 | The Elder Brother |  |
Actus primus.
Scena prima.
Enter Lewis, Angellina, and Sylvia.Lewis.
Nay, I must walk you farther.
Ang.
I am tir'd, Sir, and ne'er shall foot
it home.
Lew.
'Tis for your health; the want
of exercise takes from your Beauties, and sloth dries up
your sweetness: That you are my only Daughter and my
Heir, is granted; and you in thankfulness must needs acknowledge,
you ever find me an indulgent Father, and
open handed.
Ang.
Nor can you tax me, Sir, I hope, for want of duty
to deserve these favours from you.
Lew.
No, my Angellina, I love and cherish thy obedience
to me, which my care to advance thee shall confirm:
all that I aim at, is, to win thee from the practice of an idle
foolish state, us'd by great Women, who think any labour
(though in the service of themselves) a blemish to their fair
fortunes.
Ang.
Make me understand, Sir, what 'tis you point at.
Lew.
At the custom, how Virgins of wealthy Families
waste their youth; after a long sleep, when you wake, your
Woman presents your Breakfast, then you sleep again, then
rise, and being trimm'd up by other hands, y'are led to
Dinner, and that ended, either to Cards or to your Couch,
(as if you were born without motion) after this to Supper,
and then to Bed: and so your life runs round without variety
or action, Daughter.
Syl.
Here's a learned Lecture!
Lew.
Flow this idleness, Diseases, both in body and in
mind, grow strong upon you; where a stirring nature,
with wholesome exercise, guards both from danger: I'd
have thee rise with the Sun, walk, dance, or hunt, visit
the Groves and Springs, and learn the vertue of Plants and
Simples: Do this moderately, and thou shalt not, with
eating Chalk, or Coles, Leather and Oatmeal, and such other
trash, fall into the Green sickness.
Syl.
With your pardon (were you but pleas'd to minister
it) I could prescribe a Remedy for my Lady's health, and
her delight too, far transcending those your Lordship but
now mention'd.
Lew.
What is it, Sylvia?
Syl.
What is't! a noble Husband; in that word, a noble
Husband, all content of Woman is wholly comprehended;
He will rouse her, as you say, with the Sun; and so
pipe to her, as she will dance, ne'er doubt it; and hunt
with her, upon occasion, until both be weary; and then
the knowledge of your Plants and Simples, as I take it,
were superfluous. A loving, and, but add to it, a gamesome
Bedfellow, being the sure Physician.
Lew.
Well said, Wench.
Ang.
And who gave you Commission to deliver your
Syl.
I deserve a Fee, and not a frown, dear Madam: I
but speak her thoughts, my Lord, and what her modesty
refuses to give voice to. Shew no mercy to a Maidenhead
of fourteen, but off with't: let her lose no time, Sir;
Fathers that deny their Daughters lawful pleasures, when
ripe for them, in some kinds edge their appetites to taste of
the fruit that is forbidden.
Lew.
'Tis well urg'd, and I approve it: No more blushing,
Girl, thy Woman hath spoke truth, and so prevented
what I meant to move to thee. There dwells near us a
Gentleman of bloud, Monsieur Brisac, of a fair Estate,
six thousand Crowns per annum, the happy Father of two
hopeful Sons, of different breeding; the Elder, a meer
Scholar; the younger, a quaint Courtier.
Ang.
Sir, I know them by publick fame, though yet I
never saw them; and that oppos'd antipathy between their
various dispositions, renders them the general discourse
and argument; one part inclining to the Scholar Charles, the
other side preferring Eustace, as a man compleat in Courtship.
Lew.
And which way (if of these two you were to chuse
a Husband) doth your affection sway you?
Ang.
