 | Beggars Bush |  |
Actus Quartus.
Scæna prima.
Enter Floriz. and 4. Merchants.Flo.
Why Gentlemen, 'tis but a week more I intreat you
But 7. short daies, I am not runnig from ye,
Nor, if you give me patience, is it possible
All my adventures faile; you have ships abroad,
Endure the beating both of winde, or weather:
I am sure 'twould vex your hearts, to be protested
Ye are all faire Merchants,
1. Mer.
Yes, and must have faire play;
There is no lying here else, one howres failing
Failes us of all our friends, of all our credits:
For my part I would stay; but my wants tell me,
I must wrong others in't.
Flo.
No mercy in ye?
2. Mer.
'Tis foolish to depend on others mercy:
Keepe your selfe right, and even, out your cloth Sir,
According to your calling: you have liv'd here
In Lordlike prodigality; high, and open,
And now ye finde what 'tis: the liberall spending
The summer of your youth, which you should gleane in,
And like the labouring Ant, make use and gaine of,
Has brought this bitter stormy winter on ye,
And now you cry.
3. Mer.
Alas before your poverty,
We were no men, of no marke, no endeavour;
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Running through your hands, scarce a sayle at Sea,
But loaden with your goods: we poore weak pedlers,
When by your leave, and much intreaty to it:
We could have stoage for a little cloth,
Or a few wines, put of and thanke your worship
Lord, how the world's chang'd with ye? now I hope Sir,
We shall have sea-roome
Flo.
Is my misery,
Become my scorne too? have ye no humanity,
No part of men left? are all the bountyes in me
To you, and to the Towne; turn'd my reproaches?
4. Mer.
Well, get your monyes ready: 'tis but 2. howres
We shall protest ye else, and sodainly.
Flo.
But two dayes.
1. Mer.
Not an howre, ye know the hazard.
Exit.
Flo.
How soone my light's put out: hard harted Bruges;
Within thy walls, may never honest Merchant
Venture his fortunes more: ô my poore wench too;
Enter Gerrard.
Ger.
Good fortune Master.
Flo.
Thou mistak'st me Clause,
I am not worth thy blessing.
Ger.
Stil a sad man?
Enter Higgen. and Prig. like Porter.
No beliefe gentle Master? come bring it in then,
And now believe your Beadesman.
Flo.
Is this certaine?
Or do'st thou work upon my troubled sence?
Ger.
'Tis gold Sir,
Take it and try it.
Flo.
Certainely 'tis treasure,
Can there be yet this blessing?
Ger.
Cease your wonder,
You shall not sinke, for nev'r a sowst Flap-dragon:
For nere a pickel'd pilcher of 'em all Sir,
'Tis there your full summ, a hundred thousand crownes,
And good sweet Master, now Be merry: pay 'em
Pay the poore pelting knaves, that know no goodnesse:
And cheere your heart up handsomely.
Flo.
Good Clause,
How cam'st thou by this mighty summ? if naughtily
I must not take it of thee, 'twill undo me.
Ger.
Feare not: you have it by as honest meanes
As though your father gave it: Sir, you know not
To what a masse, the little we get dayly,
Mounts in seven yeares, we beg it for heavens charity,
And to the same good, we are bound to render it.
Flo.
What great security?
Ger.
Away with that Sir,
Were not ye more then all the men in Bruges;
And all the money in my thoughts—
Flo.
But good Clause,
I may dye presently.
Ger,
Then this dyes with ye—
Pay when you can good Master, I'le no parchments,
Onely this charity I shall intreat ye,
Leave me this Ring.
Flo.
Alas, it is to poore Clause.
Ger.
'Tis all I aske, and this with all, that when
I shall deliver this back, you shall grant me
Freely one poore petition.
Flo.
There I confesse it,
And may my faith forsake mee when I shun it.
Ger.
Away, your time drawes on. Take up the money
And follow this young Gentleman.
Flo.
Farewell Clause,
And may thy honest memory live ever.
Ger.
Heaven blesse ye and still keep ye, farewell Master.
Exeunt.
Scæna Secunda.
Enter Hubert.Hub.
I have lockt my youth up close enough for gadding
In an olde tree, and set watch over him.
