 | The Poor-Mans Comfort |  |
Act. II.
Thunder.Enter Adelezia.
Adelez.
Where am I wretched Adelezia?
What soile contains thee? You airy powers,
What further ill remains behind me?
That 'mongst so many dear and worthy lives,
As has paid tribute to this fatall night,
Mine only stands exempt? had it not been better,
The Seas vast wombe had given me buriall,
Then the unhallowed bulkes of savage Beasts?
And now long-wisht for day, what dost thou bring,
But eyes to view my sorrow? Should I hap
To meet some passengers, twere to exchange
My honour with my fear, and so renew my sorrow,
Woe-curing sleep, who is only pitifull,
Would shut these casements up, which do admit
But sight of grief, then gentle Morpheus
I will obey thy arrest, thy leaden mace
Doth lie upon me, down poor ill starr'd maid,
Thy birth did promise better: but I see
Want best discovers Idoll Majestie.
Enter Sigismond, Catzo.
Sigis.
Ho! illo, illo, illo.
Catz.
The game's not up yet Sir. I think some gelder had a hand
Sigis.
Ile hunt no more then.
Cat.
You'l hunt a hore then, and that will tame you, when all
is done. If a poor man had had this disease it had been whipt out
him; but great men may be fools or madmen, and they must be
humour'd forsooth. Will you go home again? Now he's as
speechlesse, as an unfeed Atturney, not a word for the world. But
how now? what creature's this? it should be a woman, for she lies
as her mother taught her, she has the common fault of her sex,
she sleeps so soundly that a man may do what he will with her.
So ho! how the fool gapes, he'l ride her anone, What not—
more yet? What an excellent thing a woman were and she had no
tongue? Hillo, illo. They say women must be roughly handled;
she turnes up the white of the eye, she should be either a Punck or
a Puritan by that.
Adelez.
Alas! I am betrayed: as you are men,
I do conjure you.
Catz.
Las poor soul! I thought she wanted mans help.
Adelez.
As you are virtuous, be compassionate
Of a distressed maid, Fair Sir to you,
My suit's to you, your eye speaks pity.
Sigis.
A fire burns within me.
Catz.
What a trecherous wolf's this? I cannot blame him, tis a
pretty wench; if I could talke wisely, I might perchance exchange
a pretious stone with her.
Adelez.
Not one poor word of comfort? tell me gentle friend,
where am I?
Catz.
You'r in a wood yet, but for one of your pretious jewels,
and some light curtesie besides Ile help you out.
Adelez.
If wealth will buy' my freedome, you cannot aske
Beyond my payment; below yon hanging rock
The bodies lie of many Ship-wrackt Gentlemen;
Yeeld them but buriall, they'l pay thee liberall hire.
Catz.
And if they be drown'd, I may take my payment otherwise.
I would be loath to take a gallants word now adaies.
Are you sure they are dead?
Adelez.
I am too sad a witnesse to't.
Catz.
Below yonder, I shall break my neck with haste to be their
Executor. Twas told me, hanging or drowning would be my destinie;
Ile put my self in fashion and be with you presently.
She is some Goddesse sure!
Adel.
What moves this stay? his looks congeal my bloud.
Why doest thou kneel? why wring thy hands and weep?
Thou doest not know my griefs that they should move compassion in thee?
Sigis.
Rare, more yet! speak more.
Adel.
Here's sure distraction, Oh! if thou be'st a man,
Art capable of passion, grief, and fear;
Leave thy amazed looks, and tell the cause
Moves this strange action.
Sigis.
Art thou a woman?
Adel.
Yes, a miserable woman.
Sigis.
Let me embrace thee then,
Thou happy anchor of my better being.
Adel.
Defend me heaven!
Sigis.
Why dost thou flee me, to whom thy charmed breath
Hath given a second soul, thy language hath exhal'd
All clouds whose foggy mists did captivate
My freer sense. I am thy creature, Faire,
Depriv'd of thee, I lose that vitall aire
In which I only breathe, I must, I will injoy thee.
I know thou mad'st me not, now to destroy me.
Adel.
Keep thy unchast hands off, thou barbarous creature.
Were they thy unchast thoughts, that mov'd thy lust
To speechless extasie? You powers above more just,
Preserve my Virgin flame, from the pollution
Of this insensuall creature. Keep off I say.
Sigis.
I would, should all the Devils in hell say nay.
Let me but draw in thy delicious breath:
But touch those lips of thine.
Adel.
—Rather to death
Would I give up my life. If there be a power
That guards distressed chastity, Oh! hear me.
Sigis.
