University of Virginia Library

ACT II.

SCENE I.

Vandunk's House.
Vandunk, Hubert, Hempskirke, and Margaret.
Van.
Captain, you're welcome: so is this your friend,
Most safely welcome; tho' our town stand out
Against your master, you shall find good quarter;
Truth is, we love him not. Margaret, some wine.
[Exit Margaret.
Let's talk a little treason, if we can
Talk treason 'gainst the traitors—by your leaves,
We, here in Bruges, think he does usurp,
And therefore I'm bold with him.

Hub.
Sir, your boldness
Haply becomes your mouth, but not our ears,
While we're his servants; and, as we came here,
Not to ask questions, as spies upon your strength,
So let's intreat we may receive from you
Nothing, in passage, or discourse, but what
We may with gladness, and our honesties, hear,
And that shall seal our welcome.

Van.
Good—let's drink then.
You see I keep my old pearl still, captain.

Hemp.
Old jewels commend their keeper, sir,

Van.
AIR.

Hub.
'Tis freely spoken, noble burgomaster,
I'll do you right.

Hemp.
Nay, sir, Mynheer Vandunk
Is a true statesman.

Van.
Fill my captain's cup there; O! that your master
Had been an honest man!

Hub.
Sir!

Van.
Under the rose.

Hemp.
And how does my niece?
Almost a woman, I guess. This friend of mine
I drew along with me, thro' so much hazard,
Only to see her—she was my errand here.

Van.
Ay, a kind uncle you are, (fill him his glass)
That in so many years could not find leisure—

Hemp.
So many, sir! what mean you?

Van.
Seventeen.

Hemp.
No, not so much.

Van.
I'll bate you ne'er an ace on't;
'Twas ere the Brabander began his war
For moonshine in the water, there, his daughter,
Who ne'er was lost—yet you could not find time
To see a kinswoman; but she is worth seeing, sir,
Now you are come. You ask if she's a woman—
She is a woman, sir—Fetch her forth, Margaret—
[Exit. Margaret.
And a fine woman, and has suitors—

Hemp.
How!
What suitors are they?

Van.
Batchelors, young burghers:
And one, a gallant; the young prince of merchants
We call him here in Bruges.

Hemp.
How! a merchant!
I thought, Vandunk, you'd understood me better,
And my niece too, so trusted to you by me,
Than to admit of such in name of suitors.

Van.
Such! he is such a such, as, were she mine,
I'd give him thirty thousand crowns with her.

Hemp.
But the same things, sir, fit not you and me.

[Exit.
Van.
AIR.

Hub.
Ay, marry,
Where is that man?

Van.
Nay, soft, an I could tell you,
'Tis ten to one, I would not—here's my hand—
I love not Wolfort; sit you still with that.—
Here comes my captain again, and his fine niece;
And there's my merchant—view him well; that's he.

Enter Hempskirke, Gertrude, and Harrol.
Hemp.
You must not only know me for your uncle
Now, but obey me; you go cast yourself
Away upon a dunghill here! a merchant!
A petty fellow! one, who makes his trade
With oaths and perjuries!

Har.
What's that you say, sir?
If it be me you speak of, as your eye
Seems to direct, I wish you would speak to me.

Hemp.
Sir, I do say, she is no merchandize;
Her rates, be sure, are more than you are worth.

Har.
You do not know, sir, what a gentleman's worth,
Nor can you value him.

Hemp.
A gentleman!
What, of the woolpack, or the sugar-chest,
Or lists of velvet? which is't, pound, or yard,
You vend your gentry by?

Hub.
Oh! Hempskirke, fye!

Har.
Alas, how much I pity
So poor an argument! Do not you, the lord
Of land, if you be one, sell the grass,
The corn, the straw, the milk, the cheese—

Van.
And butter;—
Remember butter, do not leave out butter.

Hemp.
You now grow saucy.

Har.
Sir, I have been ever
Bred with my honest freedom, and must use it.

Hem.
Do you hear?—no more.

