 | The Loyal Lovers |  |
1
Act I.
Scene I.
Enter Adrastus, looking on his watch.Adrastus.
My Youths have forfeited their pottle;
'Tis almost ten of clock.
—Enter Book-cryer.
Book.
Come new new new new
Who buyes my new books here?
Adrast.
What books, have you got there, Sirrah?
Book.
Newly come forth, and newly printed.
Why (Sir!) here is, how conspicuously the Hogans are conculcated
by their own Adulation.
Adrast.
Those are hard words, Sirrah.
Book.
But altogether in fashion, I can assure you, Sir.
Adrast.
Not with those that understand them not.
Book.
Sir, you do most prodigiously mistake; there being an order
they should passe without exception where there is the spirit of pronunciation.
Adrast.
Pray let me have more facetious language,
and lesse of your spirit.
Book.
Sir, I know your minde, And shall endeavour to pleasure you presently.
Let mee see, here is A true, perfect, and exact account of Justice Dapper, and his
Clark's Sodomitical revenue, to the great disabling, and impoverishing the
Active, and well-affected Females.
Adrast.
Come give mee that, what others have you?
Book.
Why here is another, of a famous Doctor's miraculous
obteining the Philosophers stone.
Adrast.
Doth your book speak how?
Book.
Yes Sir, that either the Stone, or a perfect receit to obtein it,
was preserved in a wrack, and cast on this shore;
which hee hath purchased, to the unspeakable content of all his beleevers.
Adrast.
What is the price of them both?
Book.
A groat Sir, I can assure you.
Adrast.
Sirrah, that's too much, here's three pence for you.
Book.
Why Sir? Justice Dapper, and his Clerk's revenue
is worth three pence; And do you think
the Philosophers Stone cost mee nothing.
Adrast.
Here Crackrope, here's your money.
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Book.
In troth Sir, but a bare livelyhood; for where I get
A penny by the Philosophers stone, there's Dapper and his Clark
Gets ten pounds by the well-affected female.
Adrast.
'Tis very probable; for they often for a touch
Change Drosse into Gold. Farwell Sirrah.
Book.
Thank you good Master, I hope to have rare news for you next week.
Come new new. who buyes my choise new new here?
Pox on't. Here's a dispensation for oaths necessarie, sticks damnably on my hands;
The people refusing to buy, as if they had it all by Rote.—
Exit Book.
Enter to Adrast. Albinus, Symphronio.
Albin.
Adrastus, good day to you: what, at your study thus early?
Adrast.
A study your neglect invited mee to spend my idle time.
Albin.
Tearm not that neglect (Dear friend) which wee'l confesse
A fault of Drowsinesse.
Adrast.
Come, come, you are sluggards both. I hope you will confesse
You have forfeited your pottle.
Symph.
VVee have. And when you please demand it;
You'l finde us ready pay-masters.
Albin.
But what books were you so seriously meditating on?
Adrast.
Strange books, which wee'l peruse
VVhen you shall pay your forfeits.
Symph.
It wants not much of noon, what think you of it now?
Albin.
I, I, let's march.
Adrast.
'Tis sure too soon.
Albin.
Not to be merry, wee have been sad too long.
Adrast.
Then lead the way.
Albin.
Come let us walk Symphronio, 'tis wee must pay:
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter Gripeman and Sent-well.
Gripe.
Sent-well, mee thinks thou art not half so active as thou wer't wont.
Sure thou art grown rich of late.
Sent.
'Tis (as you say) of late, if I be rich.
Gripe.
'Tis thy own fault thou art not. Thou art young,
VVhen I was at thy years, I would have stirr'd my self i-faith,
Such getting times as these.
VVhy there is old Firmstand would make half a dozen of us.
Sent.
Yes, a weary with running up and down after him
As I have done. I have followed him, like his shadow,
Dayly this half year, and to no purpose.
Gripe.
Sentwell, you give mee no account of the five pounds
You had of mee to furnish your Comrades
That undertook to trap him.
Sent.
Had it been more 't had gone; I am out of purse an Angel
About that businesse. You reckon still what you are out of purse,
But do forget what I have brought you in.
(I will not say by my just information)
Gripe.
