University of Virginia Library

ACT 3.

SCENE I.

Enter Boutefeu, Malignii.
Bout.
S'Death, I care not, I,
For him nor all his anger,
Let him be pleas'd again
If that he be displeas'd without a cause.

Mal.
He says ye are a Horse,
A thing unfit for human conversation,
And of so leud a Tongue,
No woman you once spoke to e'r could scape yee.

Bout.
But I dare venture, Sir, a thousand Crowns
You'l hardly get him for to tell me this.

Mal.
Not but he's stout enough, but 'twould displease
The Colonel (to quarel here) and that he will not do;
He said, he'd give the world for an occasion.

Bout.
And that he shall not want:
Prethee, dear Major, tell him I'd see him with
His Sword in's hand.

Mal.
Fie, Boutefeu, are you mad?
Will you thus lay your self open to your Enemies?
He is the Colonel's nearest friend;
And if I be ingag'd; whom will you have
To work your business for you?
Besides, you'l find his coldness straight,
And you may then occasion find enough
To make him angry; 'twill be much better
It should come from him.

Bout.
But how? which way?
For I do long to chide his Boyish Censure.

Mal.
Clairmont to night does give the Ball,
The Banket he has sent to fair Charlotte
You'l find him leading of Bellmont,
And then you may put some slight upon him,
As taking her to dance out of his hand,
Or twenty other things, done, as 'twere, by chance,
Which he will never suffer.

Bout.
Nor suffer! S'death a shall,
And think the doer too, that he may live.
God b'you, mark but the end of this.

[Exit.
Mal.
Yes, I will mark it, Sir, most heedfully.
What a hot-brain'd fool is this?
He faster runs to ruine than I'd have him;
For if he kills Beaupres his ruine's sure;
If not, Beaupres most certainly kills him,
And then I think he'l hardly stay in Town.
Oh my dear brain, work, work more mischief yet;
I have it—
I must needs render him suspitious to
Brisac; but here is some more caution needful,
Rashly to run between two such sworn friends
Is dangerous, nor is Brisac so sottish,
To judge without some proof of a meant injury:
Nor must a find me tripping, if he do,
'Tis I must welcome then a double Foe.
But ere my hopes to sad despair be hurl'd,
I'l open War declare 'gainst all the world.

[Exit.
Enter Bellmont, Charlotte as in a Garden.
Bell.
But let me beg to know your nearest thoughts,
For friendship in all men grows up by trust,
And sure 'mongst women it is much the same.

Charl.
Begin to show example in this kind,
For I do know your thoughts so noble are,
That they are fit to take example by,
And I would be a Learner.

Bell.
Of me? fie, Sister, now you do abuse your friend.

Charl.
Indeed I never mean it:
What shall we talk of? for I do believe
That all the world to us is so indifferent,
We shall like no discourse but of our selves.

Bell.
I fear so too:
But I have a Brother that I must love,
For he deserves it from me.

Char.
Heigh: I have a Father too, but these are Kindred.

Bellm.
'Tis true: but come, I'l trust ye with a story.

Charl.
You will oblige me;
Besides, I'l promise secresie.
And if in ought I ever can but serve you,
I shall esteem my self most happy.

Bell.
That you shall judge when you have heard me out.
There is a man that's near related to me,
That loves the fairest Virgin in the world,
His love began with the first sight of her,
But has been seldom blest with that fair sight,
And knowing too that he can ne'r deserve her,
Loves much, hopes little, and dare never own't.

Char.
Alas! I pitty him.

Bell.
I wish you did.

Char.
Why can you think that any thing near you
Shall ever want my wishes for his good?
But pray ye on; Why can he ne'r deserve her?

Bell.
Not but their Qualities are very equal,
But she is fair and good above the common.

Char.
Is he not virtuous too?

Bell.
He is believ'd of all to be so:
Nor would I pitty him, if I did doubt it,
But there be great opposers to his good.

Char.
A brave good man needs never fear a Rival.

Bell.
His modesty (a sign where virtue dwells)
Perswades him still he is not good enough
To be belov'd by the fair Charlotte.

Char.
How? prethee, dear Sister, leave me.
How seriously she kept her countenance?
None to abuse but your poor Servant thus?

Bell.
Trust me, I do not jest, Charlotte;
And did you know but half so much as I,
You would afford much pitty, if not Love.