To be plain Sir, (since you will teach me boldness)
as they are simply themselves, to neither: let a Courtier
be never so exact, let him be bless'd with all parts that yield
him to a Virgin gracious; if he depend on others, and stand
not on his own bottoms, though he have the means to bring
his Mistris to a Masque, or by conveyance from some great
ones lips, to taste such favour from the King: or grant he
purchase precedency in the Court, to be sworn a servant
Extraordinary to the Queen; nay, though he live in expectation
of some huge preferment in reversion; if he want
a present fortune, at the best those are but glorious dreams,
and only yield him a happiness in posse, not in esse; nor can
they fetch him Silks from the Mercer, nor discharge a Tailors
Bill, nor in full plenty (which still preserves a quiet
Bed at home) maintain a Family.
Lew.
Aptly consider'd, and to my wish: But what's thy
censure of the Scholar?
Ang.
Troth (if he be nothing else) as of the Courtier, all
his Songs and Sonnets, his Anagrams, Acrosticks, Epigrams,
his deep and Philosophical Discourse of Nature's hidden Secrets,
makes not up a perfect Husband; he can hardly borrow
the Stars of the Celestial Crown to make me a Tire for
my Head, nor Charles's Wain for a Coach, nor Ganymede
for a Page, nor a rich Gown from Juno's Wardrobe, nor
would I lie in (for I despair not once to be a Mother) under
Heaven's spangled Canopy, or Banquet my Guests and
Gossips with imagin'd Nectar; pure Orleans would do
better: No, no, Father, though I could be well pleas'd to
have my Husband a Courtier, and a Scholar, young, and
valiant; these are but gawdy nothings, if there be not
something to make a substance.
Lew.
And what is that?
Ang.
A full Estate, and that said, I've said all; and get
me such a one with these Additions, farewel Virginity,
and welcome Wedlock.
Lew.
But where is such a one to be met with, Daughter?
A black Swan is more common; you may wear grey Tresses
e're we find him.
Ang.
I am not so punctual in all Ceremonies, I will 'bate
two or three of these good parts, before I'le dwell too long
upon the choice.
Syl.
Only, my Lord, remember, that he be rich and
active, for without these, the others yield no relish, but
these perfect. You must bear with small faults, Madam.
Lew.
Merry Wench, and it becomes you well; I'le to
Brisac, and try what may be done; i'th' mean time home,
and feast thy thoughts with th'pleasures of a Bride.
Syl.
Thoughts are but airy food, Sir, let her taste them.
SCENA II.
Enter Andrew, Cook, and Butler.And.
Unload part of the Library, and make room for
th'other dozen of Carts; I'le straight be with you
Cook.
Why, hath he more Books?
And.
More than ten Marts send over.
But.
And can he tell their names?
And.
Their names! he has 'em as perfect as his Pater
Noster; but that's nothing, h'as read them over leaf by
leaf three thousand times; but here's the wonder, though
their weight would sink a Spanish Carrock, without other
Ballast, he carrieth them all in his head, and yet he walks
upright.
But.
Surely he has a strong brain.
And.
If all thy pipes of Wine were fill'd with Books,
made of the Barks of Trees, or Mysteries writ in old moth-eaten
Vellam, he would sip thy Cellar quite dry, and still be
thirsty: Then for's Diet, he eats and digests more Volumes
at a meal, than there would be Larks (though the Sky
should fall) devoured in a month in Paris. Yet fear not
Sons o'the Buttery and Kitchin, though his learn'd stomach
cannot be appeas'd; he'll seldom trouble you, his knowing
stomach contemns your Black-Jacks, Butler, and your
Flagons; and Cook, thy Boil'd, thy Rost, thy Bak'd.
Cook.
How liveth he?
And.
Not as other men do, few Princes fare like him;
he breaks his fast with Aristotle, dines with Tully, takes his
watering with the Muses, sups with Livy, then walks a turn
or two in Via Lactea, and (after six hours conference with
the Stars) sleeps with old Erra Pater.
But.
This is admirable.
And.
I'le tell you more hereafter. Here's my old Master,
and another old ignorant Elder; I'le upon 'em.
Enter Brisac, Lewis.
Bri.