Didst thou but know my thoughts, thou wudst not fear me.
Upon my knees I do conjure thee stay.
Adel.
To my escape some better power make way,
See he persues me, some god or good man aid me.
Ex.
Sigis.
If not my words, let sighes and teares perswade thee.
Ex.
Enter Alexis.
Alex.
Thy search is vain Alexis, unkind Urania,
Thy presence was too great a good for me,
But like a banisht man ever inhabit
These solitary woods, depriv'd of thee,
Ile flie all others, as thy love doth me.
Adel.
Help, help, help.
Within
Alex.
What eccho beats mine ears? is there no place
But sorrow finds a passage to it?
Adel.
Help, help.
Enter Adellizia Sigismund.
Alex.
It is a womans voice, speak once again,
And gain thy freedome, whosoere thou art.
Adell.
Here, here, save a poor maids honour.
Sigis.
Thou wrongst my just thought much;
I seek for love.
Alex.
Rather thy beastfull lust, for which
Receive this punishment, foul monster lie thou there.
Adell.
Oh save his life! I do conjure you Sir.
Alex.
Thou art too pitifull, rise beauteous maide,
Remove all thoughts of fear, let me perswade;
I have been virtuous, thou unfortunate.
Adell.
This thy humanity orewhelmes my joy,
And quite confounds the power of my minde.
Alex.
The blisse of thine own thoughts is my reward:
I am happy yet to guard so fair a dame.
Catz.
Soho! illo, illo, illo.
Within.
Alex.
But hark! the following noise of some persuers;
It may be they are known by thee.
Adell.
Tis not in use for grief to have companions,
My woe knowes no partakers.
Alex.
Ile be thy partner then:
Wilt thou give credit to my loyall brest?
Adell.
As unto heaven; true virtue knowes no lust.
Alex.
Follow me then, though mean may be thy fare,
Content and safety, may give thee ample share.
Exeunt.
Sigis.
It was a thunderbold, you have the ods of me, you are above
me, sure I had mauld you else: but where is Europa? see where she
swims away upon a buls back; my kingdom for a boat, for a muscle
boat; lay more sailes on; the envious winde! blow, whirle into a
mountain, Ile after her; sowze, I come I come.
Ex.
Enter Madam Gulman, Urania disguised.
Gulm.
Your breeding I perceive hath been in the Countrey then?
Ura.
It has been plain and honest.
It makes no matter, now thou art a Gentlewoman, my
daughter's a Gentlewoman, and though I say it, as good a servants
Mistresse as any in all Thessalie, you shall do no worse then she doth
her self, nay she shall spare it out of her own belly, rather then thou
shall want it. Can you handle your needle?
Ura.
True stitch, or so.
Gulm.
You will be past that shortly, your Mistresse will set you
a new example, and though I say it, she has laid her hand to as
many good pieces, as most Ladies in the Kingdome; at this instant
she is about a piece of work for the Lord that is with her, she'l make
him a pair of hangers ere she has done.
Ura.
Beshrew her fingers: what might you call his name?
Gilm.
His name is Lucius, this day he is to be made a Senator;
has been seven years in the warres amongst the Turks, and killed
Jove knows how many, and now he swears bloudily he loves
none but my daughter.
Ura.
A bloudy oath indeed, my heart doth make it good,
His cruelty will cost mine and an old mans blood.
Gulm.
Why do you sigh so? are you in love?
Ura.
I have small cause forsooth.
Gulm.
It's an unprofitable disease indeed, it gives that to one
would serve many, and those that are men of fashion too. You
shall have gallant upon gallant here, none of your thirteen
pence halfpenny jacks; if you have grace you may rise, for the
worst here comes a horse back.
Ura.
Has my Mistresse more Sutors then this Lucius here?
Gulm.
We had weak doings else. Good shopkeepers have wares
of all sorts, some for shew, and some for fashion; and yet to speak
truth, he doth well for both, his countenance keeps the painted
staffe in awe, and saves us many a fair bribe; besides my daughter
makes him come off at her pleasure, and yet it is not one
winde can keep her Mill a going: one of these dayes she'l
turne him off to thee; if thou please her well, thou mayest have
him in reversion.
Ura.
I should have, had I my right, but tis too great a happinesse
for me so much unworthy; Lisander a poor shepheard
was my husband, and would he had been so still; forgive me
Lucius, tis my love that wrongs thee, and here he comes;
Those happy Armes might 'bout my waste be throwne.
Luc.
I know no reason for't, and yet my heart
Seems to proclaime some sadnesse, I would
This day were ore.
Flav.