Char.
Who e'r it be, h'as found a cunning Orator,
And one 'bove all the world that has most power with me:
But give me leave to speak as freely to you,
And censure not my freedom as a guilt,
For I have such a great opinion of ye,
That I durst tell you all my Souls affections;
I do love, nay, love extremely,
And one that is nearly related to you;
One too, that never yet did speak of Love,
Nor do I think he can mean any to me;
If it prove he, I shall most gladly hear you;
If not, then, dear Bellmont, I'l beg
You ne'r will speak, to move my just refusal,
For I can never love another man.

Bell.
'Tis poor Brisac, may he e'r hope for mercy?

Char.
Pray hear me, for I do resolve
To be most free and open with ye;
You are o'th' Sex, and equally concern'd
To keep all things within the sacred Rule
Of Friendship, and of Maiden-modesty.
You know it were unfit that men should know
When we are easily conquer'd.

Bell.
Leave that to my discretion:
But tell me first, is it Brisac?

Char.
It is, O 'tis!
But may I take your word that he loves me?

Bell.
You may; nay, do not hide your face,
D' ye think I'l vent the freeness of your talk?
You shall see how discreetly I'l manage him;
For though he be my Brother,
Yet you're a Woman, and my dearest friend.

Char.
Use me with care as e'r you hope for good,
And construe not too hard my confess'd weakness;
Remember 'twas your Brother conquer'd me.

Bell.
Your freeness speaks how innocent you are,
Far more than all tricks of a forc'd dissembling.

Char.
I hope you will believe so, pray, Sister, do.

Bell.
Come, come, indeed I will.

Char.
Lord how shall I look? would I had not told you.

Bell.
Nay, why so? you are unkind in this,
He shall not know how much you have confess'd,
And yet I'l give him hopes enough to court yee.

[Exeunt.
Enter Malignii, Luyson.
Mal.
That's my good Wench.
Thou know'st I ever lov'd thee.

Lu.
What would you have me tell you, Sir?
I cannot, nor I will not feign a Lie.

Mal.
But 'tis impossible thou should'st see nothing,
How wert thou wont to find them?

Lu.
What ends have you in this?
I thought when you came so privately,
It was to use some of your former sleights
For the undoing of a harmless Maid.
O you're a fine Gentleman, and kept your word well with me.

Mal.
Trust me, I love thee dearly, Wench,
And that e'r long thou'lt find too;
But things are not yet as they should be.

Lu.
What things? what should be?
O the dissembling of you men!
When yee have once had your ends,
Ye care not a pin for us VVomen.

Mal.
Fie, Luyson, do not think so.
But prethee tell me, VVench,
Did they never send thee away on sleevless errands?

Lu.
Not that I remember, but I have often left them
Alone together.

Mal.
That's my good Girl:
And did'st thou never find Letters?

Lu.
Not I indeed, Sir, why d'ye ask?

Mal.
I have a reason for it,
VVhich much concerns thy good;
If thou canst possibly, prethee get thy Lady
To walk here when 'tis late to night,
When that the Ball is done, for coolness.

Lu.
I'l do any thing you'l have me,
But pray be not you the cause that I be chid,
And remember what you so long have promis'd.

Mal.
I will indeed, Luyson, this kiss, and farewell.

[Exeunt Luyson, Malignii.
Enter Brisac. Malignii.
Bris.

I am glad I have met with you, for I was alone; have
you seen Beaupres lately?

Malig.
No Sir: but I was seeking you.

Bris.
Me Major? VVhat's thy business honest Malignii?

Malig.
My duty first of wayting on you, then a minde I had
To talk in privat wi' yee bout a bus'ness.

Bris.
Though I am much unfit for bus'ness now,
Yet thee I'l hear at any time.

Malig.
Pray Sir, d'ye think I love you?

Bris.
VVhy dost thou question it?
In deed I do?

Malig.
And do'nt you know't hath been my chiefest care
To mind what does concern you and your good?

Bris.
I ever had but just opinion of you.

Malig.
Certainly then a Looker on may see
More at all games, than those that are in play.

Bris.
When they do understand the game, they may.

Malig.
Right:
Then freely let me tell you Sir, you'r wrong'd.

Bris.
Wrong'd? by whom?
Tis base to do it so, that I should miss the knowledge.

Malig.
Those that dare do injuries to friends,
Dare nere suspect that they should understand it.
Beaupres 's your friend, he might have told you on't.

Bris.
By Heav'n I know he would, assoon as you,
Did he but once suspect it.