I do remember, I do remember, Sent-well,
But could wee trap old Firmstand,
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Sent.
Sir, I have tryed all wayes man could invent to undo him:
Intruded into his company, not only once or twice,
But times innumerable; And Proteus-like, varied my shape,
And fac't him down that I was not my self.
Yet hee, so cautious (still) in drink, or other waies,
That not a syllable, tending to th'States abuse,
I e're could hear him utter.
Gripe.
VVhy then wee must another way to work before hee leaves the town:
Hee never (yet) saw Perjurus my Clark.
Sent.
Never, to my best of knowledge.
Gripe.
It must be so, Sent-well: Perjurus and you shall to his
Lodging go; And under some pretence of businesse
That Perjurus shall seem to have with him,
Fall in discourse ot'h State.
Sent.
VVhich hee will hardly do, or if hee should, hee'l cautious be
VVhat language hee delivers.
Gripe.
No matter, if that will not do, Perjurus and you shall swear.
Sent.
VVee heard him speak treason 'gainst the State.
Gripe.
Right, very right.
Sent.
Not so very right neither. Sir, you know mee to be your creature,
But you have so slenderly rewarded mee for such like actions,
I know not what to think on't.
Gripe.
No more, no more, all shall be well. I must away to see
There's no injustice done about sharing the VViddows goods
VVee caus'd to be plundered. Sent-well, let mee alone
'Bout eight of clock this evening to plot your businesse
For old Firmstand; and for thy part,
Thou shalt have trebble share.
—Exit Gripe.
Sent.
I think so too. The trebble Gallowes, if wee had our due.—
Exit Sent.
Enter Letesia, Clarathea, and Perjurus.
Clarath.
Mistresse, have you any acquaintance in the Change?
Letes.
Not I, Clarathea: Hast Thou?
Clarath.
Not I truely; but it matters not much, for I have often
Found strangers to part with their Commodities
At cheaper rates then those that would be thought our friends.
Enter Adrast. Symph.
Letes.
You wagg, speak softly, or you'l be heard.
Adrast.
Now by the Gods I have not seen a rarer piece
In all my travells.
Symph.
Beshrew mee but shee is handsom.
Let's walk and observe her.
Adrast.
Dear Symphronios wait an opportunity to accost her maid, and know
Her name and being.—
Exit Letes. Clarath. and Perjurus.
Symph.
So quick, shee's gone, I'le follow her, and it shall go hard but I'le be
Able to give you punctuall satisfaction.—
Exit Symph. and enters immediately.
But do you hear, you'l not be scrupulous to pay
4
Adrast.
No, no, my friendship stand engaged.
Symph.
I'le take't, farewell.—
Exit Symph.
Adrast.
I feel an unaccustomed qualm, I hope I am not caught.
If I mistake not, she more then ordinarily eyed mee.
VVhy how now Adrastus? have I stood the shock of so many sparkling eyes,
to shrink now in thy prime of judgment? but 'twill away again I hope.
Yet why may not shee deserve my love? I have made no vow that I have broke,
nor ere prophan'd at Cupid's Altar: Venus assist me then, and let it work.
Enter Albinus.
Albin.
Noble Adrastus, what all alone? where's Symphronio?
Adrast.
Faith I have imployed him in a businesse, hee'l not
be scrupulous in telling thee.
Enter Symphronio.
Albin.
See here hee is come. Sure 'twas some merry businesse
hee looks so pleasant 'bout the mouth.
Symph.
That you shall, just at the turning out ot'h change
I gave the Maid a pull by the coat.
Albin.
VVhat Maid, in the name of Cupid?
Symphr.
Thou man of ignorance, be silent, and give ear.
Shee turn'd about, and with a smiling countenance
Told mee I was mistaken, they were not for my turn.
Her Mistresse hearing her, look't back, and blush't,
Then caus'd her man go forward.
I, resolv'd not to return unsatisfied, fell on again,
And with a civil Confidence told her I had a reasonable
Request, shee, in two or three words could satisfie.
At which she made a stand, and gave mee leave to ask her Mistresse
Name, and dwelling. Shee readily answered,
'Twas more then shee had Commission for to do.
