Fifty comedies and tragedies written by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Gentlemen ; all in one volume, published by the authors original copies, the songs to each play being added.

SCENA II.

Enter 3. Merchants.

1 Mer.

'Tis much that you deliver of this Goswin.

2 Mer.

But short of what I could, yet have the Country Confirm'd it true, and by a general oath, And not a man hazard his credit in it: He beats himself with such a confidence As if he were the Master of the Sea, And not a wind upon the Sailers compass, But from one part or other was his factor, To bring him in the best commodities, Merchant e're ventur'd for.

1.

'Tis strange.

2.

And yet This do's in him deserve the least of wonder, Compared with other his peculiar fashions, Which all admire: he's young, and rich, at least Thus far reputed so, that since he liv'd In Bruges, there was never brought to harbour So rich a Bottom, but his bill would pass Unquestion'd for her lading.

3 Mer.

Yet he still Continues a good man.

2 Mer.

So good, that but To doubt him, would be held an injury Or rather malice, with the best that trassique; But this is nothing, a great stock, and fortune, Crowning his judgement in his undertakings May keep him upright that way: But that wealth Should want the power to make him dote on it, Or youth teach him to wrong it, best commends His constant temper; for his outward habit 'Tis suitable to his present course of life: His table furnish'd well, but not with dainties That please the appetite only for their rareness, Or their dear price: nor given to wine or women, Beyond his health, or warrant of a man, I mean a good one: and so loves his state He will not hazard it at play; nor lend Upon the assurance of a well pen'd Letter, Although a challenge second the denial From such as make th' opinion of their valour Their means of feeding.

1 Mer.

These are wayes to thrive, And the means not curs'd.

2 Mer.

What follows, this Makes many venturers with him, in their wishes, For his prosperity: for when desert Or reason leads him to be liberal, His noble mind and ready hand contend Which can add most to his free courtesies, Or in their worth, or speed to make them so. Is there a Virgin of good fame wants dower? He is a Father to her; or a Souldier That in his Countreys service, from the war Hath brought home only scars, and want? his house Receives him, and relieves him, with that care As if what he possess'd had been laid up For such good uses, and he steward of it. But I should lose my self to speak him further And stale in my relation, the much good You may be witness of, if your remove From Bruges be not speedy.

1 Mer.

This report I do assure you will not hasten it, Nor would I wish a better man to deal with For what I am to part with.

3 Mer.

Never doubt it, He is your man and ours, only I wish His too much forwardness to embrace all bargains Sink him not in the end.

2 Mer.

Have better hopes, For my part I am confident; here he comes.

Enter Goswin, and the fourth Merchant.

Gos.

I take it at your own rates, your wine of Cyprus, But for your Candy sugars, they have met With such foul weather, and are priz'd so high I cannot save in them.

4. Mer.

I am unwilling To seek another Chapman: make me offer Of something near price, that may assure me You can deal for them.

Gos.

I both can, and will, But not with too much loss; your bill of lading Speaks of two hundred chests, valued by you At thirty thousand gilders, I will have them At twenty eight; so, in the payment of Three thousand sterling, you fall only in Two hundred pound.

4 Mer.

You know, they are so cheap. —

Gos.

Why look you; I'le deal farily, there's in prisor, And at your suit, a Pirat, but unable To make you satisfaction, and past hope To live a week, if you should prosecute What you can prove against him: set him free, And you shall have your mony to a Stiver, And present payment.

4 Mer.

This is above wonder, A Merchant of your rank, that have at Sea So many Bottoms in the danger of These water-Thieves, should be a means to save 'em, It more importing you for your own safety To be at charge to scour the Sea of them Than stay the sword of justice, that is ready To fall on one so conscious of his guilt That he dares not deny it.

Gos.