Malig.
Why Sir this heat to me?
I have never deserv'd it from you.

Bris.
Pardon me Malignii,
But whom you name my Friend,
And tax him with a want of care to me,
It troubles me.
Pray to the business; for I know he know's it not.

Malig.
Better than any man.

Bris.
Come you are mistaken—
I know him better—
If you once suspect his friendship to me,
I justly may suspect all what you say.

Malig.
I ha' done Sir.

Bris.
How done? will you not tell me then
Where I am wrong'd?

Malig.
You will not hear me Sir.

Bris.
Faith but I will: methinks it does concern me.

Malig.
Know ye of no adresses made to your Sister?

Bris.
Not I.

Malig.
Then they are conceal'd it seems.

Bris.
It seems so; but if they honorable be,
Why should I be concern'd?

Malig.
'Twere fit you knew it though,
Women are things that may be over-come,
And need somtimes a Brothers Counsel.

Bris.
Why then you do suspect my Sisters Virtu?

Malig.
Not I, by all that's good:
And yet I would not have her wrong'd.

Bris.
Nor shall she be by the best he that Breaths.

Malig.
Promise me then you will with strickest Eye
Observe all things that may concern her,
You'l find who then is most your friend,
And who's the franker dealer with you, I,
Or those that heedfully do blind your Eyes,
More at this time you shall not get from me:
But when your knowledg beginneth to be touch't,
You'l hearken to me better, and take Counsel.

Bris.
I'l do so now;
Good Major, tel me what thou knowest.

Malig.
By Heav'n not I:
And yet you sha'not scape the knowledg.

Bris.
But 'twill be kindlier done, if't comes from thee.

Malig.
Not I; why should I venture for the name
Of making Enmity betwixt two men?
Yee are too great for me to come between,
And Joyning once again I'm crust to nothing.

Bris.
Shall I receive no more injury mean time,
For want of this same Knowledg?

Malig.
No, I'l take care for that.
Farewell; Yet Colonel look about yee,
I say no more: When yee get a glimps
Come to me, I'l help your Sight somwhat further.

Bris.
What Devil is't he Ayms at?
[Exit. Malig.
This fellow is so Jealous in his nature,
All that he looks on is so magnyfi'd,
That what t'other's seems a Moat, to him
Appears a Mountain;
Beaupres else, as well as he could spy it.
You are too great for me to come between;
Sure then 'tis no mean man do's Court my Sister.
Ha! Clairmont the General has often been
Assiduous in his visits to her; and now Courts
The fair Charlotte; Curse of all fools, 'tis he;
I, I, t'was he that Malignii did mean,
He Courts my Mistriss too, Why here's occasion?
I'm glad of that yet; for I ne'r shall brook a Rivall.
Yet sure he durst not wrong my Sister.
For Frenchmen freely visit whom they like
For Witt or Entertainment, without a Scandall.
Here she is, I'l know the Worst on't.

Enter Bellmont.
Bellm.
Brother, you'r well met.
I ha' news for you.

Bris.
And Sister I have some for you.

Bellm.
For me dear brother? what is't?

Bris.
Nay, let me hear your's first,
Mine may be told at Leisure.

Bellm.
You know what you enjoyn'd me to,
I have been no ill Orator.

Bris.
How dear Bellmont? does she know I love her,
And is she not offended at that Knowledg?

Bellm.
Not much, I have appeased all;
You have free leave to visit, and to talk:
But use this Liberty with much discretion,
I am ingag'd for 't.

Bris.
With the same Rreverence I would call
Upon a Patron Saint, I still shall crave
Her goodness to me. But prethee tell me Sister,
D'you think she ever will Love me?
May be her friendship unto you
Has gain'd this bounty for me.

Bellm.
There is some liking too of you:
You else had gon without it.
But you have got a powerfull Rival,
Not with her; but one who gaineth once the Fathers mind,
Boldly attacks the Daughter without Controul.
Therefore be you discreet.

Bris.
In that I will be govern'd still by you;
But pray you tell me Sister, is't not Clairmont
That you do mean?

Bellm.
Yes Sir.

Bris.
I h've heard that he did once pretend to you.

Bellm.
A galantry, nothing else Sir.

Bris.
But Sister make not so slight on't,
For 'tis much taken notice of.
And I dare force him still to do you reason.

Bellm.
Me? Alas I can claim none of him,
Nor would I, if I could.