What, Andrew? welcome; where's my Charles?
speak, Andrew, where did'st thou leave thy Master?
And.
Contemplating the number of the Sands in the
High way, and from that, purposes to make a Judgment
of the remainder in the Sea: he is, Sir, in serious study,
and will lose no minute, nor out of's pace to knowledge.
Lew.
This is strange.
And.
Yet he hath sent his duty, Sir, before him in this
fair Manuscript.
Bri.
What have we here? Pot hooks and Andirons!
And.
I much pity you, it is the Syrian Character, or
the Arabick. Would you have it said, so great and deep
a Scholar as Mr
Charles is, should ask blessing in any Christian
Language? Were it Greek I could interpret for you, but
indeed I'm gone no farther.
Bri.
And in Greek you can lie with your smug Wife Lilly.
And.
If I keep her from your French Dialect, as I hope
I shall, Sir; however she is your Landress, she shall put
you to the charge of no more Soap than usual for th'washing
of your Sheets.
Bri.
Take in the Knave, and let him eat.
And.
And drink too, Sir.
Bri.
And drink too Sir, and see your Masters Chamber
ready for him.
But.
Come, Dr
Andrew, without Disputation thou shalt
Commence i'the Cellar.
And.
I had rather Commence on a cold Bak'd meat.
Cook.
Thou shalt ha't, Boy.
Bri.
Good Monsieur Lewis, I esteem my self much honour'd
in your clear intent, to joyn our ancient Families,
and make them one; and 'twill take from my age and cares,
to live and see what you have purpos'd but in act, of which
your visit at this present is a hopeful Omen; I each minute
expecting the arrival of my Sons; I have not wrong'd their
Birth for want of Means and Education, to shape them to
that course each was addicted; and therefore that we may
proceed discreetly, since what's concluded rashly seldom
then from your allowance, your fair Daughter my fashion
her affection.
Lew.
Monsieur Brisac, you offer fair and nobly, and I'le
meet you in the same line of Honour; and I hope, being
blest but with one Daughter, I shall not appear impertinently
curious, though with my utmost vigilance and study,
I labour to bestow her to her worth: Let others speak her
form, and future Fortune from me descending to her;
I in that sit down with silence.
Bri.
You may, my Lord, securely, since Fame aloud
proclaimeth her perfections, commanding all mens tongues
to sing her praises; should I say more, you well might censure
me (what yet I never was) a Flatterer. What trampling's
that without of Horses?
Enter Butler.
But.
Sir, my young Masters are newly alighted.
Bri.
Sir, now observe their several dispositions.
Enter Charles.
Char.
Bid my Supsiser carry my Hackney to the Butt'ry,
and give him his Bever; it is a civil and sober Beast, and
will drink moderately; and that done, turn him into the
Quadrangle.
Bri.
He cannot out of his University tone.
Enter Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy.
Eust.
Lackey, take care our Coursers be well rubb'd, and
cloath'd; they have out-stripp'd the Wind in speed.
Lew.
I marry, Sir, there's metal in this young Fellow!
What a Sheep's look his elder Brother has!
Char.
Your blessing, Sir.
Bri.
Rise, Charles, thou hast it.
Eust.
Sir, though it be unusual in the Court, (since 'tis
the Courtiers garb) I bend my knee, and do expect what
follows.
Bri.
Courtly begg'd. My blessing, take it.
Eust.
(to Lew.)
Your Lordship's vow'd adorer. What
a thing this Brother is! yet I'le vouchsafe him the new
Italian shrug—
How clownishly the Book-worm does return it?
Char.
I'm glad ye are well.
[Reads.
Eust.
Pray you be happy in the knowledge of this pair of
accomplish'd Monsieurs; they are Gallants that have seen
both Tropicks.
Bri.
I embrace their love.
Egr.
Which we'll repay with servulating.
Cow.
And will report your bounty in the Court.
Bri.
I pray you make deserving use on't first. Eustace,
give entertainment to your Friends; what's in my house is
theirs.
