University of Virginia Library

Scene V.

To them;
Compasse.
Com.
Nay Parson, stand not off; you may approach;
This is no such hid point of State, wee handle,
But you may heare it: for wee are all of Counsell.
The gentle Mr. Practise, hath dealt clearly,
And nobly with you, Madam.

Lad.
Ha' you talk'd with him?
And made the overture?

Com.
Yes, first I mov'd
The busines trusted to me, by your Ladiship,
I' your owne words, almost your very Sillabes:
Save where my Memory trespass'd 'gainst their elegance:
For which I hope your pardon. Then I inlarg'd
In my owne homely stile, the speciall goodnesse,
And greatnesse, of your bounty, in your choice,
And free conferring of a benefit,
So without ends, conditions, any tye
But his meere vertue, and the value of it,
To call him to your kindred, to your veines,
Insert him in your family, and to make him
A Nephew, by the offer of a Neice,
With such a portion; which when hee had heard,
And most maturely acknowledg'd (as his calling
Tends all unto maturity) he return'd
A thankes, as ample as the Curtesie,
(In my opinion) said it was a Grace,
Too great to be rejected, or accepted
By him! But as the termes stood with his fortune,
Hee was not to prevaricate, with your Ladiship,
But rather to require ingenious leave,
He might with the same love, that it was offer'd
Refuse it, since he could not with his honesty,
(Being he was ingag'd before) receive it.

Pal.
The same he said to me.

Com.
And name the party.

Pal.
He did, and he did not.

Com.
Come, leave your Schemes,
And fine Amphibolies, Parson.

Pal.
You'l heare more.

Pol.
Why, now your Ladiship is free to choose,
The Courtier Sir Diaphanous: he shall doe it,
Ile move it to him my selfe.

Lad.
What will you move to him?

Pol.
The making you a Countesse.

Lad.
Stint, fond woman.
Know you the partie Mr. Practise meanes?

To Compasse.
Com.
No, but your Parson sayes he knowes, Madam.

Lad.
I feare he fables; Parson doe you know
Where Mr. Practise is ingag'd?

Pal.
Ile tell you!
But under seale, her Mother must not know:
'T is with your Ladiships woman, Mrs. Pleasance.

Com.
How!

Lad.
Hee is not mad.

Pal.
O hide the hideous secret
From her, shee'l trouble all else. You doe hold
A Cricket by the wing.

Com.
Did he name Pleasance?
Are you sure Parson?

Lad.
O' tis true, your Mrs!
I find where your shooe wrings you, Mr. Compasse:
But, you'l looke to him there.

Com.
Yes, here's Sir Moath,
Your brother, with his Bias, and the Partie
Deepe in discourse: 'twill be a bargaine, and sale;
I see by their close working of their heads,
And running them together so in Councell.

Lad.
Will Mr. Practise be of Councell against us?

Com.
He is a Lawyer, and must speake for his Fee,
Against his Father, and Mother, all his kindred;
His brothers, or his sisters: no exception
Lies at the Common-Law. He must not alter
Nature for forme, but goe on in his path
It may be he will be for us. Doe not you
Offer to meddle, let them take their course:
Dispatch, and marry her off to any husband;
Be not you scrupulous; let who can have her:
So he lay downe the portion, though he gueld it:
It will maintaine the suit against him: somewhat,
Something in hand is better, then no birds.
He shall at last accompt, for the utmost farthing,
If you can keepe your hand from a discharge.

Pol.
Sir, doe but make her worshipfull Aunt a Countesse,
And she is yours: her Aunt has worlds to leave you!
The wealth of six East Indian Fleets at least!
Her Husband, Sir Iohn Loadstone, was the Governour
O' the Company seven yeares.

Dia.
And came there home,
Six Fleets in seven yeares.

Pol.
I cannot tell,
I must attend my Gossip, her good Ladiship.

Pla.
And will you make me a Vi-countesse too? For,
How doe they make a Countesse? in a Chaire?
Or 'pon a bed?

Dia.
Both wayes, sweet bird, Ile shew you.