Bris.
The man's not so inconsiderable Sister.

Bellm.
O Brother! let me beg, you'l take
Some other way to rid you of a Rival,
Make not me suffer all the effects of hate
For your great Love.
There's nothing I would wave to do you service,
But this I beg, you nere will mention more.

Bris.
So much aversion must needs spring from wrong.
I will nere force thee Sister. Come let's in—

[Exeunt.
Enter Host and his Wife.
Host.

Nay, prethee weep not Chuck: I'l warrant thee there's
no body will take the house off their hands, now we have left
it.

Wife.

But what an inhuman dog to turn us our just when
these blades were come to Town? O the Tearing Customers

we should have had

Host.

No matter, no matter, God's sprecious they cannot
hinder me my standing on the Kings ground, and we will vent
our Merchandize here in spite of their Noses; Set down the Table
Chuck, there, so, lay the stools under it.

Pox's let's be merry for all this Cluck.
Hang sorrow, care will kill a Cat.

Wife.

Truly Husband I believe that's the reason ours dy'd this
morning.

Host.
Away, Woman, away—
Sings.
If any pass this way, I'm sure they'l stop,
For here's man's meat, and woman's meat;
Thou for the men, and I for the women;
At the Sign of St. Anthony's Pig.

Wife.
But why have you chang'd the Sign we had before?
St. Lewis is as much respected in this Country.

Host.

I, but you know the Prodigals child thrust out of
doors, kept Company with pigs (good wife) and sows.

Wife.
Tis true, and with hogs (good husband) and hogs.

Host.
Away thou Cockatrice; peace here's company.
Enter Colignii, Delpeche, Mariane, Lamarch, Francibell.
Sings.
Sa, Sa, Mounsieurs, what have you a mind to?

Colig.

Odd's my life, Gentlemen, here is the bravest fellow
I ever read of in all my Travels; Pray friend, what show do you
represent?

Host.

Show Sir?

Coli.

I, show Sir, does that offend you? U'ds fish, I care
not a fart an' you be offended at show Sir.

What do you wear that in your hat for, Sir,
If it be not for a show Sir, ha?

Host.
Why, for a Sign Sir.

Colig.
For a Sign? why are you the Post?

Ha, ha, ha, ha, a very good jest, did not I put a very good jest
upon him Gentlemen?

Host.

Yes you did, a very good jest, ha, ha, ha, 'twas a
very good jest ifaith Gentlemen.

Colig.

Why so it was Sir, for all your sneering.

Host.

Why so I thought Sir, 'tis very strange you will be so
angry without cause.

Franc.

So, so, Gentlemen, my Brothers taken up.

D'elpe.

I, I, let him alone, let's mark 'em.

Colig.

Why Sir without a cause? I was angry at something,
I was angry at a post, and there you have it again, ha, ha, ha,
ha.

Host.

I'm glad you are pleas'd again; for I find your Witts
riding post, ha, ha, ha, ha.

Colig.

A pig, a pig, a pig, ha, ha, ha.

Host.

'Tis the Sign of the Pig, and I'm the Master of the
Cabaret, which shall give you most Excellent content.

Colig.

Say'st thou so honest fellow? faith thou art a very merry
honest fellow; Sisters, I'l treat you, and these Gentlemen,
at this Cabaret he talks of; Prethee honest Friend where
is this Cabaret? for I long to be in a Cabaret.

Host.
Why here Sir, sit down at this Table,
And call for what you will.

Delpe.

How's this, how's this? S'death are you one of
Urganda's Squiers? pray friend whence shall the meat, and
wine come?

Lamar.

From Tripoli on a Broomstick.

Host.

Pray Gentlemen, hinder me not the Custom of the
young gallant; Entreat but these Ladies to sit down, and break
my head If you benot well treated, I'l desire no favour.

Colig.
Nor no mony neither, I hope Sir.

Host.
Truly I won't; if you be not pleas'd above expectation,
Ne'r Trust one again of my profession.

Delpe.
Faith Ladies this may prove worth our Curiosity;
Come we will sit down.

Maria.
What you please Sir.

Colig.

That's my good Sister; Come, come, La Couvert la
Couvert.

Lamar.

This begins to look like somthing, he's bravely stuft
I'l warrant you, he is so well hung.

Colig.
Now Sir, a cold brest of your delicate white Veal.

Host.
Here you have it Sir.

Colig.
Nay, nay, and a sallet, good Sir, a sallet.

