 | The Witch of Edmonton |  |
Act. I.
Scæn. 1.
Enter Frank Thorney, Winnifride with-child.Frank.
Come, Wench; why here's a business soon dispatch'd.
Thy heart I know is now at ease: thou needst not
Fear what the tattling Gossips in their cups
Can speak against thy fame: thy childe shall know
Who to call Dad now.
Win.
You have discharg'd the true part of an honest man;
I cannot request a fuller satisfaction
Then you have freely granted: yet methinks
'Tis an hard case, being lawful man and wife,
We should not live together.
Frank.
Had I fail'd
In promise of my truth to thee, we must
Have then been ever sundred; now the longest
Of our forbearing eithers company,
Is onely but to gain a little time
For our continuing thrift, that so hereafter
The Heir that shall be born may not have cause
To curse his hour of birth, which made him feel
The misery of beggery and want;
Two Devils that are occasions to enforce
A shameful end. My plots aim but to keep
My father's love.
Win.
And that will be as difficult
To be preserv'd, when he shall understand
How you are married, as it will be now,
Should you confess it to him.
Frank.
Fathers are
Wonne by degrees, not bluntly, as our masters,
Or wronged friends are; and besides, I'll use
He can have notice of what's past, th'inheritance
To which I am born Heir, shall be assur'd:
That done, why let him know it; if he like it not,
Yet he shall have no power in him left
To cross the thriving of it.
Win.
You who had
The conquest of my Maiden-love, may easily
Conquer the fears of my distrust. And whither
Must I be hurried?
Frank.
Prithee do not use
A word so much unsuitable to the constant
Affections of thy Husband: thou shalt live
Neer Waltham Abbey, with thy Unkle Selman:
I have acquainted him with all at large:
He'll use thee kindly: thou shalt want no pleasures,
Nor any other fit supplies whatever
Thou canst in heart desire.
Win.
All these are nothing
Without your company.
Frank.
Which thou shalt have
Once every month at least.
Win.
Once every month!
Is this to have an Husband?
Frank.
Perhaps oftner:
That's as occasion serves.
Win.
I, I, in case
No other Beauty tempt your eye, whom you
Like better, I may chance to be remembred,
And see you now and then. Faith, I did hope
You'ld not have us'd me so: 'tis but my fortune.
And yet, if not for my sake, have some pity
Upon the childe I go with, that's your own.
And, 'less you'll be a cruel hearted Father,
You cannot but remember that.
Heaven knows how.
Frank.
To quit which fear at once,
As by the ceremony late perform'd,
I plighted thee a faith, as free from challenge,
As any double thought; Once more in hearing
Of Heaven and thee, I vow, that never henceforth
Disgrace, reproof, lawless affections, threats,
Or what can be suggested 'gainst our Marriage,
Shall cause me falsifie that Bridal-Oath
That bindes me thine. And, Winnifride, when ever
The wanton heat of youth by subtle baits
Draw me from onely loving thee; let Heaven
Inflict upon my life some fearful ruine.
I hope thou dost believe me.
Win.
Swear no more;
I am confirm'd, and will resolve to do
What you think most behoofeful for us.
Frank.
Thus then; make thy self ready: at the furthest house
Upon the Green, without the Town, your Unckle
Expects you. For a little time farewel.
Win.
Sweet,
We shall meet again as soon as thou canst possibly?
Frank.
We shall. One kiss. Away.
Ent. Sir Art. Clarington.
Sir Art.
Frank Thorney.
Frank.
Here Sir.
Sir Art.
Alone?
then must I tell thee in plain terms, thou hast wrong'd thy Master's
house basely and lewdly.
Frank.
Your house, Sir?
Sir Art.
Yes, Sir, if the nimble devil
That wanton'd in your blood, rebell'd against
All rules of honest duty. You might, Sir,
Have found out some more fitting place then here,
To have built a Stewes in. All the Country whispers
How shamefully thou hast undone a Maid,
Approv'd for modest life, for civil carriage,
Till thy prevailing perjuries entic'd her
To forfeit shame. Will you be honest yet?
Make her amends and marry her?
Frank.
So, Sir,
I might bring both my self and her to beggery;
And that would be a shame worse then the other.
Sir Art.
You should have thought on this before, and then
Your reason would have oversway'd the passion
Of your unruly lust. But that you may
Be left without excuse, to salve the infamy
Of my disgraced house, and 'cause you are
A Gentleman, and both of you my servants,
I'll make the Maid a portion.
Frank.