Har.
This little, sir, I pray you.
Y' appear the uncle, sir, to her, I love
More than my eyes; and I have heard your scorns
With so much indignation, and contempt,
As each strives which is greater; but, believe me,
I sucked not in this patience with my milk.
A good man bears a contumely worse,
Than he wou'd bear an injury—Proceed not
To my offence. I wou'd approach your niece
With all respect due to herself and you.

Hem.
Away, companion? handling her! Take that.

Har.
Nay, I do love no blows, sir—there's the exchange.

[fight.]
Ger.
Oh! help my Harrol!

Van.
No, my life for him!

[Harrol disarms Hemp.
Har.
Not hand her! yes sir,—
And clasp her, and embrace her; and, wou'd she
Go with me now, bear her thro' all her race,
Tho' they stood a wall of cannon;—kiss me, my Gertrude;
Nay do not tremble.

Van.
Kiss him, girl, I bid you;
My Merchant Royal! fear no uncles—hang 'em—
Hang up all uncles—are we not in Bruges?
Under the rose here?

Har.
Thus encircled, love,
Thou art as safe, as in a tower of brass.
Let such as do wrong, fear it.

Van.
Ay, that's good—
Let Wolfort look to that!

Har.
Sir, here she stands,
Your niece, and my belov'd; one of these titles
She must apply to; if unto the last,
Not all the anger, can be sent unto her
In frown, or voice, or other act, shall force her,
Tho' Hercules had a hand in't. Come, my joy,
Say that thou lov'st me.

Van.
Do, and I'll drink to it.

Har.
Pr'ythee, speak,
Say thou art mine love, and defy false shame.

Ger.
AIR.

Hem.
I thank you, niece.

Har.
Sir, thank her for your life,
And fetch your sword within.

[Exeunt Har. and Ger.]
Hub.
A brave clear spirit!
Hempskirke, you were to blame; what meant you, pr'ythee,
To scorn him so?

Hemp.
'Tis done; now, ask no farther.

[Exit.
Hub.
Well, I must to the woods, for nothing here
Shall I trace out; there I may chance to learn
Somewhat to satisfy my keen enquiries.
How now, brave burgomaster? how is't with thee?

Van.
I love no Wolforts, and my name's Vandunke.

Hub.
Vandrunke, 'tis rather—come, go sleep within.

Van.
Earl Florez is right heir, and yon foul Wolfort—
Under the rose I speak it—

Hub.
Very hardly.

Van.
Usurps, and is a rank traitor, as e'er breath'd.
Shall he rule honest fellows, such as we?

DUET.
Van.
No pain, or disaster, shall make me say master
To Wolfort—

Hub.
Peace, peace man!

Van.
It goes against the grain;
And, sooner than do't—

Hub.
Till sober be mute—

Van.
I'll never more utter a syllable plain.

Van.
But while I can speak, or another glass take,
I'll drink to the downfall of his usurpation,
And pledge the dear man, that seconds my plan,
Till we've not left a drop of good wine in the nation.

Hub.
Pry'thee tumble to bed, let sleep cool thy head,
There quench, for to night, the remembrance of sorrow;
My hand on't, my boy, that I wake thee to joy,
To an ocean of transport, and liquor, tomorrow.

Van.
No, I'll not go to bed, nor in sleep lay my head;
In liquor, and mirth, will I bury my sorrow;
To night, silly boy, will I trust for my joy,
For none but a blockhead depends on tomorrow.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.

An Alehouse.
Several Boors discovered.
1st. Boor.
Come, English beer, hostess! English beer
By the barrel! hostess.

Enter Prig and Higgen disguised.
Prig.
Will you see any feats of activity? some
Slight of hand? legerdemain? hey! pass!
Presto, begone there!

2d. Boor.
Sit down, juggler.

Prig.
Look you, my honest friends, you see my
Hands—plain dealing is no devil—lend
Me some money—twelve pence a piece will serve.

All.
There, there.

Prig.
I thank ye, thank ye heartily: when shall I pay you?

Boors.
Ha, ha, ha! by the mass, this was a fine trick.

Hig.
This was a rare trick.

1st Boor.
But 'twould be a far rarer to restore our
Money.

Prig.
That's easily done. I know a trick worth
Two of that.