Eust.
Which we'll make use of; let's warm our brains
with half a dozen Healths, and then hang cold discourse, for
we'll speak Fire-works.
[Ex.
Lew.
What, at his Book already?
Bri.
Fie, fie, Charles, no hour of interruption?
Char.
Plato differs from Socrates in this.
Bri.
Come, lay them by; let them agree at leisure.
Char.
Man's life, Sir, being so short, and then the way
that leads unto the knowledge of our selves, so long and
tedious, each minute should be precious.
Bri.
In our care to manage worldly business, you must
part with this Bookish contemplation, and prepare your
self for action; to thrive in this Age is held the blame of
Learning: You must study to know what part of my Land's
good for the Plough, and what for Pasture; how to buy
and sell to the best advantage; how to cure my Oxen when
they're o'er grown with labour.
Char.
I may do this from what I've read, Sir; for, what
concerns Tillage, who better can deliver it than Virgil in
his Georgicks? and to cure your Herds, his Bucolicks is a
Master-piece; but when he does describe the Common-wealth
of Bees, their industry, and knowledge of the herbs
from which they gather Honey, with their care to place it
with decorum in the Hive; their Government among themselves,
their order in going forth, and coming loaden
home; their obedience to their King, and his rewards to
such as labour, with his punishments only inflicted on the
slothful Drone; I'm ravish'd with it, and there reap my
Harvest, and there receive the gain my Cattle bring me,
and there find Wax and Honey.
Bri.
And grow rich in your imagination; heyday, heyday!
Georgicks, Bucolicks, and Bees! art mad?
Char.
No, Sir, the knowledge of these guards me
from it.
Bri.
But can you find among your bundle of Books (and
put in all your Dictionaries that speak all Tongues) what
pleasure they enjoy, that do embrace a well-shap'd wealthy
Bride? Answer me that.
Char.
'Tis frequent, Sir, in Story, there I read of all
kind of virtuous and vitious women; the antient Spartan
Dames, and Roman Ladies, their Beauties and Deformities;
and when I light upon a Portia or Cornelia, crown'd
with still flourishing leaves of truth and goodness; with
such a feeling I peruse their Fortunes, as if I then had liv'd,
and freely tasted their ravishing sweetness; at the present
loving the whole Sex for their goodness and example. But
on the contrary, when I look on a Clytemnestra, or a Tullia;
the first bath'd in her Husband bloud; the latter, without
a touch of piety, driving on her Chariot o'er her Father's
breathless Trunk, horrour invades my faculties; and comparing
the multitudes o'th' guilty, with the few that did
die Innocents, I detest and loath 'em as Ignorance or
Atheism.
Bri.
You resolve then ne'er to make payment of the debt
you owe me.
Char.
What debt, good Sir?
Bri.
A debt I paid my Father when I begat thee, and
made him a Grandsire, which I expect from you.
Char.
The Children, Sir, which I will leave to all posterity,
begot and brought up by my painful Studies, shall be my
living Issue.
Bri.
Very well; and I shall have a general Collection of
all the quiddits from Adam to this time, to be my Granchild.
Char.
And such a one, I hope, Sir, as shall not shame the
Family.
Bri.
Nor will you take care of my Estate?
Char.
But in my wishes; for know, Sir, that the wings
on which my Soul is mounted, have long since born her too
high, to stoop to any Prey that soars not upwards. Sordid
and dunghil minds, compos'd of earth, in that gross Element
fix all their happiness; but purer Spirits, purged
and refin'd, shake off that clog of humane frailty; give me
leave t'enjoy my self; that place that does contain my
Books (the best Compaions) is to me a glorious Court,
where hourly I converse with the old Sages and Philosophers,
and sometimes for variety, I confer with Kings and
Emperors, and weigh their Counsels, calling their Victories
(if unjustly got) unto a strict accompt, and in my phancy,
deface their ill-plac'd Statues; can I then part with such constant
pleasures, to embrace uncertain vanities? No, be it
your care t'augment your heap of wealth; it shall be mine
t'increase in knowledge—Lights there for my Study—
[Exit.
