University of Virginia Library

Scene VI.

Practise. Compasse. Pleasance. Palate.
Pra.
Here it is.

Com.
Let's see it:
Your name's not in't.

Pra.
Ile fill that presently;
It has the Seale, which is the maine: And restgistred,
The Clarke knowes me, and trusts me.

Com.
Ha' you the Parson?

Pra.
They say hee's here, he 'pointed to come hither.

Com.
I would not have him seene here for a world,
To breed supition. Doe you intercept him,
And prevent that. But trke your Licence with you,
And fill the blanke: or leave it here with me,
Ile doe it for you, stay you with us at his Church,
Behind the old Exchange, wee'll come i'th Coach,
And meet you there within this Quarter at least.

Pra.
I am much bound unto you, Mr. Compasse,
You have all the Law, and parts of Squire Practise
For ever at your use. Ile tell you newes, too:
Sir, your Reversion's fall'n: Thin-wits dead,
Surveyor of the Projects generall.

Com.
When died he?

Pra.
Eene this morning, I receiv'd it
From a right hand.

Com.
Conceal it Mr. Practise,
And mind the maine affaire, you are in hand with.

Ple.
The Coach is ready Sir.

Com.
'Tis well faire Pleasance,
Though now wee shall not use it, bid the Coach-man
Drive to the Parish Church, and stay about there,
Till Mr. Practise come to him, and imploy him:
I have a Licence now, which must have entry
Before my Lawyers. Noble Parson Palate,
Thou shalt be a marke advanc't: here's a peece,
And doe a feat for me.

Pal.
What, Mr. Compasse?

Com.
But run the words of Matrimony, over
My head, and Mrs. Pleasances in my Chamber:
There's Captaine Ironside to be a witnesse:
And here's a Licence to secure thee. Parson!
What doe you stick at?

Pal.
It is after-noone Sir,
Directly against the Canon of the Church;
You know it Mr. Compasse: and beside,
I am ingag'd unto our worshipfull friend,
The learned Mr. Practise in that busines.

Com.
Come on, ingage your selfe: Who shall be able
To say you married us, but i'the morning,
The most canonicall minute o' the day,
If you affirme it? That's a spic'd excuse,
And shewes you have set the Common Law, before
Any profession else, of love, or friendship.
Come Mrs. Pleasance, wee cannot prevaile
With th'rigid Parson here; but Sir, Ile keepe you
Lock'd in my lodging, 'till 't be done elsewhere,
And under feare of Ironside.

Pal.
Doe you heare, Sir?

Com.
No, no, it matters not.

Pal.
Can you thinke Sir
I would deny you anything? not to losse
Of both my Livings: I will doe it for you,
Ha' you a wedding Ring?

Com.
I and a Poesie:
Annulus hic nobis, quod scit uterq; dabit.

Pal.
Good!
This Ring will give you what you both desire,
Ile make the whole house chant it, and the Parish.

Com.
Why, well said Parson. Now to you nay newes,
That comprehend my reasons, Mrs. Pleasance.