University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Bruges.
Enter three Merchants.
1st. Mer.
'Tis much that you deliver of this Harrol.

2d. Mer.
But short of what I could; believe me, sir,
He bears himself with such a confidence,
As if he were the master of the sea;
And not a wind upon the sailor's compass,
But, from one part or other, were his factor,
To bring him in the best commodities,
Merchant e'er ventur'd for.

3d. Mer.
This, and his merits,
Make many venturers with him, in their wishes
For his prosperity and fame. Yet more—
Is there a virgin of good fame wants dow'r?
He is a father to her—or a soldier,
Who, in his country's service, from the wars,
Hath brought home only scars and want? his house
Receives him and relieves him. Never doubt,
He is your man, and ours.

1st. Mer.
I only wish
His too great forwardness t'embrace all bargains,
Sink him not in the end.

2d. Mer.
Have better hopes;
For my part, I am confident—he's here.

Enter Harrol and fourth Merchant.
Har.
At your own rates, I take your wine of Cyprus;
But for your candy sugars, they have met
With such foul weather, and are priz'd so high,
I cannot save in them.

4th. Mer.
I am unwilling
To seek another chapman: make me offer
Of something near the price, that may assure me
You can deal for them.

Har.
I both can, and will,
But not with too much loss—your bill of lading
Speaks of two hundred chests, valu'd by you
At thirty thousand gilders—I will have them
At twenty-eight; so in the payment of
Three thousand sterling, you fall only in
Two hundred pounds.

4th. Mer.
You know they are so cheap—

Har.
Why, look you, I'll deal fairly; there is in prison,
And at your suit, a pirate, but unable
To make you satisfaction, and past hope
To live a week, if you should prosecute
What you can prove against him: set him free,
And you shall have your money to a stiver,
And present payment.

4th. Mer.
This is above wonder,
A merchant of your rank, who have at sea
So many bottoms in the danger of
These water-thieves, should be a means to save 'em,
And stay the course of justice!

Har.
You mistake me,
If you think I would cherish, in this captain,
The wrong he did to you, or any man:
But I was lately with him (being assur'd
A braver fellow never put from shore)
And read his letters of mart from this state granted,
For the recovery of such losses, as
He had sustain'd in Spain; 'twas that he aim'd at,
Not at three tons of wine, bisket, or beef,
Which his necessity made him take from you:
If he had pillag'd you, or sunk your ship,
Or thrown the men o'erboard, he then deserv'd
The law's extremest rigour: doing this,
Set your own price; save him, the goods are mine:
If not, seek elsewhere; I'll not deal for them.

4th. Mer.
Well, sir, for your love, I will once be led
To change my purpose.

Har.
For your profit rather.

[Exit 4th. Merch.
2d. Mer.
What do you think of this?

1st. Mer.
As of a deed of noble pity, guided
By a strong judgment.

2d. Mer.
Save you, master Harrol!

Harrol.
Good day to all!

2d. Mer.
We bring you the refusal
Of more commodities.

Har.
Are you the owners
O' th' ship, that last night put into the harbour?

1st. Mer.
Both of the ship and lading.

Har.
What's the freight?

1st. Mer.
Fine linens, cochineal, choice china stuffs.

Har.
Rich lading.
For which I were your chapman, but I am
Already out of cash.

1st. Mer.
I'll give you time
For the moiety of all.

Har.
How long?

1st Mer.
Six months.

Har.
'Tis a fair offer, which, if we agree
About the prices, I with thanks accept,
And will make present payment of the rest.
Some two hours hence, I'll come aboard.

1st. Mer.
The gunner shall speak you welcome.

[Exeunt Merchants.
Har.
Heaven grant my ships a safe return, before
The day of this great payment! as they are
Expected three months sooner, and my credit
Stands good with all the world.

Enter Clause.
Clause.
Bless my good master!
The prayers of your poor beadsman ever shall
Be sent up for you.

Har.
God a' mercy, Clause!
There's something to put thee in mind hereafter
To think of me.

Clause.
May he, that gave it you,
Reward you for it with increase, good master!
These seven years I have fed upon your bounties,
And by the fire of your blest charity warm'd me;
And yet, good master, pardon me, that must,
Tho' I have now receiv'd your alms, presume
To make one suit more to you.

Har.
What is't Clause?

Clause.
'Tis not for money,
Nor cloaths, good master; but your good word for me.

Har.
That thou shalt have, Clause, for I think thee honest.

Clause.
Some half hour hence then, master, take the trouble
Of walking unto Beggar's Bush; and there,
As you will see me among others, brethren
In my affliction, when you are demanded
Which you like best among us, point out me;
And then pass on, and notice me no farther.

Har.
But what will that advantage thee?

Clause.
Oh! much sir,
'Twill give me a pre-eminence of the rest,
Make me a king among 'em; and protect me
From all abuse, such as are stronger, might
Offer my age.

Har.
Troth, thou mak'st me wonder:
Have you a king and commonwealth among ye?

Clause.
We have—and there are states are govern'd worse.

Har.
Ambition among beggars!

Clause.
Many great ones
Would part with half their fortunes for the place,
And credit, to beg in the first file, master.
But shall I be so far bound for your furtherance
In my petition?

Har.
That thou shalt not miss of,
Nor any worldly care make me forget it.
I will be quickly there.

Clause.
Heaven bless my master!

[Exit.
Har.
AIR.

[Exit.