 | Riches : Or, The Wife And Brother |  |
SCENE I.
The Counting-House.Enter Luke.
Luke.
I'll give no further audiences to-day—
Tell those who wait, they may return to-morrow,
When I shall have more leisure. What is wealth,
If it can't purchase pleasure for it's master,
And minister delight; For one short day
I've wrought enough; what rests shall be mine own.
I will indulge in varied luxury,
In due gradation gratifying each sense,
'Till satiated they sink into repose,
And cushions of soft yielding down invite me
To court th' embraces of restoring sleep.
Who waits!
Enter Holdfast,
Come here. Thou ha'st been us'd to cater?
Holdfast.
Aye, marry, in Sir John's time I've been us'd.
He kept the noblest table in the city.
Luke.
'Twas but a board for beadsmen, when compar'd
With what I mean to keep. This day I'll put
Thy talents to the test. See thou prepare
A feast for me, more sumptuous than e'er grac'd
Our civic meetings—
Holdfast.
What guests have you?
84
None!
I'll sit alone, and surfeit in my store,
Whilst others wanting pine with envy at me;
My happier genius pamper'd with the thought
Of what I am, and what they long to be.
Holdfast.
Less surely might suffice.
Luke.
Say that again
And I will double it. Prescribe to me!
Have I not means enough? am I not rich?
Holdfast.
I'm silenc'd. (aside)
Nobody to sup with him!
Luke.
Go! Let bright tapers emulate the day,
While subtlest perfumes spread their mingling sweets,
And music floats i' th' air. Begone, and do it!
[Exit Holdfast.
This is to live! I'll rack my brain to invent
Diversity of pleasure—
Enter Holdfast.
Holdfast.
Here are two,
Who say they needs must speak with you forthwith
Luke.
Did I not tell thee I would be alone?
Holdfast.
Aye, but these come upon a pressing errand.
85
To supplicate your mercy.
Luke.
Let them enter.
Enter Old Invoice and Old Ledger.
Old Invoice.
Good Sir, we do presume to wait upon you,
As humble intercessors for our sons.
Luke.
Your sons? yourselves, I rather take it.
Old Invoice.
Sir!
Luke.
Why know you not I have your bonds within,
For their upright demeanour in my service?
The penalties are weighty, let me tell you.
Old Ledger.
We know it, worthy Sir, and we are come
To learn what is your pleasure.
Old Invoice.
So you please
To use a conscience—
Old Ledger.
Which we hope you will do,
For your own worship's sake.
Luke.
A conscience, say you?
You know the penalties your bonds contain?
I'll shew you I've a conscience. I require
No more than their extent.
86
What say you, Sir?
That is two thousand pounds a piece.
Luke.
'Tis so.
Your memory is correct.
Old Ledger.
Two thousand pounds!
Where think you we can raise it?
Luke.
Where you please.
That's your concern not mine.
Old Invoice.
No moderation?
Luke.
I have your bonds. Look to it.
Old Invoice.
We are undone!
Old Ledger.
Our families are ruin'd! Do, good Sir,
Pray take compassion on us!
Luke.
If ye fail me,
Your lodging is the Compter. Holdfast!
Enter Holdfast.
Here!
Turn out those whining dotards, and then take
Lights to the banquet chamber. Do it quickly!
[Exeunt severally.
| Riches : Or, The Wife And Brother | |