 | The Elder Brother |  |
SCENA IV.
Enter Charles, Miramont, Andrew.Mir.
Nay, y'are undone.
Char.
Hum.
Mir.
Ha'ye no greater feeling?
And.
You were sensible of the great Book, Sir, when it
fell on your head, and now the house is ready to fall, do you
fear nothing?
Char.
Will he have my Books too.
Mir.
No, he has a Book, a fair one too, to read on, and
read wonders; I would thou hadst her in thy Study, Nephew,
and 'twere but to new string her.
Char.
Yes, I saw her, and me thought 'twas a curious
piece of Learning, handsomely bound, and of a dainty
Letter.
And.
He flung away his Book.
Mir.
I like that in him; would he had flung away his
dulness too, and spoke to her.
Char.
And must my Brother have all?
Mir.
All that your Father has.
Char.
And that fair woman too?
Mir.
That woman also.
Char.
He has enough then. May I not see her sometimes,
and call her Sister? I will do him no wrong.
Mir.
This makes me mad, I could now cry for anger
these old Fools are the most stubborn and the wilfullest Coxcombs;
Farewell, and fall to your Book, forget your Brother:
you are my Heir, and I'le provide y'a Wife: I'le
look upon this marriage, though I hate it.
[Exit.
Enter Brisac.
Bri.
Where is my Son?
And.
There, Sir, casting a Figure what chopping children
his Brother shall have.
Bri.
He does well. How do'st, Charles? still at thy Book?
And.
He's studying now, Sir, who shall be his Father.
Bri.
Peace, you rude Knave—Come hither, Charles,
be merry.
Char.
I thank you, I am busie at my Book, Sir.
Bri.
You must put your hand, my Charles, as I would
have you, unto a little piece of Parchment here: only your
name; you write a reasonable hand.
Char.
But I may do unreasonably to write it. What is
it, Sir?
Bri.
To pass the Land I have, Sir, unto your younger
Brother.
Char.
Is't no more?
Bri.
No, no, 'tis nothing: you shall be provided for, and new
Books you shall have still, and new Studies, and have your
attend you.
Char.
This shews your love, Father.
Bri.
I'm tender to you.
And.
Like a stone, I take it.
Char.
Why Father, I'll go down, an't please you let
me, because I'd see the thing they call the Gentlewoman;
I see no Woman but through contemplation, and there I'll
do't before the company, and wish my Brother fortune.
Bri.
Do, I prethee.
Char.
I must not stay, for I have things above require my
study.
Bri.
No, thou shalt not stay; thou shalt have a brave
dinner too.
And.
Now has he o'erthrown himself for ever; I will
down into the Cellar, and be stark drunk for anger.
[Exeunt.
| The Elder Brother | |