Five nevv playes, viz. The English moor, or the mock-marriage. The love-sick court, or the ambitious politique: Covent Garden weeded. The nevv academy, or the nevv exchange. The queen and concubine. / By Richard Brome.

Act. IV.

Scoen. 1.

Enter Bettie, Frank, with swords drawn make fast the doors.

Bett.

NAy, you perpetual Pusse, I'le fetch him out of the very bowels of thee.

Fran.

He never came so deep himself yet with all that he could do, and I scorne the threatning of a She Marmaset.

Nick.

(Within) why Bettie, Frank, you mankinde Carions you. I vow, open the door, will you both kill one another, and cozen the Hangman of his fees?

Bett.

Thou hadst been better have bit off the dugs of thy Damme, thou pin-buttock Jade thou, than have snapt a bit of mine from me.

Fran.

Here's that shall stay your stomack better then the bit you snarle for. Thou greedy Brach thou.

Nick.

(Within) why wenches, are ye wild? break open the doores.

Bett.

That I could split that divellish tongue of thine!

Fran.

I have as good a spight at as ill a member about thee.

Enter Nick, Anthony.

Nick.

Hold, what's the devil in ye.

Ant.

Are ye so sharp-set ye Amazonian Trulls?

Belt.

Let me but make one passe at her.

Fran.

Pray let me go, and let her come.

Nick.

Can no blunter tooles then these serve to take down your furies?

Bett.

Let me come but within nailes reach of het.

Fran.

Let me but try the strength of my teeth upon her.

Nick.

As Hector 'twixt the hosts of Greece and Troy, When Paris and the Spartane King should end Their nine yeares warres, held up his brazen lance. In signal, that both Armies should surcease, And hear him speak. So let me crave your audience. Dear Bettie be advis'd, and Frank, forbear Thy thirst of Sisters blood. Whilest I rip up The folly of your strife. Your cases both Have been laid open to me. You contend For love of a lewd Citizen, that sleights, Nay more, disdaines, nay more, desies you both. Tony can tell, Mun Clotpoll also knows The words he spake, that you were both poor whores, Not poor alone, but foule infectious harlots. And that he wears your mark with pain and sorrow, Hopelesse to claw them off. With constant purpose Never to see you more, unlesse to greet.

Your bumpin buttocks with revengeful feet.

Bet.

Did he say so?

Fran.

And must we two fall out for such a slander∣ous Villain?

Ant.

No, agree, agree.

Nick.

Busse and be friends. Busse, or I'le baste ye both, I vow.

Bet.

Come Sister we'll be in for ever now.

Fran.

For my part, Sister, sure I was not out with you.

Bet.

But did he say he would kick us?

Ant.

Lo here, the man that dares it not deny.

Enter Citizen, Drawer.

Cit.

But do ye hear, Gentlemen. I hope you will use me kindlier then so.

Nick.

Than how, Sir?

Cit.

Then to win all my money, and leave me at stake for the reckoning. Pray do you pay the Drawer for me, though I pay it you again.

Ant.

What is it Drawer?

Draw.

The Gentlewomen and he had 14. sh. in before you came.

Nick.

'Tis a plain case, your cloak must answer it at the bar, Sir. Drawer, away with it.

Exit Drawtr with Cloke.

Cit.

Nay, but Gentlemen.

Nick.

I vow, do but look after it, till we be gone, and these shall claw thine eyes out.

Cit.

Well sir, I hope this quarter will not be al∣wayes lawlesse.

Ant.

Do you grumble? Mr. C••ffelesse.

Nic.

I vow you shall have cu••••es.

Bet.

Yes, that you shall.

Fran.

Cuts and slashes too before we part, Sir.

Cit.

You will not murder me, will you?

Nick.

Damosels forbear; and you, forbear your noise. I vow, I'le slit your wistle else. You shall give him due correction civilly, and we will make him take it civilly. Sit you down Sir.

Cit.

What will you do with me?

Nick.

I vow, mum.

Enter Clotpoll, Cockbraine,

Clot.

O, are ye here! was it a brotherly trick do ye think, to leave me to pay one reckoning twice? or did I think never to be made a mouth more, after I had paid my swearing dinner, and am I now a greater mouth then e're I was?

Nick.

Mum, hold your tongue still in your mouth, lest I halifax it with your teeth.