Host.
Well Sir, I must untruss a poynt.

Colig.
How Sir, to give us a sallet? why have you been at grass?

Delpe.
Why d'yee want a boyl'd sallet Mounsieur?

Lamar.
Before St. Lewis an Excellent Trimming,

I'l ha' my next Suit, that I go into the Campaign with,
Trimm'd al with Sasages.

Maria.
'Twill make many a hungry Souldier aim at you.

Colig.
Well thought on ifaith Sir.
Come friend, a Dish of Sasages, a dish of Sasages.

Host.

VVhy look you Sir, this Gentleman only mistook the
placing, these do better in a belt.

Franc.
A strange fellow this.

Delpe.
I, is it not? come Sir, wine we see you have:
Prethee let's tast the best.

Host.
That you shall Sir;
If you'l hear Musick, and a Song with't,
I'm ready: you shall want nothing here.
Sings.

Delpe.

Away with your Drunken songs, have you nothing
fitter to please the Ladies?

Host.

Yes Sir.

Delpe.

Come away with it then.

Host Sings.
Colig.

Most Excellent ifaith! Here's to thee honest fellow
with all my heart, nay stay a litle, this is very good VVine; here's
to thee again—heark you honest fellow, let me speak with
you aside. D'ye Count here by pieces or d'ye treat by the head?

Host.

I'l treat by the head Sir, if you please; a Crown a head,
and you shall have excellent cheer, VVine as much as you can
drink.

Colig.

That's honestly said; you know my father friend, tis
Mounsier Cortaux.

Host.

Yes Sir, the famous Scrivener here of Tours.

Colig.

VVell, treat us very well, I'l see thee pay'd.

Host.

Nay Sir, I'l see my self pay'd, I'l warrant you, before
you and I part.

Colig.

I do mean it so honest friend, but prethee speak not a
word to the Gentlemen, for then you quite disgrace, Sir, your
most humble Servant.

Host.

Mum, a word to the wise is enough.

Colig.

Come, come, Friend where's the Capon of Bruges
you last spoke of?

Host.

Here at hand Sir, Wife undo my Helmet, this, Sir,
Is my Crest.

D'elp.
A very improper one for a marri'd man.

Colig.
Yes faith and troth, he should have had horns, ha, ha, ha,
Here's to yee noble Captain, a very good jest
As I am a Gentleman:

D'elp.
I thank you Sir!

Colig.
Me think's you are melancholly, Sir!

La'ma.
Not I Sir, I can assure you: Lady's how
Like ye the sport, an odd Collation, but well
Contriv'd.

Fran.
The contrivance is all in all.

Maria.
What makes my Brother kneel, look, look Sister.

Colig.
Here's a health to our noble Colonel,
Gentlemen, ye see 'tis a goone one!

D'elp.
Yes, and a large one, but if both drink it
How shall we lead your Sisters home!

Colig.
No matter, Hem: here 'tis Gentlemen, super Naculum
Come, come a Tansey Sirrah quickly.

D'elp.
Has pos'd ye there mine Host.

Host.
That's as time shall try, look ye here Sir.
The lining of my Cap is good for something.

La'mar.
Faith this was unlook'd for.

D'elp.
S'fish I think all his apparel is made of commendable
Stuff; has he not Ginger bread-shoes on.

Host.
No truly Sir: 'tis seldom call'd for in a Tavern,
But if ye call'd for a dish of Pettitoes, 'twere
But plucking off my Wives Buskins.

Fran.
We'l rather believe then try.

Colig.
S'foot, I'le puzzel him now; a Chamber-pot,
Quickly Sirrah, a Chamber, O' O' O', quickly.

Host.
Here Sir, You see it serves for a good Cap with
Feathers in't. This won't do, do ye'r worst:
Gallant I'l fit ye; call for what ye please.

Colig.
Nay I've no need on't, faith thou art a brave
Fellow: Here's mine Host's health Gentlemen.

D'elp.
Could you procure these Ladies a dish of Cream
Sir, this will shew your Master-piece!

Host.
'Tis the only weapon I fight at; look ye
Gentlemen the thunder has melted my sword
In the scabbard, But 'tis good, taste it.

D'elp.
Th'ast my Verdict to be the wonder of Hosts,
Shalt have a Patent for't if I have any
Power at Court.

La'mar.
This is excellent, Monsieur Colignii, I'l pledge
You his health now.

Colig.
Why Sir, would you not have it otherwise?

