 | The English Traveller |  |
Actus Quartus.
Scena Prima.
Enter Reignald.Reig.
Now impudence, but steele my face this once,
Although I neere blush after; Heere 's the house,
Ho, whose within? What, no man to defend
Enter Mr. Ricot.
These innocent gates from knocking?
Ric.
Whose without there?
Reig.
One Sir that euer wisht your worships health;
And those few houres I can find time to pray in,
I still remember it.
Ric.
Gramercy Reignald,
I loue all those that wish it: You are the men
Leade merry liues, Feast, Reuell, and Carowse;
You feele no tedious houres; Time playes with you,
This is your golden age.
Reig.
It was, but now Sir,
It will not stand the test; Those dayes are past,
And now our nights come on.
Ric.
Tell me Reignald, is he return'd from Sea?
Reig.
Yes, to our griefe already, but we feare
Hereafter, it may prooue to all our cost's.
Ric.
Suspects thy Master any thing?
Reig.
Not yet Sir;
Now my request is, that your worship being
So neere a Neighbour, therefore most disturb'd,
Would not be first to peach vs.
Ric.
Take my word;
With other Neighbours make what peace you can,
I'le not be your accuser.
Reig.
Worshipfull Sir;
I shall be still your Beads-man; Now the businesse
That I was sent about, the Old Man my Master
Claiming some interest in acquaintance past,
Desires (might it be no way troublesome)
To take free view of all your House within.
Ric.
View of my House? Why 'tis not set to Sale,
Nor bill vpon the doore; Looke well vpon 't:
View of my House?
Reig.
Nay, be not angry Sir,
Hee no way doth disable your estate;
As farre to buy, as you are loath to sell;
Some alterations in his owne hee'd make,
And hearing yours by worke-men much commended,
Hee would make that his President.
Ric.
What fancies
Should at this age possesse him; Knowing the cost,
That hee should dreame of Building.
Reig.
'Tis suppos'd,
He hath late found a Wife out for his Sonne;
Now Sir, to haue him neere him, and that neerenesse
Too, without trouble, though beneath one roofe,
Yet parted in two Families, Hee would build
And make what 's pickt, a perfit quadrangle,
Proportioned iust with yours, were you so pleased,
To make it his example.
Willingly; I will but order some few things within,
And then attend his comming.
Exit.
Reig.
Most kind cox-combe,
Great Alexander, and Agathocles,
Cæsar, and others, haue bin Fam'd, they say,
And magnified for high Facinerous deeds;
Why claime not I, an equall place with them?
Or rather a presedent: These commanded
Their Subiects, and their seruants; I my Master,
And euery way his equalls, where I please,
Lead by the nose along; They plac'd their burdens
On Horses, Mules, and Camels; I, old Men
Of strength and wit, loade with my knauerie,
Enter Old Lionell.
Till both their backs and braines ake; Yet poore animalls,
They neere complaine of waight; Oh are you come Sir?
Old Lio.
I made what haste I could.
Reig.
And brought the warrant?
Old Lio.
See heere, I hau 't.
Reig.
'Tis well done, but speake, runs it
Both without Baile and Maineprize?
Old Lio.
Nay, it carries both forme and power.
Reig.
Then I shall warrant him;
I haue bin yonder Sir,
Old Lio.
And what sayes hee?
Reig.
Like one that offers you
Free ingresse, view and regresse, at your pleasure;
As to his worthy Land-lord.
Old Lio.
Was that all?
Reig.
Hee spake to me, that I would speake to you,
To speake vnto your sonne; And then againe,
To speake to him, that he would speake to you;
You would release his Bargaine.
Old. Lio.
By no meanes,
Men must aduise before they part with Land,
Not after to repent it; 'Tis most iust,
That such as hazzard, and disburse their Stockes,
Should take all gaines and profits that accrew,
Enter Ricot againe walking before the gate.
As well in Sale of Houses, as in Barter,
And Traficke of all other Merchandize.
Reig.
See, in acknowledgement of a Tenants duty,
Hee attends you at the gate; Salute him Sir.
My worthy Friend.
Ric.
Now as I liue, all my best thoughts and wishes
Impart with yours, in your so safe returne;
Your seruant tels me, you haue great desire
To take suruiew of this my house within.
Old. Lio.
Bee 't Sir, no trouble to you.
Ric.
None, enter bouldly;
With as much freedome, as it were your owne.
Old Lio.
As it were mine; Why Reignald, is it not?
Reig.
Lord Sir, that in extremity of griefe,
You'le adde vnto vexation; See you not
How sad hee 's on the suddaine,
Old Lio.
I obserue it.