Yet for that I look't like an honest Gentleman,
(That could not harbor a dishonorable thought) she would.—
Albin. hums by.
Shee told mee her father,—And there shee stopt, and sigth'd,
As if she thought him unworthy so heavenly a childe.
At last shee brought it out, telling mee, her Master
(Father to that Gentlewoman) was call'd Gripe-man;
His dwelling in the High-street; And this his Daughter
And onely childe, was named Letesia.
I courteously thank't her, and so departed.
Albin.
Hey day, what stuffe's here? all this ceremony for a wench?
You might have courted (with lesse ado) the holiest
Sister in the City, and have sped too.
Adrast.
Peace, peace you wag; upon my soul shee is
A virtuous creature.
Albin.
Prethe ingage not thy soul for the female sex, they are brittle ware.
Adrast.
Thou wouldst adore her sex during life,
Did'st thou but see her face.
5
Is it a friend of yours that hath the letting of her out,
You so extoll her?
Adrast.
Leave jesting; By Jupiter I dare swear shee is virtuous;
Would I had never seen her face.
Albin.
By Cupid hee is serious; nay if the winde blow there,
Come, come, let's pack.
No cure for love like a good cup of sack.—
Ex. Om.
Enter Letesia Clarathea.
Letes.
How now Clarathea, what taken up i'th streets by Gallants?
Clarath.
Not by Gallants, Mistresse; And for taking up the place
Was not convenient; which had it been
I should have saved him that labor,
And have taken up for him.
Letes.
You should.
Clarath.
Faith like enough, had wee been both agreed.
Letes.
Thou art a mad soul, but faith deal truly with mee,
What his businesse was.
Clarath.
Cannot you guess?
Letes.
'Twere strange I should;
Do'st take mee for a Witch?
Clarath.
No I'le besworn, nor I beleeve hee neither; for if hee had,
Hee would not have so earnestly enquired after you.
Letes.
After mee?
Clarath.
Even so; his businesse was to know your name and habitation.
Letes.
Prethee wench be serious.
Clarath.
By my maiden-head 'tis truth.
Letes.
That's but a ticklish oath, may I beleeve it?
Clarath.
Seriously, most true.
Letes.
And didst thou tell him?
Clarath.
I did indeed.
Letes.
Urg'd hee to know no more?
Clarath.
But onely so. 'Tis your father calls, Away.—
Ex. Omnes.
Enter Riggle, Sodome following her, and Mettle following him.
Sod.
That Lady should be right by her swimming gate.
I am provok't, and must have ease.—
calls.
Sister, sister, his't, his't, why sister.
Rigg.
Would you ought with mee, Sir?
Sod.
Lady, 'tis dark.
Rigg.
'Tis very true Sir! Can you make it lighter?
Mett.
You may with standing on your head;
For there's no doubt you burn below.—
aside.
Sod.
My directions (Fair Lady!) will be
No stumbling block to you.
Mett.
No, I dare swear, shee will by them finde
A very even way to hell.
This is some zealous brother troubled with rebellious flesh.
I will observe them further.
—aside.
6
If my heartily profered service appear not troublesom,
I shall perform the duty of a servant,
And wait upon you home.
Rigg.
Sir, I thank you. But mee thinks your habit
And your language are not well match't.
Sod.
However match't, they shall agree to do you service.
Mett.
This is no Rogue.
aside.
Rigg.
Sir, to give you answer. I am this night to encounter
With a friend about some businesse
That much concerns my livelyhood.
Mett.
I beleeve so; And may concern his death
If hee procure not the better Chirurgion.
aside.
Sod.
Lady, shall I request you make mee then so happy
As let mee know where I may wait on you to morrow?
Rigg.
So it be in the evening, where you please.
Sod.
Pray name the place most convenient for you,
And I'le not faile to attend you.
Rigg.
What think you of the Naked-boy in Flesh lane?
Sod.
The hour now, and I'le not fail you, Lady.
Rigg.
'Tween four and five ith' evening,
Sod.
Till when, your faithfull servant.
Lady, all happinesse attend you.
Ex. Sodome.
Rigg.
Good night to you, courteous Sir.
Ex. Rigg.
Mett.