Clot.

Halifax my tongue. And listen to a businesse.

Nick.

Do yon know this man?

Clot.

Yes, the City mouth we had tother night.

Nick.

These are the Sisters that his lavish tongue so lewdly did deprave.

Clot.

I cry them heartily mercy Are you of the sweet Sisterhood? I hope to know you all, all the pretty Mumpers in the berrie here, before I have done. 'Tis true, I protest, he spake words of you, that such flesh and blood could not bear. He could not have spoken worse of mutton of a groat a quarter.

Bet.

And were we so fond to fight for him?

Fran.

But now we'll both be revenged upon the flesh of him.

Cit.

Pray let me speak with you.

Nick.

No, they shall beat you first. And mark me well. Do thou but stir an hand or foot, or raise a voice that may be heard to the next room, well cut thy weasand. Now wenches take your course.

Bet.

Nay, you slave, we'll mark you for a Sheep∣biter.

Fran.

We'll teach you how to scandalize.

Bet.

Have I given you that you cannot claw off, you Mungrel.

Clot.

Rare, I protest.

Ciot.

—oh—oh—oh.

Nick.

There, there.

Fran.

We'll claw thine eares off rather.

Cit.

—oh—oh—oh.

Clot.

O brave.

Cock.

O out-rage, most insufferable, all this goes into my black book.

Nick.

To him Bettie, at him Frank; there whores, there.

Ant.

Fie, fie, forbear, enough, too much in con∣science.

Cock.

That young man has some pity yet.

Ant.

I swear you shall no more.

Cock.

Alas, good Gentlemen, it is enough.

Nick.

I vow, do you prate? you shall have as much. Come, take the Chaire, Sir, the breeches shall bait him too.

Cock.

O good Gentlemen.

Nick.

I vow, they shall. To him and claw him, I'le clapperclaw your sides else

Cock.

O me! what mean you?

Bett.

Heyday! his beard comes off.

Ant.

And his head too What rotten scab is this?

Clot.

I protest, they have pulled my pieced brother in pieces here.

Nick.

I vow, some disguiz'd villain, and but for do∣ing the State so good service, we would hang him pre∣sently without examination.

Ant.

I know him. And you shall not touch him. Best is, he knows nor me. Good Heaven, what Brain∣trick has possest him.

Nick.

I vow, what canst thou be?

Ant.

Come, 'tis an honest fellow, that is only a∣sham'd to run so base a course for his living in his own face. Poor man, I warrant his feare threatens his breeches shrewdly. But let's away, and quickly, our stay is dangerous. Come, we forgot Mich. Croswil and the wenches.

Nick.

Come all away then, Sirrah, thank this Gentleman, and pray for him at the end of your Songs hereafter.

Clot.

Farewel, friend Peece. I'le know you better now, before you have't again.

Ex. omnes but Cock. and Cit.

Cock.

What monsters in mankinde? what hell-hounds are they? only as Ovid feign'd among the Getes. A friend at need, I with a friend was blest, Whom I may gratifie, and plague the rest. How is it with you, Sir?

Cit.

O, I am very sore.

Cock.

Indeed you are sorely handled. This may warne you out of such caterwaling company. You look like one more civil. And in hope you will be so, I'le bring you to a Barber.

Cit.

Alas, my Cloke.

Cock.

I'le help you to that too, so you with me, Will in an honest plot Assistant be.

Cit.

O Sir, in any thing, and thank you too, Sir.

Exeunt Ambo.

Scoen. 2.

Enter Mihil, Gabriel, Boy, Wine, &c.

Mih.

A Paris ill ya ben veni- Here's no bush at this door, but good wine rides post upon't, I mean, the sign-post. Boy, get you down, and if Nick Rooksbill, or any of his company ask for me, bring 'em up, d'ye hear.

Boy.

I will, I will, Sir.

Ex.

Mi.

You are welcome to Paris brother Gabriel.

Gab.

It is neverthelesse a Tavern, brother Mihil, and you promised and covenanted with me at the last house of noise and noisomnesse, that you would not lead me to any more Tavernes.

Mih.

Lead you brother? men use to be led from Tavernes sometimes. You saw I did not lead you nor bring you to any that was more a Tavern then the last, nor so much neither; for here is no Bush you saw.

Gab.

'Twas that betrayed and entrapped me: but let us yet forsake it.