Reig.
To part with that which he hath kept so long;
Especially his Inheritance: Now as you loue
Goodnesse, and Honesty, torment him not
With the least word of Purchase.
Old Lio.
Councell'd well;
Thou teachest me Humanitie.
Ric.
Will you enter?
Or shall I call a seruant, to conduct you
Through euery Roome and Chamber?
Old Lio.
By no meanes;
I feare wee are too much troublesome of our selues.
Reig.
See what a goodly Gate?
Old Lio.
It likes me well.
Reig.
What braue caru'd poasts; Who knowes but heere,
In time Sir, you may keepe your Shreualtie;
And I be one oth' Seriants.
Old Lio.
They are well Caru'd.
Ric.
And cost me a good price Sir; Take your pleasure.
I haue businesse in the Towne.
Exit.
Reig.
Poore man, I pittie him;
H'ath not the heart to stay and see you come,
As 'twere, to take Possession; Looke that Sir,
What goodly faire Baye windowes?
Bayes.
Old. Lio.
Wondrous stately.
Reig.
And what a Gallerie, How costly Seeled;
What painting round about?
Old Lio.
Euery fresh obiect to good, adds betternesse.
Reig.
Tarrast aboue, and how below supported; doe they please you?
Old Lio.
All things beyond opinion; Trust me Reignald,
Then halfe the price it cost me.
Reig.
If you would? I should not suffer you; Was not the
Money due to the Vsurer, tooke vpon good ground,
That prou'd well built vpon? Wee were no fooles
That knew not what wee did.
Old Lio.
It shall be satisfied.
Reig.
Please you trust me with 't, I'le see 't discharged.
Old Lio.
Hee hath my promise, and I'le doo 't my selfe:
Neuer could Sonne haue better please'd a Father,
Then in this Purchase: Hie thee instantly
Vnto my house ith' Countrey, giue him notice
Of my arriue, and bid him with all speede
Poaste hither.
Reig.
Ere I see the warrant seru'd?
Old Lio.
It shall be thy first businesse; For my Soule
Is not at peace, till face to face, I approoue
His Husbandrie, and much commend his Thrift;
Nay, without pause, be gone.
Reig.
But a short iourney;
For hee 's not farre, that I am sent to seeke:
I haue got the start, the best part of the Race
is runne already, what remaines, is small,
And tyre now, I should but forfeit all.
Old Lio.
Make haste, I doe intreat thee.
Exeunt.
Enter the Clowne.
Clo.
This is the Garden gate; And heere am I set to stand Centinell,
and to attend the comming of Young Master Geraldine: Master Dalauill 's
gone to his Chamber; My Mistresse to hers; 'Tis now about
Mid-night; A Banquet prepared, bottles of Wine in readinesse, all the
whole Houshold at their rest; And no creature by this, honestly stirring,
sauing I and my Old Master; Hee in a bye Chamber, prepared of
purpose for their priuate Meeting; And I heere to play the Watchman,
Enter Young Geraldine.
against my will; Chauelah, Stand; Who goes there?
Y. Ger.
A Friend.
Clo.
The Word?
Y. Ger.
Honest Roger.
Clo.
That 's the Word indeed; You haue leaue to passe freely
Without calling my Corporall.
Y. Ger.
How goe the affaires within?
According to promise, the businesse is composed, and the seruants
disposed, my young Mistris reposed, my old Master according as
you proposed, attends you if you bee exposed to giue him meeting;
Nothing in the way being interposed, to transpose you to the least
danger: And this I dare be deposed, if you will not take my word, as
I am honest Roger.
Y. Ger.
Thy word shall be my warrant, but secur'd
Most in thy Masters promise, on which building;
By this knowne way I enter.
Clo.
Nay, by your leaue, I that was late but a plaine Centinell,
Will now be your Captaine conducter: Follow me.
Exeunt.
Table and Stooles set out; Lights: a Banquet, Wine.
Enter Master Wincott.
Winc.
I wonder whence this strangenesse should proceed,
Or wherein I, or any of my house,
Should be th'occasion of the least distaste;
Now, as I wish him well, it troubles me;
Enter Clow. and Y. Ger.
But now the time growes on, from his owne mouth
To be resolu'd; And I hope satisfied:
Sir, as I liue, of all my friends to me
Most wishedly, you are welcome: Take that Chaire,
I this: Nay, I intreat no complement;
Attend—Fill wine.
Clo.
Till the mouthes of the bottles yawne directly vpon the
floore, and the bottomes turne their rayles vp to the feeling; Whil'st
there 's any blood in their bellies, I'le not leaue them.
Winc.
I first salute you thus.