I could be more merry now; and yet I have had a heavy
night on't too.
Ura.
Would I had eas'd you of your burthen.
Flav.
How melancholy you are Sir? I believe you have an other
Love, hie ho! the very thought of it.
Luc.
I prethee do not wrong my faith so much; by my hopes, till
I beheld thy face, I knew not what love was, by this I did not.
Ura.
Thou art perjured then, and yet thy vow's nothing,
Tis a false book thou tak'st thine oath on.
Gulm.
Tis early morning Sir, walke one turne more in the back
side, stirring will get you a stomach. Do you begin to weep already?
we shall have a day on't then; no sooner is your back
turned, but here is sigh upon sigh, her heart goes in her
pulses, and beats pit a pat, pit a pat, till the teares trickle
down again, never was young Gentlewoman so overborne
with affection, heaven give her good on't; if you should leave
her in the suds now—
Luc.
Time shall be false to truth first: come I shall be angry with
you, come prethee smile upon me Love.
Ura.
I could shed tears, might they be so tain off.
Enter Surdo.
Surd.
Soho! Mris. Gullman I have been knocking below till my
heartsake; Where is my Lord?
Luc.
Your businesse Sir.
Surd.
My businesse, nay that's done Sir, the Senat has staid for
you any time this half hour.
Flav.
Thou wrong'st me friend to rob me of my Love.
Sweet Lucius thou shalt not part from me.
Luc.
My honour doth inforce me to it, by this diamond I will
not stay a minute longer then necessity constrains me.
Gulm.
This Gentleman protests most nakedly, upon such an
oath Ile believe any man.
Surd.
By this French crown, Ile be with that new gentlewoman,
Will you believe me now?
Gulm.
Ile talk with you upon the premises.
Surd.
This is the arrantest band in Christendome, my Master
like a Gull lies tiring upon a Ringtail, whilst I am at varietie
I do nothing but drink, whore and sleep. Will you be going Sir?
Flav.
You shall hear her sing first, in troth you shall.
Luc.
Have you a good voice Castadora?
Ura.
A sad voice Sir.
Flav.
Ile ha' you sing a merry song, I am a maid and I cannot mend it.
Ura.
I have no variety, I can sing but one song.
Luc.
Let's have that, What's the subject?
Ura.
Tis of a haplesse shepheardesse forsaken by her false Lover.
Luc.
Tis too sad, I do not like it.
Ura.
I would you did not, I might sing merrily then.
Surd.
This wench has been with a Conjurer I hold my life.
She knowes all my Lords knavery.
Luc.
This day is ominous I fear, farewell, till night we part;
No hell but in an absent Lovers heart.
Ex.
Ura.
That proves thy crueltie,
That sufferest mine so long in hell to be.
Gulm.
Cannot you perswade him?
Surd.
He's troubled with the great mans ill, cannot indure to
hear of his faults, you'l remember me, I have left a familiar token
with you—The French thing you wot on.
Ex.
Gulm.
Be confident; is he gone?
Flav.
Hang him Gull! I am as weary of him as of a feaver: but see
here come Jaspero my dearest Lover.
Ura.
Monster of women!
Enter Jaspero.
Jas.
I cannot stay with you beauty, I only come to give you the
maidenhead of my new clothes, you are for the show.
Flav.
The new upstart Lord would ha' provided me a standing,
but I took an order with him before he went.
Gulm.
We can ha' standings there without his providing, I ha'
been put in ere now in the lobby, when my betters have stood bare
before me, and have had many a sweet bit out of the pasterie, and
out of the pantry too; they are as kind men—
Jasp.
I believe Madam, you are welcome.
Fair, what Gentlewoman's this?
Gulm.
A poor Virgin wants help, heaven send it her.
Jasp.
When shal's come to the breaking up of this Giblet pie?
When will thy love be out of the way?
Flav.
Hang him Hornpipe, a small mist puts out his eyes.
When you will.
Though he should see, what cannot we perswade?
Man was asleep, when womans brain was made.
Ex.
Ura.
Immodest strainer of womanhood! Did ever
Poor Creature fall upon so hard fortune?
What misery can belong to her, hath seen
Her aged Father turn'd to beggery,
Laden with contempt, his silver haires prest down
With the same weight? Life I am weary of thee,
Ile flatter thee no longer, my Lucius hand
Shall force thee from me; if he deny this good
By violent hand, to shed my hated blood,
A word of his shall do't; Ile only hear him speak
Once more, deny'd, I know my heart will break.
Ex.
Enter Gisbert.
Gisb.