La'mar.
What if I would not, Sir?

Colig.
Then I would have made you, Sir.

La'mar.
Nay now th'art down, prethee sleep,
Malignii falls he rises drunk.
Or rise and take the Hosts Wife to dance.

Colig.
So I can Sir for all you!

Fran.
Lord! how soon he got drunk!

Host.
Why I told him he might drink as much as he
Would, and ye see he has claw'd it.

D'elp.
Prethee, honest friend, play us a Dance,
Come faith, Ladies, let's be merry.

Mari.
As Crickets we, Come Sister!

i'mar. sings.
La'mar.
Some say the World is full of holes!
Play that friend.

Fran.
I do, do (though the Tune and Song be very witty
And old) the Dance is very pretty and new.

The Dance.
Fran.
Truly I am very weary.

La'mar.
We'l sit and repose.

Maria.
O Lord, Sister, you know the Ball is to night;
We must go home first, to adjoust our selves.

Whispers
D'elp.
We'll wait on you Madam, Fellow.

Host.

I dare not, Sir, this Gentleman has commanded the
Contrary.

D'elp.
Well come then Ladies, friend have you a care
Of him.

Ex. D'elp. La'mar. Fran. Maria.
Host.
I shall Sir,
A most special care, I'l warrant ye?
I'l first get him out of the way, to sleep himself sober.

Colig.
What would you have friend?
Prethee reach a pillow.

Host.
Troth you have pos'd me now Sir;
But if you'l rise, here 'tis; carry it your self,
Come wee'l go sleep in the shade,
Wise take up the Table and stools,
Come Ile help you.

Colig.
Come, come a long boys,
Valiant and strong boys—hoop hey boys.

Exeunt.
Enter Beaupres, Bellmont.
Bell.
My Brother, Sir, is infinitely kind,
For I have done him service.

Beaup.
And be you infinitely careful too Bellmont,
For there be Tongues; most wicked Tongues.

Bell.
None that dare ever wrong my dear Beaupres,
And for my self,
I ne're shall shame the owning of my Love.

Beaup.
I fear you do not understand me right,
And yet I am glad you do not too,
For Innocence, in what I mean, looks lovely,
And Ignorance here, more beauteous is then knowledge.

Bell.
I am so far from knowing what you mean,
That I can't guess it, Sir,
For Heav'ns sake tell me, what is't,
Have I offended? I will beg a pardon
Not for my will, but my unwilling fault.

Beaup.
I hope you need none:
But dear Bellmont be careful,
Remember who and whose you are;
Plague o' this Dog, how does he make me talk!
aside
Nay, be not melancholly;
'Twas not of you I spoke,
But something I have heard to day,
And of a Virgin too, so Innocent,
That after it I ne're shall think one Free
From slanderous Tongues.

Bell.
Yet I may hope to be the onely free;
Since I will ne're the least occasion give;
If it appear to all the World a Malice
'Twill be a foil to set my Vertues off,
Or rather yours; For all I have of good is so;
And may the Heavens still make me fitter for you,
Or take my life, ere I unfitting grow
To coap with that fair worth and honour in you.

Beaup.
O thou best of Women!
Make me not blush too much, because
You did not understand my secret meaning
My thoughts were hurri'd and I angry grew
To think on mens blaspheming Tongues
Against so fair an Innocence!

Bell.
Who is it, Dear Beaupres, that is so wrong'd?
I will grow angry too; for w're concern'd
In all that's good and Vertuous to defend 'em,
It were as great a sin
To leave a Cause, the gods should undertake:
Nay, they at last will bless it, and us too
For siding with it.

Beaup.
It shall be still my pray'r:
But dear Bellmont, after the Ball is done;
Ile slip into the Garden, pray come to me:
From whence we may Contrive,
How I may get into your Chamber,
You will not scrupulous grow, to meet me now
At these late hours of night.

Bell.
Indeed I ought to be most scrupulous;
Should any see't; the Censure they would give
(Not knowing what has past) my fame undone,
And what we after say, not be believ'd.

Beaup.
I can't blame your care:
But here it grow's too nice,
Will you not trust me with your actions now?
I to my self will answer all that happens.

Bell.
You may command me any thing,
Ile do my duty and not fail to come.

[Exeunt.
Enter Clairmont and Charlotte.
Clairm.
But Madam, may I never hope,
By my assiduous and most humble service
To gain an interest in your Inclination?
Tell me but what you'l have me be?