So you promis'd me
Before, in case I married her. I know
Sir Arthur Clarington deserves the credit
Report hath lent him; and presume you are
A Debtor to your promise: but upon
What certainty shall I resolve? Excuse me
Sir Art.
'Tis but reason.
Well Frank, what thinkst thou of 200 l.
And a continual friend?
Fra.
Though my poor fortunes
Might happily prefer me to a choice
Of a far greater portion; yet to right
A wronged Maid, and to preserve your favour,
I am content to accept your proffer.
Sir Art.
Art thou?
Frank.
Sir, we shall every day have need to employ
The use of what you please to give.
Sir Art.
Thou shalt have't.
Fran.
Then I claim your promise.
We are man and wife.
Sir Art.
Already?
Frank.
And more then so, I have promis'd her
Free entertainment in her Unkle's house,
Neer Waltham Abbey, where she may securely
Sojourne, till time and my endeavours work
My fathers love and liking.
Sir Art.
Honest Frank.
Frank.
I hope, Sir, you will think I cannot keep her
Without a daily charge.
Sir Art.
As for the money,
'Tis all thine own; and though I cannot make thee
A present payment, yet thou shalt be sure
I will not fail thee.
Frank.
But our occasions.
Sir Art.
Nay, nay, talk not of your occasions, trust my bounty:
it shall not sleep. Hast married her, yfaith Frank?
Once more thou art an honest woman. Frank,
Thou hast a Jewel. Love her; she'll deserve it.
And when to Waltham?
Frank.
She is making ready.
Her Unkle stays for her.
Sir Art.
Most provident speed.
Frank, I will be friend, and such a friend.
Thou'lt bring her thither?
Fran.
Sir, I cannot: newly
My father sent me word I should come to him.
Sir Art.
Marry, and do: I know thou hast a wit
To handle him.
Frank.
I have a suit t'ye.
Sir Art.
What is't?
Any thing, Frank, command it.
Frank.
That you'll please,
By Letters to assure my Father, that
I am not married.
Sir Art.
How?
Frank.
Some one or other
Hath certainly inform'd him that I purpos'd
To marry Winnifride; on which he threatned
Lowly I crave your Letters, which he seeing
Will credit; and I hope ere I return,
On such conditions as I'll frame, his Lands
Shall be assur'd.
Sir Art.
But what is that to quit
My knowledge of the marriage?
Frank.
Why you were not
A witness to it.
Sir Art.
I conceive: and then,
His Land confirmed, thou wilt acquaint him throughly
With all that's past.
Frank.
I mean no less.
Sir Art.
Provided,
I never was made privy to it.
Frank.
Alas, Sir,
Am I a talker?
Sir Art.
Draw thy self the Letter,
I'll put my hand to it. I commend thy policy
Th'art witty, witty Frank; nay, nay, 'tis fit,
Dispatch it.
Frank.
I shall write effectually.
Exit.
Sir Art.
Go thy way Cuckow; have I caught the young man?
One trouble then is freed. He that will feast
At others cost, must be a bold fac'd guest.
Enter Win. in a riding-suit.
Win.
I have heard the news, all now is safe.
The worst is past.
Sir Art.
Thy lip, wench: I must bid
Farewel, for fashions sake; but I will visit thee
Suddenly, Girl. This was cleanly carried:
Ha! was't not Win?
Win.
Then were my happiness,
That I in heart repent I did not bring him
The Dower of a Virginity. Sir, forgive me;
I have been much to blame. Had not my Laundress
Given way to your immoderate waste of Vertue,
You had not with such eagerness pursu'd
The error of your goodness.
Sir Art.
Dear, dear Win.
I hug this Art of thine, it shews how cleanly
Thou canst beguile in case occasion serve,
To practice. It becomes thee, now we share
Free scope enough, without controle or fear,
To interchange our pleasures; we will surfeit
In our embraces, Wench. Come, tell me, when
Wilt thou appoint a meeting?
Win.
What to do?
Sir Art.
Good, good, to con the lesson of our loves,
Our secret game.
Win.
O blush to speak it further!
A sin so monstrous: 'tis not gently done,
To open a cur'd wound. I know you speak
For trial; troth you need not.
Sir Art.
I for trial?
Not I, by this good Sun-shine.
Win.
Can you name
That syllable of good, and yet not tremble,
To think to what a foul and black intent,
You use it for an Oath? Let me resolve you,
If you appear in any Visitation
That brings not with it pity for the wrongs
Done to abused Thorney, my kinde husband;
If you infect mine ear with any breath
That is not throughly perfum'd with sighs
For former deeds of lust: May I be curs'd
Even in my prayers, when I vouchsafe
To see or hear you. I will change my life,
From a loose whore, to a repentant wife.
