 | A New Way to Pay Old Debts |  |
Actus quinti
Scena quinta.
Louell. Lady. Amble.Lady.
By this you know, how strong the motiues were
That did, my Lord, induce me to dispence
A little with my grauity, to aduance
(In personating some few fauours to him)
The plots, and proiects of the downe-trod Welborne.
Nor shall I e're repent (although I suffer
In some few mens opinions for't) the action.
For he, that ventur'd all for my deare Husband,
Might iustly claime an obligation from me
To pay him such a courtesie: which had I
Coiley, or ouer-curiously denied,
It might haue argu'd me of little loue
To the deceas'd.
Lou.
What you intended Madam
For the poore Gentleman, hath found good successe,
For as I vnderstand his debts are pay'd,
And he once more furnish'd for faire imployment
But all the arts that I haue vs'd to raise
The fortunes of your ioy, and mine, young Alworth,
Stand yet in supposition, though I hope well
For the young louers are in wit more pregnant,
Than their yeares can promise; and for their desires
On my knowledge they are equall.
As my wishes
Are with yours my Lord, yet giue me leaue to feare
The building though well grounded: to deceiue
Sir Giles, that's both a Lyon, and a Fox
In his proceedings, were a worke beyond
The strongest vndertakers, not the triall
Of two weake innocents.
Lou.
Despaire not Madam:
Hard things are compass'd oft by easie meanes,
And iudgement, being a gift deriu'd from heauen,
Though sometimes lodg'd it'h hearts of worldly men
(That ne're consider from whom they receiue it)
Forsakes such as abuse the giuer of it.
Which is the reason, that the politicke,
And cunning Statesman, that beleeues he fathomes
The counsels of all Kingdomes on the earth
Is by simplicity oft ouerreach.
Lady.
May he be so, yet in his name to expresse it
Is a good O men.
Lou.
May it to my selfe
Proue so good Lady in my suite to you:
What thinke you of the motion?
Lady.
Troth my Lord
My owne vnworthinesse may answer for me;
For had you, when that I was in my prime,
My virgin-flower vncropp'd, presented me
With this great fauour, looking on my lownesse
Not in a glasse of selfe-loue, but of truth
I could not but haue thought it, as a blessing
Far, far beyond my merit.
Lou.
You are too modest,
And vnderualue that which is aboue
My title, or what euer I call mine.
I grant, were I a Spaniard to marry
A widdow might disparage me, but being
A true-borne Englishman, I cannot find
How it can taint my Honour; nay what's more,
That which you thinke a blemish is to me
Haue giuen sure proofes how dearely you can cherish
A Husband that deserues you: which confirmes me,
That if I am not wanting in my care
To doe you seruice, you'le be still the same
That you were to your Alworth, in a word
Our yeares, our states, our births are not vnequall,
You being descended nobly and alli'd so,
If then you may be wonne to make me happy,
But ioyne your lipps to mine, and that shall be
A solemne contract.
Lady.
I were blind to my owne good
Should I refuse it, yet my Lord receiue me
As such a one, the studie of whose whole life
Shall know no other obiect but to please you.
Lou.
If I returne not with all tendernesse,
Equall respect to you, may I die wretched.
Lady.
There needs no protestation my Lord
To her that cannot doubt, you are welcome Sir.
Now you looke like your selfe.
Enter Welborne.
Welb.
And will continue
Such in my free acknowledgement, that I am
Your creature Madam, and will neuer hold
My life mine owne, when you please to command it.
Lou.
It is a thankefulnesse that well becomes you;
You could not make choice of a better shape,
To dresse your mind in.
Lady.
For me I am happy
That my endeuours prosper'd, saw you of late
Sir Giles, your Vncle?
Welb.
I heard of him, Madam,
By his minister Marrall, he's growne into strange passions
About his daughter, this last night he look'd for
Your Lordship at his house, but missing you,
And she not yet appearing, his wise-head
Is much perplex'd, and troubl'd.
Lou.
It may be
Enter Ouer. with distracted lookes, driuing in Marrall before him.
Lad.
I strongly hope.
Ouer.
Ha! find her Boobie thou huge lumpe of nothing
I'le bore thine eyes out else.
Welbo.
May it please your Lordship
For some ends of mine owne but to withdraw
A little out of sight, though not of hearing,
You may perhaps haue sport.
