 | The Committee |  |
84
ACT. II.
SCEN. I.
Enter Teg.Teg.
I'faith my sweet Master has sent me to a
Rascal, now that he has; I will go tell him so too:
He ask'd me why he could not sent one
That cou'd speak English. Upon my soul I was going
To give him an Irish knock; the Devil's in them all,
They will not talk with me; I will go near to
Knock this mans pate, and that man Lillie's
[One cryes Books within. Enter
Pate too,—that I will: I will make them
Prate to me, that I will. How now,
What noises are that.—
Book-sel.
New Books, new Books, a desperate Plot
And Ingagement of the bloody Cavaliers:
One cryes Books without
Mr. Saltmarshes Alarum to the Nation, after having
Been three dayes dead, Mercurius Britanicus, &c.
Teg.
How's that? now they cannot live in Ireland
After they are dead three dayes!
Book-sel.
Mercurius Britanicus, or the Weekly Post,
Or, The Solemn League and Covenant.
Teg.
What is that you say?
Is it the Covenant, have you that?
Book-sel.
Yes, what then Sir.
Teg.
Which is that Covenant?
Book-sell.
Why, this is the Covenant.
Teg.
Well, I must take that Covenant.
Book-sell.
You take my Commodities?
Teg.
I must take that Covenant upon my soul now, that I must.
Book-sell.
Stand off Sir, or i'le set you further.
Teg.
Well, upon my soul now I will take
That Covenant for my Master.
Book-sel.
Your Master must pay me for't then?
Teg.
Ifaith now, they will make him pay for't
After I have taken it for him.
Book-sell.
What a devil does the fellow mean?
Teg.
You will make me stay too long, that you will;
Look you now, I will knock you down upon the ground
If you will not let me take it?
Book-sell.
Stand off Sirrah.
Teg.
Ifaith I will take it now.
He throws the fellow down, and takes away the Paper, and runs out.
Book-sell.
What a Devil ailes this fellow?
He did not come to rob me certainly
For he has not taken above two
Penniworth of lamentable ware away;
85
Upon my wilde Irish again, and if I do,
I will fix him with some Catchpoles that shall
Be worse then his own Countrey Bogs.
Enter C. Careless, C. Blunt, and Lieutenant Story.
Lieu.
And what say you noble Colonels, how and how
D'ye like my Lady; I gave her the title of Illustrious
From those illustrious commodities which she deals in
Hot Water, and Tobacco.
C. Car.
Prethee how com'st thou to think of marrying?
Lieu.
Why that which hinders men from those
Venereal conditions, prompted me to Matrimony,
Hunger and cold, Colonel.
C. Car.
Which you destroyed with a fat Woman,
Strong Water, and stinking Tobacco.
Lieu.
No faith, the woman conduc'd but little,
But the rest cou'd not be purchas'd without.
C. Car.
She's beholding to you.
Lieu.
For all your mocking she had been ruin'd
If it had not been for me.
C. Car.
Prethee make but that good?
Lieu.
With ease Sir, why look you,—you must
Know she was alwayes a most violent Cavalier,
And of a most ready and large Faith; abundance of
Rascals had found her soft place, and perpetually
Wou'd bring her news, news of all prizes,
They wou'd tell her news from half a Crown, to a
Gill of hot Water, or a pipe of the worst Mundungo:
I have observ'd their usual rates; they wou'd borrow
Half a Crown upon a story of five thousand men up
In the North; a shilling upon a Towns revolting,
Six pence upon a small Castle, and consume hot Water
And Tobacco, whilst they were telling news of Arms,
Convey'd into several parts, and Ammunition hid
In Cellars; that at the last, if I had not married,
And blown off these flyes, she had been absolutely consum'd.
C. Car.
Well Lieutenant, we are beholding to you
For these hints; we may be reduc'd to as bad: See
Where Teg comes. Goodness, how he smiles.
[Enter Teg smiling
Why so merry Teg?
Teg.
I have done one thing for thee now, that I have indeed.
C. Car.
What hast thou done man?
Teg.
I have taken the Covenant for thee,
That I have upon my soul.
C. Car.
Where hadst it thou?
Teg.