Sir Art.
Wilt thou turn monster now? art not asham'd
After so many months to be honest at last?
Away, away, fie on't.
Win.
My resolution
Is built upon a Rock. This very day
Young Thorney vow'd with Oaths not to be doubted,
That never any change of love should cancel
The bonds in which we are to either bound,
Of lasting truth. And shall I then for my part
Unfile the sacred Oath set on Record
In Heaven's Book? Sir Arthur, do not study
To add to your lascivious lust, the sin
Of Sacriledge: for if you but endeavour
By any unchaste word to tempt my constancy,
You strive as much as in you lies to ruine
A Temple hallowed to the purity
Of holy Marriage. I have said enough:
You may believe me.
Sir Art.
Get you to your Nunnery,
There freeze in your old Cloyster. This is fine.
Win.
Good Angels guide me. Sir, you'l give me leave
To weep and pray for your conversion.
Sir Art.
Yes, away to Waltham. Pox on your honesty.
You may want mony yet.
Win.
None that I'll send for
To you, for hire of a damnation.
When I am gone, think on my just complaint:
I was your Devil, O be you my Saint!
Exit Win.
Sir Art.
Go, go thy ways, as changeable a baggage
As ever cozen'd Knight. I'm glad I'm rid of her.
Honest? marry hang her. Thorney is my Debtor,
I thought to have paid him too: but fools have fortune.
Exit S. A.
SCÆN. 2.
Enter Old Thorney, and Old Carter.O. Thor.
You offer Mr. Carter, like a Gentleman,
I cannot finde fault with it, 'tis so fair.
O. Cart.
No Gentleman, I, Mr. Thorney; spare the Mastership,
call me by my name, John Carter; Master is a title my Father, not
his before him, were acquainted with. Honest Hertforshire Yeomen,
such an one am I; my word and my deed shall be proved one
at all times. I mean to give you no security for the Marriage-money.
O. Thor.
How? no security? although it need not, so long as
you live; yet who is he has surety of his life one hour? Men,
the Proverb says, are mortal: else, for my part, I distrust you not,
were the sum double.
O. Cart.
Double, trebble, more or less; I tell you, Mr. Thorney,
I'll give no security. Bonds and Bills are but Tarriers to
catch Fools, and keep lazy Knaves busie; my security shall be present
payment. And we here, about Edmonton, hold present payment
as sure as an Alderman's Bond in London, Mr. Thorney.
O. Thor.
I cry you mercy, Sir, I understood you not.
O. Cart.
I like young Frank well, so does my Susan too. The
Girl has a fancy to him, which makes me ready in my Purse. There
be other Suitors within, that make much noise to little purpose. If
Frank love Sue, Sue shall have none but Frank. 'Tis a mannerly
Girl, Mr. Thorney, though but an homely man's Daughter.
There have worse Faces look'd out of black Bags, Man.
O. Thor.
You speak your minde freely and honestly. I marvel
my Son comes not: I am sure he will be here sometime to
day.
To day or to morrow, when he comes he shall be welcome
to Bread, Beer and Beef, Yoeman's fare; we have no Kickshaws:
full Dishes, whole belly-fulls. Should I diet three days at
one of the slender City-Suppers, you might send me to Barber-Surgeons
Hall the fourth day, to hang up for an Anatomy.—Here
come they that—
How now Girls? every day play-day with you?
Valentine's day too, all by couples? Thus will young folks do when
we are laid in our Graves, Mr. Thorney. Here's all the care they
take. And how do you finde the VVenches, Gentlemen? have
they any minde to a loose Gown and a strait Shooe? VVin 'em,
and wear 'em. They shall chuse for themselves by my consent.
Warb.
You speak like a kinde Father. Sue, thou hearest
the liberty that's granted thee. VVhat sayest thou? wilt thou
be mine?
Sus.
Your what, Sir? I dare swear, never your wife.
Warb.
Canst thou be so unkinde? considering how dearly I affect
thee; nay, dote on thy perfections.
Sus.
You are studied too Scholar-like in words: I understand
not. I am too course for such a Gallants love as you are.
Warb.
By the honour of Gentility.
Sus.
Good Sir, no swearing: yea and nay with us
Prevails above all oathes you can invent.
Warb.
By this white hand of thine.
Sus.
Take a false oath?
Fie, fie, flatter the wise: fools not regard it; and one of these
am I.
Warb.
Dost thou despise me?
O. Cart.
Let 'em talk on, Mr. Thorney. I know Sue's minde.