Bri.
Was ever man that had reason thus transported
from all sense and feeling of his proper good? it vexes me,
and if I found not comfort in my young Eustace, I might
well conclude my name were at a period!
Lew.
He is indeed, Sir, the surer base to build on.
Enter Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy, and Andrew.
Bri.
Eustace.
Eust.
Sir.
Bri.
Your ear in private.
And.
I suspect my Master has found harsh welcome, he's
gone Supperless into his Study; could I find out the cause, it
Eust.
My duty shall, Sir, take any form you please; and
in your motion to have me married, you cut off all dangers
the violent heats of youth might bear me to.
Lew.
It is well answer'd.
Eust.
Nor shall you, my Lord, for your fair Daughter ever
find just cause to mourn your choice of me; the name of
Husband, nor the authority it carries in it, shall ever teach
me to forget to be, as I am now, her Servant, and your
Lordship's; and but that modesty forbids, that I should sound
the Trumpet of my own deserts, I could say, my choice manners
have been such, as render me lov'd and remarkable to
the Princes of the Blood.
Cow.
Nay, to the King.
Egre.
Nay to the King and Council.
And.
These are Court admirers, and ever echo him that
bears the Bag. Though I be dull-ey'd, I see through this
jugling.
Eust.
Then for my hopes.
Cow.
Nay certainties.
Eust.
They stand as fair as any mans. What can there
fall in compass of her wishes, which she shall not be suddenly
possess'd of? Loves she Titles? by the grace and favour of
my Princely Friends, I am what she would have me.
Bri.
He speaks well, and I believe him.
Lew.
I could wish I did so. Pray you a word, Sir. He's a
proper Gentleman, and promises nothing, but what is possible.
So far I will go with you; nay, I add, he hath won much
upon me; and were he but one thing that his Brother is, the
bargain were soon struck up.
Bri.
What's that, my Lord?
Lew.
The Heir.
And.
Which he is not, and I trust never shall be.
Bri.
Come, that shall breed no difference; you see Charles
has given o'er the world; I'le undertake, and with much
ease, to buy his Birth right of him for a Dry-fat of new
Books; nor shall my state alone make way for him, but my
elder Brothers, who being issueless, to advance our name, I
doubt not will add his. Your resolution?
Lew.
I'le first acquaint my Daughter with the proceedings;
on these terms I am yours, as she shall be, make you
no scruple. Get the Writings ready, she shall be tractable;
to morrow we will hold a second conference. Farewell noble
Eustace; and you brave Gallants.
Eust.
Full increase of honour wait ever on your Lordship.
And.
The Gout rather, and a perpetual Meagrim.
Bri.
You see, Eustace, how I travel to possess you of a
Fortune you were not born to; be you worthy of it: I'le furnish
you for a Suitor: visit her, and prosper in't.
Eust.
She's mine, Sir, fear it not: in all my travels, I
ne'er met a Virgin that could resist my Courtship.
If it take now, we're made for ever, and will revel it.
[Ex.
And.
In tough Welsh Parsly, which, in our vulgar
Tongue, is strong Hempen Halters; my poor Master cozen'd,
and I a looker on! If we have studi'd our Majors and
our Minors, Antecedents and Consequents, to be concluded
Coxcombs, w'have made a fair hand on't. I am glad I have
found out all their plots, and their Conspiracies; this shall
t'old Monsieur Miramont, one, that though he cannot read
a Proclamation, yet dotes on Learning, and loves my Master
Charles for being a Scholar; I hear he's coming hither, I shall
meet him; and if he be that old, rough, testy blade he
always us'd to be, I'le ring him such a peal, as shall go near
to shake their Belroom, peradventure beat'm, for he is fire
and flax; and so have at him.
[Exit.
| The Elder Brother | |