger of Horror, what's the matter?
Das.
The Castle is besieg'd, and the Beacons burns blue Sir.
The Devil's up in Arms, and comes against us
With the whole posse Comitatus! they
Will pull the house down, they have broke into
The base Court, Heaven protect my Pia mater.
I did but peep out of the Garrat, and
One Souldier swore a huge Granado at me.
They cry down with the Laws, and if they have not
Honoria sound of wind and limb, they'll cut us,
Sir, into Labels. Would I had compounded
For any leg, or my left arm; but now,
Now farewel comely Court-hand, and long Dashes,
Do you not hear the Mandrakes? what do you do Sir?
I'll not into the Cellar straight, and bar the door,
And if there be no remedy, e're they reach me,
I'll drink, and dye a Martyr.
Tra.
I am blasted! stay,
There is a close contrivement in this Chamber,
Madam, will you retreat, and save your person?
This way sirrah.
Exeunt.
69
De'e think they will not smell us out? I fear
My constitution wo'not hold.
Souldiers within.
Down with the Laws & custos Rotulorum,
Fico for Writs and Mous-Traps.
Enter Officers, General, and Fulbank.
Off.
Make a guard Souldiers.
Ful.
I am come Sir, to see fashions.
Col.
You finde us drudging Sir, in your affairs,
Captain, I leave him to your entertainment,
That face deserves a reverence.
Hon.
'Tis the Colonel,
But he looks more compos'd, and carries state.
Col.
Madam.
Ful.
And how go things, my Military friends?
My gallant men of action? you are now
In sprightly postures, and become your selves,
What pitty 'tis, men of your noble soul
Should want employment.
Squa.
We must all acknowledge
Your care of us.
Ful.
I honour'd your profession,
Since I first handled Arms.
Squa.
What service, with your favour, have you seen?
Ful.
Hot service, I was knock'd down thrice, and lost
My beard at taking of a Fort in Finsbury,
And when I had my Marshal trinkets on,
70
As the best on e'm. But where's the Lady Mammon?
Col.
Surprized? and ever since a Prisoner?
He is not worth my passion, this room
Has in your presence a protection.
I take your word, you wo'not quit the place
Without your servants knowledge, Madam, but
If the slie Enemy of your honour, think
By obscuring his base head, to fly our Justice,
When you are safe, I'll fire the house upon him.
Das.
Here, here we are, fire, fire.
Tra.
Be silent Villain.
Das.
Yes, and be burnt alive, I cannot finde the door.
Col.
From whence that voice?
Das.
'Tis here, 'tis here, I hate burning, as
I do the Devil, and a dry Proverb, help.
Squa.
The Lawyers here.
Tra.
Gentlemen use no violence, I'll come forth
And meet your fury.
Cap.
What are you sirrah?
Das.
A poor Court-hand practiser.
Cap.
The choice is given, whether thou wilt be hang'd
At the next tree, or have your ears cut off?
Das.
My ears, my ears by any means Gentlemen,
Hanging will make a villainous long Dash.
Once crop'd, and twice a Traytor, sweet Gentlemen,
Delicate Commanders.
Tra.
Time has brought
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I see your soul is noble; though I cannot
Dye at my own choice, I can make a will,
And dispose some Legacies, rich Jewels, Sir,
Plate, Gold, and Silver.
Ful.
All this I lay claim to,
They were the Lady Mammons, in whose right
I challenge all, I take those to my custodie.
Col.
How? How? Marshal take him to yours.
Ful.
Me to the Marshal? that were pretty, me?
Mar.
Come Sir—
Ful.
How? I beseech one word, have you forgot me Sir?
Col.
Your name is Fulbank.
Ful.
Plain Fulbank? it was I,
Did in those days bring in the good advance.
Col.
You did, your duty Marshall—
Ful.
I ha done Sir,
Col.
So have not I, secure his person too,
Safe, as your life will answer it.
Enter one with a Letter.
Letters, whence? ha?
From Alamode?
He reads:
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He writes where a party of horse may handsomely
Secure the Lady Mammon, give him a reward,
Make it your province Captain, you will finde
Directions in that paper.
Whispers.
Squa.
Sir, I have observ'd
That Gentleman with the black-patch uncase
His eye once to my Lady, there's some mysterie,
I do not like it.
Col.
Some spie: when I walk off, command him to the
Guard till further order.
Madam, I call it my first happiness,
That I am in a capacity to serve you,
And you shall order your own justice.
Hon.
What will they do with that young Gentleman?
Col.
She mindes not me.
Hon.
Your pardon.
Col.
Give me favour to attend you,
With whom my soul desires to be renew'd,
Your faithful honourer, march on.
Ex. Co. &c.
Alw.
I obey you.
Squa.
You will know the cause hereafter, and us better.
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Pulls of the Patch.
Cap.
Thou hast cur'd him: de'e know us Sir?
Alw.
I know ye all.
Squa.
What are we?
Alw.
You're all close fires, in want of aire kept tame,
But know no bounds, let loose into a flame.
Squa.
We'll teach you better Morals Sir, Come on.
Exeunt omnes.
| Honoria and Mammon | |