The unnatural mother the scene in the kingdom of Siam : as it is now acted at the new theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, by His Majesty's servants / written by a young lady.

ACT IV.

Scene the Plain of Levo, a little Country-house at a small distance.

Enter Muto and Metam.

Mut

WHY where's this Chavo? the Fool is alwaies out o'th' way whan he shou'd be doing himzelf good.

Met.

Look'e now, you're so hasty a Dog won't live with you, as the Saying is, call him all to naught presently, tho' you know not wherefore; he's gone to put on his Holiday clothes, I hope you wou'd not have you fine Gentlewoman see him in his Every-day Gere, wou'd you trow?

Mut.

No, no, I'm pacified, a word to the wise; but this poor Gen∣tlewoman is huge molloncholy, Metam, can you tell what ails her, or who is she?

Met.

No truly, not I, but Sardea says 'tis her Sister, tho' I don't believe it, she's so much finer and handsomer; poor Heart, she takes on pitifully, it makes a bodies Heart yern to hear her; she sighs and crys, and won't tell what the matter's with her, and won't eat one bit of Victuals.

Mut.

Well, I hope our Sports will make her merry; but why don't this Boy come? one might a cut half a Field of Rice in the time he's bin dressing, wou'd I war behind him, I'd make him a little quicker.

Met.

Lord Husband, you have no forecast with you, let him have time to smug himself a little, you don't know but the young Gentle∣woman may cast a Sheeps-eye upon him, and like him; Chavo's as pret∣ty a Stripling as any's in forty mile an end, when he'as his best Clothes on. Sardea may say what she will, but I warrant her huge rich, she'as a Box full of the bravest shining things I e'er see all days of my Life, 'twou'd e'en make a-bodies Eyes dazle to look on 'em: O Muto, if we could get her in the mind to have our Chavo, 'twou'd be the ma∣king of us all; and, who knows but we may ride in our Palankeens as well as the best?

Mut.

Away, away you fool, such a fine Gentlewoman look upon our Son! why I warrant she ne'er milk'd a Cow in all her Life, and knows no more how to fat our Pullen than the Man in the Moon.

Met.

For that matter, she'd quickly learn. O, here comes Chavo, do but see, Husband, how pure handsom he looks.

Enter Chavo, powder'd all over ridiculously.

Mut.

Hei, hei! handsom, kether! sure somebody has been rouling him in the Rice; sirrah, you a spoil'd your clothes.

offers to beat it off.

Chav.

Nay, what de do, Faather? now to zee your ignorance, why 'tis all the fashion, man; it came over from England with the last Ship came in here, there's no-body look'd upon that is not bedon zo; nay, they zay the fine Ladies like it so hugeously, they powder their Dogs and Monkeys.

Mut.

Nay, nay, an 'tis the fashion, well and good, I'm contented.

Chav.

Well, but where's thiz hanzom Gentlewoman? shaunt I zee her? adzflesh, I want to be at her, as a body may zay.

Met.

Fair and softly Son at her, marry gap, pray keep your distance, and make a fine Leg every time you speak to her; besure you behave your self handsomly.

Chav.

Why what a-pies, iz she made of, musten she be tucht? zure a Man may buss her, az a body may zay, and no harm dun.

Mut.

Hark'e, Sirrah, don't you be zawcy, but keep your Busses to your self you'd best, she may be angry, and leave us in a pett, and then what shall we get by your Busses?

Chav.

Well, well, if I mussent I mussent, what a coil is here about a Buss! marry, I've laid o'er the Lips as good as she, and no disparage∣ment to her: Are all the Slaves come up? when must we begin? I long to be at it.

shakes his Legs.

Met.

Not till she come, 'twont be long first.

Chav.

Here's a heavy fuss with her; an now if she wont have a body, after all, why then all the Fat's in the Fire again.

Enter Bebbemeah and Sardea.

Chav.