The Flye may buz about the Candle, he shall but singe his VVings
when all's done. Frank, Frank is he has her heart.
Som.
But shall I live in hope, Kate?
Kat.
Better so, then be a desperate man.
Som.
Perhaps thou thinkst it is thy Portion
I level at: wert thou as poor in Fortunes,
As thou art rich in Goodness; I would rather
Be Suitor for the Dower of thy Vertues,
Then twice thy Father's whole Estate; and prithee
Be thou resolved so.
Mr. Somerton, it is an easie labour to deceive
A Maid that will believe Mens subtil promises:
Yet I conceive of you as worthily
As I presume you do deserve.
Som.
Which is
As worthily in loving thee sincerely,
As thou art worthy to be so belov'd.
Kat.
I shall finde time to try you.
Som.
Do, Kate, do:
And when I fail, may all my joys forsake me.
O. Cart.
Warbeck and Sue are at it still. I laugh to my self, Mr.
Thorney, to see how earnestly he beats the Bush, while the Bird is
flown into anothers bosom. A very unthrift, Mr. Thorney; one
of the Country roaring Lads: we have such as well as the City,
and as arrant Rake-hells as they are, though not so nimble at their
prizes of wit. Sue knows the Raskal to an hairs breadth, and will
fit him accordingly.
O. Thor.
What is the other Gentleman?
O. Cart.
One Somerton, the honester man of the two, by 5 l.
in every stone-weight. A civil Fellow. He has a fine convenient Estate
of land in West-ham by Essex. M. Ranges that dwells by Enfield,
sent him hither. He likes Kate well. I may tell you, I think she likes
him as well. If they agree, I'll not hinder the match for my part.
But that Warbeck is such another ---. I use him kindly for Mr.
Somerton's sake: for he came hither first as a Companion of his.
Honest men, Mr. Thorney, may fall into Knaves company, now and
then.
Warb.
Three hundred a yeer Joynture, Sue.
Sus.
Where lies it, by Sea or by Land? I think by Sea.
Warb.
Do I look like a Captain?
Sus.
Not a whit, Sir.
Should all that use the Seas be reckon'd Captains,
There's not a Ship should have a Scullion in her
To keep her clean.
Warb.
Do you scorn me, Mrs. Susan?
Am I a subject to be jeer'd at?
Sus.
Neither
Am I a property for you to use
As stale to your fond wanton loose discourse.
Pray Sir be civil.
Warb.
VVilt be angry, VVasp?
O. Cart.
God-a-mercy,
Sue.
She'll firk him on my life, if he
fumble with her.
Mr. Francis Thorney, you are welcome indeed.
Knight, Sir Arthur Clarington, your Master?
Frank.
In health this morning. Sir, my duty.
O. Thor.
Now
You come as I could wish.
Warb.
Frank Thorney, ha!
Sus.
You must excuse me.
Frank.
Vertuous. Mrs. Susan.
Kinde Mrs. Katherine. Gentlemen, to both
Salutes them.
Good time o'th' day.
Som.
The like to you.
Warb.
'Tis he.
A word, Friend. On my life, this is the Man
Stands fair in crossing Susan's love to me.
Som.
I think no less, Be wise, and take no notice on't.
He that can win her, best deserves her.
Warb.
Marry
A Servingman? mew.
Som.
Prethee Friend no more.
O. Cart.
Gentlemen all, there's within a slight Dinner ready, if
you please to taste of it: Mr. Thorney, Mr. Francis, Mr. Somerton.
VVhy Girls? what, Huswives, will you spend all your forenoon
in tittle-tattles? away: It's well yfaith. VVill you go in,
Gentlemen?
O. Thor.
VVe'll follow presently: my Son and I
Have a few words of business.
O. Cart
At your pleasure.
Ex. the rest.
O. Thor.
I think you guess the reason, Frank, for which
I sent for you.
Frank.
Yes, Sir.
O. Thor.
I need not tell you
VVith what a labyrinth of dangers dayly
The best part of my whole Estate's encumbred:
Nor have I any Clew to winde it out,
But what occasion proffers me. VVherein
If you should faulter, I shall have the shame,
And you the loss. On these two points relie
Our happiness or ruine. If you marry
VVith wealthy Carter's Daughter, there's a Portion
VVill free my Land: all which I'will instate
Upon the marriage to you. Otherwise,
I must be of necessity enforc'd
To make a present sale of all: and yet,
For ought I know, live in as poor distress,
Or worse, then now I do. You hear the sum:
I told you thus before. Have you considered on't?
Frank.
