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Title: The City Bride (1696)
Or The Merry Cuckold
Author: Joseph Harris
Commentator: Vinton A. Dearing
Release Date: October 12, 2007 [EBook #22974]
Language: English
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JOSEPH HARRIS
_The City Bride_
(1696)
With an Introduction by
Vinton A. Dearing
Publication Number 36
Los Angeles
William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
University of California
1952
GENERAL EDITORS
H. RICHARD ARCHER, _Clark Memorial Library_
RICHARD C. BOYS, _University of Michigan_
ROBERT S. KINSMAN, _University of California, Los Angeles_
JOHN LOFTIS, _University of California, Los Angeles_
ASSISTANT EDITOR
W. EARL BRITTON, _University of Michigan_
ADVISORY EDITORS
EMMETT L. AVERY, _State College of Washington_
BENJAMIN BOYCE, _Duke University_
LOUIS BREDVOLD, _University of Michigan_
JAMES L. CLIFFORD, _Columbia University_
ARTHUR FRIEDMAN, _University of Chicago_
EDWARD NILES HOOKER, _University of California, Los Angeles_
LOUIS A. LANDA, _Princeton University_
SAMUEL H. MONK, _University of Minnesota_
ERNEST MOSSNER, _University of Texas_
JAMES SUTHERLAND, _University College, London_
H. T. SWEDENBERG, JR., _University of California, Los Angeles_
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
EDNA C. DAVIS, _Clark Memorial Library_
INTRODUCTION
_The City Bride_, by Joseph Harris, is of special interest as the only
adaptation from the canon of John Webster to have come upon the stage in
the Restoration. Nahum Tate's _Injur'd Love: or, The Cruel Husband_ is
an adaptation of _The White Devil_, but it was never acted and was not
printed until 1707. _The City Bride_ is taken from _A Cure for a
Cuckold_, in which William Rowley and perhaps Thomas Heywood
collaborated with Webster. F. L. Lucas, Webster's most recent and most
scholarly editor, remarks that _A Cure for a Cuckold_ is one of the
better specimens of Post-Elizabethan romantic comedy. In particular, the
character of the bride, Annabel (Arabella in Harris's adaptation), has a
universal appeal. _The City Bride_, a very close copy of its original,
retains its virtues, and has some additional virtues of its own.
Not much is known of its author, Joseph Harris. Genest first notices him
as playing Bourcher, the companion of a French pirate, in _A
Common-Wealth of Women_. Thomas Durfey's alteration of _The Sea Voyage_
from the Beaumont and Fletcher folio, which was produced about September
1685. His subsequent roles were of a similar calibre, but if he never
rose to be a star he seems to have become a valued supporting player,
for in 1692 he was chosen to join the royal "comedians in ordinary." He
did not at first side with Thomas Betterton in his quarrel with the
patentees of the theatre in 1694-5, but he withdrew with him to
Lincoln's Inn Fields. Genest notices him for the last time as playing
Sir Richard Vernon in Betterton's adaptation of _1 Henry IV_, which was
produced about April 1700.
During his career on the stage Harris found time to compose a
tragi-comedy, _The Mistakes, or, The False Report_ (1691), produced in
December 1690; _The City Bride_, produced in 1696; and a comedy and a
masque, _Love's a Lottery, and a Woman the Prize. With a New Masque,
call'd Love and Riches Reconcil'd_ (1699), produced about March 1698/9.
_The Mistakes_ is clearly apprentice work, for Harris acknowledges in a
preface the considerable help of William Mountfort, who took the part of
the villain, Ricardo. Mountfort, who had already written three plays
himself, cut one of the scenes intended for the fifth act and inserted
one of his own composition (probably the last) which not only clarified
the plot but also elevated the character of the part he was to play. The
company seems to have done its best by the budding dramatist, for Dryden
wrote the prologue, a rather unusual one in prose and verse, and Tate
supplied the epilogue. Harris professed himself satisfied with the
play's reception, but owned that it was Mountfort's acting which really
carried it off.
_The City Bride_, on the other hand, shows its author completely
self-assured, and rightly so. No doubt some of his ease comes from the
fact that he had nothing to invent, but in large part it must derive
from his ten-years' experience on the stage. Harris added nothing to the
plot of _The City Bride_, although he commendably shifted its emphasis,
as his title makes clear, from infidelity to fidelity; but he rewrote
the dialogue almost completely, and the new dialogue is remarkable good.
The reader will notice that it is, except for the last half of the first
act, printed as prose. The quarto of _A Cure for a Cuckold_, from which
Harris worked, is also largely printed as prose, but has correct verse
lineation in the same portion of the first act. It is the more
remarkable that Harris, following thus closely the apparent form of his
original, could vary from it so successfully. Most notable, probably,
are the passages in which he intensified the expression of his source.
They may indicate no more than the eternal "ham" in our author; but I
think they probably indicate as well a new style of acting, more
rhetorical in one way, more natural in another. A good example, in which
the new rhetoric is not oppressive, is the account of the sea fight at
the end of Act III. Even when Harris followed his original most closely,
we seem to hear the actor, speaking in a new tongue, in a more relaxed
and colloquial rhythm. The reader will find it both amusing and
instructive to compare the two versions of Act II, scene ii. The new
cadences do more than merely prove that Harris had no ear for blank
verse.
_The City Bride_ does not conform to the dominant type of Restoration
comedy, but it belongs to a thriving tradition. Domestic comedy, in
adaptations from the Elizabethans, had been staged at intervals for
twenty years before _The City Bride_ appeared, and the type was of
course destined to supplant gay comedy in the near future. Harris was
not, therefore, going against the taste of the town; on the contrary he
was regularly guided by contemporary taste and practice. His stage is
less crowded: he amalgamated the four gallants of _A Cure for a Cuckold_
in the person of Mr. Spruce, at the expense of a dramatic scene (I, ii,
31-125); and he ended the sub-plot with the fourth act instead of
bringing its persons into the final scene, with some loss of liveliness
and a concomitant gain in unity of effect. He modernized his dialogue
entirely, bringing up to date the usage and allusions of his original,
and restraining the richness of its metaphor by removing the figures
altogether or by substituting others more familiar. He omitted a good
deal of bawdry, especially in Act II, scene ii. All these changes have
parallels in other Restoration adaptations. Again, the songs and dances,
which are all of Harris's composition, reflect the demand of the
Restoration audience for excitement, variety, novelty, in their dramatic
fare. When in Act III, scene i, Harris meets this demand by making
Bonvile bare his breast to Friendly's sword, and Friendly a little later
grovel at Bonvile's feet for pardon, we may condemn the new business as
bathetic; but when in Act IV, scene i, he substitutes for Webster's
emaciated jokes the bustle of drawers, the sound of the bar bell, and
healths all around, we can only applaud the change.
We must also commend Harris for supplying a consistent and relatively
believable motivation for the main action. In both _A Cure for a
Cuckold_ and _The City Bride_, Clare (Clara) begins the action by giving
her suitor, Lessingham (Friendly), a cryptic message: he is to determine
who his best friend is and kill him. In _A Cure for a Cuckold_, it is
never made clear whether the victim should have been Bonvile or Clare
herself (she apparently intended to trick Lessingham into poisoning
her). This uncertainty has only recently been noticed by students of the
drama, who have been forced to emend the text at IV, ii, 165 (see
Lucas's note on the passage). Harris's solution is simpler. He will have
nothing to do with either murder or suicide. Clara explains to Friendly
that the best friend of a lover is love itself.
This is not the place to enumerate all the differences between _A Cure
for a Cuckold_ and _The City Bride_; indeed the reader may prefer making
the comparisons for himself. Harris's alterations follow the general
pattern of Restoration adaptations from the earlier drama, it is true.
On the other hand, a relatively small number of such plays allow us to
see the professional actor feeling his way through the emotions and
actions of the scenes. To compare a play like _The City Bride_ with its
source is like visiting the rehearsals of an acting company of the time.
Such a play has an immediacy and liveness that strongly appeals to those
who delight to image forth the past.
_The City Bride_ has never been reprinted. The present edition
reproduces, with permission, the copy in the Henry E. Huntington
Library, omitting Harris's signed dedication to Sir John Walter, Bart.,
on A2^r-A3^r (A1^v in the original is blank). The top line on page 44,
which is partly cut away, reads: _Cla._ Who (if thou ever lov'dst me ...
Vinton A. Dearing
University of California
Los Angeles
THE CITY BRIDE:
OR,
The Merry Cuckold.
A COMEDY,
Acted at the New Theatre, in _Little
Lincolns Inn-Fields._
BY
His Majesty's Servants.
_First Edition._
_Spero Meliora._
LONDON:
Printed for _A. Roper_ and _E. Wilkinson_ at the _Black-Boy_, and R.
_Clavel_ at the _Peacock_, in _Fleet-street_. 1696.
PROLOGUE:
_Spoke by Mr._ THURMOND.
_Three Ways there are, and all accounted fair,
To gain your Favour: Begging, Borrowing, Prayer.
If as a Beggar, I your Alms implore }
Methinks your Charity shou'd aid the Poor; }
Besides, I never beg'd of you before. }
If I address by Prayer, and loud Complaints
I then oblige yee, for I make you Saints;
And sure none here can think it Superstition,
To pray to Saints that are of no Religion!
If Invocation will not do my Work,
A Man may borrow of a_ Jew _or_ Turk;
_Pray lend me Gentlemen your Applause and Praise,
I'll take it for as good as Currant Bays;
And if I ne're repay it, 'tis no more,
Than many of you Sparks have done before:
With this distinction, that you ran indebt
For want of Money, we for want of Wit.
In vain I plead! a Man as soon may get
Mill'd Silver, as one favour from the Pit.
----Hold then----now I think on't,
I'll e'en turn Thief, and steal your kind Affection,
And when I've got your Hearts, claim your protection:
You can't convict me sure for such a crime,
Since neither Mare nor Lap-dog, I purloin:
While you Rob Ladies Bosoms every day, }
And filch their pretious Maiden-heads away; }
I'll plead good nature for this Brat the Play: }
A Play that plagues no more the thread-bare Theme
Of powder'd Beaux, or tricks o'th' Godly Dame,
But in your humours let's ye all alone,
And not so much as Fools themselves runs down.
Our Author try'd his best, and Wisemen tell,
'Tis half well doing to endeavour well:
What tho' his poor Allay runs not so fine;
Yet, let it pass as does our present Coin;
For wanting fairer Ore, and riches mould
He stamps in Brass, what others print in Gold:
Smile on him but this time, the next perhaps,
If he guess right he may deserve your Claps._
Dramatis Personæ.
|Bonvile, _The Bridegroom_. |_Mr._ Boman. |
|Friendly, _His Friend, in Love with_ Clara. |_Mr._ Thurmond. |
|Justice Merryman, _Father to_ Arabella. |_Mr._ Bright. |
|Summerfield, _A Gentleman, but Younger Brother, | |
| necessitated to take the High-Way_. |_Mr._ Scudemore.|
|_Mr._ Ventre, _A Merchant._ |_Mr._ Arnold. |
|_Mr._ Spruce, _A City Beau._ |_Mr._ Bayly. |
|Compasse, _A Master of a Vessel._ |_Mr._ Freeman. |
|A Councellor. |_Mr._ Davis. |
|Pettifog, } |_Mr._ Trefusis. |
| } _Two Attorneys._ | |
|Dodge, } |_Mr._ Eldred. |
| | |
|_Sailers, Neighbours, Drawers, Servants, Boys, | |
| Singers and Dancers._ | |
| | |
|Arabella, _The Bride_. |_Mrs._ Boman. |
|Clara, _Friendly's Mistriss, but secretly in Love | |
| with_ Bonvile. |_Mrs._ Boutell. |
|_Mrs._ Ventre, _The Merchant's Wife_. |_Mrs._ Lacy. |
|Peg, _Compasses Wife_. |_Mrs._ Perin. |
|Nurse. |_Mrs._ Lawson. |
|Lucy, Clara's _Maid_. |_Miss_ Prince. |
| | |
|_Women Neighbours._ | |
SCENE _London_.
THE CITY BRIDE:
OR, THE
Merry Cuckold.
ACT I. SCENE the I.
_The Curtain draws up, and discovers several sitting at a Banquet.
An Entertainment of Instrumental Musick, Compos'd by Signior_
Finger: _Then a Song, set by Mr._ John Eccles, _and Sung by Young_
La Roche.
SONG.
_Many I've lik'd, and some Enjoy'd,
But if I said I Lov'd, I ly'd.
Inconstant as the wandring Bee,
From once touch'd Sweets I us'd to flee;
Nor all the Power of Female Skill,
Cou'd curb the freedom of my Will:_
Clarinda _only found the Art,
To Conquer and so keep my Heart._
[_After this a Dance, and then the Scene shuts._
Enter_ Friendly _and_ Clara.
_Friend._ This is a Day of Mirth and Jollity my _Clara_.
_Clara._ 'Tis so, for such as can be merry, Mr. _Friendly_.
_Friend._ Why not for us my Love, we have a Noble President, and
methinks shou'd Imitate (thrô Envy) this their happiness.
_Clara._ I am not of your Opinion.
_Friend._ Why not my Fair?
_Clara._ I'll tell you, because I purpose not to Marry.
_Fri._ Prithee be serious, and reform that Thought: Think of my past
Service, and judge by that my future; weigh all the respect I have paid
you long, and ever lov'd you beyond my self.
_Cla._ I know your Weakness, and will reward it too.
_Fri._ I am sure you will, you must be kind; And can you think an Answer
of this killing Nature, a just return for all my faithful Love?
_Cla._ As to that I have already said.
_Fri._ Oh speak, from whence this Coldness doth arise! Be at least so
kind as to tell me that; Is it some late Disgust you have conceived of
my Person; or rather your desire, (I fear) of some unworthier, happy
Creature, base in the Attempt, as you unkind in thinking of a Change; if
neither.
_I must impute it to your Woman's Will,
Still pleased with what it fancies, Good or Ill._
_Cla._ Be't what it will, thus it is, and with this Answer pray rest
satisfied; there is but one way ever to win me and draw me unto
Marriage, which whosoever finds, 'tis like he may have me, if not, I am
still my own.
_Fri._ Oh name it then! Thou dearest Treasure of my Life! my Soul! my
All! I am in a maze of Extasie, to think there's any means to gain you,
and hope you'l be so kind to tell me how I may be happy.
_Cla._ I'll retire a while; and with my self resolve what must be done,
and in the end send you my Resolution.
[_Exit_ Clara.
_Fri._ I'll here expect it: What more can I desire, than now be
satisfied and know my Dooom.
_Suspence is the worst Torment we endure,
'Tis Knowledge make the Wound both safe and sure._
_Enter_ Spruce _and_ _Mr._ Venter.
_Spru._ How now _Jack_! What all alone Man?
_Fri._ No, for I have heard some say, Men are ne're less alone, then
when alone. The reason I suppose is this, because they have Crowds of
Thoughts, that still perplex the Mind; which wou'd be, like the Soul
retired and free, thereby to enjoy that sweet repose, which nought but
that can Grant.
_Spru._ Pshaw! Pox of this Morality and dull Stuff; Prithee let us be
Merry, and Entertain the Bride and Bridegroom. Ods fish there a parcel
of rare Creatures within! But of all Mrs. _Clara_ for my Money.
_Mr. Ven._ And truly, I am of your Opinion Mr. _Spruce_; for setting
aside her present Melancholly and Discontent, I think she is beyond
Comparison with any other.
_Spr._ Od's nigs, I know the Cause of her Disorder.
_Ven._ What I pray?
_Spr._ Why, I'll tell ye; In all Conditions of Estates, Professions, and
Degrees, in Arts or Sciences, yee know there's a kind of Envious
Emulation.
_Mr. Ven._ Right.