Enter Jaculine.
Now for my Love, for sure this wench must be she,
She follows me; Come hither, pretty Minche.
Jac,
No, no, you'l kisse,
Hub.
So I will.
Jac.
Y'ded law?
How will ye kisse me, pray you?
Hub.
Thus: soft as my loves lips.
Jac.
Oh!
Hub.
What's your Fathers name?
Jac.
He's gone to heaven.
Hub.
Is it not Gerrard, sweet?
Jac.
I'le stay no longer,
My mother's an olde woman, and my Brother
Was drown'd at sea, with catching Cockles. O love:
O how my heart melts in me: how thou fir'st me!
Hub.
'Tis certain she: pray let me see your hand, sweet,
Jac.
No, no, you'l bite it.
Hub.
Sure I should know that Gymmall;
Jac.
'Tis certaine he: I had forgot my ring too.
O Hubert, Hubert.
Hub.
Ha? me-thought she nam'd me—
Doe you know me, Chicke?
Jac.
No indeed, I never saw ye,
But me-thinks you kisse finely.
Hub.
Kisse againe then;
By heaven 'tis she.
Jac.
O what a joy he brings me.
Hub.
You are not Minche?
Jac.
Yes pretty Gentleman,
And I must be married to morrow to a Capper.
Hub.
Must ye my sweet, and doe's the Capper love ye?
Ja.
Yes, yes, he'l give me pye, & look in mine eys thus:
Tis he: 'tis my deare Love; ô blest fortune.
Hub.
How fain she would conceal her selfe? yet shew it,
Will ye love me, and leave that man? I'le serve.
Jac.
O I shall loose my selfe.
Hub.
I'le waite upon ye,
And make ye dainty Nose-gayes.
Jac.
And where will ye sticke 'em?
Hub.
Here in bosome, and make a crown of Lillies
For your faire head.
Jac.
And will ye love me, deed-law?
Hub.
With all my heart.
Jac.
Call me to morrow then,
And we'l have brave chear, and goe to Church together:
Give you good ev'n Sir.
Hub.
But one word faire Minche.
Jac.
I must be gone a milking.
Hub.
Ye shall presently.
Did you never heare of a young Maid called Jaculine?
Ja.
I am discovered: hark in your eare, I'le tell ye;
You must not know me: kisse and be constant ever.
Hub.
Heaven curse me else: tis she, and now I am certain
They are all here: now for my other project.—
Exeunt.
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Scæna Tertia.
Enter Floriz. 4. Merchants, Higgen, and Prig.1. Mer.
Nay if it would do you courtesy.
Flo.
None at all Sir;
Take it 'tis yours: ther's your ten thousand for ye,
Give in my Bills, your sixteene.
3. Mer.
Pray be pleas'd Sir,
To make a further use.
Flo.
No.
3. Mer.
What I have Sir,
You may command; pray let me be your Servant.
Flo.
Put your hatts on: I care not for your courtisies;
They are most untimely don, and no truth in 'em.
2. Mer.
I have a frought of pepper.
Flo.
Rot your pepper,
Shall I trust you againe? ther's your seven thousand.
4. Mer.
Or if you want fine suger, 'tis but sending.
Flo.
No, I can send to Barbary, those people
That never yet knew faith, have nobler freedoms:
These carry to Vanlock, and take my Bills in
To Peter Zuten these: bring back my Iewells;
Why are these peices?
Enter Saylor.
Saylor.
Health to the noble Merchant,
The Susan is return'd.
Flo.
Well?
Say.
Well, and rich Sir,
And now put in.
Flo.
Heaven thou hast heard my prayers.
Say.
The brave Rebecca too: bound from the straights,
With the next tide is ready to put after.
Flo.
What newes o'th' fly-boate?
Say.
If this winde hold till midnight,
She will be here, and wealthy, scap't fairely.
Flo.
How, pre'thee Saylor?
Say.
Thus Sir, she had fight
Seven howers together, with six Turkish Gallyes,
And she fought bravely: but at length was borded:
And over lai'd with strength: when presently
Comes boring up the winde Captaine Van-noke;
That valiant Gentleman, you redeem'd from prison;
He knew the Boate, set in: and fought it bravely:
Beate all the Gallies off; sunk three, redeem'd her,
And as a service to ye, sent her home Sir.
