 | The Committee |  |
ACT. III.
SCEN. I.
Col. Careless, Col. Blunt, and Lieutenant.Lieu.
By my faith a sad story: I did apprehend this Covenant
Wou'd be the trap.
C. Car.
Never did any Rebels fish with such Cormorants; no
Stoppage about their throats; the Rascals are all swallow.
C. Bl.
Now am I ready for any Plot; I'le go find some of these
Agitants, and fill up a blank Commission with my Name.
And if I can but find two or three gather'd together,
They are sure of me; I will please my self, however,
With endeavouring to cut their throats.
C. Car.
Or do somthing to make them hang us, that we may
But part on any terms: Nothing anger'd me but that
My old Kitchen-stuff-acquaintance look'd another
Way and seem'd not to know me.
C. Bl.
How, Kitchen-stuff-acquaintance!
96
Yes, Mrs. Day that commanded the Party in the
Hackney-Coach, was my Father's Kitchen-maid, and in
Time of yore called Gillian. How now, Teg?
[Enter Teg.
What says the Learned?
Teg.
Well then, upon my Soul, the man in the great
Cloak, with the long sleeves, is mad, that he is.
C. Car.
Mad, Teg!
Teg.
Yes i'faith is he; he bid me be gone, and said I was sent
To mock him.
C. Car.
Why, what didst thou say to him?
Teg.
Well now, I did ask him if he wou'd take any Counsel.
C. Car.
'Slife, he might well enough think thou mock'st him.
Why, thou shou'dst have ask'd him when we might have
Come for Counsel.
Teg.
Well, that is all one, is it not? If he wou'd take any
Counsel, or you wou'd take any Counsel, is not that all one then?
C. Car.
Was there ever such a mistake?
C. Bl.
Prethee ne're be troubled at this; we are past Counsel:
If we had but a Friend amongst them, that cou'd but slide
Us by this Covenant.
Lieut.
Hark ye, Colonel; what if you did visit this translated
Kitchen-maid?
Teg.
Well, how is that? a Kitchen-maid? where is she now?
C. Bl.
The Lieutenant advises well.
C. Car.
Nay, stay, stay; in the first place I'le send Teg to her
To tell her I have a little business with her, and desire
To know when I may have leave to wait on her.
C. Bl.
We shall have Teg mistake agen.
Teg.
How is that so? I will not mistake that Kitchen-maid.
Whither must I go now, to mistake that Kitchen-maid?
C. Car.
But d'hear, Teg? you must take no notice of that, upon
Thy life; but on the contrary, at every word you must say,
Your Ladiship, and your Honor; as for example, when you have
Made a leg, you must begin thus; My Master presents
His service to your Ladiship, and having some business with
Your Honour, desires to know when he may have leave
To wait upon your Ladiship.
Teg.
Well, that I will do: But was she
Your Fathers Kitchen-maid?
C. Car.
Why, what then?
Teg.
Upon my Soul I shall laugh upon her face, for all
I wou'd not have a mind to do it.
C. Car.
Not for a hundred pounds, Teg; you must be sure to
Set your Countenance, and look very soberly before you begin.
Teg.
If I shou'd think then of any Kettles, or Spits, or
Any thing that will put a mind into my head of a
Kitchen, I shou'd laugh then, shou'd I not?
C. Car.
Not for a thousand pounds, Teg; thou maist undo us all.
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Well, I will hope I will not laugh then? I will
Keep my mouth if I can, that I will, from running
To one side, and 'tother side: well now, where does
This Mrs. Tay live?
Lieu.
Come Teg, I'le walk along with thee, and shew thee
The house, that thou mayest not mistake that however.
[Exeunt Lieutenant and Teg.
C. Car.
Prethee do Lieutenant, have a care Teg,
Thou shalt finde us in the Temple. Now Blunt have I
Another design.
C. Bl.
What further design canst thou have?
C. Car.
Why by this means I may chance see these women
Again, and get into their acquaintance.
C. Bl.
With both man?
C. Car.
'Slife thou art jealous, do'st love either of 'um?
C. Bl.
Nay, I can't tell, all is not as 'twas.
C. Car.
Like a man that is not well, and yet knows
Not what ailes him.
