The comical romance, or, A facetious history of a company of stage-players interwoven with divers choice novels, rare adventures, and amorous intrigues / written originally in French by the renowned Scarron ; and now turned into English by J.B.

CHAP. XVII.

The ill success of Ragotins Civility.

AS soon as Destiny had stripped himself of his old Embrodery, and put on his ordinary wearing Apparel, la Rappiniere led him to the Common-Goal, because the Man they had taken, that day the Curate of Domfront was set upon in the high-way, desired to speak with him. In the mean time the Actresses went home to their Inn, with a great Train of Citizens. Ragotin hapning to be neer Cave when she came forth of the Tennis-Court, where the Play was Acted, proffered her his hand to lead her to her Lodgings, though he would rather have waited on his Dear Star, he did the like to Angelica, so that he was Squire to the right and left. This double civility, begot a treble inconvenience, For Cave having the upper hand, as was fit, was crowded to the Wall by Ragotin, that Angelica might not be forced to walk in the Kennel: Besides, this little Dwarf, reaching no higher then their wasts, pulled

down their hands so much, they could scarce keep themselves for tumbling over him: But that which most troubled them was, his often looking over his shoulder to stare upon Madam Star, who was talking to a pair of Fantastical Fellows, that would by all means lead her through the streets against her will. The poor Women endea∣voured many times to get loose from their small Gentleman-Usher; But he gripped them so hard, their fingers ends tingled again. They intreated him often to spare himselfe that labour; He onely answered them, your Servant, your Servant, (his ordinary Complement) and gripped them still harder and harder. They were fain to be patient therefore, till they came to the foot of their Chamber stairs, where they hoped to be set at liberty: But Ragotin was no flincher, repeating onely your Ser∣vant, your Servant to all they could plead, he endeavoured at first to go up with them a breast, which he found not feisible; Then Cave turned her back towards the wall, and crept up side-long, dragging Ragotin after her, who haled up Angelica in like man∣ner, she laughing all the while like a little fool. Now to make up the misfortune, when they were within five or six steps of their Chamber, down comes a man with a huge sack of Oates on his back, who with much adoe, so heavy was his load, bids

them go down again, for he could not turn about with his burthen. Ragotin would needs dispute it; the Fellow bluntly swore he would throw down his Oates up∣on them. This made them go back again a little faster then they went up, but Ra∣gotin would not let go his hold. The man with the Oates pressed hastily upon them, which caused Ragotin to misse a step, so that he hung in the aire by the hand, it being out of his reach to the next stair, till he pulled down Cave upon him, who crushing him down with her weight, she lighted with her feet on the Pigmeys belly and breast, ••nd knocked her head so fiercely against ••er Daughters, that they lay all three tum∣bling on the floor. The Fellow knowing they could not easily get up time enough, ••eing over-wearied with his load, raps out •• great Oath or two, and lets fall his oats upon them, cursing and raving like an Ho∣••ler. The sack bursts open with the fall, ••ust when mine Host came in, who was ready ••o beat out the Hosters brains. But as he was mad at the Fellow, so the Fellow was ••s mad at the Women, and they as mad at Ragotin, who was as mad as the madest of ••hem all; because Madam Star, the Planet ••••e Adored, coming not far behind them, ••as witness of this mischance or disgrace that ••ad befallen him, not much inferiour to the ••dventure of the deep crowned h••t, where∣in

his head was most unmercifully swallowed up, not to be recovered till a pair of Cis∣sars broke the spell, and freed him from most eminent danger and torture, Cave took her great Oath, that Ragotin should never lead her again, and shewed Madam Star how black and blew he had squeezed her hands. Star replyed, that it was a just judgement for depriving her of her Servant, who had engaged himself in the morning to bring her home after the Play, and ad∣ded, that she was glad of his fall, because he had broken his word. He heard no∣thing of all this; being troubled that mine Host threatned he should make good the damage of his Oates, having already bea∣ten his man into the bargan, who miscalled Ragotin, Angelica then began to rally with him again, and handled him so severely that he plainly perceived Fortune did no•• yet favour his foolish sute, so much as Ran∣cour made him believe she would, telling him, he might shortly be assured to gain•• her affection to that degree, as would ••n title him to more happinesse, then any lo∣ver, in the whole Country of Main, nay and Laval added to it. The Oates wer•• gathered up again, and the Gentlewomen went to their Chambers one by one, with∣out any further misfortune. Ragotin did not follow them, nor can I say how th•• disposed of himself. Supper time came

and they made a merry meal after the sad mischance. Then such as had a mind to it withdrew, but Destiny locked himself into the room with the Ladies, to tell them the remainder of his story.