_Spr._ So in this of _Arabella_'s Marrying; for _Clara_ being Lady of
much the same Birth and Quality, Grieves I--suppose to see her Rival get
the start of her.
_Mr. Ven._ Troth like enough.
_Fri._ Y'are Pleasant Gentlemen--Or else because she having had so many
Courtiers----
_Spr._ And you among the rest _Jack_.
_Fri._ She now perhaps does cast a more favourable Eye upon some one
that does not like her.
_Spr._ Why Faith, and that may be too.
_Enter_ Lucy _with a Letter._
_Lucy._ Sir, my Mistriss presents her humble Service to you, and has
sent you this Letter; pray Heaven it be to your liking Sir.
_Fri._ I thank the kind _Lucy_: There, there's for the Postage Girle:
[_Gives her Money._] She has kept her Promise for once I see; I'm
resolved to read it, thô I were sure my Death was Comprehended in it.
Reads. _Try all your Friends, and find out the best and nearest to
your Heart, That done, be sure to kill him for my sake. This fail
not to do, if you respect and Love (as you pretend.)_
Clara.
'Tis as I fear'd, and what I know she most desires: Mischief, and
Murder, are all her Sexes Practice, and Delight? Yet such is the
Extravagancy of my Passion, I must obey the Mandate, thô to my certain
Ruine: 'Tis strangely difficult, and does require Mature Deliberation.
[_Exit._
_Spr._ What has _Friendly_ left us?
_Mr. Ven._ I believe the Letter was the occasion, it may be it was a
Challenge.
_Spr._ A Challenge! No, no; Women don't use to bring Challenges, I
rather believe 'tis an Amour; And that Letter as you call it a _Billet
Deux_, which is to Conduct him to the place appointed; and in some Sence
you may take that for a Challenge.
_Mr. Ven._ And she the Civil Embassadress to usher him in.
_Spr._ Yes, yes, but see the Bride and Bridegroom, with the rest of the
good Company.
_Enter Justice_ Merry-man, Bonvile, Arabella, _Mrs._ Venter _and others,
as Guests Invited to the Wedding._
_Mer._ Son _Bonvile_, what call ye the Gentleman we met at the Garden
Door?
_Bon._ _Friendly_ Sir, a most approv'd and worthy Gentleman, and one of
my chiefest Guests.
_Mer._ Ay, ay, it may be so: But yet me thought he seemed somewhat
displeased, thô Son, Hah, What think you?
_Bon._ No sure Sir, he cannot be Angry, when his Friend's so happy.
_Mer._ I can't tell Boy, but I believe there's something more than
ordinary in the matter. Why should he leave the Company else? And Mrs.
_Clara_ I miss her too. Why Gentlemen, why do you suffer this?
_Ara._ Unknown to any Sir, she withdrew soon as we rise from Table.
_Mer._ Sick of the Maid perhaps; because she sees you Mrs. Bride her
Quondam Play fellow Married before her; Heh Gentlemen, heh!
_Mr. Ven._ 'Troth like enough Brother _Merry-man_.
_Mer._ Go, go, find her out for shame Gentlemen; and do not stand idle
thus, Od's bobs, when I was a Young fellow and invited to a Wedding, I
used to frisk and Jump, and so bestir my self, that I made all the
_Green-sickness_ Girles in the Room blush like Rubies. Ah, hah! I was a
brisk Fellow in those Days, I'faith, and used to Cut Capers a Yard high:
Nor am I yet so Old, but I can take a round or two still--Come, come
Gentlemen, lets in again and firk it away, shall we not?
_Spr._ With all my Heart Mr. Justice.
_Mer._ Why that's well said Mr. _Spruce_, Ods bobs it was, and I thank
you heartily.
_Spr._ Come Madam, you must along with us, without you all's nothing.
_Arab._ I'll wait on you Gentlemen; if you will give me leave Sir.
[_To_ Bonvile.
_Bon._ Oh my best Joy! This Day you may Command.
_Mer._ That's right, that's right I'faith Gentlemen! This Day she
Commands, and he for ever after. Ods bobs I have done so my self, and
hope I shall do so still. Sister _Venter_, May I presume to ask if my
Brother can say as much?
[_Exit_ Bonvile, Arab. Spruce, _and the rest of the Guests._]
_Mrs. Vent._ Yes Brother, I think he may, I freely Give him leave.
_Mer._ Observe that Brother, she freely gives you leave: But who Gives
leave the Master or the Servant?
_Mr. Ven._ You are Merry Brother, and truly you have reason, having but
one Daughter and see her Married as you would have her.
_Mer._ Yes, I have one thank Heaven! You wou'd be glad Sister you cou'd
say so, but your Barrenness does give your Husband leave (if he please)
to look for Game elsewhere.
_Mrs. Ven._ Well, well Sir, thô you jeer me, and make a scorn of my
Sterility--
_Mer._ No, no, not I Sister, I scorn not your Sterility, nor your
Husbands Virility neither.
_Mrs. Ven._ My Husband's Virility! Pray spare my Husband; for he has not
been so idle as you imagin; He may have an--Offspring abroad for ought
you know, that you never heard of.
_Mr. Ven._ Oh fye Wife, You will not make it publick will you?
_Mrs. Ven._ And yet he keeps himself within compass for all that.
_Mr. Ven._ If you love me _Winny_--
_Mrs. Ven._ Na, I say no more, but thereby hangs a Tale.
_Mer._ Say'st thou so old Girle? What and has he been stragling then?
Nay; nay I know he is a Ventersome Man; And a--Merchant of small Wares
sometimes, especially when he can get a good Commodity: I love him the
better for't I'faith, Ods bobs I do--A notable spark with a Young Wench
in a corner, Is he not? A true Chip of the old block, his Father I
warrant him--But Sister, I have something to say to you in private,
concerning my Daughter.
_Enter Nurse._
_Nurse._ By your leave Good Folks, Is Master _Venter_ the Merchant here
I pray?
_Mr. Ven._ Oh Nurse! I am glad to see thee, How does my Boy?
_Nurse._ Very well, I thank Heaven Sir! He grows bravely I assure you.
'Tis a Chopping lad I promise you, and as like your good Worship; As if
he had been spit out of your Mouth.
_Mr. Ven._ Softly, Nurse softly.
_Nurse._ I protest 'tis one of the forward'st Infants in the Universe;
Lord! how it will Crow, and Chirup like a Sparrow! I am afraid Sir he is
about Teeth, for he Dribbles extreamly, if so, Your Worship must provide
him a Silver Corral with a Whistle and Chain.
_Mr. Ven._ Well, well, he shall have everything Nurse, my Wife shall
send them to ye; in the mean time, there, there's a Piece, to buy thee a
Pair of Gloves, and so leave us, for I am busie at present, therefore
steal away behind me, and slip out at the back Door.
_Nurse._ Yes Sir, I am gone, Heavens bless your Worship, a Piece! Marry!
and that's a sufficient Charm to lye up any Nurses Tongue in
_Christendom_.
[_Ex. Nurse_
_Just. Mer._ Well well, it shall be done: Come Brother we are mist I
warrant you amongst the Young Fry, let's to 'um and, Dance till our Legs
ake again, come I'll lead the way.
_Mr. Ven._ We follow you.
[_Exeunt._
_Enter_ Friendly _Reading the Letter._
_Fr._ Heaven in its excess of Goodness, bestow'd no greater Blessing on
Mankind than that of Friendship--To Murder any one is a Crime
unpardonable! _But a Friend!--And of all Friends the nearest to my
Heart_,--'Tis such an Imposition that Hell it self 'till now cou'd never
parallel; And yet this Devil of a Woman has power over me beyond all
Virtue. I am distracted in my Thoughts, and know not what to do; yet
something must be done without delay, or else I lose her quite: And yet
I fear 'tis most Impossible, for Friendship left the World, when Justice
fled, and all who now do wear that Name are the worst of Hypocrites,
_Like Counterfeited Coin on which is seen,
The formal Stamp; but sordid Dross within._
_Enter_ Bonivile.
_Bon._ My Friend alone and Thoughtful? say for what?
That you alone appear with Discontent,
When all my Friends Congratulate my Bliss?
Is it because (which I durst ne're suspect)
Your Love to me was not intirely true?
Or else perhaps, this Crown of Happiness
You think Misplac'd, and Envy it not yours.
_Fri._ Forbear such cruel Words--
How can you entertain a Thought so Vile
Of him whom so long you have call'd your Friend?
May all the Blesings Heaven can bestow
On us poor Mortals in this World below,
Crown all your Days, and may you nothing see
But flowing Tides of sweet Felicity;
But I, alas!--
_Bon._ Alas! What means my _Friendly_?
Much hidden Grief that wretched Word portends,
Which thus disturbs the Quiet of my Friend?
But come disclose it to me,
And since the Burthen is too much for one,
I'll bear a part to ease thy troubled Breast.
_Fri._ Oh _Bonvile_!
Seek not to force this Fatal secret from me--
_Bon._ I must know it, by my best hopes I must.
_Fri._ Oh no! I cannot, Nay I dare not--
_Bon._ How dare not trust a secret to a Friend?
_Fri._ Oh _Bonville_, _Bonville_! Call me not your Friend,
That Name strikes horrour to my very Soul.
_Bon._ Ha! Art thou then a Stranger to that Name?
_Fri._ Indeed I am, and must be so for ever now.
_Bon._ Yet hear me _Friendly_; Deny me if thou can'st,
Fixt as a Rock, I vow I'll here remain,
Until I have forc'd this Dire secret from thee.
_Fri._ Pardon me Sir, I hope you soon will hear it,
But I----
[_Offers to go._]
_Bon._ Yet stay, and since intreaty can't prevail,
By all the Friendship which you once profess'd,
By all that's Holy, both in Heaven and Earth,
I now Conjure thee to impart it to me,
Or by this Life----
_Fri._ Hold, hold, and since I can no longer hide it
Know 'tis my Honour then which lyes at Stake.
_Bon._ Thy Honour! How? Proceed.
_Fri._ By chance a Quarrel happen'd to arise
Betwixt another and my self, The Field,
Time, Place, and all appointed,
Nay Seconds must assist us in the Deed:
I have relied on many seeming Friends,
(Such as profess the bare and empty Name)
And all refuse to venture in my Cause.
_Bon._ Is this all?
_Fri_ All, Is it not enough? To see my Reputation,
(the Lifes Blood of my Soul)
Nay all that's Dear, in Danger to be lost.
_Bon._ Not while thy _Bonvile_ lives and wears a Sword:
May all things frown that I wou'd have to smile,
May I live Poor, and Dye despised by all,
If I out live the ruine of thy Honour!
Tell me the time my Friend?
_Fri._ Oh, spare me that, for, if once known the time,
You'l Cancel this your promise, and recall
Your Friendly proffer.
_Bon._ Away with these Excuses, come the time.
_Fri._ At Seven this Evening.
_Bon._ The place?
_Fri._ _Barn-Elms_:
Oh the fatal place! Where I too well foresee,
The certain fall and Ruine of my Honour!
_Bon._ No, Thou shalt not stay to forfeit thy lov'd Honour,
Come I'm ready to assist my Friend; and will along with you.
_Fri._ Alas. What mean you?
Of all my Friends on you I ne're Relied;
But sure I Dream, I Rave, by Heav'ns I'm Mad!
My _Bonvile_ leave his Wife? And on his Wedding Day?
His Bride whom he perhaps may ne're Enjoy?
And all for me? O most unhappy Man!
_Bon._ Pleasure before my Friend I'll ne're prefer,
Nor is it lost, thô for a while, delay'd.
_Fri._ Are you then resolv'd to go?
_Bon._ I am as fixt in my Resolve as is the _Libertin_ in vice,
Which Death alone can part.
_Fri._ Yet stay, and think what it is you undertake,
Recall this Rash and suddain Resolution,
Least you repent, alas when it is too late.
_Bon._ This were enough to shake a weaker Soul,
But mine it moves not; like to a Mighty Oake,
I'm plac'd above the Storms of Fear or Doubt.
_Enter_ Arabella.
_Fri._ Sir, no more, the Bride,
_Ara._ Oh, Heavens defend me!
_Bon._ What ailes my Dearest Life?
_Ara._ I've lost the Key of this Chain I wear about my Neck
And of these Bracelets, Oh! Unhappy Omen!
_Bon._ No, no, my Love; I found it as it lay at Random in your Chamber,
and fearing it might be forgot, or lost, have laid it by; 'Tis safe my
Love.
_Ara._ Indeed I'me very glad you've found it, but yet----
[sighs.
_Bon._ Yet, What my Dear? from whence proceeds that sigh?
_Ara._ Alas, I know not!
Some busie Genius Whispers to my Soul,
The loss of this upon my Wedding Day
Portend's a greater e're the Day be past.
_Bon._ Banish such Fears, let's in and see our Friends.
_Ara._ Indeed they all expect you; come I'll lead the way.
_Bon._ I'll go with you. _Barn-Elms_ you say?
[_Aside to_ Friendly.
_Fri._ Yes that's the place, at Seven precisely;
_Bon._ I'll meet you on the _Exchange_, and go together;
If you are there before me, Take a turn or two.
[_Exit_ Bonvile, _and_ Arabella.
_Fri._ Oh my Dear _Bonvile_! Art thou then the Man?
The only, only Man that I can call Friend,
And only Friend that I am bound to Kill?
A Friend, that for my sake wou'd stake his Life,
Leave a Chast Bride and untouch'd Nuptial Bed
For me base Man, nay worse than Savage Beast:
The generous Lyon, never kills his kind
They say, althô provoked to utmost rage;
Yet I vile Monster, more ungrateful Man,
Thus unprovoked, must kill my Brother Creature,
And which is worse, my Dear and only Friend!
All for the pleasure of a Foolish Woman.
_O cruel Woman thus to Command
A Task so hard, Yet what I can't withstand!
Oh! thou rare Copy of the Original,
By which free Man at first received his fall;
For she not only wou'd her self undo,
And all her Sex, but Damn all Mankind too._
[_Exit._
_The End of the First Act._
ACT the Second.
SCENE the First.
_The Fields._
_Enter_ Summerfield _solus._
_Sum._ A Younger Brother! 'Tis a poor Title, and very hard to bear with:
The Elder Fool inherits all the Land, whilst we are forc'd to follow
_Legacies of Wit, and get 'um when we can_. Why shou'd the Law, by which
we are deprived of equal Portion with the First-begotten, not bind our
Fathers to cease from Procreation, and so as well deprive us of a
wretched Being, as of the Thing we cannot be without: No, no, our
Mothers ne're will consent to that, they love to groan and squall, tho
at the same time the Gallows eccho's to their Groans, and both together
labour for us. From the first we travel forth--to'thers our Journey's
End. _All this I know, yet I must forward_: To beg, my Birth will ne're
consent to; and _borrowing is quite out of date_--Yet starve I cannot,
_nor murder I wou'd not_: It must be the Highway then, the old Trade we
poor honest Rogues are forc'd too--This Place will serve for a Beginner
well enough--A Beginner did I say? Yes; for this is the very first day I
open Shop--Fortune, they say, uses to help the Bold, I hope she will be
kind to me. Ha! who have we here? A Gentlewoman well rigg'd, and only a
Servant with her, She may be a Prize worth the boarding, and faith I'll
venture hard but I'll carry her.
[_He retires to a corner of the Stage._
_Enter_ Arabella _in great disorder, looking about her, with_ Symon _her
Servant._
_Arab._ This way, say'st thou _Symon_, with _Friendly_?
_Sym._ Yes forsooth Mistress, with Mr. _Friendly_.