This is the Court sure, whose eminence proclaimes
Fair Justice seat is here, who sits on high,
That no man suspect partiality.
Here in rich purple clad, her followers goe
Each man for his desert, and not for show.
The oppressed poor mans advocate, whose unfeed tongues
Turn willing Orators, retort the wrongs
Upon the oppressors head. Cosmo shall finde
The bribing sorcerers picture Justice blinde;
She has eyes to see his crueltie, he shall perceive
Poor men have friends though they be far off.
Ile leave a president behind for't, and see where some of them appear:
I must not yet give interruption to them, their brains are
Enter Jaspero, Licurgo.
Troubled about businesse of state, the Kingdomes good,
Whilst other sleep secure, these spend their blood,
Out watch the tedious night, only to gain
Titles of honour, hardly worth the pain.
Jasp.
I shall never sleep till I find out for which of his good parts
this Lucius was made a Senator.
Licur.
Thou art in the high way to madnesse then; which of his
good parts! dost make a Gentleman Usher of him?
Jasp.
I have examined my self, and my glasse tels me, I have
as simple a chin, speak as few languages, can wear perfum'd boots,
and begger my Taylor, keep a whore, be lousie; be as impudent,
jeer at that I understand not, make antick faces; and lie as damnably,
all as forward—
Backward in the way of preferment. Ile tell thee, it may
be he broake his shin, and having a good Surgeon kept not his
chamber above three dayes, and so his valour raised him, or took a
box on the ear, swore he would put it up, and so his patience raised
him: some unknown virtue or other did it.
Jasp.
Nay that's certain, but we neglect the shew.
Gisb.
Their serious talke is ended. Most honoured Sir,
I have a suit to you.
Jasp.
Let me have the preferring, I am your first man.
Licur.
By this hand Ile share with thee, speak it old man.
Gisb.
Did not I tell you, here are true States-men,
How they contend in virtue? even ambitious
To do poor men good? This paper speaks my right.
Licur.
Canst read Jaspero? a monopoly, transportation or concealment.
Gisb.
Tis a particular grief Sir.
Jasp.
Of some particular Corporation.
Gisb.
That lies as heavie on the bearers shoulders.
Licur.
Some suit from porters hall, belike not worth begging.
Jasp.
Beggery it self, the petition of Gisbert and his daughter dispossest
of a cottage, two roods of land, and a sheep-walke by the
leud practise of—Dost take us for Justices Clerks?
Gisb.
The friends of Justice Sir.
Jasp.
So are they, their Mistresse could not share with them
else, take your humble complaining and pack hence, the Porter will
give you a marke to be known by, and know men of our rank a
little better else.
Gisb.
My cause is just, and I poor, pray will you read my Petition.
Jasp.
We had rather thy cause were wrong, and thou rich.
Do we look as though we lived by relieving the poor?
You horson Gull, you shepheard!
Licur.
How the slave smels of tar and hogs grease!
Ex.
Gisb.
These are not virtuous sure, I am mistaken;
Justice has not her being here, and yet
I had directions hither, Ile make a farther tryall.
Enter Catzo gallant.
Catz.
Pray Jove the sight be not past yet, this suit will beare
me out, I am in fashion from the bever downward, I would
be loath to have the repulse.
Gisb.
Most worthy Sir.
Catz.
I know none of that name. If the Gent. Usher might but see
my roses, it would prick him forward to my admittance.
How's this? a word with you, do you know where I
might finde Justice?
Catx.
Justice! what's that? a man or a woman?
Gisb.
The poor mans friend Sir, she that never yet did take
or give tribute.
Catz.
What dost thou look for her so neer the Porters lodge?
Honest friend be rul'd by me, return the way thou camest.
Here's no place for such fellowes.
Gisb.
Oh hear my reply Sir!
Catz.
Should I be but seen to confer with a fellow of his rank,
it were enough to call my wit in question, and that were simple,
very simple in sooth.
Ex.
Gisb.
Monstrous! all man is lost in't, what an asse have I been?
Who all this while have thought that which should make
Up perfect man had been within him: how ignorant
Were our fathers, that spent so many tedious hours
In Art, that by so many pretious acts did strive to
Attain those types of honour and regard,
Which now a Taylor and ten yards of silk,
Will throw upon a man—I can but pity them, sillie, weak
Men they clad in russet gray!
By deeds sought titles, these have a nearer way,
To what? to hell; Damnation follow them.
Happy Nuseus now I well perceive,
Thou by experience notes sage not in vain
Foretell till the change of times, when to the plain
From these tempestuous hils thou didst retire.
