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The fifth Scœne.
To them, Sam.Now must I practise unaccustom'd impudence.
By your leave gentle creatures: may I have my turne now
for a little sport? Nay, nay, sweetheart, thou shalt serve:
thy Mistris is too deare; and I am loth to pay over-much
for repentance. 'Tis but changing offices: let her hold
the dore for thee.
Cice.
Pray sir, speake and meane civilly; you'l not be
welcome else.
Sam.
Good Lady light-heele; give your servant leave
to practise the trade you have taught her. That such perfections
as appeare in this woman should be sold to every
base desire. Come wench, thy browne complexion pleaseth
mee better then thy Mistrisses: thou dost not paint,
and art the likelier to be wholsome.
Cice.
Good gentleman, hee is jealous, and would circumvent
her.
Sam.
Heere's halfe a crowne wench; me thinks 'tis a
faire rate. Ha! finger in the eye? Keepe thy teares for
pennance in Bride well. Crye when money's offer'd thee?
Bella.
Oh Brother.
Sam.
Ha! are you my Sister?
Bella.
Your Sister Bellamie.
Sam.
Why shee's in the Countrey at mine Vncles,
Teaching her hand some neat industrious practice;
Or painting with her needle the rare forme
Of some choyce flower; to her busie servant
Discoursing Moralls; or perhaps at prayers,
Or meditation: these were her exercises;
Not prostitution. What an impudence
Is this imposture?
Temper your anger brother,
For it appeares i'th wrincles of your brow.
And let not passion burne your jealous feares
With an intemperate heat. I have a story
You'l pitty, though all naturall affection
Were quite extinguisht.
Sam.
Then you are my Sister?
Bella.
Dissemble not those doubts; but heare me.
Sam.
Noe.
I'm deafe to all excuse. 'Tis too apparant.
Possesse me vertuous rage; make me the instrument
Of a religious justice.
Bella.
Guard me innocence.
Sam.
Oh that the knowing soule, which can distinguish
It selfe and powers; should yeeld her government
To the lascivious appetite of sense:
And under such a base subjection
Ruine her noble parts. True estimation
Is grounded on the actions of the minde:
And to determine bravely, well as honestly,
Must be the last, and most refin'd digestion
Of a high flying nature. Such should hers be.
She wanted not th'instruction, nor example
Of worthy Parents, that honour is the most
Essentiall part of life, and valewd 'bove it.
Cice.
Good gentleman, hee's troubled.
Sam.
Oh hypocrisie,
Thy painted showes must likewise mock our judgments
Into an apt credulitie, that makes
Bad worse by the dissembling. Had shee wanted
Or meanes of power or fortune to discover
This inclination; like the Serpent numb'd
With a long rigidnesse, forbeare's to sting
His warmers bosome, not because he hath not
A poyson; but because the force thereof
Is feebled by the cold.
You seeme disturb'd sir.
Sam.
Who'l ever trust devotion, or believe
That any zeale is earnest? I should rather
Have call'd an Eremite hypocrite: or suspected
Th'austerities of an Anchorite to be
But for vaine-glory or a common fame,
Then her appearing goodnesse. Fury prompts me
To a black act. 'Tis well I have no sword.
But may she not survive her first repentance;
Which shame or punishment shall teach her quickly.
Lustfull insatiate whore. Could not a husband
Have coold your bloud?
Bella.
You need no other weapon,
she sownes.
Those words have kill'd me.
Cice.
Ay me, what have you done sir? helpe, helpe.
Sam.
If it be earnest, cur'd a wounded fame.
My reputation would have bled a little,
Had she liv'd longer infamous: her death
May lose the memory of her dishonour.
Cice.
Good gentlewoman she faints. Helpe, helpe.
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