_Arab._ Alas! I'm tired and cannot travel further; my Heart is full of
Fear, and yet I know not why, nor can I tell why he should use me
thus,--It is not common sure for Men to leave their Brides upon the
Wedding-day: And yet I cannot tell but it may be so! O wretched State of
Marriage, and of Love, if this be Love! Here will I lie me down, and
rest a while [_Lies down._] my wearied Limbs, unused to these sad
Frights and Fears--But prethee do thou run after him, and if it be
possible o'retake him too: Tell him the strange Disorder thou dost leave
me in; and let him know my Father's Anger, his Friends Concern, and what
is more, his _Arabella_'s sad Complaint; tell him, I grieve, I faint, I
die; tell him any thing that may stay him.
_Sym._ Yes Forsooth.
_Arab._ Intreat him to return; nay, urge him all thou canst to make him
come again: Nay haste, good _Symon_, fly if thou canst, for I can stir
no further.
_Sym._ Well, well, Forsooth, I am gone.
[_Exit_ Symon.
_Arab._ Alas, how wretched and forlorn am I!
_I she whom once so many did admire,
Whose Wit and Charms the coldest Hearts cou'd fire!
Now wretched Maid, and most unhappy Wife,
In Sighs and in Complaints must end my Life.
Abandoned by my Husband, e're enjoyed,
With thoughts of Pleasure, yet untasted, cloy'd.
He leaves me now to my sad Frights a Prey;
O, my dear_ Bonvile! _whither dost thou stray?
Unheard, alas! I make my amarous Moans;
The Winds and Waves refuse to bear my Groans:
Eccho her self can't suffer my Complaint,
But with repeated Sighs grows tir'd and faint.
Where to find him, good Heaven direct me!
For losing him, I more than lose my self._
[_Rises, and_ Exit.
_Sum._ I must after her, she's worth my Acquaintance, and has good
Moveables about her I perceive, what e're the Ready is. The next Turning
has a most convenient Hollow for the Purpose, and there I'll make her
sure. Now Luck, or never.
[_Exit after_ Arabella.
_Reenter_ Arabella, _and_ Summerfield _after her._
_Ara._ I'm at a stand already, and know not where I am.
_Sum._ I'll direct you, Madam; Well overtaken.
_Ara._ Bless me, Sir; What are you?
_Sum._ A Man.
_Ara._ An honest Man, I hope?
_Sum._ Yes faith in some Respects, I'm very honest, but not altogether
so; I were not fit to live in the World if I were too honest, Child.
_Ara._ Alas! then I begin to fear: Pray tell me what you are?
_Sum._ Why, faith, an honest Thief.
_Ara._ How, honest, and yet a Thief? I never heard they were of Kin
before; Pray, Heaven, I find it now.
_Sum._ Indeed! a very honest Thief.
_Ara._ Well, Sir, since that's your Title, pray use me kindly: Nay, I'm
sure you will, there's something in your Looks which speaks you mild and
noble.
_Sum._ Yes, I am a Gentleman, and you shall find me so; for I'll not
offer you the least shew of Violence, or offer to corrupt your Chastity;
thô indeed you are tempting Fair, and might inflame a colder Heart than
mine: Yet Ravishing's no part of my Profession as yet; or if it were,
you look so charming Innocent, you wou'd disarm my wildest Thoughts.
_Ara._ Blessings on your Goodness!
_Sum._ Are you a Maid, or Wife?
_Ara._ I am both, Sir.
_Sum._ Then this it seems is your Wedding-day, and these the Hours of
Interim that keep you in that double State?
_Ara._ Indeed you are in the right.
_Sum._ Come then, I'll be brief, and hinder not your desired _Hymen_.
You have some superfluous Toys I see about you, which you must deliver;
I mean, that Chain of Gold and Pearl about your Neck, and those pretty
Bracelets about your Arms, (pray, Heaven, they prove not Emblems of the
combined Hemp which is to halter mine); come, Madam, pray deliver 'em.
_Ara._ Nay, I intreat you, Sir, to take 'em, for I cannot give 'em, they
are lock'd you see, and truly I have not the Key about me; it may be you
are furnish'd with Instruments that may unloose 'em, I pray do.
_Sum._ No faith, Madam, I'm but a Beginner in this same Business, and am
wholly unprovided of any Pick-lock Tools besides this Sword.
[_Draws his Sword._
_Ara._ O, good Sir, do not shew me that, 'tis too frightful; pray hurt
me not, for I do yield them freely: Use your Hands, perhaps their
strength will serve to tear 'em from me without more ado. Some Pain I'll
quietly endure, provide you do not hurt me much.
_Sum._ Alas, dear Lady, I'll use you as gently as I can upon my Word;
but 'tis devilish strong.--If I hurt you, pray speak.
[_He endeavours to break the Chain about her Neck._]
_Ara._ Not much, Sir.
_Sum._ I am glad on't,--S'death, I can't do it.
[_She draws his Sword, and stands upon her Guard._
_Ara._ No Sir, nor shall not now: You a Highway-man and guard your self
no better: Come, Sir, what Money have you? Deliver quickly.
_Sum._ Not a Cross by this foolish Hand of mine!
_Ara._ How, no Money, 'twere pity then to take this from thee; Here,
take it again, I know you'l use me ne're the worse for what I have done.
[_Gives him his Sword again._]
_Sum._ No, by my Life!
_Ara._ I do believe you; and now pray hear me--Here on my Knees, in
sight of Heaven, I make this solemn Protestation, That if you'l but
forbear the Rifling of this Chain and Bracelets, and go but with me
Home, by all the Vows which I this Day have plighted to my dearest
Husband, I will deliver you in Money the full Value of these I wear,
and cannot for my Life get off.
_Sum._ Ha! Ready-money is the Prize I look for; it passes without
suspicion every where, when Chains and Jewels are often stop'd and
call'd for before the Magistrate: But----
_Ara._ Nay never doubt! You saw I gave you my Advantage up, and
questioned not my safety at your hands, pray fear not yours in mine.
_Sum._ I know not what to do.
_Ara._ Pray tell me, Sir, did you ever think a Woman true?
_Sum._ I have heard of some, but very few.
_Ara._ Will you add one more to your belief?
_Sum._ I think I may, for they were fewer than the Articles of my Faith,
therefore I have room for you, and will believe you--Yet stay, you say
you'l ransom your jewels with Ready-money when you come Home; so you
may, and then discover me.
_Ara._ Shall I repeat the Vows I made?
_Sum._ No, for I'll trust you; and if you do betray me, then Mercy upon
me, and Farewel. I knew a Gentleman that had been a Courtier at
_Whitehall_ fifteen Years, and he was buried e're he took a Bride: 'Tis
very strange you'l say; and may be my Case in another way.
_Ara._ Come, Sir, never fear: A Man and afraid; Fie, fie!
_Sum._ Give me your Hand, I'll wait on you; and if you are (as I believe
you) True and Just, you are the World's Wonder! Come, Madam.
[_Exeunt._
SCENE II.
_Enter two Boys, one with a Child in his Arms._ Compass _on the other
side._
_1 Boy._ _Jack_, Who's this?
_2 Boy._ O _Jeminy_! I'll be hang'd if it ben't Goodman _Compass_, that
they said was dead three Years ago.
_1 Boy._ Od's Life, and so it is!
_Comp._ O _London_! sweet _London_! Do I live to see thee once again? My
Eyes are full of Brine for Joy. And if my dear _Peggy_ be but living
still, I shall cry 'em out.
_1 Boy._ Goodman _Compass_, I am glad to see you; You are welcome home.
_Comp._ Thank you, good Lad: Honest _Jack_ here too? Why, thou art grown
a little Man since I saw thee last: What, is that thy own, heh?
_2 Boy._ I am fain to keep it, you see, whoever got it; it may be other
Mens Cases as well as mine.
_Comp._ Thou say'st true _Jack_: But whose pretty Knave is it?
_2 Boy._ My Dame's where I live.
_Comp._ And not thy Master's?
_2 Boy._ Nay, nay, I can't tell that neither: My Master loves it as well
as if it were his own, and for ought I see better than my Dame.
_Comp._ A very good Lad by my Troth!
_2 Boy._ But, Goodman _Compass_, I can tell you News, Your Wife has a
brave Boy too of her own, not above a Quarter old, as big as two of
this.
_Comp._ Ha! say'st thou so, _Jack_? Ha, ha, ha, by my Troth I am
heartily glad to hear it: I'll give thee a dozen of Ale, and thy News be
true, Boy.
_1 Boy._ I assure you 'tis very true: All your Neighbours can tell you
the same.
_Comp._ Ha, ha, ha! But a Quarter old, and so lusty, say you? What
plaguy thundering Boys are got now-a-days: I Gad, I shall split my Sides
with Laughing; Ha, ha, ha.--But _Jack_, I have been loth to ask thee all
this while, for fear of ill News, how does my Wife?
_2 Boy._ O never better, nor ever so lusty and handsome--And truly she
wears better Clothes than she was wont, especially on Holy-days: she has
Silk-Gowns, and Lac'd-Petticoats, and fine _Holland_-Smocks too, they
say, that have seen 'em: And some of our Neighbours say, they were taken
up in _Cheap_.
_Comp._ Like enough, _Jack_; and there they must be paid for--Well, good
Lads, go and tell my Wife the joyful Tidings of my Return.
_2 Boy._ That I will with all my Heart, for she heard you were dead long
ago.
_1 Boy._ Nay, I'll go along with you _Jack_.
_2 Boy._ Come then.
[_Exeunt 2 Boys._
_Comp._ Well, _Peggy_, if I am one of the Livery, I thank thee for it:
The Cuckolds are the greatest Company in all the City: And we have more
Aldermen among us, than all the other put them together.
_Enter_ Peg, Compass_'s Wife._
_Peg._ O my dear sweet Honey-suckle! Art thou alive? I am glad to see
thee with all my Heart and Soul, so I am.
[_Runs and kisses him._]
_Comp._ O, ho! good Spouse, give me leave to shed a few pearly Tears;
the Fountain of Love will have its Course: And thô I cannot Sing at
first sight, yet I can Cry you see. I am as it were new come into the
World; and Children Cry before they Laugh, a long time you know.
_Peg._ Yes; and so thou art new born indeed to me, my _Numpy_; for I was
told you were dead long since, and never thought to see this dear sweet
Face of thine again: I heard thou wert div'd to the bottom of the Sea,
and that you never did intend to see poor _Peggy_ more.
_Comp._ He, he, he, I was going down, as you say _Peg_, but I thought
better on't, and turn'd back: I heard an ill Report of my Neighbours
there; the devouring Sharks, and other Sea-Monsters, whose Company, to
tell you the Truth, I did not like; and therefore resolv'd to come home
and bide with thee my Girl--Come kiss thy poor Hubby, kiss me I say, for
Sorrow begins to ebb apace.
_Peg._ A thousand, thousand Welcomes home dear _Numpy_!
_Comp._ An Ocean of Thanks, kind _Peggy_: Well, and how goes all at
Home? What Lank still, poor _Peg_? Wil't ne're be full Sea at our Wharf?
_Peg._ Alas, Husband, what do you mean?
_Comp._ A Lass, is it, or a Lad, Wench? I shou'd be glad of both; I
look'd for a pair of Compasses long afore now.
_Peg._ What, and you from home, Love?
_Comp._ I from home? Why thô I was from home, and other of our
Neighbours from home, does that follow that every body else is from
home?
_Peg._ I am pleased you are so merry, Husband.
_Comp._ Merry, nay I'll be merrier yet; why shou'd I be sorry? I hope my
Boy's well, is he not? Od's fish, I look for another by this Time.
_Peg._ Boy, what Boy, Deary?
_Comp._ What Boy! why the Boy I got when I came home in the Cock-boat
one Night, about a Year ago; You have not forgotten it, I hope, I think
I left behind me for a Boy, and a Boy I look for.
_Peg._ I find he knows all--What shall I do? [_Aside._]
O dear Husband, pray pardon me. [_Kneels._]
_Comp._ Pardon thee; why I hope thou hast not made away with my Boy,
hast thou? Od's death I'll hang thee, if there were never a Whore more
in _London_, if thou hast.
_Peg._ O no; but your long Absence, and the Rumour of your Death,
[_Cries._] made me think I might venture.
_Comp._ Venture, quoth a, I can't blame thee, _Peg_; for _Wapping_, if
it were twice _Wapping_, can't hold out always, no more than _Redriff_,
_Limehouse_ or _Shadwel_, nay or the strongest Suburbs about _London_;
and when it comes to that, wo be to the City too, Girl.
_Peg._ Consider, Husband, I'm but a Woman, neither the first or last
that have done the same, and truly I won't deny but I have a Child.
_Comp._ Have you so? And what by Consequence must I have then, I pray?
_Peg._ If you'l forgive me this Time, it shall be so no more, indeed and
indeed, now.
_Comp._ Well, well. I will forgive thee, _Peg_, upon this Condition,
that you tell me who it was that fell foul aboard thee, and sprung this
Leak in thee.
_Peg._ O dear Husband!
_Comp._ Nay, no Excuses, for I must know.
_Peg._ Why then truly it was Mr. _Venter_ the Merchant.
_Comp._ I am beholding to him, and wou'd requite his Civility, if his
Wife were but as willing, thô he be one of our Merchants at Sea, he
shall give me leave to be Owner at home; and where is my Boy? what,
shan't I see him?
_Peg._ Yes if you please, good Husband: He's nurs'd at _Bednal green_;
'tis now too late, to Morrow will be better.
_Comp._ Come then we'l home and to bed.
_Let other Fools repine at Scoffs and Scorns,
I'll teach the Cuckold how to hide his Horns._
[Exeunt.
_Enter Justice_ Merryman, _Mr._ Venter, Spruce, _Mrs._ Venter _and_
Clara.
_Mer._ Was the like ever known, that a Bridegroom shou'd absent himself
on his Wedding-Day?
Mr. _Ven._ 'Tis somewhat strange indeed.
_Mer._ And the Bride too my Daughter, she's out of the way: Why what
shou'd be the meaning of all this, Od's bobs I can't tell?
Mrs. _Ven._ Perhaps they'r busy Brother, privately conferring Notes
together: You can't tell but that the young Man may have a stomach to
his Supper, and fall too unawares, and we ne're the wiser.
_Spr._ Od's nigs, very true; what wou'd you say then Sir, if they shou'd
be stol'n away, and a-bed together seriously?
_Mer._ What wou'd I say? marry I wou'd say, Speed 'em well: And if no
worse News ever comes to me, I'll be hang'd if e're I cry'd for't.
_Enter Nurse._
How now, what's the Business with you?
_Nurse._ Business enough, Forsooth; for I have the strangest Tydings!
_Mer._ Of any One that's lost, Woman?
_Nurse._ No forsooth, of One that's found again, an't please you.
_Mer._ O, he was lost then it seems.
Mr. _Ven._ Her Business is with me, I believe Brother; is it not, Woman?
_Nurse._ Yes, Sir.
Mr. _Ven._ Come hither then, [_Nurse whispers Mr._ Venter.] How,
return'd?
_Nurse._ Yes indeed, Sir, and all discovered.
Mr. _Ven._ Ah Curse on the Wind that blew him ashore.
_Nurse._ Aye, so say I Sir, and did not sink him when he was going.
Mr. _Ven._ Well, well, be sure you do not let him come near the Child.
_Nurse._ I warrant you, Sir, if you charge me to the contrary.
Mr. _Ven._ Yes, I do strictly charge you as you tender my Displeasure.
_Nurse._ Well then let me alone--Besides, Sir, he intends to come to
morrow morning with his Wife and see him.
Mr. _Ven._ I'll meet him there; and if he chance to be there before me,
be sure to keep the Child safe, and not let him touch it.
_Nurse._ I warrant you, let me alone.
[_Exit Nurse._
_Enter_ Summerfield _and_ Arabella.
_Mer._ So, so, Heaven be praised, they are not both lost I see, here's
the Bride, my Daughter, come again.
_Ara._ Father, and Gentlemen, I desire ye to treat this Stranger here
with all Respect and Generosity; He's a loving Kinsman of my _Bonvile_'s
who kindly came to congratulate our Wedding.