Hadst it thou; I threw a fellow down, that I did,
And took it away for thy sweet sake; here it is now.
C. Car.
Was there ever such a fancy? why didst thou think
86
Teg.
Ay, upon my soul that it is; look you there now
Have not I taken it; is not this the Covenant,
Tell me that then I prethee.
C. Bl.
I am pleased yet,
With the poor fellows mistaken kindeness;
I dare warrant him honest to the best of his understanding.
C. Car.
This fellow I prophesie will bring me into
Many troubles by his mistakes: I must send him on
No errand but how d'ye; and to such as I wou'd have
No answer from again:—Yet his simple honesty
Prevails with me, I cannot part with him.
Lieu.
Come Gentlemen, some calls; how now, who's this.
Enter Obadiah, with four persons more with papers.
C. Car.
I am a rogue if I have not seen a picture
In hangings walk as fast.
C. Bl.
'Slife man, this is that good of the Committee
Family that I told thee of, the very Clerk;
How the rogue's loaded with papers; Those are
The winding sheets to many a poor Gentlemans Estate:
'Twere a good deed to burn them all.
C. Car.
Why, thou art not mad, art: well met Sir;
Pray do not you belong to the Committe of sequestrations?
Obad.
I do belong to that honourable Committee,
Who are now ready to sit for the bringing on the work.
C. Bl.
O plague, what work ras—
C. Car.
Prethee be quiet man; are they to sit presently?
Obad.
As soon as I can get ready, my presence being material.
[Exit
C. Car.
What, wert thou mad; wou'dst thou have beaten
The Clerk when thou wert going to compound
With the rascals his Masters.
C. Bl.
The sight of any of the villains stirs me.
Lieu.
Come Colonels, there's no trifling;
Let's make haste, and prepare your business, let's not lose
This sitting, come along, along.
[Exeunt.
Enter Arbella at one door, Abel at another, as if he saw her not, and starts when he comes to her as Ruth had taught him.
Arb.
What's the meaning of this, I'le try to steal by him.
Abel.
Pardon Mistriss my profound contemplations,
In which I was so hid that you cou'd not see me.
Arb.
This is a set form,—they allow it
In every thing but their prayers.
Abel.
Now you shou'd speak forsooth.
87
Ruth I have found you;
But I'le spoil the dialogue.
[Aside.
—What shou'd I say Sir?
Abel.
What you please forsooth.
Arb.
Why, truly Sir, 'tis as you say; I did not see you.
Enter Ruth as over-hearing them, and Peeps.
Ruth.
This is lucky.
Abel.
No forsooth, 'twas I that was not to see you.
Arb.
Why Sir, wou'd your Mother be angry if you shou'd?
Abel.
No, no, quite contrary,—I'le tell you that presently;
But first I must say, that the weighty affairs lie
Heavy upon my neck and shoulders.
[Shrugs
Arb.
Wou'd he were ty'd neck and heels?
[Aside
This is a notable wench; look where the rascal peeps too;
If I shou'd becken to her she'd take no notice;
She's resolv'd not to relieve me.
[Aside.
Ab.
Something I can do, and that with some body;
That is, with those that are some bodies.
Arb.
Whist, whist,
Beckons to Ruth, and she shakes her head.
Prethee have some pitty?
O unmerciful girle.
Abel.
I know Parliament men, and Sequestrators;
I know Committee men, and Committee men know me.
Arb.
You have great acquaintance Sir?
Abel.
Yes, they ask my opinion sometimes.
Arb.
What weather 'twill be; have you any skill Sir?
Abel.
When the weather is not good, we hold a fast.
Arb.
And then it alters.
Abel.
Assuredly.
Arb.
In good time—no mercy wench.
Ab.
Our profound contemplations,
Are caused by the constervation of our spirits
For the Nations good, we are in labour.
Arb.
And I want a deliverance. Hark ye Ruth,
Take off your Dog, or i'le turn Bear indeed.
Ruth.
I dare not, my mother will be angry.
Arb.
O hang you.
Ab.
You shall perceive that I have some power,
If you please to.—
Arb.
O I am pleased! Sir, that you shou'd have power;
I must look out my Hoods and Scarfs Sir, 'tis a most time to go.