C. Bl.
Thou art something near the matter; but I'le
Cure my self with considering, that no woman can
Ever care for me.
C. Car.
And why prethee?
C. Bl.
Because I can say nothing to them.
C. Car.
The less thou canst say, they'l like thee the better;
Shee'l think 'tis Love that has ham-string'd thy tongue:
Besides man, a woman can't abide that any thing
In the house shou'd talk, but she and her Parat;
What, 'tis the Cavalier girle thou lik'st?
C. Bl.
Canst thou love any of the other Breed.
C. Car.
Not honestly,—yet I confess that ill-begotten
Pretty Rascal, never look'd towards me, but
She scatter'd sparks as fast as kindling Charcoale;
Thine's grown already to an honest flame: Come
Blunt, when Teg comes we will resolve on somthing.
[Exeunt.
Enter Arbella and Ruth.
Arb.
Come now, a word of our own matters; how do'st
Thou hope to get thy Estate again.
Ruth.
You shall drink first; I was just going to ask you,
How you would get yours again; you are as fast as if
You were under Covert-barne.
Arb.
But I have more hopes then thou hast.
Ruth.
Not a scruple more; if there were but scales
That could weigh hopes for these Rascals must be hang'd
Before either of us shall get our own; you may eat and drink
Out of yours as I do, and be a sojourner with Abel.
Arb.
I am hamper'd, but I'le intangle my self
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Hamper'd then thou thinkest; for if thou art in as bad
Case as I (you understand me) hold up thy finger.
Ruth.
Behold, nay, I'le ne're forsake thee, if I were not
Ruth holds up her finger.
Smitten, I wou'd perswade my self to be in love,
If 'twere but to bear thee company.
Arb.
Dear girle, hark ye Ruth, the composition day
Made an end of all; all's ago.
Ruth.
Nay, that fatal day put me into the condition
Of a Compounder too; there was my heart brought
Under sequestration.
Arb.
That day wench?
Ruth.
Yes, that very day with two or three forceable
Looks 'twas driven an inch at least out of its old place;
Sense or reason can't finde the way to't now.
Arb.
That day, that very day, if you and I should like
The same man.
Ruth.
Fie upon't, as I live thou mak'st me start;
Now dare not I ask which thou lik'st.
Arb.
Wou'd they were now to come in that we might
Watch one anothers eyes, and discover by signes;
I am not able to ask thee neither.
Ruth.
Nor I tell thee; shall we go ask Lilly which 'tis?
Arb.
Out upon him; nay, there's no need of Stars;
We know our selves if we durst speak.
Ruth.
Pish, i'le speak if it be the same, we'l draw cuts.
Arb.
No, hark ye Ruth, do you act them both,
For you saw their several humors, and then watch my
Eyes, where I appear most concern'd;
I cann't dissemble for my heart.
Ruth.
I dare swear that will hinder thee to dissemble
Indeed,—Come have at you then, I'le speak as if I were
Before the honorable rascals: And first, for my brave
Blunt Colonel, who hating to take the Oath, cry'd out
With a brave scorn (such as made thee in love I hope.)
Hang your selves rascals, the time will come when those
That dare be honest shall be rewarded; don't
I act him bravely, don't I act him bravely?
Arb.
O admirably well, dear wench do it once more.
Ruth.
Nay, nay, I must do the 'tother now.
Arb.
No, no, this once more dear girle, and I'le
Act the 'tother for thee.
Ruth.
No forsooth, I'le spare your pains, we are right,
No need of Cuts, send thee good luck with him I acted,
And wish me well with my merry Colonel
That shall Act his own part.
Arb.
And a thousand good lucks attend thee;
99
Our hearts from hard duty—but mum, see where the Mother
Comes, and with her, her Son, a true exemplification or
Duplicate of the original Day. Now for a charge.
[Enter Mrs. Day and Abel.
Ruth.
Stand fair, the Enemy draws up.
Mrs. Day.
Well Mrs. Arbella, I hope you have consider'd
Enough by this time; you need not use so much consideration
For your own good; you may have your Estate, and you
May have Abel, and you may be worse offer'd.
Abel, tell her your minde, ne're stand shall I, shall I.—
Ruth, does she incline, or is she wilful.
Ruth.