I have, Sir. And however I could wish
To enjoy the benefit of single Freedom,
To undergo the burthen of that care
That Marriage brings with it; Yet to secure
And settle the continuance of your Credit,
I humbly yield to be directed by you
In all commands.
O. Thor.
You have already us'd
Such thriving protestations to the Maid.
That she is wholly yours. And speak the truth,
You love her, do you not?
Frank.
'Twere pity, Sir,
I should deceive her.
O. Thor.
Better y'had been unborn.
But is your love so steady that you mean,
Nay, more, desire to make her your Wife?
Frank.
Else, Sir,
It were a wrong not to be righted.
O. Thor.
True,
It were: and you will marry her?
Frank.
Heaven prosper it:
I do intend it.
O. Thor.
O thou art a Villain!
A Devil like a Man. VVherein have I
Offended all the Powers so much, to be
Father to such a graceless godless Son?
Frank.
To me, Sir, this? O my cleft heart!
O. Thor.
To thee,
Son of my curse. Speak truth, and blush, thou monster,
Hast thou not married Winnifride? a Maid
Was fellow-servant with thee.
Fra.
Some swift spirit
Has blown this news abroad. I must out-face it.
O. Thor.
D'you study for excuse? why all the country
Is full on't.
Fra.
With your license, 'tis not charitable,
I am sure it is not fatherly, so much
To be o'resway'd with credulous conceit
Of meer impossibilities. But Fathers
Are priviledg'd to think and talk at pleasure.
O. Thor.
Why canst thou yet deny thou hast no wife?
Frank.
What do you take me for? an Atheist?
One that nor hopes the blessedness of life
Hereafter, neither fears the vengeance due
To such as make the Marriage-bed an Inne,
VVhich Travellers day and night,
After a toylsome lodging leave at pleasure?
Am I become so insensible of losing
The glory of Creations work? My soul!
O. Thor.
Thou hast, dissembler;
Darest thou persevere yet? and pull down wrath
As hot as flames of hell, to strike thee quick
Into the Grave of horror? I believe thee not.
Get from my sight.
Fran.
Sir, though mine innocence
Needs not a stronger witness then the cleerness
Of an unperish'd conscience; yet for that
I was enform'd, how mainly you had been
Possess'd of this untruth, To quit all scruple
Please you peruse this Letter: 'tis to you.
O. Thor.
From whom?
Fran.
Sir Arthur Clarington my Master.
O. Thor.
Well, Sir.
Fran.
On every side I am distracted: Am waded deeper into
mischief, then vertue can avoid. But on I must: Fate leads me:
I will follow. There you read what may confirm you.
O. Thor.
Yes, and wonder at it. Forgive me, Frank. Credulity
abus'd me. My tears express my joy: and I am sorry I injur'd innocence.
Frank.
Alas! I knew your rage and grief proceeded from your
love to me: so I conceiv'd it.
O. Thor.
My good Son, I'll bear with many faults in thee hereafter.
Bear thou with mine.
Frank.
The peace is soon concluded.
Enter Old Carter.
O. Cart.
VVhy Mr. Thorney, d'ye mean to talk out your dinner?
the Company attends your coming. What must it be, Mr.
Frank, or Son Frank? I am plain Dunstable.
O. Thor.
Son, Brother, if your Daughter like to have it so.
Frank.
I dare be confident, she's not alter'd
From what I left her at our parting last:
Are you, fair Maid?
Sus.
You took too sure possession
Of an engaged heart.
Frank.
Which now I challenge.
O. Cart.
Marry and much good may it do thee, Son. Take her
to thee. Get me a brace of Boys at a burthen, Frank. The nursing
shall not stand thee in a pennyworth of Milk. Reach her
home and spare not. VVhen's the day?
O. Thor.
To morrow, if you please. To use ceremony
Of charge and custome, were to little purpose:
O. Cart.
O good motion. VVe'll e'en have an houshold Dinner;
and let the Fiddlers go scrape. Let the Bride and Bridegroom
dance at night together: no matter for the Guests. To morrow,
Sue, to morrow. Shall's to Dinner now?
O. Thor.
VVe are on all sides pleas'd, I hope.
Sus.
Pray Heaven I may deserve the blessing sent me.
Now my heart is settled.
Frank.
So is mine.
O. Cart.
Your Marriage-money shall be receiv'd before your
VVedding-shooes can be pull'd on. Blessing on you both.
Frank.
No Man can hide his shame from Heaven that views him.
In vain he flees, whose destiny pursues him.
Exeunt Omnes.
| The Witch of Edmonton | |