Adzflesh, is this she? she's terrible hanzom indeed, I long to be at her; odsnigs, I have much ado to keep my

Advances towards her, cringing and making legs, Bebbemeah looks at him, and turns to Sardea.

Hands off from her. Goodluck a day, how scornful she looks! I'le be as stout as she, and then perhaps she'l be more coming.

Retreats.

Beb.

Why dost thou bring me here, Sardea? such Woes as mine are not to be aleviated by Musick, I have no tast of any of their Sports, no Sound is grateful to my bleeding Heart, but the sad note of mourning Philomel, or the repining voice of discontented Eccho: I would not see any thing that bears the Shape of faithless Man.

Sar.

They'l take't unkindly, Madam, should you refuse to see their Entertainment, they mean it well to please you, seem so however, —

you know we have use of them as long as as we stay here, and there∣fore must oblige 'em.

Chav.

(to Met.)

Why, what's the matter, trow? is she in her pouts?

Met.

No, no, she's hougely discontented, poor Soul; I know not what the matter's with her, go and speak to her.

Chav.

Nay, nay, and that be all, let me alone for speaking.

goes to her.

You're welcome to our House, forsooth, az a body may zay.

Sard.

This is our Landlord's Son, Madam.

Beb.

Thank you, Friend.

Chav.

Thank you, Friend, is that all? Adzflesh, I'll to her again for all that: You're woundy fine methinks, Mistress; Do you wear these fine Clothes every day? you'd need have a power of Mony to buy such costly Gere.

Looks all round her.

Beb.

I'm glad you like it.

Chav.

Like it korher, I never zee the like in all my born days, not I; but for all that, the best piece is in the middle, as a body may zay: Odsnigs, if you'd but like me half zo well, I'd quickly set you out of your dumps.

Beb.

Sure Fortune designs me for her Sport.

turns from him.

Pray learn your Son more Manners, I shall be angry else.

Mut.

Sarrah, learn more Respect to the Gentlewoman, or I'le so belabour you, I'le make you feel it this two days.

Chav.

Nay, an she be so proud, I can keep my distance an that be all; I won't come near you again mun, if you'd kiss — Adzflesh, what was I going to zay!

Met.

Pray forsooth don't take pleasure in his words, he dus not mean any harm to you, 'tis for want of Wit and Mannors.

Chav.

Marry an you'd need talk of that too, 'tiz az you've taught me, and who's the Fool then? but I meant no harm, by Jingo, not I; I only zay you're a woundy hansom Gentlewoman, an I hope that's no Offence; but I warant I pleaz you again when we come to daunce, there's ne'er a Lad on all the Plain can outdo me, tho' I zay it that shouldn't; nay, and I can zing too, marry can I.

Beb.

I do not question it.

Chav.

Then why ar you zo stout? Ar you angry because a body loves you? or is it because you're zo much finer than I? Adsflesh, if you'd but let me lye with you two or three Nights, you'd love me too; the Hogs love by lying together.

Mut.

(holds up his Stick)

Sarrah, you will not leave your prating till I see old Crabtree about your Shoulders.

Chav.

What, would you have a body stand like Mumchance, az if I didn't know better than your old mouldy Chops how to car my zelf to a Gentlewoman; 'tis the fashion to talk a great deal, tho' never zo little to the purpose, an if you don't like't, you may leave it, an that be all.

Beb.

Prithee Sardea, let me not be tortur'd with that Fool's Im∣pertinence, I have more weighty Thoughts to entertain than his ridi∣culous Folly.

Sard.

Are the Dancers ready Chavo? I long to see you begin.

Chav.

May be thay ar, may be thay ant, I'd a told her

pointing to Beb.

an she'd ask'd me.

Sard.

And why won't you tell me?

Chav.

Because you ant half so hansom as she; you may be angry too an you will, I don't care.

Sard.

Ay, but Chavo, I can speak a good word for you to your Mi∣stress, you know she's my Sister, and will follow my Advice.

Chav.

Marry, an you will, I'll give you the best Flock of Sheep my Faather haz.

