University of Virginia Library

scaena 1

enter Lady Wastfull; and 2 lawyers.
I have told you all (my learned frinds o'th law)
what a poore pittance I have left; & how
the guardians of the ward; (noe more my son,
synce he hath more then I;) doe streyne their forces
with helpe of foot cloth nagges, coach & 4 horses,
to get him into their possession.

1 lawer.
I well perceave their drift; if once they get
the person of the ward, the land will follow.

2 l.
your only way deare (lady) then must bee
to oppose these guardians in due time; & get
his person, under your owne fit tuition.

Lady Wary.
I soe I purpose: but the charge affrights mee,
I meane the composition for his wardship,
I doubt it is beyond my power to compasse.

1 law.
try all your frinds! good Lady. rather then
if I were in your case, that I would faile
all the large shops which promise monney; should
be throughly searched: and each Scriveners doore
be enquir'd upon by note.—

2 law.
Twill richly pay you; when you have got it once.
you may cut downe all his woods, enjoy his rents
(allowing him at most but a bare stipend,)
& what is more, may handle the young novice
with so much seeming Art & tendernesse,
that he may prove non compos mentis, and
leave you a long tuition til his death.

1 law.
I marry brother: that were a plot indeed.
there is some salt in this. besides I heare
heare,
the boy is very studious: put him on
upon that veine; and if he prove not lunatique
before full age; Ile forfeit both my eares
to the next pillory, and to be throwne ore
the barre for champerty, & manteining Sutes.

2 la.
I see good wits jumpe, brother: I doe fixe
upon the same conclusions my opinion.

Lady W.
the wayes you put mee on, my noble frinds seeme fecible
& I will try my best endeavours, too
compasse their ends: in the meane time take this,
for your advice.—

Both.
your servants worthy lady.

Lad.
and I shall thinke myselfe your more obliged
client & debtor; if you please to take
your commons at my house the morrow dinner.

exit.
Both.
we are still your more engaged, ready servants.

1 lawy.
o were it not for gaine, that checks all conscience
into a corner; (brother) who would teach
the hidden labyrinthes of the sliding law?
who would thus whet his wits, to snare the innocent,
to undoe whole families at the birth of one?
to ensnare young pupills fortunes for a fee,
and for some gaine, t'encurre perjury?

2 law.
Tis our profession (brother) being askt
to give our best advice; and only then
for to respect our clients benefit.

1 law.
would I had held my peace! innocent youth
to pull the ruines of thy rack't estate,
vexes my inward soule.—

2.
I must confesse tis pitty: but our life
professeth love, & only gaines by strife.

exeunt.