Y. Ger.
It could not come
From one whom I more honour; Sir, I thanke you.
Clo.
Nay, since my Master begun it, I'le see 't goe round
To all three.
Winc.
Now giue vs leaue.
Clo.
Talke you by your selues, whilest I find something to say to
this: I haue a tale to tell him shall make his stony heart relent.
Exit.
Y. Ger.
Now, first Sir, your attention I intreat;
Next, your beliefe that what I speake is iust,
Maugre all contradiction.
Winc.
Both are granted.
Y. Ger.
Then I proceed; With due acknowledgemenr
Of all your more then many curtesies:
Y'aue bin my second father, and your wife,
At my command; And this your bounteous Table,
As free and common as my Fathers house;
Neither 'gainst any, or the least of these,
Can I commence iust quarrell.
Winc.
What might then be
The cause of this constraint, in thus absenting
Your selfe from such as loue you?
Y. Ger.
Out of many,
I will propose some few: The care I haue
Of your (as yet vnblemisht) renowne;
The vntoucht honour of your vertuous wife;
And (which I value least, yet dearely too)
My owne faire reputation.
Winc.
How can these, in any way be questioned?
Y. Ger.
Oh deare Sir,
Bad tongues haue bin too busie with vs all;
Of which I neuer yet had time to thinke,
But with sad thoughts and griefes vnspeakeable:
It hath bin whisper'd by some wicked ones,
But loudly thunder'd in my fathers eares,
By some that haue malign'd our happinesse;
(Heauen, if it can brooke slander, pardon them)
That this my customary comming hither,
Hath bin to base and sorded purposes:
To wrong your bed; Iniure her chastity;
And be mine owne vndoer: Which, how false?
Winc.
As Heauen is true, I know 't.
Y. Ger.
Now this Calumny
Ariuing first vnto my fathers eares,
His easie nature was induc'd to thinke,
That these things might perhaps be possible:
I answer'd him, as I would doe to Heauen:
And cleer'd my selfe in his suspitious thoughts,
As truely, as the high all-knowing Iudge
Shall of these staines acquit me; which are meerely
Aspersions and vntruthes: The good old man
Possest with my sincerity, and yet carefull
Of your renowne, her honour, and my fame;
To stop the worst that scandall could inflict;
The cause remoou'd, to take away the effect;
Which onely could be, to forbeare your house;
And this vpon his blessing: You heare all.
Winc.
And I of all acquit you: This your absence,
With which my loue most cauell'd; Orators
In your behalfe. Had such things past betwixt you,
Not threats nor chidings could haue driuen you hence:
It pleads in your behalfe, and speakes in hers;
And armes me with a double confidence,
Both of your friendship, and her loyalty:
I am happy in you both, and onely doubtfull
Which of you two doth most impart my loue:
You shall not hence to night.
Y. Ger.
Pray pardon Sir.
Winc.
You are in your lodging.
Y. Ger.
But my fathers charge.
Winc.
My coniuration shall dispence with that;
You may be vp as early as you please;
But hence to night you shall not.
Y. Ger.
You are powerfull.
Winc.
This night, of purpose, I haue parted beds,
Faining my selfe not well, to giue you meeting;
Nor can be ought suspected by my Wife,
I haue kept all so priuate: Now 'tis late,
I'le steale vp to my rest; But howsoeuer,
Let 's not be strange in our writing, that way dayly
We may conferre without the least suspect,
In spight of all such base calumnious tongues;
So, Now good-night sweet friend
Exit.
Y. Ger.
May he that made you
So iust and good, still guard you. Not to bed,
So I perhaps might ouer-sleepe my selfe,
And then my tardy wakeing might betray me
To the more early houshold; Thus as I am,
I'le rest me on this Pallat; But in vaine,
I finde no sleepe can fasten on mine eyes,
There are in this disturbed braine of mine
So many mutinous fancies: This, to me,
Will be a tedious night; How shall I spend it?
A little let me recollect my selfe;
Oh, what more wisht company can I find,
Suiting the apt occasion, time and place;
Then the sweet contemplation of her Beauty;
And the fruition too, time may produce,
Of what is yet lent out? 'Tis a sweet Lady,
And euery way accomplisht: Hath meere accident
Brought me thus neere, and I not visit her?
Should it ariue her eare, perhaps might breed
Our lasting separation; For 'twixt Louers,
No quarrell 's to vnkindnesse, Sweet opportunity
Offers preuention, and inuites me too 't:
The house is knowne to me, the staires and roomes;
The way vnto her chamber frequently
Trodden by me at mid-night, and all houres:
How ioyfull to her would a meeting be,
So strange and vnexpected; Shadowed too
Beneath the vaile of night; I am resolu'd
To giue her visitation, in that place
Where we haue past deepe vowes, her bed-chamber:
My fiery loue this darkenesse makes seeme bright,
And and this the path that leades to my delight.