2d. Boor.
Ay! let us see it.

Prig.
You shall.
You see this cup; 'tis full; now what
Will you say, if I bring this liquor
Under my hat?

1st. Boor.
That would be a trick.

Prig.
I'll do't.

[Drinks the beer, then puts his hat on his head.
1st. Boor.
But where's the beer?

Prig.
Under my hat.

All Boors.
By this light, so it is, ha, ha, ha!

Enter Clause and a Boy, with Brandy.
Boy.
Buy any brandy? any brandy?

1st. Boor.
Come, fill, fill, fill—let's see—what's this?

Boy.
A penny.

1st. Boor.
Fill, fill till it be sixpence.

Prig.
Well done, my masters, drink away.
Will you have a song?

1st. Boor.
Ay, good juggler.

AIR.
Prig.

All Boors.
Ha, ha, ha! huzza!

Enter Hempskirke.
Hemp.
Good even, my honest fellows!
You're merry here, I see.
What hast thou, brandy?

Boy.
Yes, sir.

Hemp.
Fill out then, and give these honest fellows.

Boors.
We thank you.

Hemp.
May I speak a word in private to ye?
I have a business for ye, honest friends,
If ye dare lend your help, shall get ye crowns.

1st. Boor.
What is't, sir?
If it be any thing to purchase money,
Command us.

Hemp.
You know the young spruce merchant here in Bruges.

2d.
Who? master Harrol?

Clause.
Ha! lead me a little nearer, boy.

[Aside.
Hemp.
Ay, he owes me money,
And in the town there is no stirring him.

Clause.
How's this?

[Aside.
Hemp.
Even at this hour, upon a sure appointment,
He meets me, west o' th' town, by the chace-side,
Under the row of oaks—you know it?

Boors.
Yes, sir.

Hemp.
There, if ye dare but venture,
When I shall give the word, to seize upon him,
Here's twenty pounds.

Boors.
We'll do it, sir, depend on't.

Hemp.
If he resist, down with him, have no mercy.

Clause.
Say ye so?

[Aside.
Hemp.
To acquit you,
I have a warrant here about me.

3d. Boor.
Here's our warrant—this carries fire i' th' tail.

Hemp.
Away with me then, for the time draws on.

[Exit with boors.
Clause.
I'm bless'd to have heard this!
But I shall mar your plotting—follow, boy.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.

The Chace.
Enter Harrol.
Har.
AIR.
Enter Hempskirke.

Hemp.
Well, sir,
You shall not long be troubled, draw.

Har.
'Tis done, and now—

Hemp.
Now!

[Enter boors, and seize Harrol; then enter beggars, who release him, and take captive the boors, and Hempskirke.]
Har.
What these men are, I know not; nor for what cause
They thus should thrust themselves into my danger,
Can I imagine; but, kind Heaven, I thank thee;
I hope thou hast reserv'd me for an end
Fit for thy creature, worthy of thy honour.

Enter Clause.
Clause.
Blessings upon you, master!

Har.
Thank you, leave me;
For, by my troth, I've nothing now to give thee.

Clause.
Indeed, I don't ask, sir; only it grieves me
To see you look so sad—now goodness keep you
From troubles in your mind! why look you so?

Har.
Faith, thou must lose thy master.

Clause.
I'd rather lose my life, sir: would I knew—

Har.
What would the knowledge profit thee? so miserable
Thou canst not help thyself?

Clause.
You do not know, sir,
What I can do; cures for our cares sometimes
Flow whence we least expect 'em.

Har.
I know thy good will;
But, farewell, Clause, and pray for thy poor master.

Clause.
I cannot leave you.

Har.
How!

Clause.
I dare not leave you, sir; I must not leave you;
And, till you beat me dead, I will not leave you.
By all you hold most precious, good sir, tell me
The cause of this your grief; my mind suggests,
That something's in my power may ease you of it.

Har.
AIR.

Clause.
I cannot blame your grief, sir.

Har.
Now, what say'st thou?

Clause.
I say you should not shrink; for he who gave you
Can give you more; his power can bring you off:
When friends and all forsake you, still he sees you.