Ab.
If it were not for the weighty matters of State
Which lie upon my shoulders, my self wou'd look them.
Arb.
O by no means Sir, 'tis below your greatness:
Some luck yet; she never came seasonably before.
Enter Mrs. Day.
Mrs. Day.
Why how now, Abel got so close to Mrs. Arbella,
So close indeed; nay then I smell something:
88
In Council and weighty matters, that you have it
At your fingers ends: Nay, look ye Mistriss, look ye,
Look ye; mark Abels eyes: ah, there be looks.
Ruth thou art a good Girle, I finde Abel has got ground.
Ruth.
I forbore to come in, till I saw your honour
First enter; but I have o're heard all.
Mrs. Day.
And how has Abel behav'd himself wench, ha?
O beyond expectation: if it were lawful, I'de undertake
He'd make nothing to get as many womens good
Wills as he speaks to; he'l not need much teaching,
You may turn him loose.
Arb.
O this plaguy wench!
Mrs. Day.
Sayest thou so girle, it shall be something
In thy way; a new Gown, or so, it may be a better penny:
Well said Abel, I say, I did think thou wou'dst come
Out with a piece of thy Mothers at last:—
But I had forgot, the Committee are near upon sitting.
Ha, Mrs. you are crafty; you have made your
Composition before-hand. Ah, this Abel's as bad
As a whole Committee: Take that Item from me;
Come, make haste, call the Coach Abel; well said Abel I say.
Arb.
We'l fetch our things and follow you.
[Exit Mrs. Day and Abel.
Now wench, canst thou ever hope to be forgiven:
Ruth.
Why, what's the matter?
Arb.
The matter; coud'st thou be so unmerciful,
To see me practic'd on, and pelted at, by a Blunderbuss
Charg'd with nothing but proofs, weighty affairs,
Spirit, profound contemplation, and such like.
Ruth.
Why, I was afrad to interrupt you; I thought
It convenient to give you what time I cou'd,
To make his young honour your friend.
Arb.
I am beholding to you, I may cry quittance.
Ruth.
But did you mark Abels eyes?
Ah, there were looks!
Arb.
Nay, prethee give off, my hours approaching,
And I cann't be heartily merry till it be past:
Come, let's fetch our things,
Her Ladiships honour will stay for us.
Ruth.
I'le warrant ye my brethren, Abel is not in order yet,
He's brushing a hat almost a quarter of an hour,
And as long a driving the lint from his black Cloathes,
With his wet Thumb.
Arb.
Come prethee hold thy peace,
I shall laugh in's face else when I see him come along:
Now for an old shooe.
[Exeunt.
89
Obad.
Shall I read your Honors last Order, and give you
The account of what you last debated?
Mr. Day.
I first crave your favours to communicate an
Important matter to this honourable board, In which I shall
Discover unto you my own sincerity
And zeal to the good Cause.
1.
Proceed Sir.
Mr. Day.
The business is contained in this Letter, 'tis from
No less a man then the King; and 'tis to me, as simple as I sit
Here: Is it your pleasures that our Clerk should read it?
2.
Yes, pray give it him.
Obad.
Mr. Day,
[Reads.
We have received good intelligence of your great worth,
And ability, especially in State matters; and therefore thought
Fit to offer you any preferment, or honor, that you shall desire,
If you will become my intire friend: Pray remember my
Love and Service to your discreet Wife, and acquaint her
With this; whose wisdom I hear is great: so recommending
This to her and your wise consideration, I remain
Your Friend, C. K.
2.
C. K.
Mr. Day.
I, that's for the King.
2.
I suspect who brought you this Letter.
Mr. Day.
O fie upon't, my Wife forgot that particular.—
Why, a fellow left it for me, and shrunk away when he had
Done, I warrant you he was afraid I shou'd have laid hold
On him: You see Brethren what I reject; but I doubt not
But to receive my reward: and I have now a business
To offer, which in some measure may afford you an occasion.
2.
This Letter was counterfeited certainly.
Mr. Day.
But first be pleased to read your last order.
2.
What does he mean that concerns me?
Obad.
The order is, that the Composition arising out of
Mr. Lashleys Estate, be and hereby is invested and allow'd to
The honorable Mr. Nathaniel Catch,
For and in respect of his sufferings and good service.