He goes in at one doore, and comes out at another.
And this the gate vntoo 't; I'le listen first,
Before too rudely I disturbe her rest:
And gentle breathing; Ha? shee 's sure awake,
For in the bed two whisper, and their voyces
Appeare to me vnequall;—One a womans—
And hers;—Th'other should be no maids tongue,
It beares too big a tone; And harke, they laugh;
(Damnation) But list further; 'Tother sounds—
Like—'Tis the same false periur'd traitor, Dalauill,
To friend and goodnesse: Vnchast impious woman,
False to all faith, and true coniugall loue;
There 's met, a Serpent and a Crockadell;
A Synon and a Circe: Oh, to what
May I compare you?—But my Sword,
I'le act a noble execution,
On two vnmatcht for sorded villanie:—
That I did so; It hath preuented me
From playing a base Hang-man; Sinne securely,
Whilst I, although for many, yet lesse faults,
Striue hourely to repent me; I once loued her,
And was to him intir'd; Although I pardon,
Heauen will find time to punish, I'le not stretch
My iust reuenge so farre, as once by blabbing,
To make your brazen Impudence to blush;
Damne on, reuenge too great; And to suppresse
Your Soules yet lower, without hope to rise,
Heape Ossa vpon Pelion; You haue made mee
To hate my very Countrey, because heere bred:
Neere two such monsters; First I'le leaue this House,
And then my Fathers; Next I'le take my leaue,
Both of this Clime and Nation, Trauell till
Age snow vpon this Head: My passions now,
Are vnexpressable, I'le end them thus;
Ill man, bad Woman, your vnheard of trecherie,
This vniust censure, on a Iust man giue,
To seeke out place, where no two such can liue.
Exit.
Enter Dalauill in a Night-gowne: Wife in a Night-tyre, as comming from Bed.
Dal.
A happy Morning now betide you Lady,
To equall the content of a sweet Night.
Wife.
It hath bin to my wish, and your desire;
And this your comming by presented loue
Vnto my Sister Pru. cuts oft suspition
Of any such conuerse 'twixt you and mee.
Dal.
It hath bin wisely carried.
Wife.
One thing troubles me.
Dal.
What's that my Dearest?
Wife.
Why your Friend Geraldine,
Should on the sudden thus absent himselfe?
Has he had thinke you no intelligence,
Of these our priuate meetings.
Dal.
No, on my Soule,
For therein hath my braine exceeded yours;
I studdying to engrosse you to my selfe,
Of his continued absence haue bin cause;
Or of my Friendship—How the plot was cast,
You at our better leasure shall partake,
The aire growes cold, haue care vnto your health,
Suspitious eyes are ore vs, that yet sleepe,
But with the dawne, will open; Sweet retire you
To your warme Sheets; I now to fill my owne,
That haue this Night bin empty.
Wife.
You aduise well;
Oh might this Kisse dwell euer on thy Lips,
In my remembrance.
Dal.
Doubt it not I pray,
Whilest Day frights Night, and Night pursues the day:
Good morrow.
Exeunt.
Enter Reignald, Y. Lionell, Blanda, Scapha, Rioter, and two Gallants, Reig. with a Key in his hand.
Reig.
Now is the Goale deliuerie; Through this backe gate
Shift for your selues, I heere vnprison all.
Y. Lio.
But tell me, how shall we dispose our selues?
Wee are as farre to seeke now, as at the first;
What is it to repreeue vs for few houres,
And now to suffer, better had it bin
At first, to haue stood the triall, so by this,
Wee might haue past our Pennance.
Bla.
Sweet Reignald.
Y. Lio.
Honest rogue.
Rio.
If now thou failest vs, then we are lost for euer.
Reig.
This same sweete Reignald, and this honest rogue,
Hath bin the Burgesse, vnder whose protection
You all this while haue liu'd, free from Arrests,
But now, the Sessions of my power's broake vp,
And you expos'd to Actions, Warrants, Writs,
For all the hellish rabble are broke loose,
Of Seriants, Sheriffes, and Baliffes.
Omn.
Guard vs Heauen.
Reig.
I tell you as it is; Nay, I my selfe
That haue bin your Protector, now as subiect
To euery varlets Pestle, for you know
How I am engag'd with you—At whose suit sir.
Omn.
Why didst thou Start.
All Start.
Reig.
