University of Virginia Library

Scene. IIJ.

Pvg. Fitz-dottrell.
[Pvg.]
Sir, your good pardon, that I thus presume
Vpon your priuacy. I am borne a Gentleman;
A younger brother; but, in some disgrace,
Now, with my friends: and want some little meanes,
To keepe me vpright, while things be reconcil'd.
Please you, to let my seruice be of vse to you, Sir.

Fit.
Seruice? 'fore hell, my heart was at my mouth,
Hee lookes and suruay's his feet: ouer and ouer.
Till I had view'd his shooes well: for, those roses
Were bigge inough to hide a clouen foote.
No, friend, my number's full. I haue one seruant,
Who is my all, indeed; and, from the broome
Vnto the brush: for, iust so farre, I trust him.
He is my Ward-robe man, my Cater, Cooke,
Butler, and Steward; lookes vnto my horse:
And helpes to watch my wife. H'has all the places,
That I can thinke on, from the garret downward,
E'en to the manger, and the curry-combe.

Pvg.
Sir, I shall put your worship to no charge,
More then my meate, and that bu very little,
I'le serue you for your loue.

Fit.
Ha? without wages?
I'le harken o'that eare, were I at leasure.
But now, I'm busie. 'Pr'y the, friend forbeare mee,
And' thou hadst beene a Diuell, I should say
Somewhat more to thee. Thou dost hinder, now,
My meditations.

Pvg.
Sir, I am a Diuell.

Fit.
How!

Pvg.
A true Diuell, Sr.

Fit.
Nay, now, you ly:
Vnder your fauour, friend, for, I'll not quarrell.
I look'd o'your feet, afore, you cannot coozen mee,
Your shoo's not clouen, Sir, you are whole hoof'd.

He viewes his feete againe.
Pvg.
Sir, that's a popular error, deceiues many:
But I am that, I tell you.

Fit.
What's your name?

Pvg.
My name is Diuell, Sr.

Fit.
Sai'st thou true.

Pvg.
Indeed, Sr.

Fit.
'Slid! there's some omen i'this! what countryman?

Pvg.
Of Derby-shire, Sr. about the Peake.

Fit.
That Hole
Belong'd to your Ancestors?

Pvg.
Yes, Diuells arse, Sr.

Fit.
I'll entertaine him for the name sake. Ha?
And turne away my tother man? and saue
Foure pound a yeere by that? there's lucke, and thrift too!
The very Diuell may come, heereafter, as well.
Friend, I receiue you: but (withall) I acquaint you,
Aforehand, if yo' offend mee, I must beat you.
It is a kinde of exercise, I vse.
And cannot be without.

Pvg.
Yes, if I doe not
Offend, you can, sure.

Fit.
Faith, Diuell, very hardly:
I'll call you by your surname, 'cause I loue it.