Mr. Day.
It is meet, very meet, we are bound
In duty to strengthen our selves against the day of trouble,
When the common Enemy shall endeavour to raise
Commotions in the Land,
And disturb our new built Zion.
2.
Then I'le say nothing, but close with him, we must
Wink at one another; I receive your sense
Of my services with a zealous kindness. Now Mr. Day,
I pray you propose your business.
90
I desire this honourable Board to understand,
That my Wife being at Redding, and to come up in
The Stage Coach: It happened that one Mrs Arbella,
A rich heir of one of the Cavalier Party, came up also in
The same Coach; her father being newly dead, and her
Estate before being under Sequestration: My Wife, who
Has a notable pate of her own; you all know her;
Presently cast about to get her for my son Abel;
And accordingly invited her to my house; where, though
Time was but short, yet my son Abel made use of it:
They are without, as I suppose; but
Before we call them in, I pray let us handle
Such other matters as are before us.
1.
Let us hear then what Estates besides
Lies before us, that we may see how large a
Field we have to walk in.
2.
Read.
Obad.
One of your last Debates was upon the plea
Of an infant, whose Estate is under Sequestration.
Mr. Day.
And fit to be kept so till he comes of age,
And may answer for himself; that he may not
Be in possession of the Land till he can promise
He will not turn to the Enemy.
Obad.
Here is another of almost the like nature;
An Estate before your Honors under Sequestration:
The plea is, that the party died without any—
For taking up Armes; but in his opinion for the King:
He has left his Widow with childe, which will
Be the Heir; and his Trustees complain of wrong,
And claim the Estate.
2.
Well, the Father in his opinion was a Cavalier.
Obad.
So it is given in.
2 C.
Nay, 'twas so I warrant you, and there's a young
Cavalier in his Widows Belly; I warrant you that too;
For the perverse generation encreaseth; I move
Therefore that their two Estates may remain in the hands
Of our Brethren here, and fellow labourers,
Mr. Joseph Blemish, and Mr. Jonathan Headstrong,
And Mr. Ezekiel Scrape, and they to be accountable
At our pleasures; whereby they may have a godly
Opportunity of doing good for themselves.
Mr. Day.
Order it, order it.
3.
Since it is your pleasures, we are content
To take the burthen upon us, and be
Stewards to the Nation.
2.
Now verily it seemeth to me
That the work goeth forward, when Brethren
Hold together in unity.
91
Well, if we have now finish'd, give me leave
To tell you, my Wife is without, together with
The Gentlewoman that is to compound: She will
Needs have a finger in the pie.
3.
I profess we are to blame to let Mrs. Day wait so long.
Mr. Day.
We may not neglect the publick for private
Respects. I hope Brethren, that you please to cast the
Favour of your countenances upon Abel.
2., 3.
You wrong us to doubt it, Brother Day,
Call in the Compounders.
Enters Mrs. Day, Abel, Arbella, Ruth, and after them the Colonels, and Teg; they give the door-keeper something, who seems to scrape.
Mr. Day.
Come duck, I have told the honourable Committee
That you are one that will needs endeavour
To do good for this Gentlewoman.
2.
We are glad, Mrs. Day, that any occasion brings you hither.
Mrs. Day.
I thank your honors? I am desirous of doing
Good, which I know is alwayes acceptable in your eyes.
Mr. Day.
Come on son Abel, what have you to say?
Abel.
I come unto your Honors, full of profound
Contemplations for this Gentlewoman.
Arb.
'Slife, he's at's lessen, wench.
Ruth.
Peace, which whelp opens next?
O the Wolf is going to bark.
Mrs. Day.
May it please your Honors, I shall presume
To inform you, that my son Abel has settled his affections
On this Gentlewoman, and desires your honours favour
To be shewn unto him in her Composition.
2 C.
Say you so Mrs. Day? why the Committee have taken
It into their serious, and pious consideration; together
With Mr. Dayes good service, upon some knowledge
That is not fit to communicate.
Mrs. Day.
That was the Letter I invented.
[Aside.