I was just about the point when your Honor
Interrupted us.—One word in your Ladiships ear.
Abel.
You see forsooth that I am some body, though you
Make no body of me, you see I can prevail; therefore
Pray say what I shall trust to;
For I must not stand, shall I, shall I.
Arb.
You are hasty Sir.
Abel.
I am call'd upon by important affairs;
And therefore I must be bold in a fair way to tell you that
It lies upon my spirit exceedingly.
Arb.
Saffron-posset-drink is very good against the
The heaviness of the Spirit.
Abel.
Nay forsooth, you do not understand my meaning.
Arb.
You do, I hope Sir; and 'tis no matter
Sir if one of us know it.
Enter Teg.
Teg.
Well, know? who are all you?
Arb.
What's here, an Irish Elder come to examine us all.
Teg.
Well know, what is your names, ever one?
Ruth.
Arbella, this is a Servant to one of the Colonels; upon
My life, 'tis the Irishman that took the Covenant
The right way.
Arb.
Peace, what shou'd it mean?
Teg.
Well, cannot some of you all say nothing?
Mrs. Day.
Why how now sauce box? what wou'd you have?
What have you left your manners without? go
Out and fetch 'um in.
Teg.
What shou'd I fetch now?
Mrs. Day.
D'you know who you speak to Sirrah?
Teg.
Well, what are you then? upon my soul
In my own Countrey they can tell who I am.
Abel.
You must not be so saucy unto her Honour.
Teg.
Well, I will knock you, if you be saucy with me then.
Ruth.
This is miraculous.
Teg.
Is there none of you that I must speak to now?
Arb.
Now wench if he shou'd be sent to us.
[Aside.
100
Well I wou'd have one Mrs. Tay speak unto me.
Mrs. Day.
Well sirrah, I am she: what's your business?
Teg.
O so then, are you Mrs. Tay?
Well, I will look well first,
And I will set my face in some worship; yes indeed that I will;
And I will tell her then what I will speak to her.
Ruth.
How the fellow begins to mould himself.
Arb.
And tempers his Chops like a hound that has lap'd
Before his meat was cold enough.
Ruth.
He looks as if he had some gifts to pour forth;
Those are Mr. Dayes own white eyes before he begins
To say grace: now for a speech ratling in his kecher,
As if his words stumbled in their way.
Teg.
Well, now I will tell thee, I'faith my Master
The good Colonel Careless, bid me ask thy good Ladiship—
Upon my soul now the laugh will come upon me.
He laughs alwayes when he sayes Ladiship or Honor.
Mrs. Day.
Sirrah, sirrah, what, were you sent to abuse me?
Ruth.
As sure as can be.
[Aside.
Teg.
I'faith now I do not abuse thy good Hon. I cannot
Help my laugh now, I will try agen now; I will not
Think of a Kitchen then: my master wou'd know
Of your Ladiship—
Mrs. Day.
Did you your Master send you to abuse me you
Rascal: By my honor Sirrah?
Teg.
Why do'st thou mock thy self now joy?
Mrs. Day.
How sirrah, do I mock my self?
This is some Irish Traytor.
Teg.
I am no Traitor, that I am not; I am an Irish
Rebel; you are couzen'd now.
Mrs. Day.
Sirrah, Sirrah, I will make you know who
I am, an impudent Irish rascal.
Abel.
He seemeth a dangerous fellow, and of a bold and
Seditious spirit.
Mrs. Day.
You are a bloody rascal I warrant ye.
Teg.
You are a foolish brable brible woman, that you are.
Abel.
Sirrah, we that are at the head of affairs
Must punish your sauciness.
Teg.
You shall take a knock upon your pate, if you are
Saucy with me that I shall; you son of a Roundhead you.
Mrs. Day.
Ye rascally Varlet, get you out of my doors.
Teg.
Will not I give you my message then?
Mrs. Day.
Get you out Rascal?
Teg.
I prethee let me tell thee my message?
Mrs. Day.
Get you out I say.
Teg.
Well then I care not neither; the devil take
Your Ladiship, and Honorship, and Kitchenship too: there now.
[Exit.
101
Was there ever such a Scene; 'tis impossible
To guess any thing.
Ruth.