Har.
There's all my hope.

Clause.
Hope still, sir—are you ty'd
Within the compass of a day, good master,
To pay this mass of money?

Har.
Even to-morrow.

Clause.
Will no less serve?

Har.
What if it would?

Clause.
Your patience!
I do not ask to mock you; 'tis a great sum;
A sum for mighty men to start and pause at,
But not for honest—have you no friends left,
None, who have felt your bounty, worth this duty?

Har.
Duty! they know it not.

Clause.
It is a duty,
And as a duty from those men you've succour'd,
Should be return'd again. I have gain'd by you
A daily alms, these seven years shower'd upon me.
Will half supply your want?

Har.
Oh! that I had it! yet why dost thou fool me?
Canst thou work miracles?

Clause.
To save my master,
I can work this. Pull up your spirit, sir,
Your good, your honest, and your noble spirit;
For if the fortunes of ten thousand people
Can save you, rest assured: you have forgot
The good you did me in the power you gave me;
Now shall you know the king of beggar's treasure;
And let the winds blow as they list, the seas roar,
Within an hour, here shall you find your harbour.
The joy of giving, my thrice gracious master,
In all its nicest sense you've oft explor'd:
But say, what think you, is his joy, whose power
And will unite to raise his benefactor,
Should rude misfortune sink him?

Har.
The supreme
Of earthly happiness.

Clause.
Enough.
Ere night descend, that happiness shall be mine;
So pass in peace, my best, my worthiest master.
[Exit Clause.

Har.
AIR.

[Exit.

SCENE IV.

The Wood and Bush.
Enter Hubert, in a Huntsman's Dress.
Hub.
Thus have I stol'n away diguis'd from Hempskirke,
To sound these people, for my heart yet tells me
Some of these beggars are the men I look for.
Thus sure they cannot know me or suspect me;
This is the wood they live in, where, till Fortune
Crown me with that I seek, I'll dwell among them.—
They come—I'll couch awhile, and mark my time.

[Retires.]
Enter Beggars and Boors.
Prig.
Come bring 'em out—That ye are rogues
I take it is confess'd.

Boors.
We are rogues, sir.

Prig.
And why did ye this upon the proper person
Of our good master? Were ye drunk, when ye
Did it?

Boors.
Yes indeed were we.

Prig.
Ye shall be beaten sober.

Hig.
Has not the gentleman (pray mark this point
Brother Prig) that noble gentleman reliev'd ye
Often, found ye means to live by, employing
Some at sea, some here, some there, according
To your callings?

Boors.
'Tis most true, sir.

Hig.
And as ye are true rascals, tell me but
This—Have ye not been drunk often at
His charge?

Boors.
Often, often.

Hig.
There's the point: then, they have cast themselves
Brother Prig.

Prig.

A shrewd point, brother! Can ye do these
things, ye most abominable rascals, ye turnip-eating knaves?

Boors.

We are truly sorry.

Prig.

Knock at your hard hearts, rogues, and presently
give us a sign you feel compunction. Now
hear your sentence.

AIR.

[Boors beat off each other.]
During it, enter Clause.
Clause.
So, so, I see the punishment you've laid
Upon your prisoner-rogues—'twas well conducted.
What of the gentleman, the rascal gentleman,
Who set 'em on?

Prig.
We have him close confin'd, sir; and in this
Paper, which we found upon him, you may,
So please you, sound the bottom of their knavery.

Clause.
But soft—who have we here?

Enter Hubert.
Hub.
Good even, my honest friends!

Clause.
Good even, good fellow!

Hub.
AIR.

Clause.
A goodly fellow; if we take thee to us,
Into our clan, dar'st thou be true to us?

Prig.
Ay, and obedient too?

Hub.
As you had bred me.

Clause.
Answer me this.
As earnest of thy faith and resolution,
Wilt thou undertake to keep a rascal prisoner?
One who basely contriv'd to undermine
A noble life, dear to the state and us?

Hub.
I can, and will, sir.

Prig.
What learn you of him, sir?

Clause.
This paper says his name is Hempskirke,
A follower of earl Wolfort's—

Hub.
Hempskirke—a villain!