Mih.

Pray let us drink first brother. By your leave here's to you.

Gab.

One glasse-full more is the most that I can bear. My head is very full, and laboureth with that I have had already.

Mi.

There Sir, I'le undertake one good fellow, that has but just as much Religion as will serve an honest mans turne, will bear more wine then ten of these gid∣dy-braind Puritanes, their heads are so full of whim∣seys.

Gab.

'Tis mighty headie, mighty headie, and truly I cannot but think that the over much abuse of these out-landish liquors, have bred so many errours in the Romish Church.

Mih.

Indeed brother, there is too much abuse made of such good creatures. Wine in it self is good, you will grant, though the excesse be nought; and Ta∣vernes are not contemptible, so the company be good.

Gab.

It is most true, we finde that holy men have gone to Tavernes, and made good use of 'em upon their Peregrinations.

Mi.

And cannot men be content to take now and

then a cup, and discourse of good things by the way. As thus. Brother, here's a remembrance (if she be li∣ving, and have not lost her honour) to our Cousin Dore as.

Gab.

O that kinswoman of ours. She was the dear∣est losse that e're fell from our house.

Mi.

Pledge her, good brother.

Gab.

I do—

Mi.

I hope 'twill maudlenize him.

Gab.

But have you never seen that miscreant that wrong'd her, since he did that same, they say you knew him.

Mi.

Alas, suppose I had, what could be done? she's lost we see. What good could she receive by any course against him.

Gab.

It had been good to have humbled him, though into the knowledge of his Trans••ression. And of himself for his soules good, either by course of Law, or else in case of necessity, where the Law promiseth no releefe, by your own right hand you might have smote him, smote him with great force, yea, smote him unto the earth, until he had prayed that the evil might be taken from him.

Mih.

This is their way of loving enemies, to bear 'em into goodnesse. Well, brother, I may meet with him again, and then I know what to do. If he knew him as I do now, what a religious combate were here like to be at Nicks coming.

Enter Boy.

Sir, here's a Gentlewoman asks for Mr. Rooks∣bill.

Mih.

The travell'd Gallant, is't not.

Boy.

Yes sir, and the old black party, her Land lady with her. But they ask for no body but him, sir.

Mih.

Say he is here by all meanes, and bring 'em up.

Ex. Boy.

Gab.

Women! pray brother lets avoid the place, let us flie it. What should we do with women in a Ta∣vern?

Mih.

No harme assure your selfe, cannot we go∣vern ourselves?

Enter Dorcas and Madge, and start back.

Nay,

Lady, stay, he will be here presently, that you look for.

Gab.

I will not glance an eye toward tempta∣tion.

Mih.

I am amaz'd sure, I have seen this face, howe're your habit and the course of time may give't another seeming.

Dorc.

Good Angels, help my thoughts and memo∣ry. It is my Kinsman Mihil. What's the other that hides his face, so?

Mih.

Do you turn away?

Dorc.

It is my Cousin Gabriel, strangely altered.

Mih.

Come hither you. I••le make a little bold with you. Thou that hast been a concealer of more sins in womens actions, then thou hast grizled hairs.

Dorc.

Sure I will speak to him, he alwayes lov'd me.

Mih.

Reveale a truth to me on my demand, now instanrly, without premeditation. I'le cut thy tongue out else.

Mad.

What's here to do? do you think I am a devil? that you make such conjurations over me.

Mih.

I think thou art as true a servant of his as any Bawd can be. But he now if thou darest. How long have you known that Gentlewoman? and what do you know by her?

Dorc.

Sir.

Mad.

Here's a stirre about nothing. I know no∣thing by her, not ••. Nor whether she has any thing or nothing, that a woman should have by the re∣port of knowledge of man, woman or beast, not I. She came to me but this morning, with a purpose to set me up in my new house as I hoped. But she has taken a course to make it honestly spoken of already, to my utter undoing, but she never comes within my doors again, as I hope to thrive by my Trade here∣after.

Dorc.

Pray look upon me, sir.

Mih.

Was she so resolutely bent, and so soon al∣tered?

Mad.

Upon the very first fight of the very first man that came into my house, the very first houre of my setting up in it.

Mih.

What man was that?

Mad.

A shame take him, your roaring friend, Nick. I think she is enamoured of him, or of something she guesses he has; and would faine play the honest woman with him, that never played honest man with woman in his life.

