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.

Scoen. III.

Enter to her, Lodovico and Andrea.

Lod.

Farewel, thou foolish Pomp, and Pride of Court, Whose shine is but an Ignis fatuus That leads fond Mortals from the path of Vertue, And Tracts of real Comforts: thus I shake Thy wanton Dust from off my Feet, to tread The wayes of Truth and Innocence: this Air Breaths Health upon me, Peace, and perfect Pleasure. VVhere the swoln Courts sophisticated Breath Did but disease my Blood, and taint my Senses.

Eul.

It is good Lodovico, though disguis'd, I can no less then know him: and the poor Fool That was my Servant: they come to relieve me In these disguises, that I might not know From whom I receiv'd Comfort.

Lod.

To this way The most unfortunate Queen enclin'd her course: And see, already, how her VVants and VVoes Have worne her to the bone: Alas, she's pin'd!

Andr.

And look you new Master, yonder's my old Mistress; VVhat Fools were we; that could not find her sooner! Alas! I can see through her: there is not So thin a Queen in the Cards.

Lod.

Hold thee, good Woman, pray thee take it quickly. I came now from a Feast where we had plenty, And brought these Dainties, meant unto another; But my dear Charity tells me thou dost want it. I pray thee eat it; do not look, but eat it.

Eul.

What Traytor art thou, that presents me Poy∣son?

Lod.

By all the truth and honesty in Man, 'Tis wholesome Food: see, I will be thy Taster, Though in good sooth, it grievs mee to beguile thee Of the least Morsel: sure thou hast need of 't▪ Good VVoman eat, and let not Famine be Fearful of Poyson, or false Treacherie.

Eul.

Is it not Poyson to a loyal heart, To eat contrary to the Kings Command?

Andr.

No, if it were, what a many would have been poyson'd the last Lent, that may live to be very good Subjects, very good Subjects all the yeer after, except a few Fish-Dayes?

Lod.

'Las, we are plain poor Country Folke, and hear no such news.

Eul.

VVhy will ye urge so much against your con∣science? Have you not heard of my banishment, and the Kings Edict, Proclaiming all men Traytors that relieve me?

Lod.

VVe heard indeed the King had put away his old good VVife, and tane a new one: but can we think you are she that was the Queen?

Eul.

Yes good Dissembler, you do know't, and you; As sure as I know you for Lodovico, And you, Sir, for Andrea: Can it be, That you that have been loyal Subjects, should Now go about to forfeit thus your Lives?

Andr.

Pray leave this fooling, Mistriss: eat your meat; And here's good Drink to wash it down: and then If you have a minde to hang us, let the Gallows take his due; for my own part, I had Rather hang like a man, while I am good For something, then you should pine away to no∣thing.

Eul.

Fear not you me, pray Sir, nor neglect the care That's due unto your selves, to injure me.

Lod.

O dearest Heaven! do you think we'ld injure you, That venture lives for you? no, gentle Queen.

Andr.

Lo, there again, that's Treason too, to call her Queen.

Lod.

No body hears nor sees; pray eat a little.

Eul.

Do not I hear and see you? I am not safe In my obedience unto the King, To hold such conference with you that would So violate his Laws: but let it warn ye Off of this course; for I'll appeal to Justice If you persist in this Rebellion.

Andr.

Any woman but she, now in her Case, would eat such an Husbands Brains without Butter, rather then forsake good meat; and but for this wil∣fulness in her, I should not think her a woman, I. But as she is, new Master, we shall never do good upon her: and therefore since your Grace has not the grace to eat this meat, mark with what a grace or without Grace, I will eat it my self: do you fear Poyson?

[Eats]

Now Bottle let me play a part with thee; can you think this Poyson, that goes down so merrily?

[Drinkes]

Eul.

Much good may it do thee.

Lod.

Stay, now perhaps she'l eat.

Andr.

'Tis like enough; I did but eat to get her an Appetite, therefore I'll e'en eat on, till all be done, to get her the better stomack: now Bottle, to thee again.

Eul.

See, here come poor Folks, that perhaps do want That which superfluously thou hast devour'd.

Andr.

I'll eat again, for that: I am as poor as

they; and you never knew Charity in Beggers towards one another. Bottle again for that.