2 C.
And the composition of this Gentlewoman is consign'd
To Mr. Day, that is, I suppose to Mr. Abel, and so consequently
To the Gentlewoman. You may be thankful Mistress.
For such good fortune, your Estate's discharg'd,
Mr. Day shall have the discharge.
C. Bl.
O dam the vultures!
C. Care.
Peace man.
Arb.
I am willing to be thankful when I understand the
Benefit. I have no reason to compound for what's my own;
But if I must, if a woman can be a Delinquent,
I desire to know my publick censure,
Not be left in private hands.
2 C.
Be contented Gentlewoman, the Committee does this
In favour of you; we understand how easily you
92
Ruth.
And then good night to all.
[Aside
Arb.
How Gentlemen, are you private marriage jobbers,
D'ye make markets for one another?
2 C.
How's this Gentlewoman?
C. Bl.
A brave noble creature.
C. Car.
Thou art smitten Blunt; that other female too,
Methinks shoots fire this way.
Mrs. Day.
I desire your honours to pardon
Her incessant words; perhaps she doth not imagine
The good that is intended her?
2 C.
Gentlewoman, the Committee for Mrs. Dayes sake
Passes by your expressions; you may spare your pains,
You have the Committees resolution, you may
Be your own enemy if you will.
Arb.
My own enemy.
Ruth.
Prethee peace, 'tis to no purpose to wrangle here;
We must use other wayes.
2 C.
Come on Gentlemen, what's your case?
Ruth.
Arbella, there's the down right Cavalier
That came up in the Coach with us.
—On my life there's a sprightly Gentleman with him.
C. Care.
Our business is to compound for our Estates
While they speak, the Colonels pull the papers out and delivers 'um.
Of which here are the particulars,
Which will agree with your own Survey.
Obad.
The particulars are right.
Mr. Day.
Well Gentlemen, the rule is two years purchase,
The first payment down, the other at six months end,
And the estate to secure it.
C. Car.
Can yon afford it no cheaper?
2 C.
'Tis our rule.
C. Car.
Very well, 'tis but selling the rest to pay this,
And our more lawful debts.
2.
But Gentlemen, before you are admitted,
You are to take the Covenant;
You have not taken it yet, have you.
C. Car.
No.
Teg.
Upon my soul but he has now; I took it for him,
And he has taken it from me, that he has.
Ruth.
What sport are we now like to have?
2 C.
What fellow's that?
C. Car.
A poor simple fellow that serves me. Peace Teg.
Teg.
Let them not prate so then.
2 C.
Well Gentlemen, it remains
Whether you'l take the Covenant?
C. Car.
This is strange, and differs from your own principle,
93
Mr. Day.
Pish, we are not here to dispute, we act
According to our instructions, and we cannot admit any
To compound without taking it; therefore your answer.
Teg.
Why was it for no matter then that I have taken
The Covenant. You there, Mr. Committee.
Do you hear that now?
C. Car.
No, we will not take it, much good may it do them
That have swallows large enough;
'Twill work one day in their stomachs.
C. Bl.
The day may come, when those that suffer for their
Consciences and honour may be rewarded.
Mr. Day.
I, I, you make an idol of that honour.
C. Bl.
Our worships then are different, you make that
Your idol which brings your interest;
We can obey that which bids us lose it.
Arb.
Brave Gentlemen.
Ruth.
I stare at 'um till my eyes ake.
2 C.
Gentlemen, you are men of dangerous spirits,
Know, we must keep our rules, and instructions, lest we
Lose what providence hath put into our hands.
C. Care.
Providence, such as thieves rob by?
2. C.
What's that, Sir, Sir, you are too bold?
C. Car.
Why in good sooth you may give losers
Leave to speak; I hope your honors out of your bowels of
Compassion will permit us to take over our departing acres.
Mr. Day.
It is well you are so merry.
C. Car.
O ever whilst you live, clear souls make light hearts;
Faith, wou'd I might ask one question?
2 C.
Swear not then.
C. Car.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours goods;
There's a Rowland for your Oliver; my question is only,
Which of all you is to have our Estates: or will you
Make traytors of them, draw 'um, and quarter them.
2 C.
You grow abusive.