I was afraid some Catchpole stood behind me,
To clap me on the Shoulder.
No such thing; Yet I protest
Thy feare did fright vs all.
Reig.
I knew your guilty consciences.
Y. Lio.
No Braine left?
Bla.
No crotchet for my sake?
Reig.
One kisse then Sweete,
Thus shall my crotchets, and your kisses meete.
Y. Lio.
Nay, tell vs what to trust too.
Reig.
Lodge your selues
In the next Tauerne, ther 's the Cash that 's left,
Goe, health it freely for my good successe;
Nay, Drowne it all, let not a Teaster scape
To be consum'd in rot-gut; I haue begun,
And I will stand the period.
Y. Lio.
Brauely spoke.
Reig.
Or perish in the conflict.
Rio.
Worthy Reignald.
Reig.
Well, if he now come off well, Fox you all;
Goe, call for Wine; For singlie of my selfe
I will oppose all danger; But I charge you,
When I shall faint or find my selfe distrest;
If I like braue Orlando, winde my Horne,
Make haste vnto my rescew.
Y. Lio.
And die in 't.
Reig.
Well hast thou spoke my noble Charlemaine,
With these thy Peeres about thee.
Y. Lio.
May good Speede
Attend thee still.
Reig.
The end still crownes the deede.
Exeunt.
Enter Old Lionell, and the first Owner of the House.
Own.
Sir sir, your threats nor warrants, can fright me:
My honestie and innocency 's knowne
Alwayes to haue bin vnblemisht; Would you could
As well approue your owne Integrity,
As I shall doubtlesse acquit my selfe
Of this surmised murder.
Old Lio.
Rather Surrender
The price I paid, and take into thy hands
This haunted mansion, or I'le prosecute
My wrongs, euen to the vtmost of the Law,
Which is no lesse then death.
I'le answere all
Old Lionell, both to thy shame and scorne;
This for thy Menaces.
Enter the Clowne.
Clo.
This is the House, but where 's the noyse that was wont to be
in 't? I am sent hither, to deliuer a Noate, to two young Gentlemen
that heere keepe Reuell-rout; I remember it, since the last Massacre of
Meat that was made in't; But it seemes, that the great Storme that
was raised then, is chast now; I haue other Noates to deliuer, one to
Master Rycott—and—I shall thinke on them all in order; My
Old Master makes a great Feast, for the parting of young Master Geraldine,
who is presently vpon his departure for Trauell, and the better
to grace it, hath inuited many of his Neighbours and Friends; Where
will be Old Master Geraldine—his Sonne, and I cannot tell how
many; But this is strange, the Gates shut vp at this time a day, belike
they are all Drunke and laid to sleepe, if they be, I'le wake them, with
a Murtaine.
Knockes.
Old Lio.
What desperate fellowe 's this, that ignorant
Of his owne danger, thunders at these Gates?
Clo.
Ho, Reignald, Riotous Reignald, Reuelling Reignald.
Old. Lio.
What madnesse doth possesse thee, honest Friend,
To touch that Hammers handle?
Clo.
What madnesse doth possesse thee, honest Friend,
To aske me such a question?
Old Lio.
Nay, stirre not you?
Own.
Not I; The game begins.
Old Lio.
How doest thou, art thou well?
Clo.
Yes very well, I thanke you, how doe you Sir?
Old Lio.
No alteration; What change about thee?
Clo.
Not so much change about me at this time,
As to change you a Shilling into two Teasters.
Old Lio.
Yet I aduise thee Fellow, for thy good,
Stand further from the Gate.
Clo.
And I aduise thee Friend, for thine owne good, stand not betwixt
mee and the Gate, but giue me leaue to deliuer my errant; Hoe,
Reignald, you mad Rascall.
Old Lio.
In vaine thou thunder'st at these silent Doores,
Where no man dwels to answere, sauing Ghosts,
Furies, and Sprights.
Clo.
Ghosts; Indeed there has bin much walking, in and about the
House after Mid-night.
Old Lio.
Strange noyse oft heard.
Yes, terrible noise, that none of the neighbours could take any
rest for it, I haue heard it my selfe.
Old Lio.
You heare this; Heere 's more witnesse.
Own.
Very well Sir.
Old Lio.
Which you shall dearely answere—whooping.
Clo.
And hollowing.
Old Lio.
And shouting.
Clo.
And crying out, till the whole house rung againe.
Old Lio.
Which thou hast heard?
Clo.
Oftner then I haue toes and fingers.
Old Lio.
Thou wilt be depos'd of this?
Clo.
I'le be sworne too 't, and that 's as good.
Old Lio.