_Mer._ Sir, you are heartily welcome. Od's bobs you are.
Mr. _Ven._ Welcome to all of us.
_Spruce._ Seriously, Sir, and so you are.
_Mer._ But where's the Bridegroom, Girl? Od's bobs we're all at a
Nonplus here, at a stand, quite out; the Musicks ceas'd, and we all look
as thô there were neither a light Heart or Heel among us; nay, my Cousin
_Clara_ too as cloudy as on a washing Day.
_Clara._ 'Tis then because you will not dance with me, Sir.
_Ara._ 'Tis I alone have cause to be sad, if this Day's Happiness cou'd
admit of any; But I've long reason'd with my pressing Thoughts, and from
them drawn some Symptoms of Relief. Suppose this Day hath long since
appointed by my dear _Bonvile_, to meet some Foe, and right his injur'd
Reputation: Nay, say he fights, alas! Why shou'd I fear, when all the
Powers above, that guard true Love and Innocence, will never see him
fall.
_Mer._ Prethee peace, good Girl hold thy tongue; Od's bobs thou'lt make
us all Cowards, to hear a Woman preach up Valour thus.
_Ara._ Well, Sir, I have done: But pray entertain this Gentleman kindly
for my sake. Indeed I was afraid when I saw him first.
_Sum._ Ha! what does she say? Od's Death she'l tell!
_Ara._ Being in search of my dear _Bonvile_, I had quite lost my Way
when he most opportunely came unto my Aid, and gave me many marks of his
Esteem in my distress of Fears; nay more than this, which I'll declare
at large.
_Sum._ Death and Hell, she'l betray me.
_Ara._ Well, Gentlemen, since the Bridegroom's absent, I must supply his
Place: Come, when I have waited on you to your Pleasure, I will return
[_To_ Summerfield.] to you, Sir, we must discourse more of my _Bonvile_
yet.
[_Exeunt all but_ Summerfield.]
_Manet_ Summerfield _solus._
_Sum._ What a trembling Trade's this, when Conscience, that shou'd be
our only Guide, flies and leaves us to our accusing Guilt. A Thief! the
very Name and Thought chills my Blood, and makes me tremble like an
Ague-fit. A Dog, nay every Bough that moves, puts us in fear of present
Apprehension. Sure I shall never thrive on this Trade: Perhaps I need
take no further Care, I may be now near to my Journey's End, or at least
in a fair way to _Newgate_, and from thence to _Tyburn_, the only Place
that we poor Rogues can claim for an Inheritance. Trust a Woman, and
with a Matter of such Importance, what a simple Dog am I? I cou'd find
in my Heart to run away: And that were base to run from a woman; I can
lay claim to nothing but her Vows, and those the Women seldom or never
mind.
_Enter_ Arabella.
_Ara._ So, Sir, now you shall find a Woman as good as her Promise; Here
are 20 Pieces, the full Value, on my Life, of what they cost.
_Sum._ Pray, Madam, do not thus suspend my doubtful Soul; but if you do
design to insnare my Life, speak, speak freely: Or if the Constable be
at the Door, let him shew his Staff of Authority, perhaps I may corrupt
him with a Bribe.
_Ara._ How! base ungrateful Man, do you suspect my Faith? Nay then,
Father, Uncle, and Gentlemen, where are you?
_Enter all as before._
_Mer._ How now, how now! What's the matter, Girl?
_Ara._ For shame, will you not entertain your Kinsman here a little
better: you leave him here alone, as thô you despised his Company.
_Mer._ Is that all? I thought the Bridegroom had been return'd: Sir,
pray pardon this Rudeness; But indeed I had quite forgot you, quite
forgot you, as I hope to be sav'd: But what makes you tremble, Sir, are
you ill dispos'd.
_Ara._ Think you he hath not reason to be ill-disposed at this cold
[_Aside to Justice_ Merryman.] Entertainment? for my part I blush for
shame.
_Spr._ Come pray, Sir, shake off this Dulness, and participate of our
Mirth, Od's nigs do.
_Sum._ I am very well, Sir, I thank you, only the Gentleman is a little
under a Mistake.
_Mer._ It may be so, Ay, ay, it may be so; I vow I thought you had
trembled, but I believe it might be my own Hand; you must pardon me, I
was stiffer once.
_Sum._ Sir, your humble Servant.
_Mer._ But, Gentlemen, what think you of an Adventure?
_Spr._ Adventure whither?
_Mer._ Why, to the _East-Indies_? I have a Vessel, Gentlemen, called the
_Sea-Horse_, bound thither, and to morrow I do expect her to sail. Now,
Gentlemen, if you'l venture, ye shall have fair Dealing, that I'll
promise you. And for the French, you need not fear them, for she is a
smart new Vessel: Nay, she hath a Letter of Mart too, and twenty brave
roaring Boys on both Sides her, Starboard and Larboard: And I intend to
go as far as _Marget_ down with her, 'twill be as good as Physick to me.
_Spr._ A very good Motion, Sir, I begin, there's my ten Pieces.
_Sum._ And, Sir, if a proffer'd Love may be accepted, be pleased to take
my ten Pieces with you.
_Mer._ Your's above all the rest, Sir.
_Ara._ That's kindly said, Sir, and I thank you: Now pray venture Ten
more for my sake.
_Sum._ Alas, Madam, it's a younger Brother's Portion.
_Ara._ At my Request, Sir, venture the other Ten; if you want, I'll
supply you with as many more.
_Sum._ With all my Heart then: Come, Sir, if you please, I'll double
mine: So now she's got her Gold again, and I am now no Thief, (_aside_)
Sir, I have a Suit to you,
[_To_ Merryman.
_Mer._ You may command it, for I am always at your Service: But pray
your Pleasure?
_Sum._ My Request, Sir, is, to have the Honour of keeping you Company to
Sea, for I have a great desire to see _Marget_.
_Mer._ Sir, I shall be very happy in your good Company.
_Ara._ I hope you will be both better acquainted e're you return; and by
that time your Kinsman may be here to make you more welcome.
_And for the Gold at my Request you lent,
I'll double it to give you more content._
Sum. _Why shou'd I fear, since she is prov'd so just?
I'll quit my Trade: Now_ Jack Catch _do thy worst._
_Exeunt._
_The End of the Second ACT._
ACT the Third.
_A Wood_
_Enter_ Bonvile _and_ Friendly.
_Bon._ Come my brave _Friendly_, I think we are here the first: Your
Enemy is not yet i'th Field; let's walk a Turn or two, perhaps by that
time he may arrive.
_Fri._ I'm very confident that he's here already.
_Bon._ Thy Looks, me-thinks, speak Conquest sure thy own; an ardent Rage
has kindled both thy Cheeks.
_Fri._ Like a red Morning, Friend; which still foretels a stormy Day to
follow--And now I well observe your Face, me-thinks it waxes pale,
there's Death in it already.
_Bon._ How, _Friendly_, do you then take me for a Coward? My Face look
pale, and Death in it already? By Heav'n, shou'd any but my _Friendly_
dare to tell me what thou hast said, my Sword shou'd ram the base
Affront down the curst Villain's Throat. But you are my Friend, and I
must only chide your Error. But prethee tell me who is it you are to
fight with, for as yet I am ignorant both of the Cause and Person.
_Fri._ Ha, his Name! Did you enquire his Name?
_Bon._ Yes.
_Fri._ I dare not yet reveal it for fear of----
_Bon._ For fear of what?
_Fri._ O Confusion! I know not what to say!
_Bon._ How, afraid to tell his Name? Then I begin to doubt the Justice
of your Quarrel.
_Fri._ Too well you may, for by yon' setting Sun, that Globe of heavenly
Light I swear, I come to kill the only Man that strives to save my
Life--Man did I say? Nay more than common Man, for those the World
abound with; but such a Man besides, all this vast Land affords not.
_Bon._ By this your large Encomium of your Friend, I'm afraid 'twas Wine
first made your Quarrel, and thereupon this Challenge did ensue.
_Fri._ O no! I call the Powers above to witness, that in all the Course
of our unhappy Friendship, I to my knowledg never did receive the least
Affront or Injury from him.
_Bon._ How came this Challenge then?
_Fri._ O dear Friend, the noblest that Man cou'd ever boast of:
[_embraces him_] When first my rigid Fate threw on me this Command to
fight, I had recourse to many whom I always thought my Friends; but when
the Touchstone of my Danger try'd 'em, I found 'em like the cursed Fruit
of _Sodom_, fair without, but rotten at the Heart: But then I found out
_Bonvile_, my only dearest Friend. _Bonvile_ no sooner heard of my
Engagement, but flew unto my Succour with as much Bravery, as a great
General hastned by Alarms, marches to meet the Foe: You left your
Nuptial Bed perhaps to meet your Death. O unheard-of Friendship! My
Father gave me Life, 'tis true; but you, my Friend, support my Honour.
All this for me, while I, ungrateful Man, thus seek your Life: For to my
eternal Horror be it spoke, you are the Man whom I come here to kill.
_Bon._ Ha!
_Fri._ Too true alas! there read the Warrant for your Death.
[_Gives him the Letter._]
_Bon._ 'Tis a Woman's Hand.
_Fri._ Yes, and a bad One too, they all speak fair, write foul, but mean
worse.
_Bon._ How! kill me? Sure, I dream, and this is all Delusion, or else
thou dost it only to try thy Friend.
_Fri._ O, from my Soul, I wish it were no more. But read, read on, see
how I'm fetter'd in a _Circe's_ Charms--I love beyond Imagination, love
even to Madness, and must as madly do a Deed will damn me to the hottest
Flames of Hell.
_Bon._ And woo't thou kill thy Friend for such a Woman?
_Fri._ Alas! I must, you see I am commanded, commanded too by Love; Love
more powerful than all the Sacred Ties of Friendship, therefore draw,
and guard thy self. [_Draws._
_Bon._ Not I by Heaven! What wou'dst thou have me draw and kill my
Friend?
_Fri._ There thou stab'st my Soul. O where, where is now my Resolution
fled? A fatal Blast has struck me; a sudden Horror shot me thrô the
Heart; a Trembling seiz'd my Knees, that I can hardly stand, and all my
Vital Powers methinks seem dead; yet Love's the Fire must kindle all
again, therefore I charge thee draw, or naked as thou art, I will assail
thee.
_Bon._ I am defended against all that thou canst do, in having Justice
on my Side, and Friendship too to back it.
_But since Humanity now bears so sway,
To this unguarded Breast come make your way._
Strike home be sure.
[_Opens his Bosom._
_Fri._ That were a barbarous Murder.
_Bon._ How can the Effect prove different from the Cause? Or how can any
thing but damn'd Barbarity ensue a Woman's much more damn'd Design? Who
wou'd expect Reason from one that raves, or hope for Mercy in a Tyger's
Den? Believe me, _Friendly_, all this may sooner be; Mercy may sooner
dwell among the Savage Wolves and Bears, than in a Woman's Breast.
_Fri._ O, my too rigid Fate, to place me thus on such a dangerous
Precipice, that wheresoe're I turn my self for help, I see my Ruin still
before mine Eyes.
[_Seems to weep._
_Bon._ [_Pausing._] Stay--The Command which thy _Medea_ sent thee, was
to kill thy only dearest Friend, was it not?
_Fri._ Alas! it was.
_Bon._ Then here, all Friendship dies between us; thus hast thou kill'd
thy Friend, and satisfied that infernal Hag, thy cursed Mistress, who
thus commanded thee: Away, I say, begon, and never see me more.
_Fri._ Ha!
_Bon._ Yes, base ungrateful Wretch, farewel, (_Offers to go_) --Yet
stay, and since that Sacred Tie of Friendship's broke, know thou, most
vile of Men, that _Bonvile_'s now thy Enemy; therefore do thou draw and
guard thy spotted Life.
_Fri._ How, Friend!
_Bon._ Friend didst thou call me? On forfeit of thy Life that word no
more; the very Name of Friend from thee, shall be a Quarrel: How can I
tell but that thou lovest my Wife, and therefore feign'd this damn'd
Design to draw me from her Arms?
_Fri._ How! wrong thy Wife? O no, I never had a Thought so vile! Yet you
must forgive me, indeed you must, by all that once was dear to me; and
what I dare not mention more, by Love and Honour, I implore thy
Pardon--Still art thou deaf to my Complaints?--Nay, then upon my Knee, I
will enforce thy Pity. Behold me, _Bonvile_, prostrate at thy Feet,
crawling for Mercy, swimming in Tears, and almost drown'd with Shame;
extend thy Arm to help me, as thou'rt a Man, be God-like in thy Nature,
and raise me from the Grave; turn thy Eyes on me, and sink me not with
Frowns; O save me, save me, or I fall for ever.
_Bon._ As soon shall Heav'n reverse the Fate of Hell, as I recal what I
have said, or plant thee in my Breast again.
_Fri._ Nay, then I am lost to thee, and all the World besides.
[_Rises._
_Bon._ Thou are indeed for ever lost to me; see what a miserable Wretch
thy Folly now has made thee: A Creature so far below my Pity, that I
despise and scorn thy base Submission, and will never hear thee more,
more.
_Fri._ Say but thou hast forgiven me, and I will ask no more.
_Bon._ I never will.
_Fri._ O cruel _Bonvile_!
_Bon._ More barbarous _Friendly_: Hold off, or I will use thee like a
Dog, tread thee to Earth, and spurn thee like a Slave, base as thou art.
_Fri._ Still thou art my Friend----
_Bon._ Thou ly'st, I have abjured the Name.
_Fri._ Let me but go with thee.
_Bon._ Not for the World; I'de rather venture my self with Crocodiles,
catch the last dying Gasps of some poor Wretch infested with the Plague,
than trust my self with thee.
_Farewel, I leave thee with the greatest Curse,
Condemn'd to Woman, Hell affords no worse._
[_Exit, breaking from him._
Friendly solus, _rising in a Passion._
_Fri._ Death and Destruction, am I thus despised! Condemned to Woman's
Lust, and scorn'd by Man. By _Bonvile_ too, after imploring, like a
School-Boy, at his Feet--My Blood boils high, and scalds my very Heart!
My inward Grief calls on me for Revenge, and I am all on fire! O that I
had the proud _Bonvile_ here now at my Feet, I'de use him worse than he
did me before.
_But since that open Force yields no Relief,
Private Revenge shall ease my swelling Grief.
With Thoughts of Jealousy I'll fill his Soul,
Which shall its Powers of all their Rest controul.
Thus for a Woman I've begun a War,
And for her sake must damn my Soul like her._[Exit.
SCENE the Second.
_Enter_ Nurse, Compass, _and his Wife._
_Nurse._ Indeed you must pardon me, I can't let ye see the Child; to
tell you the Truth, I am commanded to the contrary.
_Comp._ Commanded! Prethee who commanded thee?
_Nurse._ The Father.
_Comp._ The Father, Why who am I?
_Nurse._ Not the Father sure, the Civil Law has found it otherwise.
_Comp._ The Civil Law found it otherwise! Why then the Uncivil Law shall
make it mine again, I'll be as dreadful as a _Shrove-Tuesday_ to thee;
for I'll besiege thy squalling catterwauling Castle, with my Friends the
Mob, and gut thy stinking Nursery, but I'll both see and have my Child.
_Nurse._ Harkee, Goodman Swabber, say but half so much again, and I'll
call the Constable, and lay Burglary to your Charge. You wou'd not be so
hot if the Enemy were in View, nor if you had to do with any body but a
poor innocent Woman, so you wou'd'nt.
_Peg._ Good Husband be patient, and let me alone with her: Come, come,
good Nurse, let him see the Boy.
_Nurse._ Indeed I dare not Goody _Compass_: The Father first you know
delivered me the Child, and order'd me to let no body see it. He pays me
well and weekly for my Pains, and therefore I'll do as be bad me, so I
will.