Flo.
An honest noble Captaine, and a thankfull;
Ther's for thy new's: go drink the Merchants health, Saylor
Say.
I thanke your bounty, and I'le do it to a doyt, Sir,
Exit Saylor.
1. Mer.
What miracles are powr'd upon this fellow?
Flo.
This ye are I hope my friends, I shall scape prison,
For all your cares to catch me.
2. Mer.
You may please Sir
To think of your poor servants in displeasure,
Whose all they have, goods, monyes, are at your service.
Flo.
I thank you,
When I have need of you I shall forget you:
You are paid I hope.
All.
We joy in your good fortunes.
Enter Van-donck.
Van.-d.
Come Sir, come take your ease you must go home
With mee, yonder is one weepes and howles.
Flo.
Alas how does she?
Van-d.
She will be better soone I hope.
Flo.
Why soone sir?
Van-d.
Why when you have her in your armes, this night,
My boy she is thy wife
Flo.
With all my hart I take her.
Van-d.
We have prepar'd, all thy friends will be there,
And all my Roomes shall smoake to see the revell;
Thou hast been wrong'd and no more shall my seruice,
Waite on the knaue her Vncle, I have hard all,
All his baites for my Boy, but thou shalt have her;
Hast thou dispatch 't thy businesse?
Flo.
Most.
Van-d.
By the masse Boy,
Thou tumblest now in wealth, and I joy in it,
Thou art the best Boy, that Bruges ever nourish'd
Thou hast been sad, I'le cheere thee do with Sack,
And when thou art lusty I'le fling thee to thy Mistris.
Shee'l hug thee, sirha.
Flo.
I long to see it,
I had forgot you: ther's for you my friends:
You had but heavy burthens, commend my love
To my best love, all the love I have
To honest Clause, shortly I will thanke him better.
Exit.
Hig.
By the masse a royall Merchant,
Gold by the handfull, here will be sport, soone Prig.
Prig.
It partly seemes so, and here will I be in a trice.
Hig.
And I boy,
Away a pace we are look'd for.
Prig.
Oh these bak'd meates,
Me thinkes I smell them hither.
Hig.
Thy mouth waters.
Exeunt.
Scæna Quarta.
Enter Hubert, and Hemskirck.Hub.
I must not,
Hems.
Why? 'tis in thy power to do it, and in mine
To reward thee to thy wishes.
Hub.
I dare not, nor I will not.
Hem.
Gentle Huntsman,
Though thou hast kept me hard: though in thy duty,
Which is requir'd to do it, th'hast used me stubbornly;
I can forgive thee freely.
Hub.
You the Earles servant.
Hems.
I sweare I am neare as his owne thoughts to him;
Able to doe thee—
Hub.
Come, come, leave your prating.
Hems.
If thou dar'st but cry.
Hub.
I thanke you hartily, you will be
The first man that will hang me, a sweet recompence,
I could do, but I do not say I will,
To any honest fellow that would thinke on't:
And be a benefactor.
Hem.
If it be not recompenc'd, and to thy owne desires,
If within these ten dayes I do not make thee—
Hub.
What, a false knave?
Hems.
Prethee, prethee conceive me rightly, any thing
Of profit or of place that may advance thee.
Hub.
Why what a Goosecap would'st thou make me,
Do not I know that men in misery will promise
Any thing, more then their lives can reach at?
Hems.
Beleeve me Huntsman,
There shall not one short sillable
That comes from me, pass:
Without it's full performance.
Hub.
Say you so Sir?
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Hem.
A thousand Chases, Forrests, Parks: I'le make thee
Chiefe ranger over all the games.
Hub.
When?
Hem.
Presently.
Hub.
This may provoke me: and yet to prove a knave too.
Hem.
'Tis to prove honest: 'tis to do good service,
Service for him thou art sworn to, for thy Prince,
Then for thy selfe that good; what fool would live here,
Poore, and in misery, subject to all dangers,
Law, and lewd people can inflict, when bravely
And to himselfe he may be law, and credit?
Hub.
Shall I believe thee?
Hem.
As that thou holdst most holy;
Hub.
