University of Virginia Library

Scena II.

Enter to him Melancholico.
Mel.
—The godly
Are in distresse; the wicked, that usurp
The Childrens right, do here grow far and prosper:
Wherefore I thought of drowning. Verily
Unlesse that Conscientious Lawyer,
Good Memor, from rebought Impropriations
Had thus deducted and distributed
The better part to us oppressed Brethren,
Affliction some, and some Devotion
Had brought me to despaire. Now Ile not see him.

Desp.
Methinkes dejected Melancholico
Should prove fit Timber for my fatal work.
What, Melancholico? not know your friend,
Whose medci'nal skill cures Body, Minde, and State?
I trust thou art not over lucky; art?
Do'st feel no misery? I thought ere this
I should have had thy custome.

Mel.
Verily
My sicknesse could but little cure your purse.

Desp.
It might have brought me practise howsoever,
And that's the onely Fee of new professours,

Mel.
But are you then indeed a true professour,
And one of Us? Sooth I professe sincerity.

Desp.
Hath not the same which caus'd sincerity,
Caus'd a foule spleen? no Hypocondrick Vapours?

Mel.
For that a godly Lawyer gave me physick:

Desp.
Then take it next from a Divine.

Mel.
That Lawyer
First took it from Divines, then gave it me.
And I can give you counsel to your physick:
You have a faire advantage in mens sicknesse
To prick the Conscience, and to let them know,
Their onely way is to releive the Breren,
And raise their stock of holy usury
For new Plantations. You shall have a share.

Desp.
This is a verier rogue then I my selfe.

Mel.
And what I pray mov'd you to turn Physitian?

Desp.
Want set me on, a booty set me up.
Now let me know of mutual curtesie,
What was your Dos?

Mel.
'Twill buy all yours; 'twas Gold.

Desp.
Why then, thou'lt run unto presumption,
Not to despaire. I heare you are to marry;
Which if thou dost, then thou wilt come to me,
For Ratsbane, Hensbane, some such wholsome banes,
To cure thy bands of Matrimony.

Mel.
Hence.

(Ex. Desp.