_Comp._ Why thou white Bastard-breeder; Is not this Woman here the
Mother?
_Nurse._ Yes, I grant you that.
_Comp._ Do you so? Well, and I grant it too; And is not the Child then
my own by the Wives Copy-hold?
_Nurse._ The Law must try that.
_Comp._ The Law! What then you think I'll be but its Father-in-Law? I
tell thee, all the Wit and Law twixt _Cuckolds-Point_ and
_Westminster-Hall_, shan't keep my own dear Flesh and Blood from me, I
warrant you that. No an't does, I'll be hanged at the Main-yard: Why,
who, dost think, uses to get my Children but my self?
_Nurse._ Nay, I can't tell; you must look to that, for my part I ne're
knew you get any.
_Comp._ Say'st thou so? Why, look you, do but put on a clean Smock, and
try me, if thou darst, I'll hold thee three to one I get thee with Child
before I leave thee: Heh! what say'st thou?
[_Offers to lay hold on her._.
_Nurse._ I'll see you hang'd first--Nay, pray be quiet, and don't offer
to spoil my Milk. Lord, you are as boisterous as my Husband was the
first Night we were married: Pray, Goody _Compass_, take off your Cur,
or else he'l bite me.
_Peg._ No never fear him, Nurse, he's not so furious I assure ye.
_Enter Mr._ Venter _and his Wife._
_Nurse._ O! here's my Master, the Child's Father, now talk with him.
Mr. _Ven._ Good morrow Neighbour, good morrow to ye both.
_Comp._ Both! Good morrow to you and your Wife too, if you go to that.
Mr. _Ven._ I wou'd speak calmly with you, Friend, if you think fit.
_Comp._ I know what belongs to Calm, and a Storm too; and if you please,
a cold word or two wi' you.
Mr. _Ven._ With all my Heart.
_Comp._ I understand that you have ty'd your Mare in my Ground.
Mr. _Ven._ My Mare, Friend, nay I assure you, 'twas only my Nag.
_Comp._ Your Nag? Well your Nag then let it be: Harke, Sir, to be short,
I'll cut off your Nag's Tail, if e're I catch him there again.
Mr. _Ven._ Pray hear me, you are too rough to maintain----
_Comp._ I say, Sir, you shall maintain no Child of mine; my Wife does
not bestow her Labour for that purpose.
Mr. _Ven._ You are too passionate--I will not maintain----
_Comp._ No marry shall you not.
Mr. _Ven._ The Deed I have done to be lawful, I have repented it, and
given Satisfaction to the Law, my Purse has paid for't; therefore I
wou'd treat milder with you if you'd be pleased.
_Comp._ Yes, yes, I am very well pleased, and shall be better pleased if
you can serve me so still: For, look you Sir, one of these Days I shall
to Sea again, you know where my Wife lives; yet you'l but lose your
labour, for get as many Children as you can, I assure you, you shall
keep none of them.
Mr. _Ven._ I think you are mad.
_Comp._ Why, if I am Horn-mad, what's that to you?
Mr. _Ven._ Nay then, since you are so rough, I tell you plainly you
are--a----
_Comp._ A what? What am I, heh?
Mr. _Ven._ A Coxcomb.
_Comp._ A Coxcomb! a Cuckold you mean, and you a Fool for your pains.
Mr. _Ven._ The Child is mine, I am the Father of it, and will keep it.
_Comp._ Yes if you can, I know you will. But pray tell me, is not my
Wife the Mother? You may be as far from being the Father as I am, for my
Wife's acquainted with more Whore-masters besides your self; ay, and as
crafty Merchants too, let me tell you that.
_Peg._ No indeed Husband, I had to do with no body else, 'twas he begot,
indeed and indeed now. Yet for all that, the Child's mine, I bred it and
bore it, and I'll have it and keep it, so I will.
Mrs. _Ven._ Pray hold there Mrs. Jill-flurt, the Child's my Husband's,
and he shall have it, or I'll tear your Eyes out, ye Whore you.
_Comp._ Good Words, Mistress; d'ye hear, give good Words you'd best, or
I shall tell you your own.
Mr. _Ven._ I'll have no more to say to ye, the Law shall determine it;
in the mean time Nurse keep the Child for me, there, there's Money for
thee.
[_Gives her Money.
_Comp._ There's Money for me too, keep it for me, Nurse; give him both
thy Duggs at once, I pay thee for the right one, Girl.
_Nurse._ I have two Hands, you see Gentlemen; this does but show ye how
the Law will hamper ye; even thus you'l be used, Gentlemen, if you go to
Law.
Mr. _Ven._ It can't be helpt, for I won't lose my Right.
_Comp._ Nor I mine for all you're a Merchant.
Mrs. _Ven._ Nor I mine for all I did not bear it.
_Peg._ Nor I, tho but a poor Sailer's Wife.
Mr. _Ven._ Well, fare ye well, we shall meet in another Place--Come
_Winny_.
[_Exit_ Venter _and his Wife._
_Comp._ Ay, ay, I'll meet you when and where you dare, and do your
worst, I fear you not: By the Lord _Harry_ the World's come to a fine
Pass, that we must go to Law for our Children. No wonder the Lawyers are
all so rich, yet e're the Law shall have a Limb, a Leg, a Joint or Nail
of this same Boy,
_'T shall cost me more than a whole Child in getting,
Some win by play, and standers by with Betting._
[Exeunt.
SCENE the Third.
_Enter_ Spruce, Arabella _with a Letter in her Hand_, Clara, _Mr._
Venter, _and Mrs._ Venter.
Mr. _Ven._ From whence came that Letter, Niece?
_Ara._ From _Putney_, Sir, and from my Husband.
Mr. _Ven._ And pray be free; Does he tell ye the Cause of his leaving
you so abruptly on his Wedding-day?
_Ara._ Yes; Sir, yet this had been sufficient to have let me known what
he is gone about, without the formal Addition of an Epistle.
_Spruce._ That, why what is that I pray Madam?
_Ara._ His Will, Sir, wherein he makes me his sole Executrix.
_Spr._ Will! why what the Devil does he mean, seriously I can't find it
out?
_Ara._ Why, Sir, he's gone to fight.
_Spr._ How fight, Madam! On my Soul then I believe _Friendly_'s Second.
_Ara._ You're in the right, he is so, and I am lost for ever!
_Cla._ O foolish _Friendly_, this thy Mistake has made me the most
wretched of Woman-kind! Such variety of Thoughts load my afflicted
Breast, that I know not what to think: I rave, am mad, not knowing what
my Folly may produce; I fear for both, for both my Heart does bleed.
_Ara_. Miserable Maid! nay, miserable Wife! but much more miserable
Widow! O my dear _Bonvile_!
_Spr._ Duce take me, if e're I saw a Company so Phlegmatick in all my
Life: Mr. _Venter_, prethee let's have a Song, to pass away the Time,
and put Life into the Bride.
Mr. _Ven._ With all my Heart, Mr. _Spruce_: Here, who waits?--Call in
the Musick, and desire 'em to oblige the Ladies with a new Song.
[_Servant Enter and Exit._ ]
_Cla._ Your self, Sir, you mean?
_Spr._ Nay all of us I protest.
Mr. _Ven._ Ay, ay, all of us.
_Enter Musick and others who sing._
A Dialogue set by _Seignior Baptist_.
Man. _A Woman's Love_ Woman. _And Man's is such,_
Man. _Still too little,_ Wom. _Or else too much._
Wom. _Men are Extreams,_ Man. _And Women too,_
Wom. _All, all are false,_ Man. _All, All like you._
Wom. _You'll swear and lie,_ Man. _If you'l believe,_
Wom. _And sigh and die,_ Man. _Yet still deceive._
Wom. _Your Vows and Oaths_ Man. _Your Smiles and Tears,_
Wom. _Are all but Baits,_ Man. _Are all but Snares._
Wom. _To win a Heart,_ Man. _And then destroy,_
Wom. _The easy Fool,_ Man. _The promis'd Joy._
Another Strain.
Wom. _I'le have you offer no more your Pretending,_
Man. _Nor will I suffer your modish Dissembling:_
Wom. _For Honour commands,_
Man. _And Freedom withstands,_
Wom. _What you?_
Man. _And you._
Wom. _I know wou'd have me be, your Slave,_
Man. _I know wou'd have me be, your Slave._
Wom. _O, no, no, no!_
Man. _No, no, no, no!_
Wom. _I never will agree,_
Man. _I ever will be free._
_After the Song enter Justice_ Merryman, Summerfield, _and three or four
Sailers._
_Mer._ Daughter, Daughter! Where's my Daughter? I say, Where's my
Daughter? O Girl, I have the best News to tell you----
_Ara._ What of my Husband, Sir?
_Mer._ No, no, of your Cousin, Girl, of your Cousin.
_Ara._ What of him, Sir?
_Mer._ Such a Cousin, Girl, such a dear Cousin he is, as _Alexander the
Great_, if he were alive, might be proud and boast of.
_Ara._ You're welcome here again, Sir; You've made but a short Voyage,
pray what occasion'd your Return so speedily?
_Sum._ Madam, I render you ten thousand Thanks; Your Generosity and
Goodness has wholly made me yours; I am the humblest of your faithful
Admirers.
_Ara._ Forbear such lavish Gratitude; You'r too profuse in your
Acknowledgment of your small Favours. But pray be brief, and let me know
the happy Occasion of this your sudden Return, I long methinks to hear
it.
_Sum._ Madam, you may command me--Not to molest the Company with the
Recital of every vain and needless Circumstance; 'twas briefly thus.
Scarce had we passed by _Marget_ on our Course, when on a sudden, from
the Top-mast head, a Sailer cries, All hands Aloft, three Sails ahead:
With that we rumidg and clear our Deck, our Gun-room arm'd, and all
things now are ready for a Fight. The Ships before descried, with
warlike Stems cut the resisting Waves, whilst from their Pendants
fluttering in the Air, we found they were three _Dunkirk_ Privateers;
they having made our English Cross advanced, salute us with a
Broad-side, to make us strike and yield: But we, who ne're knew as yet
what 'twas so cowardly to yield, and not regarding their unequal Odds,
fell boldly on, returning Fire for Fire. The Engagement then grew
desperate, for they on either Side fired in amain, whilst we withstood
their Force. At length they boldly grappled, and laid us close aboard,
and we as bravely beat them off again.
_Mer._ But now, Daughter, mark what follows, for that's worth all,
I'faith it is; therefore go on, dear Cuz, go on.
_Sum._ Sea-room at length we got; when (as Fate wou'd have it) an
unlucky Shot struck both the Captain and Lieutenant dead. Then we began
to fear, and all our noble Hearts were trembling with despair.
_Mer._ No, no, not all Daughter--But you shall hear more--Ods bobs you
shall.
_Sum._ How cou'd it be otherwise, when both our Commanders now were
lost? therefore to strike was all the Talk----
_Mer._ Ay, ay, now Daughter, now comes the Play, the other was only the
Prologue.
_Sum._ But Fortune favouring, and the Wind springing a fresh Gale, we
got clear off and try'd to make a running Fight.
_Mer._ Ay, but Cuz, how did we do all this? by whose Order and
Direction?
_Sum._ Pardon me, Sir, 'twas of so small Moment, that already it has
slipt my treacherous Memory.
_Mer._ Oh, ho! has it so! Ha, ha, ha! But it has not mine, I thank you,
no marry has it not, as you shall hear--Then he, with an undaunted
Spirit, started up amongst the Sailers, and----
_Sum._ Nay pray Sir----
_Mer._ By the Foot of _Pharaoh_ I'll not be balkt; he, I say, with an
Heroick Voice cried out, Courage brave boys, Charge and Discharge amain;
come I'll supply your fall'n Captain's place. At this blest News they
all fell on again, with ten thousand times more Fury than before:
Victory, Victory, was all their cry, whilst he my Cousin here, whom I
shall ne're forget, for by the Lord, methinks, I see him in the Fight
this very Instant, now running this way, now running that way, now down
to the Gun-room to encourage those that fought there; now upon the Deck
again, still crying out, Fear not, brave Boys, the Day will soon be
our's.
_Sum._ O pray, Sir, let me intreat you to forbear, you make me ashamed,
I protest, to hear you.
_Mer._ Ashamed, say you? Ha, ha, ha!
_Ara._ Good Sir, go on.
_Mer._ I will, I will--At length the proud French swallowing too many of
our English Balls, two of 'em very fairly cried, Your Servants
Gentlemen, farewel, and down they went. The other having lost most of
her Men, resolved to leave us; but we being too nimble, overtook her,
clapt some Men aboard, and brought her in a Prize: And this my brave Man
of War here, was the first that boarded her with Sword in Hand.
_1 Sailer._ Of all this I was an Eye-witness.
_2 Sailer._ And so was I.
_3 Sailer._ And I, and all of us.
_Mer._ Yes, and many more stout Boys besides.
_Spruce._ Sir, we are all indebted to your Valour; such Voyages as
these, from small Venturers, in time may make us great Merchants.
_Mer._ Well, never was Fight better managed before, that's certain.
_1 Sail._ No, never, never!
_2 Sail._ Better, say you? No nor half so well.
_3 Sail._ If it were in our Power, we'd make him Admiral, so we wou'd.
_Sum._ Gentlemen, 'tis to your Valours all, that I am indebted for the
Honour I have gain'd: And that I may not seem wholly ungrateful, there,
there's something in token of my Thankfulness.
[_Gives 'em Money._
_1, 2, 3 Sailers._ Heaven bless your Worship.
_Ara._ Come Cousin, we'l withdraw into the Parlour: And if these honest
Friends will be pleased to drink what our House affords, they shall be
welcome.
_1 Sail._ Thank you Mistress with all our Hearts.
[Exeunt _all but Sailers_.
_2 Sail._ Well, this Mr. _Summerfield_ is a brave Fellow, Gadzooks he
is.
_3 Sail._ Ay _Tom_ so he is; had it not been for him, we had all been
taken on my Conscience.
_1 Sail._ On my Soul and so we had: O if you had but seen him when he
boarded the _Monsieur_, 'twou'd have made you laugh 'till you had split
your Sides. He came up to the Captain o'this fashion with a Slap--ha!
and gave him such a back-handed wipe, that he cut off his Head as
genteely, as tho he had served seven Years Apprenticeship to't.
_Enter Servant with a Bowl of Punch._
_Serv._ Gentlemen, Mr. _Summerfield_ desires ye to be merry, and has
sent you this to drink his Health.
_1 Sail._ O, the Lord bless him, he's a fine Gentleman, and so pray tell
him, and withal give him our hearty Thanks; Dost hear Boy?
_Serv._ Yes, yes, I will.
[_Exit._
_2 Sail._ What is't Brother?
_3 Sail._ Punch by this Light!
Omnes. _Hoo-ra; Hoo-ra; Viva_ Mr. _Summerfield, Viva, Hoora._
[The first Sailer takes the Bowl of Punch, walks in state round the
Stage, and sings; the others all follow.]
_Here's a Health to jolly_ Bacchus,
_Here's a Health to jolly_ Bacchus,
_Hi ho, hi ho, hi ho._
_For he will merry make us,_
_For he will merry make us,_
_Hi ho, hi ho, hi ho._
_Then sit ye down together,_
_Then sit ye down together._
[_They all sit down with the Bowl in the middle._
_2 Sail._ Pshaw! Pox o'th' this old Song, prithee let's have a Dance.
_3 Sail._ With all my Heart; strike up Musick.
_The Sailers and their Wives dance._
After the Dance.
1 Sail. _So, well done my Lads, now let's aboard amain,_
_And suck our Faces o're and o're again._
_Brandy we've got enough, by this blest Chance,_
_We'l nothing drink but Punch, when we get_ France.
_Omn._ Hoora! Hoora! Exeunt omnes.
_The End of the Third ACT._
ACT the Fourth.