Mih.

'Tis she, and 'tis most wonderful.

Dorc.

If you knew who I were, you would not be so strange to me.

Mad.

And here she comes me a hunting after him, like a fondling, whilest halfe a dozen peeces might ha' been gotten at home by this time, aud she have had the halfes of it in her purse by this time; if she would have done, as I thought, she would have done by this time.

Mih.

Alas, poor Howlet.

Mad.

I sent whooping after the best guest that haunt my house, to have taken the first fruits of her conversation, and she would not see a man of 'em, to my undoing.

Mih.

Well leave thy hooting, Madge, and hold thy peace. thou shalt get by it.

Mad.

Yes, I shall get a good name shortly, and this geare hold, and turn begger, I shall.

Dor.

Pray sir, but one word.

Mih.

Speak to her, brother, 'tis our Cousin Dor∣cas.

Gab.

Will you abuse me too? is she not lost?

Mih.

And will not you give her leave to be found again? his wine and her sudden apprehension works on him at once. Cousin, I'le speak to you, though I confesse the miracle of our meeting thus ama∣zes me.

Dorc.

O Cousins both. As ye are Gentlemen, and of that noble stock, whose meer remembrance, when he was given up, and at the brink of desperate folly, stroke that reverend fear into my soul, that hath pre∣serv'd my honour from further falling. Lend me now your aide, to vindicate that honour by that man, that threw me in the way of losse and ruine.

Mih.

All shall be well, good Cousin, you shall have both hands and hearts to re-estate you in him. So that in fact you have not wrong'd that ho∣nour, since he forsook you.

Dorc.

On my soule I have not.

Mih.

Infants then shall be pardoned. Brother speak.

Dorc.

You were wont still to be my loving'st Cou∣sin.

Gab.

What a strange dream has wine wrought in my head.

Mih.

I hope it will work out his superfluous zeale. And render him civil Christian again.

Dor.

It is no dream, good Cousin, you are awake, And I, that Dorcas, for whom you have wish't Affinity of blood might be dispen••'d with. And you

to be my choice. So well you lov'd me.

Gab.

And will above my life affect you still. But you must leave these gauds and prophane dres∣sings.

Mad.

Bawds did he say? how comes he to know me troe?

Dorc.

How came my Cousin Gabriel thus tran∣slated. Out of gay cloathes long haire, and lofty spirit, Stout and brave action, manly carriage; Into so strict a Reformation? Where is the martial humour he was wont so to affect.

Mih.

His purity and your disgrace fell on you both about a time, I faith.

Gab.

Do you swear by your FAITH?

Mi.

He's falling back again.

Boy.

Some more wine. You will drink with our Cousin, brother, will you not?

Boy.

What wine is't, Gentlemen?

Gab.

Yes, in a cup of sincere love.

Boy.

What other wine you please, Gentlemen, we have none such i••th' house.

Mih.

Of the same we had, sir.

Dorc.

Call not for wine for us, Cousin.

Mad.

Assuredly, we are no prophane wine-bibbers, not we.

Gab.

Modest, and well-spoken verily, she should be a Sister or a Matron.

Mih.

Yes, yes, we'll all drink for the good o'th' house.

'Tis upon putting down, they say, and more o'th neighbours. But Cousin, he knew you not to day.

Dor.

No, nor dreams of me.

Mih.

And the old one knowes nothing, does she.

Dorc.

No, by no meanes.

Mih.

She can bewray nothing then. My brother knows not him. I only do for his faire Sisters fake, of which you may hear more hereafter; in the mean, bear your selfe faire and free, as if you knew him not, and I'le work him to your end, never fear it.

Dorc.

You are a noble Spokesman.

[Bawd and Gabriel confer devoutly the while.

Mad.

Truly, you speak most edifyingly.

Enter Boy with Wine.

Mih.

Well-said, give it to my brother. Drink to our Cousin, Brother.

Gab.

I will, and to that vertuous Matron, whose care of her, I hope, tends unto good edification.—Truly the wine is good, and I was something thirsty.

Mad.

Best drink again then, Sir.

Gab.

I will follow your motherly advice.

[Drinks.

Mih.

'Twill work, anon, I hope.

Gab.