Lou.
You shall direct me.
stepps aside.
Ouer.
I shall sol fa you Rogue.
Mar.
Sir, for what cause
Doe you vse me thus?
Ouer.
Cause slaue why I am angrie,
And thou a subiect only fit for beating,
And so to coole my choler, looke to the writing
Let but the seale be broke vpon the box,
That has slepp'd in my cabinet these three yeares;
I'le racke thy soule for't.
Mar.
I may yet crie quittance,
Though now I suffer, and dare not resist.
aside.
Ouer.
Lady, by your leaue, did you see my Daughter Lady?
And the Lord her husband? Are they in your house?
If they are, discouer, that I may bid 'em ioy;
And as an entrance to her place of Honour,
See your Ladyship on her left hand, and make courseis
When she nodds on you; which you must receiue
As a speciall fauour.
Lady.
When I know, Sir Giles,
Her state requires such ceremony, I shall pay it
But in the meane time, as I am my selfe,
I giue you to vnderstand, I neither know,
Nor care where her Honour is.
Ouer.
When you once see her
Supported, and led by the Lord her Husband
You'le be taught better. Nephew.
Welb.
Sir.
No more.
Welb.
'Tis all I owe you.
Welb.
Haue your redeem'd ragges
Made you thus insolent?
Welb.
Insolent to you?
in scorne.
Why what are you Sir, vnlesse in your yeares,
At the best more than my selfe?
Ouer.
His fortune swells him
'Tis rancke he's married.
Lady.
This is excellent!
Ouer.
Sir, in calme language (though I seldome vse it)
I am familiar with the cause, that makes you
Beare vp thus brauely, there's a certaine buz
Of a stolne marriage, do you heare of a stolne marriage?
In which 'tis said there's some body hath beene coozin'd.
I name no parties.
Welb.
Well Sir, and what followes?
Ouer.
Marry this; Since you are peremptory: remember
Vpon meere hope of your great match, I lent you
A thousand pounds: put me in good security,
And suddainely my Mortgage, or by Statute
Of some of your new possessions, or I'le haue you
Dragg'd in your lauender robes to the Gaole, you know me,
And therefore do not trifle.
Welb.
Can you be
So cruell to your Nephew? now hee's in
The way to rise: was this the courtesie
You did me in pure loue, and no ends else?
Ouer.
End me no ends: ingage the whole estate,
And force your Spouse to signe it, you shall haue
Three, or foure thousand more to rore, and swagger,
And reuell in bawdy tauernes.
Welb.
And begge after:
Meane you not so?
Ouer.
My thoughts are mine, and free.
Shall I haue security?
Welb.
No: indeed you shall not:
Nor bond, nor bill, nor bare acknowledgement,
Ouer.
But my deeds shall:
Outbrau'd?
They both draw the seruants enter.
Lady.
Helpe murther, murther.
Welb.
Let him come on,
With all his wrongs, and iniuries about him,
Arm'd with his cut-throate practises to guard him;
The right that I bring with me, will defend me,
And punish his extortion.
Ouer.
That I had thee
But single in the field.
Lady.
You may, but make not
My house your quarrelling Scene.
Ouer.
Were't in a Church
By heauen, and hell, I'le do't.
Mar.
Now put him to
The shewing of the deed.
Welb.
This rage is vaine Sir,
For fighting feare not you shall haue your hands full,
Vpon the least incitement; and whereas
You charge me with a debt of a thousand pounds,
If there be law, (how e're you haue no conscience)
Either restore my land, or I'le recouer
A debt, that's truely due to me, from you
In value ten times more than what you challenge.
Ouer.
I in thy debt! O impudence! did I not purchase
The land left by thy father? that rich land,
That had continued in Welbornes name
Twenty descents; which like a riotous foole
Thou did'st make sale of? is not here inclos'd
The deed that does confirme it mine?
Mar.
Now, now:
Welb.
I doe acknowledge none, I ne're pass'd o're
Any such land, I grant for a yeare, or two,
You had it in trust, which if you doe discharge,
Surrendring the possession, you shall ease
Your selfe, and me, of chargeable suits in law,
Which if you proue not honest, (as I doubt it)
Lady.
In my iudgement
He does aduise you well.
Ouer.