_A Tavern._
[2 Tables, three Chairs to each.]
_Enter_ Compasse, Peg, _and_ Pettifog.
_A Drawer Meets them._
_Drawer._ Welcome Gentlemen. Please to walk into a Room?
_Compasse:_ Aye Boy. Come Mr. _Pettifog_, please you sit.
_Pettifog:_ With all my Heart; Come Mistress.
_Draw._ What Wine will you be pleased to drink, Gentlemen?
_Pett._ Ask the good Woman: speak Mistress.
_Com._ Canary for her; I know what relishes her Palat best. A Quart of
brisk Canary, Boy.
_Draw._ Ye shall have the best in _England_.--Coming, Coming, Sir.
[_Exit._.
_Com._ What call you this same Tavern, Mr. Attorney?
_Pett._ The King's Head, Sir.
_Com._ The King's Head: Marry, it has a good Neighbour of _Guild-hall_.
It takes many a fair Pound upon that 'n Account, I warrant you.
_Draw._ (within) A Quart of Canary in the King's-head, score.
_Enter Drawer, fills a Glass, and gives it_ Compasse.
_Draw._ Sir, Here's a Glass of the richest Canary that ever came over,
the very Quintessence of the Grape I assure you.
_Com._ Say'st thou so? Why then there's a Tester for thee, and so leave
us--. Come, Mr. _Pettifog_, [_Exit Drawer_] and 't please you my Service
to you.
[_Drinks._
_Pett._ I thank you kindly, Sir.--Mrs. my Service to you, your Husband's
good Health.
[_Drinks._
_Peg._ With all my Heart indeed, Here my dear black ey'd Rogue, thy
n'own good Health.
[_Drinks._
_Com._ Thank you _Peg_, thank you, so now let's mind our Business.
_Enter Mr._ Ventere, _his Wife, and_ Dodge, _to another Table in the
same Room._
Mr. _Ven._ Show a Room, Drawer.
_Draw._ Here Sir.
Mr. _Ven._ Ne're a private Room?
_Draw._ No Sir, the House is full.
_Com._ Ods fish, whom have we here, my Wife's Merchant, with his Lawyer?
_Pett._ Ye know we promised to give him a Meeting here.
_Comp._ 'Tis true we did so,--but come to the Business in hand.
[_Pettifog_ and _Compasse_ talk privately.
Mr. _Ven._ Well, bring us a Bottle of your best Red.
_Draw._ You shall have it, Sir.
[_Exit_ Drawer.
Mr. _Ven._ And what do you think of my Cause, Mr. _Dodge_?
_Dodge._ O we shall carry it most certainly: You have Money to go
through with the Business; and ne're fear but we'll trounce them
swingingly.
Mr. _Ven._ I warrant you think it very strange, Mr. _Dodge_, that I am
at this Charge and Expence to bring a farther Charge upon me.
_Dodge._ Not I, I assure you, Sir, for I know you are a wise Man, and
know very well what you do; besides you have Money, Money enough, Sir.
Mr. _Ven._ Why the short and the long of the Business is this; I made a
Purchase lately, and in that I did estate the Child (about which I'm
sued) Joint-Purchaser with me in all the Land I bought.
Mrs. _Ven._ Right Husband; and you know 'twas I that advised you to make
the Purchase, and therefore I'll never give my Consent to have the Child
brought up by such a stinking Tar-barrel as now sues for him; he'd only
bring him up to be a Swabber; no, no, he was born a Merchant and a
Gentleman, and he shall live and die so.
_Dodge._ You are a worthy Gentlewoman upon my word; there are but few of
such a noble Temper: But what makes the Fool of the Husband then so
troublesome; does he not know when he's well?
Mrs. _Ven._ So 'tis a sign.
_Dodge._ A Blockhead, to proclaim his own Disgrace, and make himself
laugh'd at.
Mr. _Ven._ That's not it, he hopes to be the better by what is settled
on the Boy.
_Dodge._ O, God's so, that's true: But never fear, I'll be hang'd if he
carry it, for you have Money, as I told you, Sir, before: but see, Sir,
there they are.
Mr. _Ven._ Yes, Yes, I saw them before: but come, where's our Wine?
(_Within_) [the Bell rings as at the Bar.
_Enter Drawer with a Bottle of Wine._
_Draw._ Here Sir,--Coming, Coming, Sir: _Philip_, speak up in the
Mermaid, and bid _Jack_ light a Fire.
[_Exit_ Drawer.
_Comp._ Well Mr. _Pettifog_, and what think you of my Suit, Sir?
_Pett._ Why look you Sir, the Defendant you know was arrested first by a
_Latitat_ in an Action of Trespass.
_Comp._ Yes, and a Lawyer told me, it shou'd have been an Action of the
Case, did he not, Wife?
_Peg._ I have no Skill in the Law you know Husband, but the Gentleman
did say so.
_Pett._ Aye, but your Action of the Case in this Point is too ticklish.
_Comp._ Well, but pray tell me, do you think I shall overthrow my
Adversary?
_Pett._ Without all doubt, the Child he says is none of yours, What of
that! I marry a Widow, and am by Consequence possess'd of a Ward. Now
shall not I have the Management of that Ward? Now Sir you lie at a
stronger Ward, for _Partus sequitur ventrem_, says the Civil Law: So
that if you were within the Compass of the four Seas, as the Common Law
goes, the Child must be yours, that's certain.
_Comp._ Say you so, Sir? Why then the Child's my own, for I have been a
Coaster these five Years and more; and so my Service to you: [Drinks]. O
your Attorneys in _Guild-hall_ have a rare time on't, by the Lord
_Harry_.
_Peg._ They are as it were both Judg and Jury themselves.
_Comp._ And O how they will laugh at their Clients when they sit in a
Tavern, and call them Fools, Blockheads and Coxcombs, and then whip up
their Causes as nimbly as a Barber trims his Customers on a
_Christmas-Eve_; a Snip, a Wipe and away.
_Pett._ That's very common, you shall have the like at a _Nisi-prius_.
_Enter Drawer._
_Draw._ Here's a Gentleman, one Mr. Justice _Merryman_, enquires for Mr.
_Ventere_ the Merchant.
Mr. _Ven._ Here Boy, desire them to walk up. [_Exit_ Drawer.] 'Tis my
Brother, and a Counsellor, to make an End of this same Business.
_Enter Justice_ Merryman _and a Counsellor; both Tables rise and join
together._
_Merr._ Your Servant, Gentlemen, your Servant: Counsellor _Blunder_ and
I have been canvasing the Business of this your Difference; and I
believe, Brother, the Law will determine it as we have done; for it is
point blank against you.
Mr. _Ven._ If it is, I must be contented: Well Sir, the Child's your
Wife's, and you shall have it; and to endear you the more to't, I'll
settle my part of the Estate on you and yours for ever: Give me your
Hand.
[_They shake Hands._
We now are Friends.
_Merr._ Why that's well said.
_Couns._ We all are Witness to the Agreement.
_Omnes._ All, all.
_Comp._ Nay I scorn to be outdone in Civility; therefore if you please I
have a Gallon or two of Prize-Wine, and half a Dozen of good sound
_Bruges_-Capons, which I'll treat you and this good Company with at
Supper; but no more Mutton, no not a bit.
_Merr._ Well Brother, I'm glad you're Friends: Ods bobs I am. But come,
let's home now, and see what's become of the Bride and Bridegroom:
Farewel Friend, farewell: Come we'll pay at the Bar.
[_Exeunt_ Merr. _Mr._ Vent. _and his Wife,_ Couns. _and_ Dodge.
_Comp._ Come _Peg_, Come and kiss me.
[_Compass_ kisses Peg.
I am Friends with thee too now.
_Pett._ Aye, aye, you have Reason, she has earn'd you a good Fortune;
and need not venture to Sea any more: Yet one thing let me advise you,
'tis Counsel worth a good Fee, for it cures Cuckoldom.
_Comp._ Sayst thou so, come let's hear it.
_Pett._ This it is, Make a flat Divorce between your selves, be you no
longer her Husband, nor she your Wife: Two or three Hours after meet
again, salute, woo and wed afresh, and so the base Name of Cuckold's
blotted quite. This has been experienc'd and approved by many.
_Comp._ 'Tis excellent i'faith,--There, there's for you; and I thank
you. _Peg_, I renounce thee,--nay and I renounce my self too from thee;
thou art now a Widow, _Peg_; I'll go hang my self two or three Hours at
one o' th' Main Yards, and so long thou shalt go drown thy self. Then
we'll meet in _White-Chappel-Fields_, as it were by chance, and woo and
wed again.
_Peg._ With all my Heart, kind Sir, fare you well.
_Comp._ Farewel Widow, remember Time and Place, and d' you hear, Put on
your Sabbath-day best Clothes.
_Peg._ I will, I will.
[_Exit Peg._
_Comp._ Sir, I am beholding to you for your good Counsel.
_Pett._ No, Sir, you have paid me for 't, but I hope you do not intend
to follow your own.
_Comp._ What is that?
_Pett._ Why, you said you'd hang your self.
_Camp._ No no, I have thought better on't, for I'll go drink my self
dead drunk, then wake again, wash my Face, and meet the Bride.
_Pett._ That's well said, and I'll accompany you, and wish you Joy.
_Comp._ Joy, Sir, I have it Sir already, in a good Estate got by a
Chopping Boy.
[_Exeunt._
SCENE II.
_Enter_ Friendly solus.
_Fri._ Was ever Fortune like to this of mine? Who for the Smile of a
vile simple Woman, have acted thus against my very Soul, all to please a
Creature, whose next Command perhaps will higher mount, it may be light
on my self, as now it did on _Bonvile_.
_Enter_ Clara.
_Cla._ Ha! _Friendly_ here alone. Now, now, my Fears begin.
[_Aside_.
So, Sir, you are return'd I see.
[_To him._
_Fri._ Madam, I am, and like those noble Knights in former times, after
subduing all their Ladies Foes, returning with the joyful News of
Conquest, receive her trembling to their longing Arms, and claim her as
their own, so I----.
_Cla._ What mean you, Sir?
_Fri._ Madam, You are obeyed, your hard Commands fulfilled; at your
Request I've kill'd my Friend, nay and my best of Friends.
_Cla._ How? kill'd your Friend for me.
_Fri._ Indeed 'tis true.
_Cla._ Then thou art truly wretched: But say, say quickly, who's this
unhappy Man whom thy Mistake hath thus untimely kill'd?
_Fri._ _Bonvile._
_Cla._ _Bonvile_ said you? My Blood with an unusual Course runs backward
from my Heart! Horror has seiz'd my Soul! A thick-black Mist has
overcast my Sight, and I am not the same: but speak, O speak again, Was
it _Bonvile_?
_Fri._ Why shou'd you seek to iterate my Guilt, by a Rehearsal of that
dreadful Name? Too sure, alas! It was: _Bonvile_'s the Friend I've
kill'd.
_Cla._ Curs'd be the Tongue that spoke it, but doubly curs'd the Hand
that did the barbarous Fact.
_Fri._ Why Madam, was it not your Command to kill my Friend; nay more,
my best of Friends?
_Cla._ Yes, and I thought my self your best of Friends.
_Fri._ I hope you wou'd not have had me murder'd you?
_Cla._ No, Monster, no.
_Fri._ These are Riddles.
_Cla._ Fool, our whole Sex is made of nothing else: Thou mayst sooner
untie the Gordian Knot, expound the Problems of the monstrous _Sphynx_,
and read what is decreed in the mysterious Book of Fate, than unfold a
Woman's sly malitious Meaning.
_Fri._ Very well; she first set me on to do this most accurs'd of Deeds,
and now upbraids me; nay wou'd hang me for 't: These are the Tricks of
all her damning Sex. O Woman, Woman, Woman, dear devilish Woman,
farewel.
[_Offers to go._
_Cla._ Stay _Friendly_, all I have said was only to try your Constancy;
and whether you'd repent of what you've done. But tell me truly, is
_Bonvile_ surely dead?
_Fri._ Indeed he is.
_Cla._ 'Tis bravely done, and I adore thee for 't. By Heaven I love thee
now, even unto Dotage!
_Fri._ Was ever Change like this? The subtlest Labyrinth Wit cou'd ere
invent, affords not half so many Turnings as a Woman's Mind.
[_Aside._
What mean you, Madam, by this seeming Transport?
_Cla._ O _Friendly_, _Friendly_, I am all o're Extasy! Thou hast done a
Deed that ravishes my Soul. At once thou hast kill'd my dear and only
Friend, and slain the fatal'st Enemy I had.
_Fri._ What more Riddles Madam, pray explain your self.
_Cla._ I will; I will declare a Secret which till now I never did
disclose: I lov'd that _Bonvile_ whom thou now hast slain, not as I
ought to do, but with a Woman's Love, which he never did know: And
Yesterday when I beheld the fatal Marriage ended, then like a Merchant
walking on the _Downes_, sees a rich Vessel of his own engaged, and
after took, and born away a Prize: So I, after I'd seen my _Bonvile_
lost, (for so he was to me) resuming all the Malice of a Woman, resolved
never to entertain one Thought of Love again; but lead a Life as
_Lapland_ Witches do, only on others Ruines: Then when you approached me
with the hateful Sound of Love, to dash your Hopes, and put a Period to
your growing Passion, I bid you kill your best and dearest Friend?
_Fri._ True.
_Cla._ Now the best Friend to one in Love, is Love it self.
_Fri._ O my curs'd Stars, that wrap'd me up in such a black Mistake,
What have I done?
_Cla._ Done! Why you have done bravely, why do you tremble?
_Fri._ An inward Guilt lies heavy on my Soul, and Horror with all her
dreadful Forms still haunts my Sight. And did you love this _Bonvile_?
_Cla._ The Queen of Beauty never doted more on her beloved _Adonis_ than
I on him.
_Fri._ And now as much you hate him: O the unheard-of Inconstancy of
Women! All that they have is feign'd; their Teeth, their Hair, their
Blushes, and their Smiles; nay their very Conscience (if any such they
have) is feign'd; all counterfeit and false: Let them wash, patch and
daub themselves with all the Helps for Nature that Art cou'd e're
invent, still they are Women: And let 'em rob all _India_ of its store
to adorn themselves therewith, still are they not all that thing call'd
Woman: I know not what to do, for I love and hate this Creature both at
once.
_Cla._ What ails my _Friendly_?
_Fri._ But _Bonvile_ yet must feel his Enemies Rage; shall he succeed in
Love, whilst I am cross'd in mine? No, it must not, cannot, nay it shall
not be.
_Four Heads I have, to make a Plot not common;
Malice, Revenge, the Devil, and a Woman._
[_Offers to go._
_Cla._ What will you leave me then?
_Fri._ Leave thee; yes, forever: Fly thee as I wou'd a Blast from Hell:
Thou art thy self a Hell; thy base detested hateful Woman's Breath
infects the purest Air:
_May my Friend's Blood, which I for thee have spilt,
Light on thy Head, and your's be all the Guilt._
[_Exeunt_ severally.
_Enter_ Compasse _new clothed_, Pettifog, _and two or three Men
Neighbors._
_Comp._ Gentlemen and Neighbours, as you have been Witnesses to our
Divorce, so shall ye now be Evidences to our next Meeting, which I look
for every Minute.
1st _Neigh._ I came for that Intent, Neighbour.
_Comp._ I thank you: well, I do not think but you'll all see me come off
with as smooth a Forehead, and make my Wife as honest a Woman as a Man
wou'd desire sometimes, I mean of her Rank; and a teeming Woman, as you
know she has been: Nay, I do not think but the Child too will be found
to be as lawful a Child as any Couple of unmarried People can beget.
2d _Neigh._ We long to see it Neighbour _Compasse_, that so some of us
may do the like upon the same occasion.
_Comp._ You're in the right, old Stitch of the World: But soft, see
where she comes with a whole Bundle of as good sound Maidens as her
self.