C. Bl.
No, no, 'tis only to entreat the honorable persons
That will be pleased to be our house-keepers, to keep them
In good reparations; we may take possession again
Without the help of the Covenant.
2 C.
You will think better on't, and take this Covenant.
C. Car.
We will be as rotten first as their hearts
That invented it.
Ruth.
'Slife Arbella, we'l have these two men;
There are not two such again, to be had for love nor mony.
Mr. Day.
Well Gentlemen, your follies light upon your
Own heads; we have no more to say.
C. Car.
Why then hoist sayles for a new world:
D'hear Blunt, what Gentlewoman is that.
94
'Tis their witty daughter I told thee of.
C. Car.
I'le go speak to 'um, I'de fain convert
That pretty Covenanter.
C. Bl.
Nay, prethee let's go.
C. Car.
Lady, I hope you'l have that good fortune,
Not to be troubled with the Covenant.
Arb.
If they do, I'le not take it.
C. Bl.
Brave Lady, I must love her against my will.
C. Car.
For you pretty one, I hope your portion will
Be enlarged by our misfortunes; remember your benefactors.
Ruth.
If I had all your Estates,
I cou'd afford you as good a thing.
C. Car.
Without taking the Covenant?
Ruth.
Yes, but I would invent an other oath.
C. Car.
Upon your lips.
Ruth.
Nay, I am not bound to discover.
C. Bl.
Prethee come, is this a time to spend in fooling?
C. Car.
Now have I forgot every thing.
C. Bl.
Come, let's go.
2.
Gentlemen, void the room.
C. Car.
Sure 'tis impossible that Kite
Shou'd get that pretty Merlin.
C. Bl.
Come, prethee let's go; these muck-worms will have
Earth enough to stop their mouths with one day.
C. Car.
Pray use our Estates husband-like, and so our
Most honourable Baliffs farewel.
Mr. Day.
You are rude: Door-keeper, put 'um forth there.
Keeper.
Come forth ye there, this is not a place for such as you.
Teg.
Ye are a rascal, that you are now.
Keep.
And please your honors, this profane Irish-man swore
An oath at the door, even now, when I
Wou'd have put him out.
2 C.
Let him pay for't.
Keep.
Here, you must pay, or lie by the heels.
Teg.
What must I pay, by the heels? I will not pay by
The heels, that I will not, upon my soul.
C. Car.
Here, here's a shilling for thee, be quiet.—
[Exeunt.
Teg.
Well, I have not curs'd you now, that I have not:
What if I had cursed then?
Keeper.
That had been six-pence.
Teg.
Upon my soul now I have but one six pence that I
Have not: here though, I will give it thee for a Curse; there
Mr. Committee, now there is six pence for the Curse beforehand
Mr. Committee, and a plague take you all.
[Runs out.
Ruth.
Hark ye Arbella, 'twere a sin not to love these men.
Arb.
I am not guilty Ruth.
Mrs. Day.
Has this honorable board any other command.
2 C.
Nothing farther good Mrs. Day: Gentlewoman
You have nothing to care for, but be grateful
95
Arb.
I desire to know what I must directly trust to,
Or I will complain.
Mrs. Day.
The Gentlewoman needeth not doubt, she shall
Suddenly perceive the good that is intended her,
If she does not interpose in her own light.
Mr. Day.
I pray withdraw; the Committee has pass'd their
Order, and they must now be private—
2 Com.
Nay, pray Mistress withdraw—So, Brethren, we have
Finish'd this days work; and let us always keep
The bonds of Unity unbroken, Walking hand in
Hand, and scattering the Enemy.
Mr. Day.
You may perceive they have spirits never to be
Reconcil'd; they walk according to Nature, and are
Full of inward darkness.
2 Com.
It is well truly for the good people that they
Are so obstinate, whereby their Estates may
Of right fall into the hands of the Chosen, which
Truly is a mercy.
Mr. Day.
I think there remaineth nothing farther,
But to adjourn till Munday: Take up the
Papers there, and bring home to me their
Honours Order for Mrs. Arbella's Estate: So,
Brethren, we seperate our selves to our
Particular endeavors, till we join in
Publick on Munday, two of the Clock;
And so Peace remain with you.
[Exeunt.
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