Very good still; Yet you are innocent:
Shall I intreat thee friend, to auouch as much
Heere by, to the next Iustice.
Clo.
I'le take my souldiers oath on 't.
Old Lio.
A souldiers oath, What 's that?
Clo.
My corporall oath; And you know Sir, a Corporall is an office
belonging to a souldier.
Old Lio.
Yet you are cleere?
Murder will come to light.
Enter Robin the old seruing-man.
Own.
So will your gullery too.
Rob.
They say my old Master 's come home; I'le see if hee will
turne me out of doores, as the young man has done: I haue laid rods
in pisse for some-body, scape Reignald as hee can, and with more freedome
then I dust late, I bouldly now dare knocke.
Robin knocks.
Old Lio.
More mad-men yet; I thinke since my last voyage,
Halfe of the world 's turn'd franticke: What do'st meane,
Or long'st thou to be blasted?
Rob.
Oh Sir, you are welcome home; 'Twas time to come
Ere all was gone to hauocke.
Old Lio.
My old seruant? before I shall demand of further busines,
Resolue me why thou thunder'st at these doores,
Where thou know'st none inhabits?
Rob.
Are they gone Sir?
'Twas well yet they haue left the house behind;
For all the furniture, to a bare bench,
I am sure is spent and wasted.
Old Lio.
Where 's my sonne,
That Reignald poasting for him with such speed,
Brings him not from the Countrey?
Countrey Sir?
'Tis a thing they know not; Heere they Feast,
Dice, Drinke, and Drab; The company they keepe,
Cheaters and Roaring-Ladds, and these attended
By Bawdes and Queanes: Your sonne hath got a Strumpet,
On whom he spends all that your sparing left,
And heere they keepe court; To whose damn'd abuses,
Reignald giues all encouragement.
Old Lio.
But stay stay;
No liuing soule hath for these sixe moneths space
Heere enter'd, but the house stood desolate.
Rob.
Last weeke I am sure, so late, and th'other day,
Such Reuells were here kept.
Old Lio.
And by my sonne?
Rob.
Yes, and his seruant Reignald.
Old Lio.
And this house at all not haunted?
Rob.
Saue Sir with such Sprights.
Enter Master Ricott.
Own.
This Murder will come out.
Old Lio.
But see, in happy time heere comes my
Neighbour of whom he bought this mansion; He I am sure
More amply can resolue me: I pray Sir,
What summes of moneys haue you late receiued
Of my young sonne?
Ric.
Of him? None I assure you.
Old Lio.
What of my seruant Reignald?
Ric.
But deuise
What to call lesse then nothing, and that summe
I will confesse receiu'd.
Old Lio.
Pray Sir, be serious;
I doe confesse my selfe indebted to you,
A hundred pound.
Ric.
You may doe well to pay 't then, for heere 's witnesse
Sufficient of your words.
Old. Lio.
I speake no more then what I purpose; Iust so much I owe you,
And ere I sleepe will tender.
Ric.
I shall be as ready to receiue it, and as willing,
As you can bee to pay 't.
Old Lio.
But prouided,
You will confesse seuen hundred pounds receiued
Before hand of my sonne?
But by your fauour;
Why should I yeeld seuen hundred receiu'd
Of them I neuer dealt with? Why? For what?
What reason? What condition? Where or when
Should such a summe be paid mee?
Old Lio.
Why? For this bargaine: And for what? This house:
Reason? Because you sold it: The conditions? Such
As were agreed betweene you: Where and When?
That onely hath escapt me.
Ric.
Madnesse all.
Old Lio.
Was I not brought to take free view thereof,
As of mine owne possession?
Ric.
I confesse;
Your seruant told me you had found out a wife
Fit for your sonne, and that you meant to build;
Desir'd to take a friendly view of mine,
To make it your example: But for selling,
I tell you Sir, my wants be not so great,
To change my house to Coyne.
Old Lio.
Spare Sir your anger,
And turne it into pity; Neighbours and friends,
I am quite lost, was neuer man so fool'd,
And by a wicked seruant; Shame and blushing
Will not permit to tell the manner how,
Lest I be made ridiculous to all:
My feares are to inherit what 's yet left;
He hath made my sonne away.
Rob.
That 's my feare too.
Old Lio.
Friends, as you would commiserate a man
Depriu'd at once, both of his wealth and sonne;
And in his age, by one I euer tender'd
More like a sonne then seruant: By imagining
My case were yours, haue feeling of my griefes
And helpe to apprehend him;
Furnish me with Cords and Fetters,
I will lay him safe in Prison within Prison.
Ric.
Weele assist you.
Rob.
And I.
Clo.