O here is rare sport for Mounsieur Albinus,
My masters friend.
Well, Brother Zealot, if my wits not fail,
I'le have an excellent Cure to cool your tail.
Ex. Mettle.
Enter Adrastus, Albinus, Symphronio, and Drawer, as in a Tavern.
Albin.
Drawer, be sure you let's have that that's right.
Draw.
Sir, I'le play with any Vintner (confin'd within the circuit
Of a hundred mile) Canarie 'gainst Canarie.
Albin.
Well Sirrah, let your wine be rich as your words,
And I'le bet on your side.
Draw.
I'le warrant you Sir.
Ex. Drawer.
Albin.
Mettle, welcom to town.
Enter Mettle.
How do our friends ith' countrey?
Mett.
All well, Sir. Sir, here are letters for you.
gives Adrastus letters.
Adrast.
Sirrah, I look't for you two dayes ago.
Mett.
Sir, your letters speak my occasion of stay.
Adrast. reads to himself.
Symph.
And how? And how honest Mettle?
Mett.
Your faithfull servant, Sir.
I have rare sport in chase for you.
Albin.
For mee, Mettle?
Mett.
For you Sir, if you please pursue it.
Symph.
Here is a cup of Sack to your welcom to town, Mettle.
Mett.
I thank you, Sir.
Albin.
Nay give him t'other cup. What newes Adrastus?
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The newes is, they write to mee for newes.
Albin.
Adrastus, Lore your top sail: Vive la Roy.—
Albinus drinks.
Adrast.
Come, away with it; Symphronio, to you.
Symph.
Thanks good Adrastus.
Albin.
Come Mettle, the rare sport you talk off, what is't?
Mett.
Why Sir? some hour since making enquiry for my master,
(Though somewhat dark) I could discover a zealous Brother
In hot pursuit of a wench; hee followed her,
I followed him: at length with complementall language
Hee assaulted her, who seemed somewhat shy at first;
At last, pretending earnest occasions for her excuse this night,
Shee engaged to morrow evening to meet him, 'twixt four and five.
The bargain driven thus, they parted severall waies.
I followed the wench, and pretending my self to be his man,
Told her, my master had considered, and would request her
The meeting might be by three ith' afternoon.
Albin.
What design hadst thou in that?
Mett.
Sir, as thus: That if in case you and my master
Fancy a scene of mirth, I'le bring you to the place
By three oth' clock, where (without doubt)
You'l finde her. Then you have time enough before hee comes,
For to contrive (which without doubt shee will consent to)
Some punishment fits your mirth, and worthy so base an abuser
Of the Common-wealth.
Albin.
Excellent Mettle! Here drink this for mee.
—gives him money.
Mett.
You binde mee to you, Sir.
Albin.
Adrastus, Pox of your melancholy, there's no denyall,
You must (in this design) along with us to morrow.
Adrast.
I shall consider of it.
Albin.
Consider mee no considers, you must go with us.
Symph.
Hee must, hee must.
Adrast.
Mettle come hither.—
Adrast. & Mettle whisper. Mett. goes of.
Albin.
Prethee Adrastus, ingeniously tell mee,
Doth not this wench, this shee fayrie-female trouble thee?
Thou wer't not wont to be thus off the hooks.
Adrast.
Wilt thou not laugh at mee, if I should confesse?
Albin.
Faith no: I ever could distinguish between a friend
Seriously deserving pitie, and objects fit for laughter.
Adrast.
I know not what you call being in love,
But if I not enjoy her, I must forget
There can be joy on earth.
Albin.
Injoy? Do'st know what 'tis thou would'st injoy?
Shee may be (for ought I can perceive) thou know'st
Not worthy thy affection.
Adrast.
Can there be so much beauty
Without a world of virtue and desert?
Albin.
Symphronio, you know her fathers house.
Symph.
If what her maid delivered to mee be true, I do.
8
Adrastus, few hours will make known if she worthily deserve,
Which when discovered, and that I finde her worthy thy affection,
Imploy Thy Albinus: And if I faile to serve Thee, to my last drop of blood,
May miserie enforce mee take up arms against
My naturall Prince.
Symph.