Sard.

Well, say no more, you shall see what I'le do if you will but begin.

Chav.

An zo we will then presently,

(whistles.)

and that will fet 'em, I warrant ye, if they war ne'er zo far a field: Now mind how purely I wag my Legs, you never zee the like man, I can tell you that.

I'le daunce and zing, and do my best to win her, An if she won't be pleas'd, the Devil's in her.

Enter Men and Women, dance after the Indian manner: Chavo joins with 'em.

Chav.

You zee forsooth we be merry Folks, how de like this Sport, az a body may zay?

Beb.

Exceeding well.

Sard.

You dance and sing to a Miracle Chavo.

Chav.

'Tis your pleasure to zay zo, but I think I do pretty well for one of my inches; Adzflesh, we'l make you az merry az a Cricket if you do but stay amongst us a little while, az a body may zay: But I can do more than this mun, I can pitch the Bar, play at Cat and Cud∣gels, and wrastle with e'er a one in a good way; I'le try a Fall with

you an you will forsooth.

Puts his Hair behind his Ears, and sets himself in a posture for wrestling.

Mut.

De think Gentlewomen use to wrastle, you Boobee you?

Chav.

Marry, an she may e'en do worse, as the Zong zays; but you ar so given to call a body ill Names, if you wan't my Faather, adzflesh, I'd crack your Conundrum for you; no more a Boobee than zome∣body else, if you go to that.

Beb.

I thank you all for this Divertion, I know 'twas so design'd, I hope I shall not give Offence to any, if I retire to my Chamber, I have some Business to dispatch requires my bei••g alone; come Sardea.

Chav.

(to Sard.)

Will you remember your Promise?

Sard.

Never fear it, I'le do your business for you.

Ex. Beb. & Sar.

Chav.

(aside)

Now an I can get this brave Gentlewoman, I'll have no more to zay to these old folks, let 'em e'en look another Zon for Chavo, I'le disown 'em when I grow rich, az 'tiz the fashion, for fear of being put in mind of my Pedigree.

Mut.

So Sarrah, hant you carr'd your self finely, perhaps she's an∣gry, and will leave our House.

Chav.

Marry an let her be pleas'd again for Chavo, musten she be lookt upon? 'tis all long of your niggardliness; you might ha' let me had zome new Clothes to a gone a suitoring in; you may e'en thank your zelf, what de tell me of it for?

Mut.

Come Metam, let's go and get the best Cheer we can for her Supper, poor Soul, she'as eat nothing since she came.

Chav.

Marry, an I won't feed of her Diet then;

Exeunt Muto and Met.

but let her eat as little as she will, so much the better, I have Stomach enough for her and my self too, an that be all; Adzflesh, I can but think how rarely I shall live, I'le eat nothing but Polo and Corry; she's deadly hansom, I love her better already than my little dapper Mare, she's worth a hundred of her: Well, if Sardea can but get her for me, I don't know how I shall make her amends; but she's zo coy, az if a body warn't az good Flesh and Blood az she: Adzflesh, if I could but get zome Love-powder and give her, that would do rarely.

Well, I resolve to try what may be done, Fair Lady with faint Heart war never won.

Ex. Chav.

Scene Callapia's House. Enter Callapia and Cemat.

Call.

To 'scape me thus, when all my Plots were ripe for execution! I'm all Confusion at it; should she return, I'm ruin'd for ever in all

Designs upon Munzuffer, Sennorat most zealously pleads for her In∣nocence, his Son, I hear, inclines to think her so, and is deaf to all the Overtures I make him; Sennorat is my deadly Enemy, and does suspect me of my Husband's Death, I must not suffer such Thoughts to grow upon him, but nip'em in the Bud, take the old Dotard off, and spoil his thinking.

Cem.

