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. 2 SCENE. 2.

Quick-sands. Testy. Millicent.

Qui.

Here was a good night, and good morrow to Given by a crew of Devils.

Tes.

'Twas her plot, And let her smart ••or'c.

Mil.

Smart, Sir, did you say? I think 'twas smart enough for a young Bride To be made lye alone, and gnaw the sheets Upon her wedding.

Tes.

Rare impudence!

Mil.

But for your satisfaction, as I hope To gain your favour as you are my Uncle, I know not any acter in this business.

Ent. Buz. with a paper. Quick reads it.

Buz.

Sir, her's a letter thrown into the entry.

Tes.

It is some villanous libel then I warrant. Sawst thou not who convai'd it in?

Buz.

Not 1. I onely found it, Sr.

Qui.

Pray read it you. Not my own house free from'em! The devil ow'd me a spight; and when he has plow'd An old mans lust up, he sits grinning at him. Nay, I that have so many gallant enemies On fire, to do me mischief, or disgrace; That I must provide tinder for their sparks! The very thought bears weight enough to sink me.

Mil.

May I be worthy, Sir, to know your trouble?

Qui.

Do you know your self?

Mil.

Am I your trouble then?

Qui.

Tis sworn and written in that letter there Thou shalt be wicked. Hundreds have tane oaths To make thee false, and me a horned Monster.

Mil.

And does that trouble you?

Tes.

Does it not you?

Mil.

A dream has done much more. Pray, Sir, your pa∣tience, And now I will be serious, and endeavour To mend your faith in me. Is't in their power To destroy vertue, think you; or do you Suppose me false already; tis perhaps Their plot to drive you into that opinion. And so to make you cast me out amongst'em: You may do so upon the words of strangers; And if they tell you all, your gold is counterfeit, Throw that out after me.

Tes.

Now shee speaks woman.

Mil.

But since these men pretend, and you suppose'em To be my friends, that carry this presumption Over my will, Ile take charge of my self, And do fair justice, both on them and you: My honour is my own; and i'm no more Yours yet, on whom my Uncle has bestowed me, Then all the worlds (the ceremony off) And will remain so, free from them and you; Who, by the false light of their wild-fire flashes Have slighted and deprav'd me and your bride bed;

Till you recant your wilfull ignorance, And they their petulant folly.

Tes.

This sounds well.

Mil.

Both they and you trench on my Peace and Honor; Dearer then beauty, pleasure wealth and fortune; I would stand under the fall of my estate Most chearefully, and sing: For there be wayes To raise up fortunes ruines, were her towers Shattered in pieces, and the glorious ball Shee stands on cleft asunder: But for Peace Once ruin'd, there's no reparation; If Honour fall, which is the soul of life, Tis like the damned, it nere lifts the head Up to the light again.

Tes.

Neece, thou hast won mee; And Nephew, she's to good for you. I charge you Give her her will: Ile have her home again else.

Qui.

I know not what I can deny her now.

Mil.

I ask but this, that you will give me leave To keep a vow I made, which was last night Because you flighted me.

Tes.

Stay there a little. I'le lay the price of twenty Maidenheads Now, as the market goes, you get not hers This seav'night.

Mil.

My vow is for a moneth; and for so long I crave your faithful promise not to attempt me. In the mean time because I will be quit With my trim, forward Gentlemen, and secure you From their assaults; let it be given out, That you have sent me down into the countrey Or back unto my Uncles; whither you please.

Quic.

Or, tarry, tarry—stay, stay here a while.

Mil.

So I intend, Sir, Ile not leave your house, But be lock'd up in some convenient room Not to be seen by any, but your selfe▪

Or else to have the liberty of your house In some disguise, (if it were possible) Free from the least suspition of your servants.

Tes.

What needs all this? Do we not live in a well govern'd City? And have not I authority? Ile take The care and guard of you and of your house 'Gainst all outragious attempts; and clap Those Goatish Roarers up, fast as they come.

Quic.

I understand her drist, Sir, and applaud Her quaint devise. Twill put 'em to more trouble, And more expence in doubtful search of her, The best way to undo 'em is to foil'em At their own weapons. Tis not to be thought The'l seek, by violence to force her from me, But wit; In which wee'l overcome'em.

Tes.

Agree on't twixt your selves. I see y'are friends. I'le leave you to your selves. Heark hither Neece—Now I dare trust you with him: He is in yeares, tis true. But hear'st thou girl Old Foxes are best blades.

Mil.

I'm sure they stink most.

Tes.

Good keeping makes him bright and young a∣gain.

Mil.

But for how long.

Tes.

A year or two perhaps. Then, when he dies, his wealth makes thee a Countess.

Mil.

You speak much comfort, Sir.

Tes.

That's my good Girl. And Nephew, Love her, I find she deserves it; Be as benevolent to her as you can; Shew your good will at least. You do not know How the good will of an old man may work In a young wife. I must now take my journey Down to my countrey house. At your moneths end Ile visit you again. No ceremony Joy and content be with you.

Quic. Mil.

And a good journey to you.

Exit Test.

Quic.

You are content you say to be lock'd up Or put in some disguise, and have it said Y'are gone unto your Uncles. I have heard Of some Bridegrooms, that shortly after Marriage Have gone to see their Uncles, seldom Brides. I have thought of another course.

Mil.

Be't any way.

Quic.

What if it were given out y'are run away Out of a detestation of your match?

Mil.

'T would pull a blot upon my reputation.

Quic.

When they consider my unworthiness 'T will give it credit. They'l commend you for it.

Mil.

You speak well for your self.

Quic.

I speak as they'l speak.

Mil.

Well; let it be so then: I am content.

Quic.

Wee'l put this instantly in act. The rest, As for disguise, or privacy in my house, You'll leave to me.

Mil.

All, Sir, to your dispose, Provided still you urge not to infringe My vow concerning my virginity.

Quic.

Tis the least thing I think on, I will not offer at it till your time.

Mil.

Why here's a happiness in a husband now

exeunt.