The same, wish I; And I know nothing worse.
Adrast.
My noble friends, I thank you, and cordially beleeve you,
What e're (through weaknesse) I deserve.
Now for contrivance, how to obtein that happy houre
Wherein I may reveal my thoughts to her, (none else being by)
To mee appeares miraculous.
Albin.
That, I'le engage my life, you speedily shall do.
Adrast.
It is impossible, how can'st thou contrive it?
It were a happinesse I dare not hope for.
Albin.
Be not too incredulous, this I'le perform,
Or ne're draw sword again.
Symph.
My life for't, what hee undertakes, hee'l confidently
Go through with.
Adrast.
O Symphronio, I know his will, would hee had power equall!
Albin.
I hope on the condition I do your businesse, you will
Accompany us to morrow to Mettle's Wench and holy Brother.
Adrast.
I will, and what lies in mee to encrease your mirth
I really shall act.
Albin.
Why that's well said. Now for your businesse,
Some time this night will I procure a suit of clothes, with which
(My periwick left off) I well may passe for round amongst the Synod.
The issue of my businesse expect to hear to morrow.
Drawer, Drawer, to pay?
—Enter Drawer.
Draw.
Sir, you shall know presently.—
Exit Drawer.
Adrast.
Name but your hour of return,
And wee'l expect you here.
Albin.
There's no place better; by nine or ten ith' morning
I will be with you.
Symphronio, give mee a note of the old mans house and name.—
Enter Drawer.
Symph.
That at our lodging you shall have.
Drawer, what's to pay?
Draw.
Four shillings and a penny.
Symph.
Eighteen pence club will do it.
Drawer, the rest take for your pains.
Draw.
Thank you Gentlemen, you are very kindly welcom.
Peerce, show a light down stairs.
'Tis all paid ith' Kings-head,
—Ex. Om.
Enter Letesia sol.
How have I lost my liberty? Was ever Maid betrayed
By her eyes as I have been?
Dote on I know not what, or whom?
Must I languish for what I know's impossible to obtain?
Thy hopes, Letesia, at best, are but that hee is noble, and a single man.
9
To ease my troubled soul?
I may aswell search for a Diamond in the main Ocean lost,
And hope (alike) to finde it.
And yet, how much desirous is my troubled heart
To entertain something like hope?
Why should his friend (for sure hee must be so)
Enquire after mee? give my Maid money for discovering
My name and dwelling? All this is nothing,
And yet it may be something: No it cannot neither;
For 'twas his friend enquired, and sure his businesse
Only concern'd himself.
Letesia, Thy little hopes is dash't. But if his friend
Come in his own behalf, I may enquire of him.
And that will breed a jealousie, and may, suspecting
Him his rivall, kill him, (which heaven forbid)
That must not be.
Enter Clarathea.
Clarath.
This is the third time
I have taken you alone in melancholy postures.
Venus grant you are not in love.
Letes.
In love, with what?
Clarath.
That (if you please) lyes in your breast to resolve mee.
There is one of the pitifull'st holy brethren within
To speak with your father, that ever eyes beheld.
Letes.
Know'st thou his businesse?
Clarath.
Not I, but something hee pretends to have with him
Of much concernment.
Letes.
Know's my father of his being here?
Clarath.
Not yet.
Letes.
I'le then go call him.
Clarath.
See, see, they are here.
Enter Gripe-man, and Albinus disguised.
Albin.
Good morrow to you, fair Mistris.
Letes.
The like to you, Sir.
Gripe.
Letesia leave us till I call you.
Letes.
I shall Sir.—
Ex. Letesia and Clarathea.
Gripe.
Now when you please, begin your businesse.
Albin.
Sir, the common report of your just carriage in the holy cause
You undertake, hath encouraged mee to make my case known
To you, the well handling of which (I doubt not) but will
Be very advantagious to us both.
Gripe.
You say wonderfull well, and to the purpose.
Pray proceed.
Albin.
A repetition of such truths as I could justly deliver
To your ample satisfaction how laboriously active
I have been in the advancing this great cause,
Would be too tedious for you to undergo the hearing of;
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looks on himself.
I have been rather not rewarded at all, then meanly.
Gripe.