_Enter_ Peg _new cloth'd, with three or four Women Neighbours._
Stand aside a little, and mind me I pray.
_Omnes._ Agreed, agreed.
_Comp._ Good Morrow fair Maid.
_Peg._ In truth Sir you are mistaken in both, for I am neither fair, nor
yet a Maid.
_Comp._ No, what are you then I pray, a Wife?
_Peg._ That indeed I was, but alas,--I am now a Widow.
_Comp._ A Widow say you? Nay then I must make bold with you; for look
you, your Case is somewhat like mine, I being a Husband without a Wife.
1st _Neigh._ Aye neighbour, this is something like.
_Pett._ They begin well, let them go on.
_Comp._ How long have you been a Widow, good Woman? Nay pray do not weep
forsooth.
_Peg._ I can't choose but cry, to think of the great Loss I had.
_Comp._ Why, was he an honest Man?
_Peg._ Honest quoth a', I vow and protest he was as honest a Man as e're
broke Bread. O I shall never have such another.
[_Cries out._
_Comp._ By my Faith now Mistress you have had a great Loss indeed, for
an honest Man is not to be found every where, nor in every Street.
_Pett._ The Rogue's witty.
2d _Neigh._ Aye, aye, let 'em go on.
_Comp._ And how long is it since you lost this honest Husband?
_Peg._ O dear, his Memory is too fresh; and the Sight of you doubles my
Sorrow.
_Comp._ The Sight of me, say you; why, was he so like me?
_Peg._ As one Apple to another; your two Hands are not more alike.
_Comp._ Nay then I cannot blame thee to weep: An honest Man he was I
warrant him; and you have had a mighty Loss, that's the Truth on't: But
was he proportioned like me, so well limb'd, and of such a wholesom
Complexion, heh!
_Peg._ No Twins were ever more alike.
_Comp._ Well I love, his Memory is still better and better: and how many
Children did he leave behind him?
_Peg._ Only one, Sir.
_Comp._ A Boy or a Girl?
_Peg._ A dainty fine Boy, Sir.
_Comp._ Just my own case still; my Wife (rest her Soul) left me a Boy
too, a lusty chopping Boy of his Age (as they tell me, for I never saw
it).
_Peg._ So is mine.
_Comp._ And what Profession was your Husband of?
_Peg._ A Seaman.
_Comp._ Heigh! my own Faculty too! And can you like a Man of that
Profession again?
_Peg._ Yes surely, for his dear sake, whom I lov'd so tenderly, I shall
always esteem a Sailer.
_Comp._ Shall you so? why then here's your Man: What say you, Is't a
Match?
_Peg._ Dear me, I am so ashamed, and yet to speak the Truth, I do like
you hugely, and wou'd like you better still, if it were not for one
thing, which a little troubles me.
_Comp._ What's that?
_Peg._ Why, you know sometimes we are forc'd to endure the Absence of
our Husbands a long while, mehappen many Years, and then if there be any
Slip in us, (as long Vacations will make Lawyers hungry) the World is
apt to censure and scandalize us; and brand us with wanton Living and
Incontinency; when alas! if they wou'd but consider our Condition, and
the mighty Longings we often naturally have for Flesh and Blood, they
wou'd not blame us, so they wou'd not.
_Comp._ Come, come, no Matter, canst thou love me, Widow?
_Peg._ Ah, if I durst but speak my Mind, I know what I wou'd say.
_Comp._ Durst, why who do you fear? here's none but an honest Gentleman,
some few Friends and Neighbours; let them hear a God's Name what you
wou'd say, and never blush for the Matter.
1st _W. Neigh._ Aye, aye, speak Neighbour, pray speak your Mind, and
fear not.
_Peg._ I shall be thought too weak to yield at first Sight.
2d _W. Neigh._ Paw! paw! that's only Nicety.
_Peg._ Well then I do love him dearly and dearly, so I do.
[_Runs and kisses him_.
_Comp._ And I thee with all my Heart and Soul.
[Comp. _kisses_ Peg.
Now we'll be merry, and have a Song, shall we not my Neighbours?
3d _Neigh._ Marry will we, Neighbour _Luff_ and Mrs. Bride, will ye give
us a Song?
_Peg._ With all my Heart, come Neighbour.
A DIALOGUE.
Man:
_Faith and Troth I love thee dearly,
Tho I do but bluntly woo,
Prithy then resolve me clearly,
Whether I am beloved by you.
Long I shall not keep a pother,
Like a senseless whining Beau;
If you won't I'll court another
Who will never say me no._
Woman:
_Friend, your self, nor Humour neither
With my Fancy disagree,
Yet I must find clearer Weather
Er'e I venture out to Sea.
Court another at your Pleasure
Win her in the Honey-moon,
She may chance repent at leisure,
For believing you too soon._
Man:
_Leave your damn'd Fantastick Trials,
Which procure a Lover's Pain,
Pox upon these sham-Denials,
'Tis but spending time in vain.
With Embraces happy make me,
Nature fram'd you to be kind;
Kiss me, and the Devil take me
If I ever change my Mind._
Woman:
_I'll pursue the good old Fashion,
Practise still by those are wise,
Throughly try my Lover's Passion,
E're I let him grasp the Prize.
Spite of Oaths you wou'd forsake me,
Shou'd I let you once embrace:
If I kiss, the Devil take me,
Till the Parson has said Grace._
Chorus.
_Since then Nation
Has made it a Fashion,
Let's send for a Black Coat, whilst we're in the Mind.
But it is damn'd Slavery,
And Priestly Knavery,
That Parsons must conjure e're Lovers be kind._
_Com._ So, so, here now shall we be Man and Wife again to Morrow, as
good as ever. What thô we met as Strangers, we may happen to love ne're
the worse for all that--Gentlemen and Neighbours, I invite ye all to my
Wedding.
_Omnes._ We'l not fail you, and wish you Joy.
_Com._ Did I not tell you that I would fetch it cleverly off? Let any
Man call me Cuckold if he dares now.
_Petti._ 'Tis slander in him I assure you who-ever does.
_Com._ Nay it will be _Petti Lacenary_ at least, and without Compass of
the General Pardon too: And for the Child, let me hear him that dares
say, I am not the Father.
_Petti._ Sure none will dare dispute it.
_Com._ Or that my Wife that is to be, is not as honest a Woman as some
other Mens Wives are.
_Petti._ No question of that.
_Com._ O how fine and smooth my Brows are now!
_1 M. Neigh._ Aye but when you're married, they'll come to themselves
again I warrant ye.
_Com._ My Friends, if you please, you may call me Mr. Bridegroom now,
for the Guests are all bidden to the Wedding.
_1 M. Neigh._ We know it, Mr. Bridegroom, they are Indeed, and we'll not
fail you upon our Words.
_Comp._
_Come then, brisk Widow, e're the next Ebb and Tide,
I'le be thy Bridegroom, and thou sha't be my Bride._
_Exeunt omnes._
_The End of the Fourth ACT._
ACT the Fifth.
_Enter_ Arabella _on one Side_.
Summerfield _meeting her from the other_.
_Ara._ Mr. _Summerfield_, I now am truly happy, my Prayers at last are
heard; and Heaven has restored my Husband to my Arms.
_Sum._ I just now heard the joyful News, and thought to have been my
self the welcome Messenger of his Return, but find I'me come too late;
have you seen him?
_Art._ No; as yet I have not.
_Sum._ 'Tis somewhat strange!
_Ara._ Others perhaps may judg it so, but my uncommon Joy for his
Return, admits no other Thought, but those of Transport for his Safety.
_Sum._ O happy _Bonvile_! How I admire and wonder at thy Choice!
_Enter_ Friendly.
Madam, a Wife like you, exceeds the greatest Blessing sure on Earth.
_Fr._ The nearest way to a secure Revenge, is private Malice, which,
like _Aside._ a Spark long lying hid amongst neglected Ashes, by the
least Blast of Wind becomes it self a Flame--Ha!, who have we here?
Thrice blest Occasion! which thus have offered me at once the Scope of
my revengeful Wishes. 'Tis _Arabella_ and her Darling _Summerfield_, one
who, in the Bridegroom's Absence, is grown thus intimate with his
beloved Bride. A strong Foundation on which I'll now erect a brave
Revenge; I'll step aside and observe them.
[_Retires to one side of the Stage._
_Ara._ Sir, I hope he'll soon be here, and return the Kindness you have
shown me; so I take my leave, with hourly expectation of a much-long'd
for Husband.
_Sum._ And I, with a Gratitude never to be forgotten, kiss your fair
Hand, and hope that all things will answer your Expectation. [_Exit_
Arabella.
_Fri._ Ay, 'tis so, now must I counterfeit a friendly Face to make a
farther Discovery.
[_Aside._
Sir, your humble Servant: without Offence, may I be so bold as to beg
the Favour of your Name?
_Sum._ The Question I must confess is somewhat familiar, and in my
Opinion improper for a Stranger at first sight; but yet I ne're disown'd
it to a Gentleman--'tis _Summerfield_.
_Fri. Summerfield!_ Sir, I kiss your Hand;, and must congratulate your
good Success, but more admire your Valour. Had we many such noble
Commanders on board our Fleet, we need not fear it where e're it sails.
_Sum._ Pray, Sir, stretch not your Love into Flattery, 'twill make me
then suspect your Kindness. And the Author of this Story was too much my
Friend I see, since he has given you this so very partial Account, the
more to augment my Fame.
_Fri._ O! that's your Modesty, Sir: But if I might be so happy as to be
honour'd with your Acquaintance----
_Sum._ Sir, the Honour (if any) would be wholly on my Side; therefore I
desire to know your Name.
_Fri._ _Friendly_, Sir.
_Sum._ An Acquaintance; I suppose, of Mr. _Bonvile's_.
_Fri._ One that thinks himself much honour'd in being stiled his Friend.
_Sum._ I have often heard your Name indeed before; but till now Fortune
never afforded me the sight of you.
_Fri._ You of all Men ought to bless Fortune, who still has been
indulgent to you on all Occasions; and scatter'd her Favours on you,
with as prodigal a Hand as thô you were her sole Care and only Minion.
_Sum._ What mean you, Sir? Again you exceed the Bounds of Love and
Friendship; I never thought any of _Bonvil's_ Friends cou'd be guilty of
so base and vile a thing as Flattery: But, pray, unfold your meaning.
_Fri._ 'Tis this; I just now saw you part with the Bride, with such
courteous Actions, as spoke no small Esteem in her kind Favour; and
therein I think you the happiest of Men.
_Sum._ How!
_Fri._ Mistake me not, I only as a Friend applaud your Happiness, bless
the Influence of your kinder Stars, and praise your Fortune that hath
given you this sweet Occasion.
_Sum._ What Occasion, Sir?
_Fri._ Of being serviceable to the fair Virgin Bride in her extreamest
need, after her being so unkindly left, nay, on her Wedding Day, by an
ungrateful Husband, in doing her those neglected Duties, her Youth and
Beauty justly did demand.
_Sum._ On my Life some Plot against the Bride: I'll sound him 'till I
find the very Bottom--[_Aside._]--Sir, you are merry: But suppose the
Case your own, wou'd you have miss'd so tempting an Occasion?
_Fri._ No, Sir, they're too precious to be omitted: But I hear you two
call Cousins, comes your Kindred by the _Merryman's_ or the _Bonvile's_?
_Sum._ Neither! we were wholly Strangers 'till of late, and 'tis a word
of Courtesy only interchange'd between us for some private Reasons.
_Fri._ This goes as I cou'd wish. [_Aside._]
_Sum._ I desire you not to grow too inward with me, on so short an
Acquaintance: Not that I'de have you think the Lady of so base a
Disposition to grant me any thing beyond the Rules of Decency and
Honour. The only Favour I e're receiv'd from her, was a Present of those
Bracelets she wears about her Arms, and that Chain of Gold and Pearl she
has about her Neck; all which either of us may own without a Blush.
_Fri._ How, the Chain and Bracelet, say you! Those were the first Tokens
of her Husband's Love.
_Sum._ Methinks you look concern'd at what I've said; yet I have said no
more than what I am obliged in Honour to maintain, and will: therefore I
hope, as you'r a Gentleman, you'l not turn Informer.
_Fri._ O pray think not so poorly of me.
_Enter a Servant who whispers_ Summerfield.
_Sum._ Tell her I'le wait on her immediately.
[_Exit Servant._
Sir, some Business of Importance calls me hence; therefore some other
time I hope I shall have the Happiness of enjoying your Company longer.
[_Exit_ Sum.
_Fri._ Sir, your humble Servant.
Tell her I'll wait on her immediately, said he; this must be _Arabella_
that he's going to: Better still.
_The Work's begun, now I am made or lost;
He runs the best who holds out to the Post:
And all the Comfort in Adversity,
Is to see others as miserable as me._
Who have we here? Old _Merryman_! As I live 'tis he!
_Enter Justice_ Merryman.
_Mer._ O Master _Friendly,_ you're happily returned: But where's my
Son-in-Law?
_Fri._ Alas, Sir, the unhappy _Bonvile_ is----
_Mer._ Is, is, what is he? Heh! speak; is he living, or is he dead; or
what's become of him?
_Fri._ O! that I had the Marble _Niobes_ Heart! Or that I had suck'd the
Milk of Wolves and Tigers; so that I might have told, without the least
remorse of Sorrow, what now I dare not, nay, I cannot speak, for fear at
once I melt my self in Tears, and break your aged Heart.
[_Seems to weep._
_Mer._ Then I suppose he's killed; say, is he not? Hast thou inticed him
from his Bride for this, thou inhumane Wretch? Yet speak, and tell me
truly, for I'm prepared to hear the worst of Ills; Is he then slain?
_Fri._ No, Sir, but dangerously wounded.
_Mer._ Not mortally, I hope; but whereabouts is he so desperately
wounded? In his Arms, his Legs, or Body?
_Fri._ Neither, Sir, but in as perfect Health as when he left you.
_Mer._ Strange! sure thou art all o're a Mystery, and form'st these
Riddles to try my Wit.
_Fri._ No, Sir, for all I have said, you in effect will surely find I
told you he was wounded, did I not?
_Mer._ Yes, you did.
_Fri._ And so he is.
_Mer._ But where, whereabout, I ask you once again?
_Fri._ I see you force the unwilling Secret from me--Why, he's wounded.
_Mer._ He's wounded, he's wounded, but where, where is he wounded?
_Fri._ In his Fame, Honour and Reputation, more mortal than a thousand
fleshy Wounds.
_For such slight Baubles, Cures are oft obtain'd;
But injur'd Honour ne're can be regain'd._
_Mer._ How! how! how's this? wounded in his Honour, fay'll thou? Tell me
the Villain that has defam'd him, and this good old Sword shall slit the
Rascal's Wind-pipe.
_Fri._ O, Sir, your Daughter, your Daughter, Sir----
_Mer._ Ha! what's that? what's that? is she injur'd too?
_Fri._ No, no Sir, my falling Tears quite drown my feeble Voice, I
cannot utter what I fain would speak--Your Daughter's false, false to
her _Bonvile_! And by the help of her beloved _Summerfield_, has robb'd
my Friend of all he cou'd call Dear, I mean his Fame.
[_Seems to weep._
_Mer._ A Pox o' your Crocodile's Tears. Why, Sirrah, Sirrah, do you call
my Daughter Whore? Hey, Swords and Daggers, Blunderbusses and Pistols,
shall I bear this? Hark you, you my Friend, and no Friend, what a Kin do
you take me to be to this Gentlewoman, Heh?
_Fri._ Her Father, Sir.
_Mer._ Audacious Villain, O that I had thee in some private Corner,
where none you'd either see or hear us, this Sword shou'd justify my
Daughter's Honour; I'de Whore you with a Pox to you, so I wou'd.
