Philip Massinger

A New Way To Pay Old Debts

Un nuevo modo de pagar viejas deudas (Traducción)

Massinger, Philip. A New Way to Pay Old Debts. Edited by David Bevington and checked by Eric Rasmussen. En: Bevington, David, Lars Engle, Katharine Eisaman Maus, and Eric Rasmussen (eds.) English Renaissance Drama: A Norton Anthology . New York and London: W. W. Norton & Company, 2002.

Joan Oleza Simó (Investigador principal) Tronch Pérez, Jesus (Editor)

English · Verso · 403 versos

https://playcode.fly.dev/plays/EMOTHE0309_ANewWayToPayOldDebts

Tiempo histórico: Siglo XVII
Datación: posterior 1626 y anterior 1632; posterior 1621 y anterior 1625

Bibliografía

Ediciones modernas

Bevington, David; Engle, Lars; Eisaman Maus, Katharine; Rasmussen, Eric, ed. English Renaissance Drama: A Norton Anthology. London and New York: W.W. Norton, 2002.
Brooke, Charles F. Tucker; Paradise, Nathaniel Burton, ed. English Drama 1580-1642. Boston: Heath, 1933.
Craik, T. W., ed. A New Way to Pay Old Debts. Massinger, Philip. New York: A & C Black ; W W Norton, 1993. New Mermaids. First edition in 1964.
Cruickshank, A. H., ed. A New Way to Pay Old Debts. Massinger, Philip. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1926.
Edwards, Philip; Gibson, Colin, ed. The Plays and Poems of Philip Massinger. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1976, 5 vols.
Fraser, Russell A.; Rabkin, Norman, ed. Drama of the English Renaissance II: The Stuart Period. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc., 1976.
Gibson, Colin, ed. Selected Plays of Philip Massinger. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1978. Plays by Renaissance and Restoration Dramatists.
Lawrence, Robert G., ed. Early Seventeenth Century Drama. London: J. M. Dent & Sons, 1963. Everyman’s Library.
Matthews, Brander; Leider, Paul Robert, ed. The Chief British Dramatists Excluding Shakespeare. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1924.
Nethercot, Arthur H.; Baskervill, Charles R.; Heltzel, Virgil B., ed. Stuart Plays. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1971, pp. 183-280.
Ornstein, Robert; Spencer, Hazelton, ed. Elizabethan and Jacobean Comedy: An Anthology. Boston: Heath, 1964.
Salgado, Gamini, ed. Four Jacobean City Comedies. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1988.
Shaughnessy, Robert, ed. Four Renaissance Comedies. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.
Spencer, Hazelton, ed. Elizabethan Plays. Boston: Heath, 1933.
St Clare Byrne, Muriel, ed. A New Way to Pay Old Debts. Massinger, Philip. London: Falcon Educational Books, 1949.
Wheeler, C. B., ed. Six Elizabethan Plays by Contemporaries of Shakespeare. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1915. World’s Classics Series.

Bibliografía crítica

Burelbach, Frederick M. Jr. "'A New Way to Pay Old Debts': Jacobean Morality". College Language Association Journal. 1969, 12, p. 205-213.
Butler, Martin. "'A New Way to Pay Old Debts': Massinger's Grim Comedy". Ed. Cordner, Michael; Holland, Peter; Kerrigan, John. English Comedy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994, p. 119-136.
Davies, H. N. "'A New Way to Pay Old Debts': Massinger and the RSC". Critical Quarterly. 1984, 26, 3, p. 47-56.
Fothergill, Robert A. "The Dramatic Experience of Massinger's the City Madam and 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'". University of Toronto Quarterly: A Canadian Journal of the Humanities. 1973, 43, p. 68-86.
Leonard, Nancy S. "Overreach at Bay: Massinger's 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'". Ed. Howard, Douglas. Philip Massinger: A Critical Reassessment. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985, p. 171-192.
Neill, Michael. "Massinger's Patriarchy: The Social Vision of 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'". Renaissance Drama. 1979, 10, p. 185-213.
Raw, Laurence. "Sir Donald Wolfit's 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'". Theatre Notebook: A Journal of the History and Technique of the British Theatre. 1991, 45, 1, p. 30-36.
Ribeyrol, Wendy. "The Character as Text in Philip Massinger's 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'". Revue LISA/LISA e-Journal. 2008, 6, 3, p. 207-216.
Rochester, Joanne. Staging Spectatorship in the Plays of Philip Massinger. Farnham: Ashgate, 2010.
Ryner, Bradley D. "The Cosmopolitical Economies of the Merchant of Venice and 'A New Way to Pay Old Debts'". Renaissance Drama. 2014, 42, 2, p. 141-167.
Sandhu, Joginder Singh. English Class-Conflict Comedy, 1600-1642: A Study of the Theme Epitomized in 'A New Way To Pay Old Debts'. 1965.
Tricomi, Albert H. "’A New Way to Pay Old Debts’ and the Country-House Poetic Tradition". Medieval & Renaissance Drama in England: An Annual Gathering of Research, Criticism and Reviews. 1986, 3, p. 177-187.

Traducciones

Español

Massinger, Philip. Un nuevo modo de pagar viejas deudas. Tra. Calvo García de Leonardo, Juan José. Valencia: ARTELOPE Universitat de València, 2016.

Italiano

Massinger, Philip. "Un nuovo modo di pagare vecchi debiti". Ed. Obertello, Alfredo. Teatro Elisabettiano. Vol. 2. Milano: Bompiani, 1951, p. 707-94.
Massinger, Philip. "Un nuovo modo di pagare vecchi debiti". Tra. Gabrielli, Vittorio. Ed. Obertello, Alfredo. Teatro Elisabettiano. Vol. 2. Milano: Bompiani, 1951, p. 707-94.