Sir, it is beleeved. Pray proceed to your present businesse
Now in hand.
Albin.
I shall. And, to be short, thus stands the case.
There is (and not far hence) a wanting Gentleman
Whose former rate of living being high, will easily be wrought
The only instrument to work our ends, his acquaintance
Being great with a young Gentleman hath long born
Armes against us; And one that onely trusts this
Gentleman with his absconded living.
Now your promise that hee shall share (of what your
Known Authoritie may easily wrack from him)
I'le stand engaged, makes him your creature.
A brace or two of thousands will not be hurtfull,
And may be spared from twenty, which this my friend
Will make appear, not only that hee is worth,
But where it is.
Gripe.
Honestly spoken, very honestly spoken, and to the purpose,
Home to the purpose. And let mee tell you, you need
Not doubt, but that your care, and wisely managing a businesse
So much concernes the generall Good, shall largely be
Rewarded beyond your expectation;
Beleeve it honest Gentleman it shall.
Albin.
Sir, I doubt it not. But for my friend, when hee hath
Discovered what wee can wish to know,
Wee'l hold him to't.
Gripe.
Right, right, our shares will mount the higher.
Albin.
The rest I have to say, is, That I could wish,
And heartily, you would delay no time in being known
To this same Gentleman. Your summons shall procure
His presence here, or where else you please at two
Houres warning. Though (if my poor advice may stand)
I think your house the only place.
Gripe.
By any means my house, Sir. And let mee intreat you
Make it yours, and your friends. Faith, what think you
Of a piece of Beef, and bring your friend?
Come, come, you shall dine with mee to day. Clarathea, Clarathea,
—hee calls.
Fetch mee a pinte of sack, and call Letesia in.
—Enter Clarathea.
That baggage will have the green sicknesse,
Shee's spoil'd for want of exercise.
Clarath.
Sir, will you have a whole pinte?
Gripe.
No words be gone, I say a whole pinte.
Clarath.
Miraculous! hee is not long lived sure.
Ex. Clarath.
Albin.
Well Sir, since you will have it so, I have considered,
Wee'l be your guest.—
Enter Letesia.
Gripe.
And welcom, heartily welcom honest Gentleman.
Letesia, take special notice of this Gentleman and his friend, that when they come,
11
They will deserve your acquaintance and respect.
Letes.
Sir, your commands, and their desert will merit much more
Then I can be serviceable in. But, to my power, I'le labour to deserve
From both forgivenesse.
Albin.
Such Angels of light, are onely capable of forgiving
What wee poor mortals trespass.
Gripe.
No more, no more: Beshrow mee Sir, this savours of the Court.
Albin.
Pray Sir, let your charitie extend so far, to credit mee,
I hated much that Idol.
—Enter Clarathea with wine.
Gripe.
Well said wench, Fill, fill.
Sir, here's to you, and your noble friend.
Albin.
Thank you, worthy Sir.
Health to you. Fairest Mistris.
Letes.
Your servant, Sir.
Albin.
Lady, you cannot drink.
Gripe.
Shee is a very pingler, a very pingler.
Come Sir, t'other cup to you.
Albin.
Thank you Generous Sir.
—Drinks.
Verily it is more of the creature, then I have
So liberally tasted (in a fore-noon)
This sanctified ten years.
Gripe.
Sir, time (at present) is pretious with mee, having a very
Great influence on the affairs of this Country,
And must take leave, but shall not fail you at the hour of twelve.
Albin.
Till when, I humbly take my leave.
Fair Mistris your faithfull servant.
—Ex. Albin.
Gripe.
Letesia, I have invited this Gentleman and his friend
To dine with mee to day, let us have some things extraordinarie,
'Twill not be lost: so good morrow, Girle.
Ex. Gripe.
Letes.
I do beleeve so: you seldom do invite those you loose by.
You Powers above! lay not your heavy judgments on a feeble
Maid for her fathers sins; For I much fear the crooked
Paths hee treads, portend our house no good.
Just Powers! protect the innocent.
Exit Letesia.
Enter Adrastus, Symphronio, Mettle, Drawer, as in a Tavern.
Draw.
What wine is it, Gentlemen?