And you have travell'd Cousin. I may sup∣pose you brought this well-disposed Gentlewoman from Amsterdam with you. And this unto your wel∣come, hoping I shall be informed by you how the two zealous brethren thrive there? that broke in St. Hellens.

Mad.

Of that or any thing sir, pray drink again, sir.

Mih.

You Jade you, hold your tongue.

Enter Nick, Anthony, Clotpoll, Bettie, Frank.

Nick.

O, are ye here Gallants! I made all the haste I co••••••, but was stayed, I vow, by the bravest sport, baiting of a fellow or two with our Pusse-cats here. I could e'ne sind in my heart to marry 'em both for their valours.

Dorc.

Those words are daggers.

Mih.

I pray dissemble your passion.

Nick.

What? are you acquainted already?

Mich.

Did not I tell thee she was a brave Ma∣dona?

Mih.

How long have you had acquaintance with her, Nick?

Nick.

Never saw her before this morning, I, stand∣ing upon her Belconee.

Gab.

Truly Cousin, I think 'twas you that I saw to day too, standing upon a Bellconee.

Nick.

You spell very modestly, sir. Your brother I take it. But did you call her Cousin, sir.

Gab.

Yes sir, she is my Cousin.

Mih.

'Twill out too soon. Why Nick, thou know∣est these kinde of creatures call and are called Cou∣sins commonly.

Nick.

Yes, in their tribe. But I thought he had been too holy for them. But Dammy—

Gab.

O fearfully prophane!

Nick.

You said you had a storie to relate, of dire misfortune. and of unquoth hearing. I come to hear your story, what stop you your eares at? sir.

Gab.

I dare not speak it but in thy reproof. Thou swearest Gee o Dee, Dee a••m thee, as I take it.

Nick.

I vow thou liest, I call'd her Dammy, be∣cause her name is Damyris,

Gab.

I say thou liest, her name is Dorcas, which was the name of an holy woman.

Nick.

Shall we have things and things? I vow.

[Draw.

Clot.

And I protest.

[Draw.

Mih.

This vvill spoil all. Brother, I pray for∣bear.

Gab.

I may not forbear, I am moved for to smite him; yea, vvith often stripes to smite him; my zeal∣ous wrath is kindled, and he shall flie before me.

Dorc.

Let me entreat you, sir.

Bet. Frank.

What furie's this?

[Mihil holds up Gabriel

Nick.

Great Damboys shrink, and give a little ground.

Ex.

Gab.

I will pursue him in mine indignation.

Dor.

O me!

Gab.

And beat him into Potsheards.

Mad.

Now he has bang'd the Pitcher, he may do any thing.

Mih.

Pray, brother, be perswaded.

Clot.

A brother to be so controuled?

Mih.

You sir, put up your Steel-stick.

Clot.

I desire but to know first, if he be a bro∣ther.

Mih.

Yes marry is he, sir.

Clot.

Sir, I am satisfied. So let him live.

Gab.

Pray give me leave to ask you, do these men take part with the brethren?

Mih.

Yes, and are brothers a little disguiz'd, but for some ends.

Gab.

Some State-occasions.

Mih.

Meer Intelligencers, to collect up such and such observations, for a great Separatist that is now writing a book against playing at Barlibreak, moulding of Cocklebread, and such like prophane exercises.

Gab.

Truly such exercises are prophane exercises, that bear the denomination of good things ordained for mans use, as Barley, Cockles, and Bread are such things to be made sports and play-games? I pray you let me see these brethren again, to make my atone∣ment with them. And are those Sisters too, that were wi••h them?

Mih.

O, most notorious ones, and are as equally disguiz'd to be as rank Spies as the other. S'lid man, and they should be taken for such as they are, they would be cut off presently. They came in this

mad humour to be merry with you for my sake.

Gab.

Pray let 'em come again, I shall not be well until I have rendred satisfaction.

Mih.

You must do as they do then, or they will think you are a Spie upon them.

Gab.

I will be as merry as they, let wine be given unto us.

Mih.

More wine, Boy, and bid 'em all come in.

Ex. Boy.

Dor.

Alas, Cousin, let him drink no more.

Mih.

Fear nothing, Cousin, it shall be for his good and yours, as I will order it.

Enter Nick. Anthonie, Clotpoll, Bettie, Frank, Drawer with wine

Mih.

All welcome, not any repetition, but begin a new

Gab.

