University of Virginia Library

The first Scene.

Goodlove, Ferret, Mr s. Ferret, and Horten.
Good.
Sir we are troublesome: the accident
Hath made a subject for your charity
As well as for your art; and neither shall
Be unrewarded. But may I presume
Hee'l need no other surgeon?

Hor.
Doubt it not sir.
The wound's but slight; were it more dangerous,
The simples that I have apply'd would cure it
Acording to the first intention
As surgeons call it.

M. Fer.

Truly sir my neighbour is very skilfull; he cured
my little shock of the mange so perfectly, that it hath fam'd him
through the neighbourhood for an excellent dog-leech.

Hor.
I ow much to your commendation Mr s Ferret.

M. Fe.
Truly neighbour 'tis not so much worth.

Good.
I dare be sworne it is not.
I dare not with much confidence rely
Upon this mans endeavours. Would I had
A surgeon here, whose judgement and experience
Might give me further satisfaction.
Is the French gentleman dispos'd of safely?

Hor.
I have confin'd him to a chamber sir,
A too delightfull prison. He may feast
His eyes with rarities.

Good.
I think you are
Owner of more then all the towne besides.

Hor.
'Tis my affected riches.

Good.
I have some
You shall command sir.

Hor.
I'le have gratitude,
And something to exchange. This accident
May bring me in a purchase.

M. Fe.

Pray' neighbour let's see the late giants boot, and the
dwarfes shoe.

Good.

Prettie extremes no doubt.

M. Fe.

Extremes sir! me thinks their differences should make
a very good meane. Suppose the one was a great drinker or
wencher; the other must needs be a little one. What the one
wasted in boots the other sav's in shoes. But I'le in to the wounded
gentleman, and help to talke away his paine.

Hor.

By no meanes: sleepe would give him more ease, and
prevent a distraction; which he seemes to occasion some feare of
by his often digressions and interruptions of discourse.

Good.
Indeed sir I am troubled when I weigh
The accident and circumstances of it.
Nor can we urge him to give satisfaction
With any positive truth, but all his answers
Are carelesse and imperfect; many times
The second contradicts the first: and then
Hee'l name Theophilus, as if he were
The mischiefes worker. But of all kind friends
Your strange relations have begot most wonder.
The roarers, and Theophilus brave act;
My cosins not revealing my intents;
The maide left with the Merchants, and the Monsieurs
Stealing away, then found with my hurt kinsman,
What to conclude from these—