Page 234
Scene 23.
My Lord, there is an old man without desires to speak with you.
Direct him hither.
Old man, what have you to say to me?
I am come to desire your Lordship not to persecute a poor young Maid, one that is friendless, and your Lordship is powerful, and therefore dangerous.
What poor Maid do you mean?
A Maid call'd Poor Virtue.
Do you know her?
Yes.
Are you her Father?
No, I am her servant, and have been maintain'd by her Noble Family these threescore years, and upwards.
Ha, her Noble Family! what, or who is She?
She is a Lady, born from a Noble Stock, and hath been choisely bred, but ruin'd by misfortunes, which makes her poorly serve.
Alas he weeps! Who were her Parents?
The Lord Morality, and the Lady Piety.
Sure it cannot be: But why should I doubt? her Beauty, Wit, and sweet Demeanour, declares her Noble Pedigree: The Lord Morality was a Famous man, and was a great Commander, and wise in making Lawes, and prudent for the Common Good: He was a Staff and Prop un∣to the Common-wealth, til Civil Wars did throw it down, where he fell under it. But honest friend, how shall I know this for a truth?
Did not your Lordship hear he had a Child?
Yes that I did, an only Daughter.
This is She I mention, and if Times mend, will have her Fa∣thers Estate, as being her Fathers Heir; but to prove it, and her Birth, I will bring all those servants that liv'd with her, and with her Father, and all his Tenants, that will witness the truth.
When I consider, and bring her and her Actions to my minde, I cannot doubt the truth, and for the news, thou shalt be my Adopted Father, and my Bosome-friend; I'll be a staff for thy Old Age to lean upon, my shoulders shall give strength unto thy feeble limbs, and on my neck shalt lay thy restless head,
Heaven bless you, and I shall serve you as my Old Age will give me leave.