_Fri._ Your Pardon, Sir, I only did inform you as a Friend, that by your
fatherly Admonitions, you might refrain her from her undecent Course.
_Mer._ Pox o' your friendly Intelligence.
_Fri._ The Jewels which her Husband did present her, as the first Sign
and Confirmation of the happy Contract, she to my certain Knowledg has
given to----
_Mer._ To whom, to whom thou wicked Slanderer? tell me, Sarrah, quickly,
quick, quick.
_Fri._ To _Summerfield_.
_Mer._ Ha, ha, ha, the Fool makes me laugh; Ha, ha, ha, why 'twas but
just now that I saw e'm on her Neck and Arms.
_Fri._ She was no Woman, had she not the Sense to get them against her
Husband's coming.
_Mer._ But pray tell me, how is't possible that she cou'd part with 'em,
when they are lock't on, and the Key with her Husband?
_Fri._ O, Sir, that's no Question to be ask'd in these Times: Women
_have found a way to make use of other Keys besides their Husbands: And
no doubt but_ Summerfield _has got a Key will open your Daughter's lock
as well as_ Bonvile's.
_Mer._ Sirrah you lie, you lie Sirrah; and I'le tell thee thou ly's,
again and again, so I will. Nay, and I were to pay a 100 Pounds for
every Lie I give thee, as Men do Twelve-pence for every Oath they swear,
I wou'd spend all the Thousands I am worth, in giving thee the Lie. 'Tis
likely indeed, that such a brave Gentleman as _Summerfield_, that fought
at Sea like a Dragon to save my Life, should shorten my Days on Land in
ruining my Daughter; therefore once more I tell you you Lie.
_Fri._ 'Tis very well.
_Me._ Do you hear Sir, have you told this Lie to any body else but me?
_Fri._ I am no Informer, Sir.
_Mer._ Why then for fear you shou'd, do ye see, draw, [_Draws_] Draw, I
say, I am not so old but I can make a shift to cut your Throat still;
I'le spoil your Carking, I'le warrant ye.
_Enter_ Bonvile _and_ Clara.
A Pox on't, here's my Son-in-Law come to hinder me, Duce take him cou'd
he not stay a little longer? D'ye hear Sir, begon, leave this Place
immediately, or I'le--I'le--I'le--Gad I cou'd find in my Heart, so I
cou'd, but be gone.
_Fri._ _Bonvile_ here with _Clara_ too, excellent. This goes to
_Arabella_, and may it encrease the Storm.
[_Exit_ Frie.
_Bon._ My Father in Anger.
_Mer._ O Son, Son, Son! dear Boy, welcome home, Od's bobs you are.
_Bon._ I humbly thank you, Sir; but am sorry to see you so disturb'd.
_Mer._ Nothing, nothing, only Mr. _Friendly_ and I have had a Word or
two, that's all, that's all.
_Bon._ About my going with him, I suppose; but that's past, and I hope,
Sir, you'l be so kind as at my Request to pardon him.
_Mer._ Indeed Son it was something else; By the Lord _Harry_ I can't
forbear laughing at the Coxcomb, Ha, ha, ha; He told me, Ha, ha, ha,
that one _Summerfield_, a very honest Fellow as ever liv'd, is grown
exceeding familiar with my Daughter, your Wife.
_Bon._ Ha! my Wife.
_Mer._ Yes, your Wife, and that he had received Love-Tokens from her.
_Bon._ How, Love-Token from her!
_Mer._ Aye, aye, Love-Tokens I call'd 'em when I was a young Man: Nay,
the Rogue was so impudent to tell me, that she had given him those
Jewels which are lock'd about her Neck; Ha, ha, ha.
_Bon._ The Jewels about her Neck, said you?
_Mer._. Aye, what ails you Man that you change Colour so? 'Tis all a Lie
Boy I warrant thee: And hadst thou not come just in the Nick of Time, I
think o' my Conscience I shou'd have cut his Throat.
_Bon._ As I will your Daughters if I find her false: Death, Hell, and
Furies, am I made a Monster already?
_Cla._ What, Sir, are you return'd for this?
_Mer._ Hark y' son, hark you; suppose that this Mr. _Friendly_ shou'd
have a secret Inclination to your spouse, d' ye see; and therefore, by
reason he can't obtain his Desire, possesses you with Jealousy to make a
Breach 'twixt you and your Wife. Od's bobs, I don't know, I can't tell
what shou'd be the meaning of his carrying you away on your Wedding-Day,
else, heh, Son, heh.
_Cla._ Has the Italian Plague then infected you, that you stand thus
unmov'd?
_Enter_ Summerfield _leading_ Arabella.
But see here's your Bride.
_Bon._ And her beloved Adulterer with her! Death and Damnation, must I
stand still and see this?
_Mer._ Hey day! what the Matter now?
_Ara._ _Bonvile_ here with _Clara_! Alas too true I find what before I
scarce dar'd to think was so. Is _Bonvile_ then a Traitor, and false to
_Arabella_?
[_Aside._
_Cla._ Madam, at last I've found the pretious Jewel that you so long
have sought in vain.
[To _Arab._
_Ara._ Wear it your self Madam, I lost it, and it must be mine no more.
_Cla._ What means this sudden Alteration?
_Mer._ Ods bodikins, as you say, what does she mean? Are ye both mad,
heh?
_Sum._ Sir, I'm come to pay my Respects to you, and humbly beg a farther
Knowledg of----.
_Bon._ Of whom, sweet Sir, my Wife or me?
_Sum._ Ha! your Wife.
_Bon._ Yes Sir, my Wife, I think the word needs no explaining.
_Mer._ Pray, Sir, at my Request bear with him, he's strangely out of
Order I assure you.
_Bon._ The Jewels are as I left 'em ; but the Jewel of her Heart is lost
and thrown away.--Madam, I sent you my Will, did you receive it.
_Ara._ Yes, I did.
_Bon._ Let me see it.
_Ara._ You shall.
[_Exit_ Ara.
_Bon._ Sir, I desire a Word or two in private with you,
[_to_ Summer.
_Sum._ With all my Heart, Sir.
_Mer._ What's that, what's that, I'll have no Whispering, Gentlemen.
_Enter_ Arabella _with the Will._
_Ara._ There's your Will, Sir.
[_Throws it down,_ Bonvile _takes it up._
_Bon._ 'Tis well now as you've chang'd your Mind, I'll change this too,
and find another to supply your Place: There's no harm done, the
Marriage is not yet consummated, and you are free to enjoy any, so am I.
_Ara._ As you please for that: A Man may make a Garment for the Moon,
count all the Stars which twinckle in the Skies, or empty the vast
Ocean, Drop by Drop, sooner than please a Mind so light, so various as
yours.
_Mer._ Ods bobs, what's this you talk of, altering your Will?
_Bon._ Yes, Sir, I am so resolved, and will see 't perform'd within this
Hour: My Lawyer lives hard by, and so farewel.
[_Exit. Bon._
_Mer._ Farewel thou peevish Boy, I can alter my Will too so I can, marry
can I; I had left him 20000 Pound after my Death, and he shall see I can
find another Executor too. Within this Hour did he say, Gad I'll be with
one as soon as he, unless he rides Post to the Devil, and that's the
nearest way to a Lawyer.
_Sum._ I'll follow him, and asswage his Passion.
_Mer._ By no means, Sir.--But now I think on't, I'll go with you, and
find him out: But did you ever see the like, did you ever see the like?
Come Sir, come follow me
[_Exit._ Merr. & Summer.
_Cla._ Dear _Arabella_ what can all this mean?
_Ara._ Can you be doubtful of the Effect, who are your self the Cause?
_Cla._ I the Cause, Inform me how?
_Ara._ O _Clara, Clara_, your Syrens Voice has drawn my _Bonvile_ from
these spotless Virgins Arms, and made me ever wretched!
_Cla._ Who (if thou ever lov'dst me) tax'd me with a Crime so foul, as I
abhor to hear it only named?
_Ara._ _Friendly._.
_Cla._ O _Arabella_, forgive and pity me, who am indeed the innocent,
unhappy Cause of all those Griefs which now afflict you both; which I'll
relate in brief, if you will please to withdraw one Moment with me.
_Ara._ With all my Heart.
_Cla._ Come then:
_And since your Ruine I did first conspire,
I'll all appease, thus Fire's expell'd by Fire._
[_Exeunt._
_Enter Justice_ Merryman _and_ Summerfield.
_Mer._ Sir, do you take me for your Friend?
_Sum._ Why d' you ask me such a Question, Sir? 'twere base Ingratitude
to entertain any other Thought.
_Mer._ Why then d' ye see, Sir; as you are my Friend, you must not fight
my Son _Bonvile_.
_Sum._ Not fight him Sir! you amaze me.
_Mer._ Aye, aye, aye; that's all one: I understand your dumb Signs and
your low Whispers, the French Mode all over, to smile and grin a Man in
the Face, and at the same time privately cut his Throat. Therefore
prithe be ruled by me, and don't fight him, for shou'd you kill him, my
poor Girl wou'd break her Heart, quite break her Heart. [_Sobs and
cries._] I grant that you are wrong'd, and so I dare swear is my dear
Child: but he's her Husband, and must be born with, ods bobs he must.
_Sum._ Heaven be my Witness, I ne're entertain'd a Thought like it!
_Mer._ That's well, that's well, I am heartily glad on't, ods bobs I am
heartily glad.
[Enter _Friendly_.
But here comes one that has made all this Mischief; and him I'll fight
my self for all I'm a Justice of the Peace. Come, come, Sir, Draw, draw;
you'll belie my Daughter again wil you? Come, draw, I say, Draw.
[_Draws._
_Fri._ Sir, as I am a Gentleman, I scorn to deny my Words, but there's
my Author, whether good or ill.
_Mer._ Who, he? He, do ye mean him?
_Fri._ Yes, Sir.
_Sum._ True, Sir, I am; For, at his Return to Town from _Barn-Elms_, it
was my Chance to meet him; and after a ceremonious Complement or two, I
found him diving into my private Thoughts concerning the Bride your
Daughter: I, not to be behind-hand with him, join'd Wit with Wit to
sound his shallow Soul. I told him then, how her Jewels once were mine;
but the manner of my obtaining them, I for my own sake did conceal from
him; and now, if you're disposed, I'll here relate it.
_Enter_ Bonvile _leading_ Arabella, Clara _and_ Spruce, _Mr._ Venter
_and Mrs._ Venter.
_Mer._ Let it be before all this Company then: What, and my Son and
Daughter too so loving again? Nay then all's well, ods bobs it is, and
they shall hear it, ods bobs they shall.
_Bon._ I have heard the Story, Sir, already; and _Friendly_, you I
pardon too, for Enemies in War take all Occasions to undo each other;
yet tho I am your Enemy, I'll be generous still, and make you Master of
your wish'd for Mistress.
[_To_ Clara.]
Come, Madam, receive this worthier Passion of your _Friendly_, whom I
know you both admire and love.
[_Gives her to_ Friendly.
Next I must obtain your Pardon for my Rashness.
_Sum._ Sir, 'tis what I first ought to have begg'd of you: And that the
World may'nt tax this innocent Lady of a Crime to her purest Thoughts
unknown, I'll here begin my Story from my first Acquaintance to this
happy Hour.
_Mer._ Prithy do.
_Sum._ The first time that I e're beheld her Face, I wou'd have robb'd
her.
_Mer._ Ah Rogue! What, a Thief, a Thief, what wou'd you have robb'd her
of?
_Sum._ Not her Honour, I assure you, Sir, but only of those Jewels which
she wears.
_Mer._ Ods bobs, thou wert an honest Thief, for that I faith he was.
_Sum._ They being fast, I cou'd not get 'em off without some Harm and
Pain to her: which for the _Indies_ I'd not have done. And she, in
answer to my Civility, brought me home, and ransom'd them with the full
Price in Gold, (with which I made my Venture) and the more to hide my
Shame, she honour'd me with the Title of her Kinsman.
_Mer._ Ay, ay, and so she might well; for she was a little cunning Thief
too, to steal the Gold she gave you from her Husband; 'twas all his now,
but that's no matter, proceed.
_Sum._ The rest you know already, Sir.
_Mer._ Ay, so I do, ods bobs I do, thy Valour my brave Boy, thy Valour,
for which I'll do for thee, that thou shalt never need to rob again I
warrant thee; ods bobs I will. But come, come, we lose time, for we have
another Wedding yet to be perform'd, but that shall be done within.
Sum. _Then farewel all ye treacherous Paths of Vice,
Which lead Men blindfold to their End,
In time like me repent you that are wise,
And by Restraint your vicious Courses end._
Ara. _Were I to ask of Heaven its greatest Bliss
On Earth, it cou'd bestow not one like this.
After a Storm the Sun still shines most bright,
And from the Chaos sprung the purer Light._
Bon. _A Day like this sure yet has never been,
Wherein such various Changes e're were seen.
Fortune to Day that work'd my Overthrow,
Has made me happy in a Minute now.
Bless'd with a vertuous Wife my Days I'll spend,
And ne're trust Man, lest I mistake my Friend._
EPILOGUE,
Spoke by the City-Bride.
_You met with good Intention to be witty,
And rally the Grave Cuckolds of the City;
But disappointed of your Recreation,
I in your Looks can read the Play's Damnation.
Lord! how ye stare to find an honest Bride,
A thing you think a Monster in_ Cheapside.
_Whither you boast that you so often come,
And leave your footmen to perform at home.
Yet 'tis no little Comfort t' us howe're,
You oftner bring th' Estate than get the Heir.
Unjustly therefore you your Fortune blame,
She's kinder to your Blood that to your Name._
_After all this, I know you think it Pity,
That I shou'd break the Custom of the City:
I hear a Beau cry, 'tis some damn'd Mistaker;
A_ Cheap-side _Vertue, City Cuckold maker.
This is a Fault no Gentleman can pardon,
It gives_ Cheapside _the Sins of_ Covent-Garden:
_We must refine on Vice, and take new Measures,
Since dull chain'd Cits invade our darling Pleasures._
_Take my Advice, employ at home your Backs,
Or_ Locket's _Revels may revenge_ Pontack's:
_This Cuckolding to you's a losing Trade,
That pay for making, and for being made.
The Ladies will my Character excuse,
And not condemn a Vertue which they use._
_If any here be guilty of Transgression,
'Tis of Necessity, not Inclination:
They'd be contented in their proper Houses,
Cou'd they reform their unperforming Spouses.
Yet if some wanton Appetites there be,
How many are there that can fast like me.
Those are enow, if I have their Applause,
The Poet has his End, and I my Cause.
FINIS.
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+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Transcriber's Notes & Errata |
| |
| Spellings of names, abbreviations and a number of other |
| words, punctuation including the use of apostrophes, use of |
| accents, hyphenation and italicisation are very inconsistent |
| in the text. They have been transcribed as in the text, |
| except for very obvious typographical errors. |
| |
| In the Preface, the underlined words have been represented |
| as italicised words. |
| |
| Superscripts in the Preface have been preceded by carat |
| characters. |
| |
| Embedded stage directions in the text have been left in |
| situ, enclosed in square brackets. |
| |
| End-of-line and centred stage directions in the text have |
| been placed on their own lines. |
| |
| The following words occur in both hyphenated and |
| unhyphenated forms in the text. The number of instances of |
| each word are given in parentheses. |
| |
| |Cheap-side (1) |Cheapside (2) | |
| |Hoo-ra (2) |Hoora (3) | |
| |me-thinks (2) |methinks (4) | |
| |Merry-man (2) |Merryman (10) | |
| |who-ever (1) |whoever (1) | |
| |
| The following obvious typographical errors have been |
| corrected. |
| |
| |Error |Correction | |
| |is is |is | |
| |wihin |within | |
| |the |thee | |
| |the the |the | |
| |Names |Name | |
| |Speaker's name omitted. |Fri. | |
| |Salvage |Savage | |
| |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
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