[Aside.
Clause.
Sent a spy-knave, to find out certain gentlemen;
Whom, should he find, if failing by persuasion
To bring 'em back, by poison to dispatch 'em.

Hub.
Indeed!

[Aside.
Clause.
One Hubert too is join'd in the design;
But for an honest end, so it appears,
Whom, when he has done his service, Hempskirke here
Is charg'd to kill, for he is set down dangerous.
Would I might see that Hubert!

[Aside.
Hub.
Treacherous rascal!
[Aside.
Sir, let me have him, venture, sir, to trust me;
For I have kept wild dogs, and beasts for wonder,
And made 'em tame too—give into my custody
This crafty villain, I shall hamper him—
O! he smells rank o' th' rascal!

Clause.
You shall have him.
But if he 'scape—

Hub.
Hang me, sir, in his stead!

Clause.
'Tis well; we take you to our favour: first,
According to your antient forms, enlist him
Into your brotherhood—and then proceed we
Unanimous to business.

AIR. TRIO.
Prig.
Yet ere you're admitted to live as we,
Answer us bold twice questions three.

Hub.
Expound to me speedily what they are,
Then hear me my answer with truth declare.

Prig.
First, can you steal well?

Hub.
Featly, featly!

Hig.
Ven'son, and dress it?

Hub.
Neatly, neatly!

Prig.
Eat it when done so?

Hub.
Sweetly, sweetly!

Hig., Prig.
The answer is honest, bold and fair,
So bow to the king, for his subject you are.

Hig.
Next, can you drink well?

Hub.
Guggly, guggly!

Prig.
Treat a fair wench well?

Hub.
Smugly, smugly!

Hig.
Kiss her on straw too?

Hub.
Snugly, snugly!

Prig., Hig.
The answer is honest, bold, and fair,
So bow to the king, for his subject you are.

All Beg.
Your answers are honest, bold, and fair,
So frolick with us, for our brother you are.

[Exeunt.

SCENE V.

Changes to the Town.
Enter Harrol and four Merchants.
Har.
Why, sirs, 'tis but a week more I intreat,
But seven short days—I am not running from ye,
Nor, if ye give me patience, is it possible
All my adventures fail; you have ships abroad
Endure the beating both of wind and weather.
I'm sure 'twould vex your hearts to be protested.
Y'are all fair merchants—

1st. Mer.
Yes, and must have fair play,
There is no living here else—one hour's failing,
Fails us of all our friends.

Har.
No mercy in you!

2d. Mer.
'Tis foolish to depend on other's mercy—
You have liv'd here in lord-like prodigality,
And now you find what 'tis: the liberal spending
The summer of your youth, which you should glean in,
Hath brought this bitter stormy winter on you,
And now you cry, Alas!

3d. Mer.
Before your poverty,
We were no men, of no esteem, no credit;
You stood alone; took up all trade; all business—
Lord, how the world's chang'd with you! now I hope
We shall have sea-room.

Har.
Is my misery
Become my scorn too? have ye no humanity?
No part of men left? and are all my bounties
To you and to the town, turn'd to reproaches?

4th. Mer.
Well, get your monies ready—you've but few hours;
We shall protest you else, and suddenly.

Har.
But two days!

1st. Mer.
Not an hour—you know the hazard.

[Exeunt Merchants.
Har.
AIR.

Enter Clause.
Clause.
Good fortune, master!

Har.
Thou mistak'st me, Clause—
I am not worth thy blessing.

Clause.
Still a sad man!
No belief, gentle master! bring it in then,
And now believe your beadsman.

Enter two Porters with bags.
Har.
Is this certain?
Or dost thou work upon my troubled sense?

Clau.
'Tis gold, sir—gold, good master,
Take it, and try it.

Har.
Can there be yet this blessing?

Clau.
Cease your wonder,
There's your full sum, an hundred thousand crowns;
So, good sweet master, now be merry; pay 'em,
Pay the poor pelting knaves, that know not goodness,
And cheer your heart up.

Har.
Tell me tho', good Clause,
How cam'st thou by this mighty sum? if naughtily,
I must not take it of thee—'twill undo me.