You're blinded with your Passion, and thirst of Bebbemeah's Blood; 'tis better as it is, for had you effected your Designs upon her Life, you would have been believ'd to be the Cause; and think what Hopes you then must e'er have had of your Munzuffer's Love: She's safe enough, where-e'er she is, from returning hither again, her flight was voluntary, and the same Reason that caus'd it will keep her from coming back: Try all the fair means possible to gain Munzuffer, no other way will do, Force cannot compel him to marry you.

Call.

If Bebbemeah never does return, her Fortune falls to me; or if she does, I'le take such care she never shall enjoy it: Can I before but possess my self of dear Munzuffer, I then will happy be in spight of Fate, and triumph o'er the Mischief I have done; her Wealth ad∣ded to what I have already, would tempt a King to falsifie a Vow made even at the Altar: I'le find him instantly, and will not leave till I have made him mine, if possible; but if he still persists in his In∣gratitude, I will not longer bear his Scorn, he shall be mine or no ones else, by Heavens.

Going.

Cem.

Stay Madam, you forget that Bebbemeah was the Reward you promis'd for my Services.

Call.

Why find her if you can, and take her, you would not have me seek her for you, perhaps she's conceal'd in some of the neigh∣bouring Villages, you'l do well to search.

Cem.

You know I do not value her, nay, hate her for her scorn of me, it is her Fortune, Madam, that I'd have, and do expect; consider if I do not well deserve it.

Call.

Trust to thy Mother's Care, Cemat, I'le see thee well provi∣ded for, thou dost deserve more than I have to give thee.

Cem.

I thank you, Madam, but I will not trust your Care or Cour∣tesie, I claim it as my Due; I find you do reserve it all to promote your own Happiness, and ne'er take care of mine.

Call.

Why art thou so mistrustful of thy Mother's Love? it shall be all thine whene'er I die, and whilst I live thou shalt command at all times what thou wilt: Be satisfied, I will most largely recompence

thy Services, let me but make Munzuffer mine, thou then shalt share in all things thou canst wish.

Cem.

Think not to put those Tricks on me you have to all beside, I know you too well to be my self deceiv'd; there's nothing shall or will content me, but putting all Bebbemeah's Wealth into my present possession; you will not do discreetly to refuse me, you know your Life is in my power, I would not willingly betray you, but yet I will (like you) sacrifice all things to my Interest.

Call.

(aside)

Say you so, rash Fool, 'tis time then to dispatch thee:

To him

You cannot betray me, but you involve your self in Ruine with me.

Cem.

No fear for that, I will secure my self, therefore give me the Promise under your own Hand, or else this very minute I will disco∣ver all your wicked Practises.

Call.

Come to my Closet half an hour hence, and there I'le make it entirely over to thee, and more than thou desirest.

Cem.

Swear then, As e'er you hope for Happiness with Munzuffer; I know no other Oath will bind you.

Call.

I do, and wish I never may enjoy him, if I do not make thee Master of all the Wealth that's Bebbemeah's before to morrow dawn,

Aside

which thou shalt never see.

Cem.

I now believe you, and if you have further use of the Hand and Heart of your obliged Son, you may command.

Call.

I shall employ you, come, as I said, to my Closet half an hour hence, I have a new Design a foot I then will tell you of,

Aside.

which is for thy destruction, Fool.

Exit Call.

Cem.

I will be sure to wait on you. So, now I may with reason hope I've secur'd Bebbemeah's Fortune, which she dare not refuse me; I'm pleas'd to think how very potent I shall be in wickedness; I must and will enjoy my Lovely Sister, but first I'le after my pious Mother, she's hatching some new Project, I wish it be but wicked enough, and when I've gotten what she promis'd, if I can reap advantage by it any other way, I will betray her; Honour and Honesty are starving Qualities, 'tis only Wickedness that thrives in this blest Age; I own no Powers but Almighty Gold, that, that's the Idol of my Worship.

Exit Cemat.

Enter Munzuffer and Sennorat.

Mun.

I'm all Distractions if I have thus rashly thrown away the Blessing of my Life, what will become of the miserable Munzuffer?