Our Colonels have don't, as sure as thou livest, to
Make themselves sport; being all the revenge that is in
Their power: look, look, how her Honor trots about,
Like a Beast stung with flies.
Mrs. Day.
How the Villain has distemper'd me!
Out upon't too, that I have let the Rascal go unpunish'd,
And you can stand by like a Sheep: run after him then and
Stop him; I'le have him laid by the heels, and
Make him confess who sent him to abuse me:
Call help as you go, make haste I say.
[Exit Abel.
Ruth.
'Slid Arbella run after him, and save the poor
Fellow for Sakes sake; Stop Abel by any means
That he may scape.
Arb.
Keep his Dam off, and let me alone with the puppy.
[Exit.
Ruth.
Fear not.
Mrs. Day.
'Uds my life, the rascal has heated me.—Now I
Think on't I'e go my self, and see it done: a saucy Villain.
Ruth.
But I must needs acquaint your Honor with one thing
First concerning Mrs. Arbella.
Mrs. Day.
As soon as ever I have done. I'st good news wench?
Ruth.
Most excellent; if you go out you may spoil all;
Such a discovery I have made, that you will bless
The accident that anger'd you.
Mrs. Day.
Quickly then Girle.
Ruth.
When you sent Abel after the Irish man, Mrs.
Arbella's colour came and went in her face, and at last
Not able to stay, slunck away after him for fear the Irish-man
Shou'd hurt him: she stole away and blush'd the prettiest.
Mrs. Day.
I protest he may be hurt indeed; I'le run my self too.
Ruth.
By no means forsooth; nor is there any need on't;
For she resolv'd to stop him before he cou'd
Get near the Irish-man; she has done it upon my life;
And if you shou'd go out you might spoil the kindest
Encounter that the loving Abel is ever like to have.
Mrs. Day.
Art sure of this?
Ruth.
If you do not finde she has stopt him,
Let me ever have your hatred; pray credit me.
Mrs. Day.
I do, I do believe thee; come we'l go in where
I use to read: there thou shalt tell me all the particulars,
And the manner of it: I warrant 'twas pretty to observe.
Ruth.
O, 'twas a thousand pitties you did not see't,
When Abel walk't away so bravely, and foolishly after this
Wilde Irishman: She stole such kinde looks from her
Own eyes; and having rob'd her self, sent them after
Her own Abel; and then—
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Come good wench, I'le go in and hear it all at
Large; it shall be the best tale thou hast told these two dayes.
Come, come, I long to hear all. Abel for his part needs
No news by this time, come good wench.
[Exit.
Ruth.
So far I am right; fortune take care for future things.
Enter C. Blunt as taken by Bayliffs.
C. Bl.
At whose suit, Rascals?
1 B.
You shall know that time enough.
C. Bl.
Time enough, dogs; must I wait your leasures?
1 B.
O you are a dangerous man; 'tis such Traitors as you
That disturb the Peace of the Nation.
C. Bl.
Take that Rascal: if I had any thing at liberty
Besides my foot, I wou'd bestow it on you.
1 B.
You shall pay dearly for this kick before you are
Let loose, and give good special Bail: Mark that, my
Surly companion; we have you fast.
C. Bl.
'Tis well Rogues you caught me conveniently;
Had I been aware I wou'd have made some of your scurvy
Souls my special Bail.
1 B.
O, 'tis a bloody minded man; I'le warrant ye this
Vile Cavalier has eat many a Childe.
C. Bl.
I cou'd gnaw a piece or two of you Rascals.
Enter C. Careless.
C. Car.
How is this! Blunt in hold! you Catchpole,
Let go your prey, or—
[Draws, and Blunt in the scuffle throws up one of their heels, and gets a Sword, and helps drive them off.
1 B.
Murder, Murder.
C. Bl.
Faith Careless this was worth thanks, I was fairly going.
C. Car.
What was the matter man?
C. Bl.
Why, an Action or two for Free Quarter, now made
Trover and Conversion: Nay, I believe we shall be sued
With an Action of Trespass; for every Field we have
Marched over, and be indited for Riots, for going at
Unseasonable hours, above two in a Company.
[Enter Teg running.
C. Car.
Well come, let's away.
Teg.
Now upon my soul run as I do; the men in red
Coats are running too, that they are, and they cry, Murder,
Murder, I never heard such a noise in Ireland, that's true too.