You mistake me, If you think I would cherish in this Captain The wrong he did to you, or any man; I was lately with him, (having first, from others

••••e testimony been assured a man •• more desert never put from the shore) ••ead his letters of Mart from this State granted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the recovery of such losses, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had receiv'd in Spain, 'twas that he aim'd at, ••t at three tuns of wine, bisket, or beef, ••hi••n his necessity made him take from you. ••he had pillag'd you near, or sunk your ship, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thrown your men o'r board, then he deserv'd ••••e Laws extreamest rigour. But since want 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what he could not live without, compel'd him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he did (which yet our State calls death) ••ity his misfortune; and to work you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some compassion of them, I come up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your own price: save him, the goods are mine; ••not, seek else-where, I'le not deal for them.

4 Mer.

Well Sir, for your love, I will once be led 〈◊〉〈◊〉 change my purpose.

Gos.

For your profit rather.

4 Mer.

I'le presently make means for his discharge, ••••l when, I leave you.

2 Mer.

What do you think of this?

1 Mer.

As of a deed of noble pity: guided 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a strong judgement.

2 Mer.

Save you Master Goswin.

Goswin.

Good day to all.

2 Mer.

We bring you the refusall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more Commodities.

Gos.

Are you the owners 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ship that last night put into the Harbour?

1 Mer.

Both of the ship, and lading.

Gos.

What's the fraught?

1 Mer.

Indico, Cochineel, choise Chyna stuffs.

3 Mer.

And cloath of Gold brought from Cambal.

Gos.

Rich lading, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which I were your Chapman, but I am ••••ready out of cash.

1 Mer.

I'le give you day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the moiety of all.

Gos.

How long?

3 Mer.

Six months.

Gos.

'Tis a fair offer: which (if we agree ••bout the prices) I, with thanks accept of, ••nd will make present payment of the rest; ••me two hours hence I'le come aboard.

1 Mer.

The Gunner shall speak you welcom.

Gos.

I'le not fail.

3 Mer.

Good morrow.

Ex. Merch.

Gos.

Heaven grant my Ships a safe return, before ••he day of this great payment: as they are ••••pected three months sooner: and my credit ••ands good with all the world.

Enter Gerrard.

Ger.

Bless my good Master, ••he prayers of your poor Beads-man ever shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sent up for you.

Gos.

God o'mercy Clause, ••here's something to put thee in mind hereafter ••o think of me.

Ger.

May he that gave it you ••eward you for it, with encrease, good Master.

Gos.

I thrive the better for thy prayers.

Ger.

I hope so. ••his three years have I fed upon your bounties, ••nd by the fire of your blest charity warm'd me, ••nd yet, good Master, pardon me, that must, ••hough I have now receiv'd your alms, presume ••o make one sute more to you.

Gos.

What is't Clause?

Ger.

Yet do not think me impudent I beseech you, ••nce hitherto your charity hath prevented ••y begging your relief, 'tis not for mony ••o•• cloaths (good Master) but your good word for me.

Gos.

That thou shalt have, Clause, for I think thee honest.

Ger.

To morrow then (dear M^r.) take the trouble Of walking early unto Beggars Bush, And as you see me, among others (Brethren In my affliction) when you are demanded Which you like best among us, point out me, And then pass by, as if you knew me not.

Gos.

But what will that advantage thee?

Ger.

O much Sir, 'Twill give me the preheminence of the rest, Make me a King among 'em, and protect me From all abuse, such as are stronger, might Offer my age; Sir, at your better leisure I will inform you further of the good It may do to me.

Gos.

'Troth thou mak'st me wonder; Have you a King and common wealth among you?

Ger.

We have, and there are States are govern'd worse.

Gos.

Ambition among Beggars?

Ger.

Many great ones Would part with half their states, to have the place, And credit to beg in the first file, Master: But shall I be so much bound to your furtherance In my Petition?

Gos.

That thou shalt not miss of, Nor any worldly care make me forget it, I will be early there.

Ger.

Heaven bless my Master.

Exeunt.