Yet, oh! it cannot be, these Eyes beheld the fatal sight, they could not be deceiv'd; I will recover my lost Peace again, why should I thus disturb my self for one not worth the wracking of my Soul? she's false, and I will study to forget her.

Senn.

Unstable Boy! did you not say just now you did believe her blameless, and that you would seek her through the World to beg her Pardon?

Mun.

I know not Sir, alas, what I think my self, my Mind's so dis∣compos'd.

Senn.

Think, as you'l in time find true, it was a hellish Trick of Callapia; has she not since spread all the Snares she thinks will catch thee? I charge thee, on my Blessing, think not of her; if thou dost consent to marry her, I will renounce thee from that hour, and wish thee alwaies wretched.

Mun.

Marry her! I'd rather be condemn'd to endless Slavery, and never taste of Liberty again, than have a Thought of such a thing; I hate her worse than Death, nay, much more, for that would be wel∣come now, I wish I could forget all the vast Troubles of my Mind in an eternal Sleep.

Senn.

Munzuffer, say not so, for thou maist live to a long Age of Joys, thy Fortunes yet are not so desperate, but we may find a Salve to heal them all, if Bebbemeah's Innocence appears, thy Trouble's at an end; consider all the ways Callapia has taken to bring thee to her Lust, and think if she would stick at any thing to effect it, she knew it was impossible while Bebbemeah reign'd, and this was a Contrivance to drive her from you.

Mun.

How shou'd a Slave be admitted to her Apartment without her knowledge, and found within her Arms?

Senn.

Most easily; it was not an hour before you went thither her wicked Mother sent for her, Choufera told me so, and said withal, she fear'd some foul Play was design'd her.

Mun.

What say you, Sir! O, now I do remember the very time, she likewise sent for me, and by a Trick carried me to her Chamber to find her in that posture; too late I see it must be so: O injur'd lovely Lady! where shall I find thee out, to shew my Penitence? Choufera sure can tell, I ne'er will leave her till she does, I'le fly with Lovers Wings, to implore her Pardon, which I too justly fear she ne'r will grant to the guilty Munzuffer.

(going)

Ha, did you speak Sir?

a Voice under the Stage cries, guilty Munzuffer.

Senn.

No, but heard a Voice, from whence I cannot tell, it repea∣ted your last words.

Mun.

Sure it was our Fancy, here's no one near us, I hope 'tis Bebbemeah's good Angel, sent to clear her Innocence. Again Sir, did you not hear it?

Voice cries, Clear her Innocence.

Senn.

I did, and am amaz'd.

Mun.

O tell me, gentle Spirit, if such thou be, where I shall find my much-wrong'd Bebbemeah.

Voice cries, Much-wrong'd Bebbemeah.

'Tis so, 'tis so, the Gods in pity to my Sufferings have sent to clear her of those black Detractions unjustly cast upon her.

Voice cries, Detractions unjustly cast upon her.

Tell me, I charge thee, is she innocent?

Voice, she's innocent.

'Tis nothing but an Eccho sure that catches my last words, and I only flatter my self into a belief of what I'd have so; if thou art any thing beside a Voice, appear, and tell me if Callapia is the cause of all this fatal mischief.

Voice, Callapia is the cause of all this fatal mischief.

Senn.

If thou'rt a human shape, I do invoke thee, by the God you serve, to shew thy self.

The Spirit ascends.

Mun.

This is the very same that gave me warning of my ensuing Troubles.

Spirit.

FOllow, follow, follow me, Thy Enemies at jarrs thou't see: Be thankful Youth, the Gods take care Thy Doubts and Jealousies to clear: Follow, follow, follow me, The Mystery shall unravel'd be.

Mun.

Go where thou wilt, I'le follow thee.

Senn.

And I'le not stay behind.

Mun

My Guilt in her wrong'd Virtue does appear; Heaven of the Innocent, I find, takes care.

Exeunt following the Spirit.