C. Car.
'Slife we must shift several wayes.
Farewel, if we scape we meet at night; I shall
Take heed now.
Teg.
Shall I tell of Mrs. Tay now?
C. Car.
O good Teg, no time for Messages.
Exeunt several wayes.
Enter Bayliffs and Souldiers.
[A noise within.
1 B.
This way, this way; Oh villains, my neighbour
103
Some good Souldiers, follow, follow.
Enter Careless and Teg again.
C. Car.
I am quite out of breath, and the Blood Hounds
Are in a full cry upon a burning scent: Plague on 'um,
What a noise the Kennels make? what door's this
That graciously stands a little open? what an ass am I to ask?
Teg, scout abroad; if any thing happens extraordinary,
Observe this door; there you shall finde me: be careful,
Now by your favour Landlord, as unknown.
[Exit severally.
Enter Mrs. Day and Obadiah.
Mrs. Day.
It was well observed Obadiah to bring the
Parties to me first, 'tis your Masters will that I shou'd as I
May say, prepare matters for him; in truth, in truth
I have too great a burthen upon me: yet for the publick
Good I am content to undergo it.
Obad.
I shall with sincere care present unto your Honor
From time to time such negotiations as I may discreetly
Presume may be material for your Honors inspection.
Mrs. Day.
It will become you so to do, you have the
Present that came last.
Obad.
Yes, and please your Honor; the Gentleman
Concerning her Brothers release, hath also
Sent in a piece of Plate.
Mrs. Day.
It's very well.
Obad.
But the man without, about a bargain of the Kings
Land, is come empty.
Mrs. Day.
Bid him be gone, I'le not speak with him;
He does not understand himself.
Obad.
I shall intimate so much to him.
[As Obadiah goes out, C. Careless meets him and tumbles him back.
Mrs. Day.
Why how now? what rude companion's this?
What wou'd you have (what's your business? what's the
Matter? who sent you? who d'you belong to? who!—
C. Car.
Hold, hold, if you mean to be answer'd to all
These Intergotories, you see I resolve to be your companion;
I am a man, there's no great matter, no body sent me; nor I
Belong to no body: I think I have answer'd to the chief Heads.
Mrs. Day.
Thou hast committed murder for ought I know?
How is't Obadiah?
C. Car.
Ha, what luck have I to fall into the Territories
Of my old Kitchen acquaintance; I'le proceed upon the
Strength of Teg's Message, though I had no answer.
Mrs. Day.
How is't man?
Obad.
Truly he came forcably upon me, and I fear
Has bruised some intellectuals within my Stomach.
[Ex. Oba.
Mrs. Day.
Go in and take some Irish slat by way of
104
Any business, you that came in so rudely as if you did not
know who you came to. How came you in Sir Royster?
Was not the Porter at the Gate?
C. Car.
No truly, the Gate kept it self, and stood gaping
As if it had a minde to speak, and say, I pray come in.
Mrs. Day.
Did it so Sir? and what have you to say?
C. Car.
I, there's the point; either she does not, or will
Not know me: What shou'd I say? how dull am I? pox on't,
This wit, is like a common friend, when one has need on him
He won't come near one.
Mrs. Day.
Sir, are you studying for an invention? for ought
I know you have done some mischief,
And 'twere fit to secure you?
C. Care.
So that's well, 'twas pretty to fall into the head
Quarter of the Enemy.
Mrs. Day.
Nay, 'tis e'ne so, I'le fetch
Those that shall examine you.
C. Car.
Stay, thou mighty States woman, I did but
Give you time to see if your memory would but be so
Honest, as to tell you who I am.
Mrs. Day.
What d'you mean sauce box?
C. Car.
There's a word yet of thy former imployments
That sauce you and I have been acquainted.
Mrs. Day.
I do not use to have acquaintance with Cavaliers.
C. Car.
Nor I with Committee-mens Utensils; but in
Diebus illis, you were not Honorable, nor I a Malignant.
Lord, Lord, you are horrible forgetful, pride comes with
Godliness, and good Cloathes; what, you think I shou'd
Not know you, because you are disguised with curl'd hair,
And white Gloves. Alas, I know you as well as if you were
In your Sabbath-dayes Cinamon Waiscot, with a silver
Edgine round the Skirt.