Good! Good! conspire
With your new Husband Lady; second him
In his dishonest practises; but when
This Mannor is extended to my vse,
You'le speake in an humbler key, and sue for fauour.
Lady.
Neuer: do not hope it.
Welb.
Let despaire first sease me.
Ouer.
Yet to shut up thy mouth, and make thee giue
Thy selfe the lye, the lowd lye: I draw out
The precious euidence; if thou canst forsweare
Thy hand, and seale, and make a forfeit of
Opens the box.
Thy eares to the pillory: see here's that will make
My interrest cleare. Ha!
Lady.
A faire skinne of parchment
Welb.
Indented I confesse, and labells too,
But neither wax, nor words. How! thunder-strooke?
Not a syllable to insult with? my wise Vncle
Is this your precious euidence? is this that makes
Your interest cleare
Ouer.
I am o'rewhelm'd with wonder!
What prodigie is this what subtle diuell
Hath raz'd out the inscription the wax
Turn'd into dust! the rest of my deedes whole,
As when they were deliuer'd! and this onely
Made nothing! doe you deale with witches Raskall?
There is a statute for you, which will bring
Your necke in a hempen circle yes, there is.
And now 'tis better thought, for Cheater know
This iuggling shall not saue you
Welb.
To saue thee
would begger the stocke of mercy.
Ouer.
Marrall.
Mar.
Sir.
Ouer.
Though the witnesses are dead, your testimony
flattering him
Thy liberall master, my good honest seruant.
I know, you will sweare any thing to dash
This cunning slight: besides, I know thou art
A publike notarie, and such stand in law
For a dozen witnesses; the deed being drawne too
By thee, my carefull Marrall, and deliuer'd
When thou wert present will make good my title
Wilt thou not sweare this?
Mar.
I? no I assure you.
I haue a conscience, not sear'd vp like yours
I know no deeds.
Ouer.
Wilt thou betray me?
Mar.
Keepe him
From vsing of his hands, I'le vse my tongue
To his no little torment.
Ouer.
Mine owne Varlet
Rebell against me?
Mar.
Yes, and vncase you too.
The Ideot; the Patch; the Slaue! the Boobie;
The propertie fit only to be beaten
For your morning exercise; your Footeball, or
Th'vnprofitable lumpe of flesh; your Drudge
Can now anatomize you, and lay open
All your blacke plotts; and leuell with the earth
Your hill of pride; and with these gabions guarded,
Vnloade my great artillerie, and shake,
Nay puluerize the walls you thinke defend you.
Lady.
How he foames at the mouth with rage.
Walb.
To him againe.
Ouer.
O that I had thee in my gripe, I would teare thee
Ioint, after ioint.
Mar.
I know you are a tearer
But I'le haue first your fangs par'd off, and then
Come nearer to you, when I haue, discouer'd,
And made it good before the Iudge, what wayes
And diuelish practises you vs'd to coozen
And but enrol'd for souldiers were able
To take in Dunkerke.
Welb.
All will come out.
Lady.
The better.
Ouer.
But that I will liue, Rogue, to torture thee,
And make thee wish, and kneele in vaine to dye,
These swords that keepe thee from me, should fix here
Although they made my body but one wound,
But I would reach thee.
Lou.
Heau'ns hand is in this,
One Ban-dogge worrie the other.
aside.
Ouer.
I play the foole,
And make my anger but ridiculous.
There will be a time, and place, there will be cowards,
When you shall feele what I dare do.
Welb.
I thinke so:
You dare do any ill, yet want true valour
To be honest, and repent.
Ouer.
They are words I know not,
Nor e're will learne. Patience, the beggers vertue.
Enter Greedie and person Will-doe.
Shall find no harbour here, after these stormes
At length a calme appeares. Welcome, most welcome:
There's comfort in thy lookes, is the deed done?
Is my daughter married? say but so my Chaplaine
And I am tame.
Will-doe.
Married? yes I assure you.
Ouer.
Then vanish all sad thoughts; there's more gold for thee.
My doubts, and feares are in the titles drown'd
Of my right honorable, my right honorable daughter
Greed.
Here will I be feasting; at least for a month
I am prouided: emptie gutts croke no more,
You shall be stuff'd like baggepipes, not with wind
But bearing dishes.
Ouer.
Instantly be here?
Whispring to Will-doe.
To my wish, to my wish, now you that plot against me
Loud musicke.