Ye may play tricks.
Hem.
Then let me never live more.
Hub.
Then you shall see Sir, I will do a service
That shall deserve indeed.
Hem.
'Tis well said, hunts-man,
And thou shalt be well thought of.
Hub.
I will do it: 'tis not your letting free, for that's meer nothing,
But such a service, if the Earl be noble,
He shall for ever love me.
Hem.
What is't hunts-man?
Hub.
Do you know any of these people live here?
Hem.
No.
Hub.
You are a foole then: here be those to have 'em,
I know the Earl so well, would make him caper.
Hem.
Any of the old Lords that rebel'd?
Hub.
Peace, all,
I know 'em every one, and can betray 'em.
Hem.
But wilt thou doe this service?
Hub.
If you'l keep
Your faith, and free word to me.
Hem.
Wilt thou swear me?
Hub.
No, no, I will beleeve ye: more then that too,
Here's the right heire.
Hem.
O honest, honest hunts-man!
Hub.
Now, how to get these Gallants, ther's the matter,
You will be constant, 'tis no work for me else.
Hem.
Will the Sun shine agen?
Hub.
The way to get 'em.
Hem.
Propound it, and it shall be done.
Hub.
No sleight;
For they are Devillish crafty, it concerns 'em,)
Nor reconcilement, (for they dare not trust neither)
Must doe this tricke.
Hem.
By force?
Hub.
I, that must doe it.
And with the person of the Earl himselfe,
Authority (and mighty) must come on 'em:
Or else in vaine: and thus I would have ye do it.
To morrow-night be here: a hundred men will bear 'em,
(So he be there, for he's both wise and valiant)
And with his terrour will strike dead their forces,
The houre be twelve a clock, now for a guide
To draw ye without danger on these persons,
The woods being thicke, and hard to hit, my selfe
With some few with me, made unto our purpose,
Beyond the wood, upon the plain, will wait ye
By the great Oke.
Hem.
I know it: keep thy faith hunts-man,
And such a showr of wealth—
Hub.
I warrant ye:
Misse nothing that I tell ye.
Hem.
No.
Hub.
Farewell;
You have your liberty, now use it wisely;
And keep your houre, goe closer about the wood there,
For feare they spy you.
Hem.
Well.
Hub.
And bring no noyse with ye.
Hem.
All shall be done to'th purpose: farewel hunts-mā
Exit.
Enter Gerrard, Higgen, Prig, Ginks, Snap, Ferret.
Ger.
Now, what's the news in towne?
Ginks.
No news, but joy Sir;
Every man wooing of the noble Merchant,
Who has his hearty commendations so ye.
Fer.
Yes, this is news, this night he's to be married.
Ginks.
By'th masse that's true, he marryes Vandoncks daughter
The dainty black-ey'd bell.
Hig.
I would my clapper
Hung in his baldricke, what a peale could I ring?
Ger.
Marryed?
Gin.
'Tis very true Sir, ô the pyes,
The piping-hot mince-pyes.
Prig.
O the Plum-pottage.
Hig.
For one leg of a goose now would I venture a limb boys,
I love a fat goose, as I love allegiance,
And—upon the Boors, too well they know it,
And therefore starve their powitry.
Ger.
To be married
To Vandonks daughter?
Hig.
O this pretious Merchant:
What sport he will haue? but hark ye brother Prig,
Shall we do nothing in the fore-said wedding?
Ther's money to be got, and meate I take it,
What thinke ye of a morise?
Prig.
No, by no meanes,
That goes no further then the street, there leaves us,
Now we must think of something that must draw us
Into the bowels of it, into'th buttery,
Into the Kitchin, into the Cellar, something
That that old drunken Burgo-master loves,
What think ye of a wassell?
Hig.
I think worthily.
Prig.
And very fit it should be, thou, and Ferret,
And Ginks to sing the Song: I for the structure,
Which is the bowle.
Hig.
Which must be up-sey English,
Strong, lusty London beer; let's think more of it,
Ger.
He must not marry.
Enter Hubert.
Hub.
By your leave in private,
One word Sir, with ye; Gerrard: do not start me,
I know ye, and he knows ye, that best loves ye:
Hubert speakes to ye, and you must be Gerrard,
The time invites you to it.