I have forgot how ost thou wouldst be moan
Astrea's flight to heaven; that Justice gone,
Extortion took her seat, attended on
By Pride and Ignorance. Oh I could curse!
Dissolve to tears, yet laugh too, for this sight
Affordeth both. Who is't would not smile
To see an Ideot proud? as garnisht posts, whose house
Is but a sink, meer rottenlesse within:
This silly asse, what good within himself
Can make him proud? his silkes are none of his,
He only bears them as a Camell treasure.
Should the poor worme take from him what is hers,
How naked were he? nay how pitifull; Oh! twould distract
Sit on the Eagles pearch; these airie bubbles,
Out sides, waering more wealth beneath their knees,
Then would relieve the want of twenty worthyee
Yet distressed souls. Here comes another of them,
Has, if mine eyes deceive me not—
Enter Lucio, Surdo.
Luc.
Now Surdo, are all things fit?
Surd.
They are all ready Sir, your men I mean.
Mary how fit, you may imagine, considering most of them
weare borrowed cloathes, there was never Senator I think had
halfe so many Attendants.
Luc.
Why prethee, thy reason?
Surd.
There's never a man of yours but has a follower or two of
his own, for fear they should run away with their borrowed
goods, you shall have them at a beck, they are watcht for stealing.
Gisb.
Tis he, my son Lisander, heart thou art opprest with joy,
I could e'en blame my unadvised thoughts, that ere were moved
with losse of my estate, which with his merit has thus advanc'd him;
I, he has too much virtue in him to want preferment long.
Surd.
My honour'd Lord, the Senate doth attend you.
Enter one.
Luc.
Ile instantly attend them: hart! Gisbert this way!
Gis.
Stay worthy Son, mine eyes are drown'd in joy,
Lisander stay, old Gisbert speaks to thee.
Luc.
To me! thou art mistaken, give the poor man an almes.
Surd.
Have you any single money about you? give me six pence,
here's a groat, we that carry the purse must profit by it.
Gisb.
Is not your name Lisander? this Surdo? did not you marry
Urania my daughter?
Surd.
How? he marry your daughter? marry fough.
Luc.
I wonder such are suffered to approach so neer the Court;
Command the officers to void him.
Gisb.
Oh inhuman wretch! I will persue the Villain.
Luc.
Nay, then you'l be too troublesome.
Surd.
Foot! have you no more with then to think a Lord will
acknowledge you for his father? were you my father, it should be
upon good tearmes ere I would take acquaintance on you.
Gisb.
Leave me your faculties of reason, virtue thou art a begger,
I will hate thy company.
There's none but fools and knaves that happy be.
From the Arcadian plaines?
Surd.
What an asse is this? we came from a baudy house, stay
but a little, Ile shew thee the way thither, we'l be very jovial,
I command all the under whores; thou shalt go upon the ticket with
her.
Gisb.
Insufferable! man cannot bear it.
Surd.
It will try your back, that's certain; marry then you shall
have your Eringo rootes, Crabs guts, Doves pizles, fryed Clary,
and Lambes stones that shall—
Girb.
Thou wilt provoke me slave.
Surd.
Oh! beyond all measure; what is it makes threescore venture
upon a girle of sixteen? stay but a little till the Senate rise, and
thou shalt to't old lad; make it not strange, if it be a sin, tis of a good
standing, ever since Adam. Ile be for thee presently.
Ex.
Gisb.
Dissolve thou seat of life, that dost not yeeld one good that's
Worthy life, so many deaths each hour pursue us.
Thou dastard earth, why doest thou on thy aged shoulders bear
More sorrowes yet, when as one groan would end thy misery,
And ours? what ill canst thou expect
Beyond this age of sin? would'st thou behold more bribery?
Dost think thou canst sustain more?
More sighs of wronged innocents, whose tears
Have eaten into thy bowels? Dost thou desire
To bring forth more ingratefull monsters yet;
Whose sighs have turn'd all charity to flint?
Hast thou no place of refuge left? yes, the Senate,
They will relieve thee Gisbert, these are men
Bred of superfluous humour, the sound bloud
Lies at the heart, thy wrongs once understood
By those impartiall Judges, thy woes are cur'd;
They are the Kingdomes props, by whom secur'd
The harmelesse Lamb lies by the ravenous Wolfe,
And smiles to see him grin. Oh! pardon me
You honourable men that sway this monarchie,
As the first Mover doth the generall globe,
In equall motion: I will recant mine errour,
And to posterity speak your partless doomes,
For their base minds are sway'd by bribes and blood.
The world shall know great men are just and good.
Ex.
| The Poor-Mans Comfort | |