Thinke on't and tremble, they come I heare the musicke.
A lane there for my Lord.
Welb.
This sodaine heate
May yet be cool'd Sir.
Ouer.
Make way there for my Lord.
Enter Alworth and Margaret.
Marg.
Sir, first your pardon, then your blessing, with
Your full allowance of the choice I haue made
As euer you could make vse of your reason:
kneeling.
Grow not in passion: since you may as well
Call backe the day that's past, as vntie the knot
Which is too strongly fasten'd, not to dwell
Too long on words, this's my Husband
Ouer.
How!
Alw.
So I assure you: all the rites of marriage
With euery circumstance are past, alas Sir,
Although I am no Lord, but a Lords page,
Your daughter, and my lou'd wife mournes not for it.
And for Right honourable sonne in Law, you may say
Your dutifull daughter.
Ouer.
Diuell: are they married?
Will-doe.
Doe a fathers part, and say heau'n giue 'em ioy.
Ouer.
Confusion, and ruine, speake, & speake quickly,
Or thou art dead.
Will-doe.
They are married.
Ouer.
Thou had'st better
Haue made a contract with the King of fiends
Than these, my braine turnes!
Will-doe.
Why this rage to me?
Is not this your letter Sir? and these the words?
Marry her to this Gentleman.
Ouer.
It cannot:
Nor will I e're beleeue it's death I will not,
That I, that in all passages I touch'd
At worldly profit, haue not left a print
That were to little purpose,
His conscience be his prison, not a word
But instantly begone.
Ord.
Take this kicke with you.
Amb.
And this.
Furn.
If that I had my cleuer here
I would diuide your Knaues head.
Mar.
This is the hauen,
False seruants still arriue at.
Exit Mar. enter Ouer.
Lad.
Come agen.
Lou.
Feare not I am your guard.
Welb.
His lookes are ghastly.
Well-doe.
Some little time I haue spent vnder your fauours
In physicall studies, and if my iudgement erre not
Hee's mad beyond recouery: but obserue him,
And looke to your selues.
Ouer.
Why is not the whole world
Included in my selfe? to what vse then
Are friends, and seruants? say there were a squadron
Of pikes, lined through with shot, when I am mounted
Vpon my iniuries, shall I feare to charge 'em?
No: I'le through the battalia, and that routed,
Flourishing his sword vnsheathed.
I'le fall to execution. Ha! I am feeble:
Some vndone widdow sitts vpon mine arme,
And takes away the vse of't; and my sword
Glew'd to my scabberd, with wrong'd orphans teares
Will not be drawne. Ha! what are these? sure hangmen,
That come to bind my hands, and then to dragge me
Before the iudgement seate now they are new shapes
And do appeare like furies, with steele whippes
To scourge my vlcerous soule? shall I then fall
Ingloriously, and yeeld? no spite of fate
I wil be forc'd to hell like to my selfe,
Though you were legions of accursed spiritts.
Welb.
Thus would I flie among you,
There's no helpe
Disarme him first, then bind him.
Greed.
Take a Mittimus
Lou.
How he fomes!
Welb.
And bites the earth.
Well-doe.
Carry him to some darke roome
There try what Art can do for his recouery.
Marg.
O my deare father!
They force Ouerreach off.
Alw.
You must be patient mistresse
Lou.
Here is a president to teach wicked men,
That when they leaue Religion, and turne Atheists
Their owne abilities leaue 'em, pray you take comfort
I will endeuour you shall be his guardians
In his distractions: and for your land master VVelborne,
Be it good, or ill in law, I'le be an vmpire,
Betweene you, and this, th'vndoubted heire
Of Sir Giles Ouerreach, for me, here's the anchor
That I must fix on.
Alw.
What you shall determine,
My lord, I will allow of.
Welb.
'Tis the language
That I speake too; but there is something else
Beside the repossession of my land,
And payment of my debts, that I must practise
I had a reputation, but 'twas lost
In my loose course; and 'till I redeeme it
Some noble way, I am but halfe made vp
It is a time of Action, if your Lordship
Will please to conferre a company vpon mee
In your command, I doubt not in my seruice
To my King, and Country, but I shall do something
That may make me right agen.
Lou.
Your suite is granted,
And you lou'd for the motion,
Welb.
Nothing wants then
But your allowance.
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