Ger.
Make no show then,
I am glad to see you Sir; and I am Gerrard.
How stands affaires?
Hub.
Faire, if ye dare now follow,
Hemskirke I have let goe, and these my causes,
I'le tell ye privately, and how I have wrought him,
And then to prove me honest to my friends,
Looke upon these directions; you have seen his.
Hig.
Then will I speak a speech, and a brave speech
In praise of Merchants, where's the Ape
Prig.
—Take him,
A gowty Beare-ward stole him the other day.
Hig.
May his Beares worry him, that Ape had paid it,
What dainty tricks?—o' that whorson Bear-ward:
In his french doublet, with his baster'd bullions,
In a long stock ty'd up; o how daintily
Would I have made him waite, and change a trencher,
Cary a cup of wine? ten thousand stinks
Waite on thy mangy soule, thou lowzy Bear-ward.
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Tis passing well, I both beleeve and joy in't
And will be ready; keepe you here the meane while,
And keepe this in, I must a while forsake ye,
Upon mine anger no man stir, this two houres.
Hig.
Not to the wedding sir?
Ger.
Not any whither.
Hig.
The wedding must be seene sir; we want meat too,
VVe be monstrous out of meat.
Prig.
Shall it be spoken,
Fatt Capon shak't their tailes at's in defiance?
And turkey toombs such honorable monuments,
Shall piggs, sir, that the Persons selfe would envy,
And deintie Ducks?
Ger.
Not a word more, obey me.
Exit Ger.
Hig.
VVhy then come dolefull death, this is flat tyrany
And by this hand—
Hub.
VVhat?
Hig.
Ile goe sleepe upon't.
Exit Hig.
Prig.
Nay, and there be a wedding, and we wanting
Farewell our happie daies: we doe obey sir.
Exeunt.
Scæna Quinta.
Enter two young Merchants.1. Mer.
VVell met sir, you are for this lusty wedding.
2. Mer.
I am so, so are you I take it.
1. Mer.
Yes,
And it much glads me, that to doe him service
Who is the honour of our trade, and luster,
VVe meet thus happily.
2. Mer.
He's a noble fellow,
And well becomes a bride of such a beauty.
1. Mer.
She is passing faire indeed, long may their loves
Continue like their youths, in spring of sweetnesse,
All the young Merchants will be here
No doubt on't,
For he that comes not to attend this wedding
The curse of a most blind one fall upon him,
A lowd wife, and a lazie: here's Vanlock.
Enter Vanlock and Francis.
Vanl.
VVell overtaken gentlemen: save ye.
1. Mer.
The same to you sir; save ye faire Mistris Francis,
I would this happie night might make you blush too.
Vanl.
She dreames a pace,
Fran.
That's but a drowsie fortune.
3. Mer.
Nay take us with ye too; we come to that end,
I am sure ye are for the wedding.
Vanl.
Hand and heart man:
And what their feet can doe, I could have tript it
Before this whorson gout
Enter Gerrard.
Ger.
Blesse ye Masters.
Vanl.
Clause? how now Clause; thou art come to see thy Master,
(And a good master he is to all poore people)
In all his joy, tis honestly don of thee.
Ger.
Long may hee live sir, but my businesse now is
If you would plase to doe it, and to him too.
Enter Florez.
Vanl.
He's heere himselfe.
Flo.
Stand at the doore my friends?
I pray walke in't welcome faire Mistris Francis,
See what the house affords, ther's a young Lady
VVill bid you welcome,
Vanl.
VVe joy your happinesse.
Exit.
Flo.
I hope It will be so: Clause nobly welcome,
My honest, my best friend, I have been carefull
To see thy monys—
Ger.
Sir, that brought not me,
Do you know this Ring againe?
Flo.
Thou hadst it of me.
Ger.
And do you well remēber yet, the boone you gave me
Upon returne of this?
Flo.
Yes, and I grant it,
Be it what it will: aske what thou can'st, I'le do it;
Within my power.
Ger.
Ye are not married yet
Flo.
No,
Ger.
Faith I shall aske you that that will disturb ye,
But I must put ye to your promise.
Flo.