Mrs. Day.
How sirrah?
C. Car.
And with your fair hands bath'd in Lather, or
With your fragrant Breath; driving the fleeting
Ambergreece off from the waving Kitchenstuff.
Mrs. Day.
O, you are an impudent Cavalier! I remember
You now indeed; but I'le—
C. Car.
Nay, but hark you the now Honorable,
Non abstante, past conditions; did not I send my fool man,
An Irish man, with a civil message to you;
Why all this strangeness then.
Mrs. Day.
How, how, how's this; was' you that sent
That Rascal to abuse me, was't so.
C. Car.
How now! what, matters grow worse and worse?
Mrs. Day.
I'le teach you to abuse those that are in
Authority: Within there, who's whithin?
105
'Slife, I'le stop your mouth, if you raise an alarum.
[Cryes out, and he stops her mouth.
Mrs. Day.
Stop my mouth sirrah, whoo, whoo, ho.
C. Car.
Yes, stop your mouth, what are you good at a
Who, bub, ha.
Enter Ruth.
Ruth.
What's the matter forsooth.
Mrs. Day.
The matter? why hears a rude Cavalier has
Broke into my house; 'twas he too that sent the Irish Rascal
To abuse me too within my own walls: call your Father that
He may grant his order to secure him. 'Tis a dangerous fellow.
C. Car.
Nay good pretty Gentlewoman spare your motion,
What must become of me; Teg has made some strange mistake.
Ruth.
'Tis he, what shall I do, (now invention be equal to
My Love, why, your Ladiship will spoil all? I sent for
[Aside.
This Gentleman, and injoyn'd him secresie, even to you your self,
Till I had made his way. O fie upon't, I am to blame; but in
Truth I did not think he would have come these two hours.
C. Car.
I dare swear she did not; I might very probably
Not have come at all.
Ruth.
How came you to come so soon Sir; 'twas three
Hours before you appointed.
C. Car.
Hey day, I shall be made believe I came hither
On purpose presently.
Ruth.
'Twas upon a message of his to me, and please your
Honor to make his desires known to your Ladiship, that he
Had consider'd on't, and was resolved to take the Covenant,
And give you five hundred pound to make his peace, and bring
His business about again, that he may be
Admitted in his first condition.
C. Car.
What's this? d'hear pretty Gentlewoman.
Ruth.
Well, well, I know your mind, I have done your business.
Mrs. Day.
Oh, his stomach's come down!
Ruth.
Sweeten him again, and leave him to me;
I warrant you the five hundred pound, and—
[Whispers
C. Car.
Now I have found it: this pretty wench has
A minde to be left alone with me, at her peril.
Mrs. Day.
I understand thee; well Sir, I can pass by rudeness
When I am informed there was no intention of it; I leave
You and my Daughter to beget a right understanding.
C. Car.
We should beget Sons and Daughters sooner:
What does all this mean?
Ruth.
I am sorry Sir that your love for me
Shou'd make you thus rash.
C. Car.
That's more then you know, but you had a minde
To be left alone with me; that's certain.
Ruth.
'Tis too plain Sir, you'd ne'er have run your self
Into this danger else.
C. Car.
Nay, now you'r out; the danger run after me.
Ruth.
You may dissemble.
106
Why, 'tis the proper business here; but we lose
Time; you and I are left to beget right understanding,
Come, which way?
Ruth,
Whither?
C. Car.
To your Chamber or Closet.
Ruth.
But I am ingag'd you shall take the Covenant.
C. Car.
No, I never sware when I am bid.
Ruth.
But you wou'd do as bad?
C. Car.
That's not against my principles.
Ruth.
Thank you for your fair opinion, good Signior
Principle, there lies your way Sir, however I will own so much
Kindeness for you, that I repent not the civility I have done,
To free you from the trouble you were like to fall into;
Make me a leg, if you please, and cry, thank you: and so the
Gentlewoman that desired to be left alone with you, desires
To be left alone with her self, she being taught aright
Understanding of you.
C. Car.
No, I am revited; nor shall you march off thus
With flying colours: my pretty Commander in chief, let us
Parley a little farther, and but lay down ingenuously the true
State of our Treaty. The business in short is this, We differ
Seemingly upon two evils, and mine the least; and therefore
To be chosen, you had better take me then I
Take the Covenant.