Clau.
Fear not—you have it by as honest means
As tho' your father gave it. Sir, you know not
To what a mass the little we get daily
Mounts in seven years—We beg it for Heaven's charity,
And to the same good we are bound to render it.

Har.
What great security?

Clau.
Away with that sir!
Were you not more than all the men in Bruges?
And all the money, in my thoughts—

Har.
But, good Clause,
I may die presently.

Clau.
Then this dies with you.
Pay when you list, good master, I'll no parchment;
Only this charity I shall intreat,
Leave me this ring.

Har.
Alas, it is too poor, Clause.

Clau.
This, and one simple boon is all I ask—
That when I shall return the ring, you then
Will grant whate'er I ask.

Har.
Thus I confirm it.
And may my faith forsake me when I break it!

Clau.
Away, your time draws on; take up the money,
And follow this young gentleman.

Har.
Oh Clause!—

Clau.
Heaven bless, and long preserve you, my good master!

[Exeunt.

SCENE VI.

Changes to the Wood.
Enter Jaculin.
Jac.
AIR.
[Jaculin retires.

Enter Hubert.
Hub.
I have lock'd up Hempskirke close enough from gadding
In an old oak, and set watch over him.
My schemes are almost ripe; dearly shall he,
And treacherous Wolfort, rue their double falshood,
If smiling fortune favours my design.
Now for my love—this wench is surely she;
If thro' her means I can but make discovery—
Jaculin advances.
She follows me—Come hither, pretty maid.

Jac.
No, no, you'll kiss.

Hub.
So I will.

Jac.
'Deed! la!
How will you kiss me, pray you?

Hub.
Thus—soft as my love's lips.

Jac.
Oh!

Hub.
What's your father's name?

Jac.
He's gone to Heaven.

Hnb.
Is it not Gerrard, sweet?

Jac.
I'll stay no longer;
My mother's an old woman, and my brother
Was drown'd at sea with catching cockles.

Hub.
Stay!

Jac.
How my heart melts within me at his voice!
Shou'd I disclose myself? wer't best? O love!

[Aside.
Hub.
'Tis surely she. Pray let me touch your hand, sweet.

Jac.
No, no, you'll bite it.

Hub.
Sure I should know that ring.

[Aside.
Jac.
I had forgot my ring.
Oh Hubert! Hubert!

[Aside.
Hub.
Methought she named me.
[Aside.
Do you know me, chick?

Jac.
No sure, I never saw you—
Oh! what a joy he brings me!—
[Aside.
I must be married to-morrow to a capper.

Hub.
Must you, my sweet? and does the capper love you?

Jac.
Yes, yes, he'll give me pye, and look in my eyes thus.
'Tis he, 'tis my dear love—Oh happy fortune!

[Aside.
Hub.
How fain she would conceal herself, yet cannot.
I'll try to humour her in this her wildness.
[Aside.
To make my hopes more perfect, will you love me,
And leave that man? I'll wait you thro' the vale,
And make you dainty nosegays.

Jac.
And where will you put 'em?

Hub.
Here in thy bosom, sweet, and make a crown
Of lillies for thy head.

Jac.
And will you love me? Deed! la!

Hub.
With all my heart.

Jac.
Call me to-morrow then,
We'll have brave cheer, and go to church together.

Jac.
Give you good even, Sir,

Hub.
One word more, fairest;
Did you e'er know a maid call'd Jaculin?

Jac.
Oh, I'm discover'd!

[Aside.
Hub.
'Tis she—now I'm certain
[Aside.
They are all here—Turn, turn thee, lovely maid,
Thy Hubert speaks to thee.

Jac.
Alas, I fear—
Why thus disguis'd?

Hub.
For justice and for love;
Thou must assist the means—
As we pass on, I'll tell thee all my purpose.

Jac.
And may I trust thee?

Hub.
As thine own soul.

Jac.
Still true?

Hub.
And will remain so,
Heaven scorn me else!

AIR and DUET.
Jac.

Hub.

Jac.

Hub.

DUET.
Jac.

Hub.