Charl.
Your self my Lord!
And think me as I am:
Too much below your least consideration.

Clairm.
'Twere blasphemy in any man to say so,
And much unkind in you it is:
But like to Notes, when as they neerest are,
And not the same.
They sound so differently, that one would think
Those farthest, which with one small turn,
Agree in all, and frame one harmony
Fairest Charlotte, can nothing, nothing move ye?

Charl.
Yes my Lord!
You do, to tell you freely all my thoughts:
For I do honour much your worthy person;
But when you talk of Love,
It is by me so little understood,
That all the explanation you ere give
Will never make me knowing in the Language.

Clairm.
Will you then give me leave
To try your Father, he can better speak,
And having spoken be better understood,
By one who is his Daughter, and obedient,
I can't dislike this Maiden Back-wardnes
Loath to bestow your self, without his knowledge.

Charl.
That I esteem you honourable,
My Lord you now shall see; since I dare beg
A Boon; and a strong Boon it is to beg
You being young (and as you say) most loving,
Call then those vertu's to your aid
That you are Master of,
And I conjure you by them all,
That you ne're press my Father in this business,
You may command a thousand hearts,
Do not then plunder mine.
Or make use of Authority to force it;
'Twill not be worth your owning if you do,
For 'twill be broke, most miserably broke.

Clair:
Then 'tis Aversion, not a Maidens blush,
That makes you thus deny me!

Char.
Indeed you are too blame to call it so,
I know you would not have me lie
And pay your real with one that's feign'd,
My Friendship and my best respects
You ever shall command,

Clair.
It was unjust to cause me to love so much
When I want wherewithall to make you kind!
But promise to be just in this,
Endeavour but as much as ere you can,
(Since you will have it so)
To love you less.
Thus you going forward, and I going back,
Perchance at last we may much nearer grow
For did I let mine be as now it is
The Flame of all the world could ner'e arrive
To such a Height,
And I the lighted Beacon
A Torrent unto ruine, blaze alone.

Char.
Tis I, my Lord, that must complain of Fate
That see such Vertues in a mind?
So rich a present as a heart like yours
And have not one, wherewith to pay the bearer.

Clair.
And must I suffer all this Torment too
That you would gratefull be, yet say you can't!
O ye Gods, forbid Charlot to fro vn upon my action,
And I will send ten Thousand Rivalls to ye
Were they made up in one;
For they must sure be blessed that can gain
Th'affections of so fair a Virgin here!

Char.
The Gods are juster, Sir, then to permit
You should do harm to what did never wrong ye
He ner'e laid claim to what you cou'd call yours.

Clair.
But he ha's rob'd me of my souls delight
Such Treasure as the world compar'd to it
Would fall so short of all comparison,
As none but fools would ever offer at it
And yet I cannot blame him,
To make so fair a prize of this
Who would not Pyrate turn, 'gainst man and heaven?

Char.
O fy! my Lord!
Spare heaven, who can revenge it's wrongs.

Clair.
Th'ave tan'e you from me, Punishment too great
For all I hope I ever shall commit.
But Madam sha'nt I know
The happy object of your Care?

Char.
When I do find you better temper'd
Ile tell you, and I hope you'l love him too.

Clair.
Ile study still to please you if I can.

Char.
My Lord! Here comes Company.

Enter D'elpech, leading Mariane, La' March Francibell, to them Boutefeu.
Mari.
I fear we are too late,
'Twill be uncivill if they have begun.

Delp.
No, no, Ile warrant you.
Boutefeu, how dost man?
Thou hast lost the best Comedy:

Bout.
I care not, I.

La'Ma.
Here Sir, handy dandy, which hand will you have
For I see your Worship's in a scurvey humour!
Why what a Devil ayl'st thou man?

Bout.
Prethee, La March, let me alone,
I am serious at present.

Fran.
I fear the humour is not All a Mode at Balls, Sir.

Bout.
No more is the dress of your head, Madam.

La'Ma.
Prethee be not so Clownish,
Thou wert such a pretty fellow, hadst but a little breeding?

Bout.
Rest ye merry Sir, I have other fish to fry.—

Exit.
Delp.
What the Devil ayles he?

Maria.
Troubl'd with the Botts, Ile warrant ye.

La'Ma.
The worme bites; come Ladies here's the House.

Franc.
Nay Sir, we might hear this House by the Musick.

[Exeunt.