And all;
But not to doe the least hurt to my old friend Reignald.
His Leggs will be as nimble as his Braine,
And 'twill be difficult to seaze the slaue,
Enter Reignald with a Horne in his pocket: they withdraw behind the Arras.
Yet your endeauours, pray peace, heere hee comes.
Reig.
My heart mis-giues, for 'tis not possible
But that in all these windings and indents
I shall be found at last: I'le take that course
That men both troubled and affrighted doe,
Heape doubt on doubt, and as combustions rise,
Try if from many I can make my peace,
And worke mine owne atonement.
Old Lio.
Stand you close,
Be not yet seene, but at your best aduantage
Hand him, and bind him fast: Whil'st I dissemble
As if I yet knew nothing.
Reig.
I suspect
And find there 's trouble in my Masters lookes;
Therefore I must not trust my selfe too farre
Within his fingers.
Old Lio.
Reignald?
Reig.
Worshipfull Sir.
Old Lio.
What sayes my sonne ith' Countrey?
Reig.
That to morrow,
Early ith' morning, heele attend your pleasure,
And doe as all such dutious children ought;
Demand your blesssing Sir.
Old Lio.
Well, 'tis well.
Reig.
I doe not like his countenance.
Old Lio.
But Reignald? I suspect the honesty
And the good meaning of my neighbour heere,
Old master Ricott; Meeting him but now,
And hauing some discourse about the house,
He makes all strange, and tells me in plaine termes,
Hee knowes of no such matter.
Reig.
Tell mee that Sir?
Old Lio.
I tell thee as it is:
Nor that such moneys, tooke vp at vse, were euer tender'd him
On any such conditions.
Reig.
I cannot blame your worship to bee pleasant,
Knowing at what an vnder-rate we bought it, but you euer
Were a most merry Gentleman.
(Impudent slaue)
But Reignald, hee not onely doth denie it,
But offers to depose Himselfe and Seruants,
No such thing euer was.
Reig.
Now Heauen, to see to what this world 's growne too.
I will make him—
Old Lio.
Nay more, this man will not confesse the Murder.
Reig.
Which both shall deerely answere; You have warrant
For him already; But for the other Sir,
If hee denie it, he had better—
Old Lio.
Appeare Gentlemen,
Softly.
'Tis a fit time to take him.
Reig.
I discouer the Ambush that 's laid for me.
Old Lio.
Come neerer Reignald.
Reig.
First sir resolue me one thing, amongst other Merchandize
Bought in your absence by your Sonne and me,
Wee ingrost a great comoditie of Combes,
And how many sorts thinke you?
Old Lio.
You might buy
Some of the bones of Fishes, some of Beasts,
Box-combes, and Iuory-combes.
Reig.
But besides these, we haue for Horses Sir,
Mayne-combes, and Curry-combes; Now Sir for men,
Wee haue Head-combes, Beard-combes, I and Cox-combes too;
Take view of them at your pleasure, whil'st for my part,
I thus bestow my selfe.
They all appeare with Cords and Shackels, Whilest hee gets vp.
Clo.
Well said Reignald, nobly put off Reignald,
Looke to thy selfe Reignald.
Old Lio.
Why dost thou climbe thus?
Reig.
Onely to practice
The nimblenesse of my Armes and Legges,
Ere they prooue your Cords and Fetters.
Old Lio.
Why to that place?
Reig.
Why? because Sir 'tis your owne House; It hath bin my Harbour
long, and now it must bee my Sanctuary; Dispute now, and
I'le answere.
Own.
Villaine, what deuilish meaning had'st thou in 't,
To challenge me of Murder?
Oh sir, the man you kil'd is aliue at this present to iustifie it:
I am, quoth he, a Trans-marine by birth—
Ric.
Why, challenge me receipt of Moneys, and to giue abroad,
That I had sold my House?
Reig.
Why? because sir,
Could I haue purchast Houses at that rate,
I had meant to haue bought all London.
Clo.
Yes, and Middlesex too, and I would haue bin thy halfe Reignald.
Old Lio.
Yours are great,
My wrongs insufferable; As first, to fright mee
From mine owne dwelling, till they had consumed
The whole remainder of the little left;
Besides, out of my late stocke got at Sea,
Discharge the clamorous Vsurer; Make me accuse
This man of Murder; Be at charge of warrants;
And challenging this my worthy Neighbour of
Forswearing Summes hee neuer yet receiued;
Foole mee, to thinke my Sonne that had spent all,
Had by his thrift bought Land; I and him too,
To open all the secrets of his House
To mee, a Stranger, Oh thou insolent villaine,
What to all these canst answere?
Reig.
