 | The Jealous Lovers |  |
SCEN. VIII.
Ballio, Tyndarus, Asotus, Techmessa, Evadne, Pamphilus, Tyndarus, Pægnium, and officers.Pag.
That's he, I charge you apprehend the villain.
1. Offic.
Villain, we reprehend thee.
Ball.
Slaves, for what?
2. Offic.
For an arrant cutpurse: you stole away this little Gentlemans
sword; and being done by chance-medly, 'tis flat
felony by statute.
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I thank thee Innocence. Though earth disclaim
Thy title, heaven denies thee not protection.
Pæg.
Confesse, or I will have thee instantly
Hang'd for a signe on thine own post.
Ball.
Well, villany
Thou wilt not thrive. Sir, for 'twas you I wrong'd:
I do confesse the sword by which I rais'd
So strange a scandal on you, was by me
Stoln from your Page, as he delivered letters
From you to your Techmessa; and the plot
Was fashion'd by her mother, though ill fortune
Made me th' unlucky instrument.
Asot.
Cursed Tutour,
Thou hast read nothing to me worth the learning,
But the high-way to th' gallows. There shall we
Hang up like vermine. Little did I think
To make the women weep and sob to see
Th' untimely end of two such proper men.
This mouth was never made to stand awry,
And sure my neck was long enough before.
Lady, upon my humbled knees I beg
Pardon for faults committed, I acknowledge
That striving with fellonious intent
To steal a kisse or two from your sweet lips,
From your sweet care I stole a ring away.
Pæg.
For which your sweet neck must endure the halter.
Tyn.
I am again thy servant, mighty love!
O my Evadne, how shall I appeare
So bold as but to plead in mine own cause?
It is so foul that none can seal my pardon,
But you that should condemne me.
Evad.
Sir, you know
The power I have is yours: be your own judge,
And seal your pardon here.
Tyn.
'Tis double life
Granted by such a seal.
Tech.
What punishment
Shall we inflict on these?
Asot.
Gentle Ladie,
E'ne what you please,—but hanging,—that's a death
My enemies will hit me in the teeth with.
Besides, it makes a man look like a Cat
When she cries mew.
Ball.
I'le bark and bite awhile
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Asot.
Pray dismisse
This pack of hounds: and since we both are guilty,
Let us bestow on one anothers shoulders
The good and wholsome counsell of a cudgell.
Pæg.
Pray let me intercede.
Asot.
Thanks, prety little Gentleman.
Tyn.
Officers, you are discharged.
Asot.
Are the madde dogs gone?
Exeunt officers.
Come Tutour, I must read awhile to you
Under correction.—Not so hard, good Tutour.
Tyn.
Enough.
Asot.
Nay, one bout I beseech you more
To make up satisfaction.
Ball.
Well for this
I'le have one engine more, my bad intents
Mend not, but gather strength by punishments.
Tyn.
Your satisfaction now is full and ample.
Asot.
Nay, we must have the health i'th' crabtree-cup too:
One to th' Tyndarides, another to th' Asotides,
And one, my deare instructour, to the Techmessides.
Pam.
Nay, now your penance doth exceed your crime.
Asot.
Say you so? nay, then here's a health to the Pamphilides too:
And for his noble sake, to the Evadnides,
And all Philosophy sects what e're they be.
Evad.
Your justice to your selves is too severe.
Asot.
Then I ha' done: farewell, and hearty thanks.
But, Tutour, stay, this little Gentleman
Has been forgot:—Pray, Sir, what may I call you?
Pæg.
My name is Pægnium.—
Asot.
I were most unthankfull
To passe o're you.—To the Pægniades, Tutour:
You have brought us to a fair passe, Tutour.
Ball.
Tush,
'Twas but to exercise your passive valour.
Asot.
Your passive valour? give me your active valour:
I do not like your black and blue valour,
When bones shall ake with magnanimity.
Exeunt Asot. Ball. Pæg.
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