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.

About this Item

Title
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.
Author
Beaumont, Francis, 1584-1616.
Publication
London :: Printed by J. Macock, for John Martyn, Henry Herringman, Richard Marriot,
1679.
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Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A27178.0001.001
Cite this Item
"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." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A27178.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 2, 2024.

Pages

SCENE II.
Enter Claudia, and Marcellina.
Claud.
Sirrah, what ails my Lady that of late She never cares for Company?
Mar.
I know not, Unless it be that Company causes Cuckolds.
Claud.
That were a childish fear.
Mar.
What were those Ladies, Came to her lately From the Court?
Claud.
The same wench, Some grave instructors on my life, they look For all the world like old hatcht hilts.
Mar.
'Tis true, Wench, For here and there, and yet they painted well too, One might discover where the Gold was worn, Their iron ages.
Claud.
If my judgement fail not, They have been sheathed like rotten Ships.
Mar.
It may be.
Claud.
For if you mark their rudders, they hang wealth.
Mar.
They have past the line belike; wouldst live Claus Till thou wert such as they are?
Claud.
Chimney pieces: Now heaven have mercy upon me, and young men, I had rather make a drollery till thirty, While I am able to endure a tempest, And hear my fights out bravely, till my tackle Whilstl'd i'th' Wind, and held against all weathers, While I were able to bear with my tyres, And so discharge 'em, I would willingly Live, Marcellina, not till barnacles Bred in my sides.
Mar.
Thou art i'th' right, Wench; For who would live whom pleasures had forsaken, To stand at mark, and cry a Bow short, Seigneur? Were there not men came hither too?
Claud.
Brave fellows: I fear me Bawds of five i'th' Pound.
Mar.
How know you?
Claud.
They gave me great lights to it.
Mar.
Take heed, Claudia.
Clau.
Let them take heed, the spring comes on.
Mar.
To me now They seem'd as noble Visitants.
Claud.
To me now Nothing less, Marcellina, for I markt 'em, And by this honest light, for yet 'tis morning, Saving the reverence of their gilded doublets, And Millan skins.
Mar.
Thou art a strange Wench, Claudia.
Claud.
Ye are deceiv'd, they shew'd to me directly Court Crabs that creep a side-way for their living, I know 'em by the Breeches that they beg'd last.
Mar.
Peace, my Lady comes; what may that be?

Page 365

Enter Lucina, and Lycias, the Eunuch.
Clau.
A Sumner That cites her to appear.
Mar.
No more of that wench.
Eun.
Madam, what answer to your Lord?
Luci.
Pray tell him, I am subject to his will.
Eun.
Why weep you Madam? Excellent Lady, there are none will hurt you.
Luci.
I do beseech you tell me Sir.
Eun.
What, Lady?
Luci.
Serve ye the Emperor?
Eun.
I do.
Luci.
In what place?
Eun.
In's chamber Madam.
Luci.
Do ye serve his will too?
Eun.
In fair and just commands.
Luci.
Are ye a Roman?
Eun.
Yes noble Lady, and a Mantuan.
Luci.
What office bore your parents?
Eun.
One was Pretor.
Luci.
Take heed then how you stain his reputation.
Eun.
Why worthy Lady?
Luci.
If ye know, I charge ye, Ought in this Message, but what honesty, The trust and fair obedience of a servant May well deliver, yet take heed, and help me.
Eun.
Madam, I am no Broker.
Claud.
I'le be hang'd then.
Eun.
Nor base procurer of mens lusts; Your husband, Pray'd me to do this office, I have done it, It rests in you to come, or no.
Luci.
I will Sir.
Eun.
If ye mistrust me, do not.
Luci.
Ye appear so worthy, And to all my sense so honest, And this is such a certain sign ye have brought me, That I believe.
Eun.
Why should I cozen you? Or were I brib'd to do this villany, Can mony prosper, or the fool that takes it, When such a vertue falls?
Luci.
Ye speak well Sir; Would all the rest that serve the Emperour, Had but your way.
Claud.
And so they have ad unguem.
Luci.
Pray tell my Lord, I have receiv'd his Token, And will not fail to meet him; yet good Sir, thus much Before you goe, I do beseech ye too, As little notice as ye can, deliver Of my appearance there.
Eun.
It shall be Madam, And so I wish you happiness.
Luci.
I thank you —
Exeunt.
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