Do,
And if I faint and flinch in't—
Ger.
Well said Master,
And yet it grieves me too: and yet it must be.
Flo.
Prethee distrust me not.
Ger.
You must not marry,
That's part of the power you gave me: which to make up,
You must presently depart, and follow me.
Flo.
Not marry Clause?
Ger.
Not if you keep your promise,
And give me power to aske.
Flo.
Pre'thee thinke better,
I will obey, by heaven.
Ger.
I have thought the best Sir.
Flo.
Give me thy reason, do'st thou feare her honesty?
Ger.
Chaste as the yee, for anything I know, Sir.
Flo.
Why should'st thou light on that then? to what purpose?
Ger.
I must not now discover.
Flo.
Must not marry?
Shall I breake now when my poore hart is pawn'd?
When all the preparation?
Ger.
Now or never.
Flo.
Come, 'tis not that thou would'st: thou dost but fright me.
Ger.
Upon my soule it is Sir, and I binde ye.
Flo.
Clause, can'st thou be so cruell?
Ger.
You may breake Sir,
But never more in my thoughts, appeare honest.
Flo.
Did'st ever see her?
Ger.
No:
Flo.
She is such a thing,
O Clause, she is such a wonder, such a mirror,
For beauty, and faire vertue, Europe has not:
Why hast thou made me happy, to undo me?
But looke upon her; then if thy heart relent not,
I'le quit her presently, who waites there?
Ser.
within.
Sir.
Flo.
Bid my faire love come hither, and the company,
Pre'thee be good unto me; take a mans hart
And looke upon her truly: take a friends hart
And feele what misery must follow this,
Ger.
Take you a noble hart and keep your promise;
I forsooke all I had, to make you happy.
Enter Bertha. Van-donck, and the rest Merchants.
Can that thing call'd a woman, stop your goodnesse?
Flo.
Looke there she is, deale with me as thou wilt now
Did'st ever see a fayrer?
Ger.
She is most goodly.
Flo.
Pray ye stand still.
Ber.
What ayles my love?
Flo.
Did'st thou ever,
By the faire light of heaven, behold a sweeter?
O that thou knew'st but love, or ever felt him,
Looke well, looke narrowly upon her beauties.
1. Mer.
Sure h'as some strange designe in hand, he starts so.
92
This Beggar has a strong power over his pleasure
Flo.
View all her body.
Ger.
'Tis exact and excellent.
Flo.
Is she a thing then to be lost thus lightly?
Her mind is ten times sweeter, ten times nobler,
And but to heare her speak, a Paradise,
And such a love she beares to me, a chaste love,
A vertuous, faire, and fruitfull love: 'tis now too
I am ready to enjoy it; the Priest ready: Clause,
To say the holy words shall make us happy,
This is a cruelty beyond mans study,
All these are ready, all our joyes are ready,
And all the expectation of our friends,
Twill be her death to do it.
Ger.
Let her dye then.
Flo.
Thou canst not: 'tis impossible.
Ger.
It must be.
Flo.
'Twill kil me too, 'twil murder me by heaven Claus
I'le give thee halfe I have; come thou shalt save me.
Ger.
Then you must goe with me: I can stay no longer
If ye be true, and noble.
Flo.
Hard heart, I'le follow:
Pray ye all goe in againe, and pray be merry,
I have a weighty businesse, give my cloake there.
Enter Servant (with a Cloake.)
Concerns my life, and state; make no enquiry,
This present houre befaln me: with the soonest
I shall be here againe: nay pray goe in Sir,
And take them with you, tis but a night lost, Gentlemen.
Van.
Come, come in, we will not loose our meat yet,
Nor our good mirth, he cannot stay long from her
I am sure of that.
Flo.
I will not fray; beleeve Sir.
Exit.
Gertrud, a word with you;
Ber.
Why is this stop, Sir?
Flo.
I have no more time left me, but to kisse thee,
And tell thee this, I am ever thine: farewell wench.
Exit.
Be.
And is that all your ceremony? Is this a wedding?
Are all my hopes and prayers turnd to nothing?
Well, I will say no more, nor sigh, nor sorrow; oh me,
Till to thy face I prove thee false.
Exit.
| Beggars Bush | |