Symph.
Your best Canarie.
Draw.
I'le draw you a pinte of the best ith' town, Sir.
Ex. Drawer.
Symph.
Adrastus, what is't a clock by your watch?
Adrast.
'Tis somewhat more then nine.
—looks in his watch.
Albinus promised to be here before noon.
Symph.
My life on't, that hee'l perform. And were you not
Acquainted with his change of habit, I am confident
You would not know him.
Adrast.
Is hee so metamorphosed?
Symph.
As e're man was: Hee looks so like a factious Brother,
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Pluralities but themselves, could not lesse bestow upon him
Then three Benefices.
Adrast.
'Twere rare sport to be a spectator how hee behaves himself.
Symph.
Wee shall have that at large when he returns.
Enter Drawer with wine.
Draw.
Sir, there is one below desires to speak with you.
Adrast.
Why didst not bid him come up?
Draw.
Faith (Sir!) hee looks so like a factious Brother,
I thought you'd be offended.
Adrast.
Go prethee bid him come up.
Exit Drawer.
Symph.
'Tis hee; wee must take no notice who hee is
Before the Drawer.
Adrast.
By no means.
Enter Albinus and Drawer.
Albin.
Save you, Gentlemen.
Adrast.
You are welcom, Sir! I am glad to see you well.
Pray sit down. Drawer, reach a chair.
And how doth our noble friend?
Drawer is call'd without.
Draw.
I come, I come; Anon, anon, Sir.
Ex. Drawer.
Albin.
In perfect health; And how, and how, Gentlemen?
Faith, how do you like my shape?
Adrast.
I hardly can beleeve that thou can'st be Albinus.
Albin.
Very likely; nor that you are (this day) to dine with Letesia
Your fair Mistris.
Adrast.
Yes; that I shall be to dine with her I doubt not.
Albin.
Thou man of little faith.
Mettle, fill mee a glasse of sack.
Mett.
Here (Sir!) here's wine.
Albin.
Here Symphronio, here's to Hollands Master-piece.
Adrast.
You are very merry Albinus.
Albin.
And so may you be if you please,
I am sure you have cause enough.
Adrast.
Prethee Mad cap be serious, Didst thou see her?
Albin.
Yes, by this flesh and blood did I, and feel her too;
Had I not loved thee well, I had become my own petitioner
And deceived thy trust.
Adrast.
Dear Albinus, be serious; And let mee know
The event of thy proceedings.
Albin.
Mark then, and rejoice, for by our friendship
I'le utter nought but truth.
Adrast.
Then I beleeve thee; Prethee proceed.
Albin.
Then thus: This morning early (as well Symphronio
Can witnesse) I parted with him, And as hee directed,
Towards Gripe-mans house I steered my course.
Where when arrived, and knocking at the door,
There comes a wench, demanding what my businesse was.
I, in a zealous tone (as if I had worn my own clothes)
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I had ever a pinte of wine with a poor botcher, his neer
Neighbour, sufficiently enquired) she intreated mee come in,
Telling mee, her Master (shee thought) was ready, but not
Come down. Away shee went, and no sooner gone,
But down comes a bad father (for so I am given to understand)
To a most virtuous childe. I told him I had a businesse
To impart that much concerned him. Hee immediately
Had mee into a handsom parlor, where I was blest
With a sight of (I must confesse) your beauteous Mistris;
(If e're my eyes beheld one) her father commanded his
Daughter and Maid-servant forth the room, which they
Obediently obeying, I began my story, which as wee go
I'le tell you; for dine with him this day, I have engaged my self you shall.
And this, dear friend, is truth.
Adrast.
I know not how to husband this poor life I hold
To make thee satisfaction.
Albin.
Nay, if you complement, I'le dis-engage my self again.
Adrast.
Thou know'st with thee I cannot.
Come, wee'l knock off, and all go to my chamber.
Albin.
Where you must smug your self up for your encounter.
Mettle, wee must not forget three of clock this afternoon,
The whore must be remembred.
Mett.
And the rogue too, or I am much mistaken.
Adrast.
Mettle, pay you the reckoning; Come, let's go.
Mett.
I shall Sir.
—Ex. Omnes.
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