Guiltie, guiltie.
Old Lio.
But to my Sonnes death, what thou slaue?
Reig.
Not Guiltie.
Old Lio.
Produce him then; Ith' meane time, and—
Honest Friends, get Ladders.
Reig.
Yes, and come downe in your owne Ropes.
Own.
I'le fetch a Peece and shoote him.
Reig.
So the warrant in my Masters pocket, will serue for my Murder;
And euer after shall my Ghost haunt this House.
Clo.
And I will say like Reignald,
This Ghost and I am Friends.
Old Lio.
Bring faggots, I'le set fire vpon the House,
Rather then this indure.
Reig.
To burne Houses is Fellony, and I'le not out
Till I be fir'd out; But since I am Besieged thus,
I'le summon supplies vnto my Rescue.
Hee windes a Horne. Enter Young Lionell, Rioter, two Gallants Blanda, &c.
Y. Lio.
Before you chide, first heere mee, next your Blessing,
Like mis-spent youth, which after wit deere bought,
Turnes his Eyes inward, sorrie and ashamed;
These things in which I haue offended most,
Had I not prooued, I should haue thought them still
Essentiall things, delights perdureable;
Which now I find meere Shaddowes, Toyes and Dreames,
Now hated more then earst I doated on;
Best Natures, are soonest wrought on; Such was mine;
As I the offences, So the offendors throw
Heere at your feete, to punish as you please;
You haue but paid so much as I have wasted,
To purchase to your selfe a thrifty Sonne;
Which I from hencefoorth, Vow.
Old Lio.
See what Fathers are,
That can three yeeres offences, fowle ones too,
Thus in a Minute pardon; And thy faults
Vpon my selfe chastise, in these my Teares;
Ere this Submission, I had cast thee off;
Rise in my new Adoption: But for these—
Clo.
The one you haue nothing to doe withall, here's his Ticket for
his discharge; Another for you Sir, to Summon you to my Masters
Feast, For you, and you, where I charge you all to appeare, vpon his
displeasure, and your owne apperils.
Y. Lio.
This is my Friend, the other one I loued,
Onely because they haue bin deere to him
That now will striue to be more deere to you;
Vouchsafe their pardon.
Old Lio.
All deere, to me indeed, for I haue payd for 't soundly,
Yet for thy sake, I am atton'd with all; Onely that wanton,
Her, and her Company, abandon quite;
So doing, wee are friends.
Y. Lio.
A iust Condition, and willingly subscrib'd to.
Old Lio.
But for that Villaine; I am now deuising
What shame, what punishment remarkable,
To inflict on him.
Reig.
Why Master? Haue I laboured;
Plotted, Contriued, and all this while for you,
And will you leaue me to the Whip and Stockes;
Not mediate my peace.
Old Lio.
Sirra, come downe.
Not till my Pardon 's sealed, I'le rather stand heere
Like a Statue, in the Fore-front of your house
For euer; Like the picture of Dame Fortune
Before the Fortune Play-house.
Y. Lio.
If I haue heere
But any Friend amongst you, ioyne with mee
In this petition.
Clo.
Good Sir, for my sake, I resolued you truely
Concerning Whooping, the Noyse, the Walking, and the Sprights,
And for a need, can shew you a Ticket for him too.
Own.
I impute my wrongs rather to knauish Cunning,
Then least pretended Malice.
Ric.
What he did,
Was but for his Young Master, I allow it
Rather as sports of Wit, then iniuries;
No other pray esteeme them.
Old Lio.
Euen as freely,
As you forget my quarells made with you;
Rais'd from the Errours first begot by him;
I heere remit all free; I now am Calme,
But had I seaz'd vpon him in my Spleene—
Reig.
I knew that, therefore this was my Inuention,
For Pollicie 's the art still of Preuention.
Clo.
Come downe then Reignald, first on your hands and feete, and
then on your knees to your Master; Now Gentlemen, what doe you
say to your inuiting to my Masters Feast.
Ric.
Wee will attend him.
Old Lio.
Nor doe I loue to breake good company;
For Master Wincott is my worthy Friend,
Enter Reighnald.
And old acquaintance; Oh thou crafty Wag-string,
And could'st thou thus delude me? But we are Friends;
Nor Gentlemen, let not what 's heere to past,
In your least thoughts disable my Estate;
This my last Voyage hath made all things good,
With surplus too; Be that your comfort Sonne:
Well Reignald—But no more.
Reig.
I was the Fox,
But I from hencefoorth, will no more the Cox—
Combe, put vpon your pate.
Old. Lio.
Let 's walke Gentlemen
Exeunt Omnes.
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