I will begin it, two glasses: it shall be a faith∣ful Salutation to all the Brothers and Sisters of—

Clot.

The Blade and the Scabberd.

Nick.

It shall go round.

Ant.

I'le swear you do not well to let him drink so.

Mih.

Well said civil Roarer.

Gab.

Let it go round, go to, you are a wag. I know what you mean by the Blade and the Scabberd.

Clot.

Who could have thought this had been such a brother.

Gab.

Nay, who could have thought you had been of the brethren.

Nick.

Brethren sir, we are the Brothers.

Gab.

Yea, the disguiz'd ones.

Nick.

How? disguiz'd ones?

Mih.

Do not crosse him again. If thou doest, and I do not maul thee. Yes, brother, these are vertu∣ous

men howe're they seeeme.

Nick.

I vow, I have so much vertue as to rebuke thee for lying. But we are brethren, sir, and as fa∣ctious as you, though we differ in the Grounds; for you, sir, defie Orders, and so do we; you of the Church, we of the Civil Magistrate; many of us speak i'th' nose, as you do; you out of humility of spirit, we by the wantonnesse of the flesh; now in de∣votion we go beyond you, for you will not kneel to a ghostly father, and we do to a carnal Mystresse.

Mih.

I'le stop your mouth, you said you came to be merry.

Nick.

Yes, I vow, and brought Fidlers along, but they must play i'th' next room, for here's one breaks all the Fiddles that come in his reach. Come fir, will you drink, dance, and do as we do?

Gab.

I'le drink, I'le dance, I'le kisse, or do any thing, any living thing with any of you that is Bro∣ther or Sister. Sweet-heart let me feel thy Co∣ney.

Mih.

I now he's in. Play Fidlers. Dance. All bravely performed, admirably well done, &c.

Nick.

I vow, thou art a brother after my own heart.

[To Gabriel.

Women.

We cannot commend you enough, sir.

Gab.

This done in civil fort among our selves, I hope, will prove no scandal to a brother.

Nick.

'Twill prove an honour to our faction.

Gab.

I thirst to do it honour.

Clot.

Give him some wine, he thirsts.

Mih.

Thou little dapper thing, thou, hold thy peace.

Ant.

Thou seest he can scarce stand.

Gab.

No, my religious brethren, no more wine. Enough's a feast, and little doth suffice.

I thirst to do some honour to our cause. To lead

forth legions to fight a battel 'gainst our. malignant adversaries.

Nick.

Brave.

Gab.

Such an employment now would make me famous, for my sufficiency of Att in Armes.

Nick.

I vow, this man has hidden things in him.

Mih.

He has as brave a warlike spirit, man, before his precise humour tainted it, as ever breath'd in Hector.

Nick.

I vow then, a good orderly diet of nothing but sack for a week together, would revive it in him, and bring it to good again.

Mih.

I hope, 'tis done already.

Ant.

How do you, sit?

Gab.

I feare some Jesuitical fumes have invaded my Brain pan. All me thinks goes whirley, whir∣ley, whirley.

Ant.

Best lie down upon a bed. Drawer!

Gab.

Souldiers must not be curious. A Bench or a∣ny thing.

Draw.

The Gentleman may have a bed here, an't please you. But sir, there's an old angry Gentleman below, that asks for you, and by all description for that mortified Gentleman. And will by all meanes presse into your room here.

Mih.

It is my father.

Dorc.

O me! What shall I do?

M••d. Bet. Fran.

We shall be all clap't up.

M••.

Fear nothing, veile your face a little; Who is with him?

Draw.

No body but his old Servingman, that it seems discover'd you. You may put this Gentleman into this inner room, and keep the Key your selfe. I know not what charge he has about him.

Mih.

Admirable honest fellow.

Draw.

And you may tell your father he is gone, for he is gone you see.

Nick.

I vow. a wit.

Draw.

Now if you'll be civil, I may bring him up to you, if not, because he is your father, we'll thrust him out of doors, an't please you.

Mi.

Notable rascal, well sir, let him up. I know how to fit him.

Dorc.

But this delays my businesse, Cousin, and will, I fear, frustrate my hopes.

Mi.

Nor hinder any thing, I'le warrant thee, he's thine. Play Fidlers, t'other dance.

Nick.

I vow.

Clot.

Will you! protest.