Ruth.
We'l excuse one another.
C. Car.
You wou'd not have me take the Covenant then.
Ruth.
No, I did but try you, I forgive your idle looseness;
For that firm vertue be constant to your fair principles
In spight of fortune.
C. Car.
What's this got into petti-coats—but d'hear,
I'le not excuse you from my proposition, notwithstanding
My release: Come we are half way to a right
Understanding—nay, I no love thee.
Ruth.
Love vertue, you have but here and there a patch
Of it; y'are ragged still.
C. Car.
Are not you the Committee Dayes Daughter?
Ruth.
Yes, what then.
C. Car.
Then am I thankful, I had no defence against thee,
And Matrimony, but thy own Father and Mother,
Which are a perfect Committee to my nature.
Ruth.
Why are you sure I wou'd have match'd with a
Malignant, not a Compounder neither.
C. Car.
Nay, I have made thee a Joynter against my will;
Methinks it were but as reasonable, that I shou'd do something
For my Joynter, but by the way of Matrimony honestly
To encrease your Generation; 'tis to tell you truth is
Against my Conscience.
Ruth.
Yet you wou'd beget right understandings.
C. Car.
Yes, I wou'd have 'um all Bastards.
Ruth.
And me a Whore.
107
That's a coarse name; but 'tis not fit a Committee-
Mans Daughter shou'd be too honest, to the reproach
Of her Father and Mother.
Ruth.
When the quarrel of the Nation is reconcil'd, you
And I shall agree: till when Sir—
[Enter Teg
Teg.
Are you here then? upon my soul the good Colonel
Blunt is over-taken again now, and carried to the Devil,
That he is, I'faith now.
C. Car.
How, taken and carried to the Devil!
Teg.
He desired to go to the Devil, that he did, I wonder of
My soul he was not afraid of that.
C. Car.
I understand it now; what mischief's this?
Ruth.
You seem troubled Sir.
C. Car.
I have but a life to lose, that I am weary of: come Teg.
Ruth.
Hold, you shan't go before I know the business;
What d'ye talk of?
C. Car.
My friend, my dearest friend is caught up by rascally
Bayliffs, and carried to the Devil-Tavern; pray let me go.
Ruth.
Stay but a minute, if you have any kindness for me.
C. Car.
Yes, I do love you.
Ruth.
Perhaps I may serve your friend.
[Enter Arbella.
O Arbella, I was going to seek you.
Arb.
What's the matter?
Ruth.
The Colonel which thou lik'st is taken by Bayliffs;
There's his Friend too, almost distracted: You know
The mercy of these times.
Arb.
What do'st thou tell me, I am ready to sink down!
Ruth.
Compose your self, and help him nobly; you have no
Way but to smile upon Abel, and get him to bail him.
[Enter Abel and Obadiah.
Arb.
Look where he and Obadiah comes; shou'd either
By providence—O Mr. Abel, where have you been this long
Time? can you finde of your heart to keep thus out of my sight?
Abel.
Assuredly some important affairs constrain'd my
Absence, as Obadiah can testifie, Bonafide.
Obad.
I can do so verily, my self being a material party.
C. Car.
Pox on 'um, how slow they speak.
Arb.
Well well, you shall go no more out of my sight; I'le
Not be satisfied with your Bona Fides: I have some occasions
That call me to go a little way; you shall e'en go with me,
And good Obadiah too: you shall not deny me any thing.
Abel.
Is it not meet I shou'd, I am exceedingly exalted?
Obadiah thou shalt have the best bargain of all my Tenants.
Obad.
I am thankful.
C. Car.
What may this mean?
[Aside.
Arb.
Ruth, how shall we do to keep thy swift Mother
From pursuing us?
Ruth.
Let me alone, as I go by the Parlor where she sits,
108
Are going to fetch the very five hundred pound.
Arb.
How can that be?
Ruth.
No question now. Will you march Sir?
C. Car.
Whither?
Ruth.
Lord, how dull these men in Love are! why to your
Friend. No more words.
C. Car.
I will stare upon thee though.
[Exeunt.
| The Committee | |