Ant.

You are not wilde?

Mad.

Come Wenches, if he venture in his fathers sight, shame take us and we blush.

[Dance.

Enter Croswill, Belt.

Cross. Belt.

And I had not sold all my land to live upon my money in Town here, out of danger or the Statute, I would give thee a Copihold for this dis∣covery.

Belt.

I thank your worship, and truly 'tis a good∣ly sight, me thinks, an't please your worship.

Cross.

I'm glad it likes you. Heigh, excellent good again. Heigh, Heigh, what an happinesse may fathers boast, that can bring their children up to this.

(Dance ended)

I cry ye mercy, Gentlemen all. Ha! I am so∣ry I interrupted your serious private occasions.

Nick.

Would you speak with any here, sir?

Mi.

It is my father, Gentlemen?

Cross.

Tny father? hold thy peace; dar'st thou use thy father thus? to spend thy time thus! ha! Is this place fit for the son of a Geatleman of quality? ha! why doest not answer me, does this company sort with thy reputation? ha!

Mih.

Sir, the company.—

Cross.

Hold thy peace, I say, or are these exerci∣ses allowable for a Gentleman, that ever said or heard Grace at his fathers Table? answer me that.

Mih.

An't please you, Sir.

Cross.

Hold thy peace when I bid thee.

Nick.

The company, sir, offends not you, I hope; you see the worst of us.

Cross.

In good time, sir, you are the distracted Gentlemen, I take it, that ask't him if he would moot to night? Is this your mooting? do you put cases to your VVenches, or they to you?

Nick.

I vow thy father talkes too much.

Cross.

Which are the better Lawyers? ha!

Mad.

But that you are his father, sit, and an old man, and he an honest young Gentleman, and our friend, we would tell you.

Cross.

I thank you for him, yes truly, heartily; and for your good opinion of him, heartily. Pray keep him amongst you while ye have him, for I'••e ha•• no more to say to him, I. Is your Invectives against drinking, wenching, and the abomination of the times come to this? is this your spending of time more pretious then money? is it you that knows not what to do with money but to buy books; and were drawn with such unwillingnesse to a Tavern? ha! you shall graze upon Littletons Commons, or eat nothing but books, an't please you, for any exhibition thou e∣ver get'st from me—And in that faith thou hast lost a father. Come sir, you have brought me to a goodly sight here; would any Villain but thy selfe have shewed his Master light to see so much woe! Thy Coxscombe shall yet pay fot't.

Belt.

O sir, O.

Cross.

This was your trim sight, was it?

Belt.

O.

Cross.

But well remembred. Pray where's your bro∣ther? my son I would say; for I know no brother or father thou hast. Where is Gabriel?

Mih.

He is not here, sir.

Cross.

Did you not tell me, Sirrah, he was here?

Belt.

I told you then too much. I feel it here.

Cross.

He was here, sir, but he is gone, sir.

Cross.

So, so, he's lost. He must be cried, or we shall never finde him.

Mih.

I'le warrant you, I'le find him yet to night, sir. Pray Gentlemen pay you the Reckoning, I'le wait upon my father home.

Cross.

Was that spoke like a son of mine? must o∣thers pay your reckoning, and I in place; take that, and do not make me mad. And why should you home with me? I pray, sir.

Mih.

Because sir, it grows dark, and 'tis the worst way as it is about the town; so many odde holes a man may slip into; pray take me with you, sir.

Cross.

Pray take no care for me, sir, and let the way be as it is. Do not think me worse at it in the dark then your self, I beseech you. But you talk't of the Reckoning, pray let not the want of money for that hinder the search of your brother. There's towards your paines for that; and so for a farewel to you and your friends here, till I hear thou keepest better company, let me hear no more of thee.

Ex. Cross. and Belt.

Mih.

There was no way to get this money, and be rid of him, but to offer him my service He would have driven me out before him else. But come, let's see my brother that went to sleep in so warlike a Passion. I hope he'll wake in a better.

Nic.

Mun Clotpoll, thou art dull.

Clot.

No, I protest, but struck with admiration at the old Blades humour.

Nick.

Come, Dammy and the rest, be merry. I vow, we'll sup together, and so at last hear all thy dis∣mal story.

Nick.

I mean he shall, and such an Audit make, As shall restore her honour from the stake.

Ex. Omnes.