Deutsch

Massinger, Philip. Ein neuer Weg, alte Schulden zu bezahlen. Tra. Elster, T.; Lauterbach, E. S. Berlin: Henschelverlag, 1965. (Orig: A New Way to Pay Old Debts)

Note on this digital edition

Reproduced with kind permission by W. W. Norton & Company. ©W. W. Norton & Company With the support of research project GVAICO2016-094, funded by Generalitat Valenciana.

Dramatis Personae

Lovell an English lord

Sir Giles Overreach a cruel extortioner

[Frank] Wellborn a prodigal [nephew to Overreach]

[Tom] Allworth a young gentleman, page to Lord Lovell [and stepson to Lady Allworth]

Greedy a hungry justice of peace

[Jack] Marall a term driver, a creature of Sir Giles Overreach

Order [a steward] }

Amble [an usher] } servants to the Lady Allworth

Furnace [a cook] }

Watchall [a porter] }

Willdo a parson

Tapwell an alehouse-keeper

Three Creditors

The Lady Allworth a rich widow [Tom Allworth’s stepmother]

Margaret Overreach his daughter

Waiting-woman } [to Lady Allworth]

Chambermaid }

Froth Tapwell’s wife

[Servants]

Tapwell and Froth

1.1

([Enter] Wellborn [in ragged clothes], Tapwell, [and] Froth.)

WELLBORN

No booze? Nor no tobacco? 1

TAPWELL

Not a suck, sir,

Nor the remainder of a single can 2

Left by a drunken porter, all night palled too. 3

FROTH

Not the dropping of the tap for your morning's draft, sir. 4

'Tis verity, I assure you. 5

WELLBORN

Verity, you brach!

The devil turned precisian? Rogue, what am I? 6

TAPWELL

Troth, durst I trust you with a looking glass 7

To let you see your trim shape, you would quit me 8

And take the name yourself. 9

WELLBORN

How, dog?

TAPWELL

Even so, sir.

And I must tell you, if you but advance 10

Your Plymouth cloak, you shall be soon instructed 11

There dwells—and within call, if it please Your Worship— 12

A potent monarch called the constable, 13

That does command a citadel called the stocks, 14

Whose guards are certain files of rusty billmen, 15

Such as with great dexterity will hale 16

Your tattered, lousy— 17

WELLBORN

Rascal! Slave!

FROTH

No rage, sir.

TAPWELL

[to Froth] At his own peril. [To Wellborn] Do not put yourself 18

In too much heat, there being no water near 19

To quench your thirst; and sure, for other liquor, 20

As mighty ale or beer, they are things, I take it, 21

You must no more remember—not in a dream, sir. 22

WELLBORN

Why, thou unthankful villain, dar'st thou talk thus? 23

Is not thy house, and all thou hast, my gift? 24

TAPWELL

I find it not in chalk, and Timothy Tapwell 25

Does keep no other register. 26

WELLBORN

Am not I he

Whose riots fed and clothed thee? Wert thou not 27

Born on my father's land, and proud to be 28

A drudge in his house? 29

TAPWELL

What I was, sir, it skills not.

What you are is apparent. Now for a farewell: 30

Since you talk of father, in my hope it will torment you, 31

I'll briefly tell your story. Your dead father, 32

My quondam master, was a man of worship, 33

Old Sir John Wellborn, Justice of Peace and Quorum, 34

And stood fair to be Custos Rotulorum , 35

Bare the whole sway of the shire, kept a great house, 36

Relieved the poor, and so forth; but he dying, 37

And the twelve hundred a year coming to you, 38

Late Master Francis, but now forlorn Wellborn— 39

WELLBORN

Slave, stop, or I shall lose myself. 40

FROTH

Very hardly;

You cannot out of your way. 41

TAPWELL

But to my story.

You were then a lord of acres, the prime gallant, 42

And I your under-butler. Note the change now. 43

You had a merry time of't—hawks and hounds, 44

With choice of running horses, mistresses 45

Of all sort and all sizes—yet so hot 46

As their embraces made your lordship melt. 47

Which your uncle, Sir Giles Overreach, observing, 48

Resolving not to lose a drop of 'em 49

On foolish mortgages, statutes, and bonds, 50

For a while supplied your looseness, and then left you. 51

WELLBORN

Some curate hath penned this invective, mongrel, 52

And you have studied it. 53

TAPWELL

I have not done yet.

Your land gone, and your credit not worth a token, 54

You grew the common borrower; no man scaped 55

Your paper pellets, from the gentleman 56

To the beggars on highways, that sold you switches 57

In your gallantry. 58

WELLBORN

I shall switch your brains out.

TAPWELL

Where poor Tim Tapwell, with a little stock, 59

Some forty pounds or so, bought a small cottage, 60

Humbled myself to marriage with my Froth here, 61

Gave entertainment— 62

WELLBORN

Yes, to whores and canters,

Clubbers by night. 63

TAPWELL

True, but they brought in profit,

And had a gift to pay for what they called for, 64

And stuck not like Your Mastership. The poor income 65

I gleaned from them hath made me in my parish 66

Thought worthy to be scavenger, and in time 67

May rise to be overseer of the poor— 68

Which if I do, on your petition, Wellborn, 69

I may allow you thirteenpence a quarter, 70

And you shall thank My Worship. 71

WELLBORN

Thus, you dogbolt!

And thus! 72

(Beats and kicks him.)

TAPWELL

[to Froth] Cry out for help!

WELLBORN

Stir, and thou diest.

Your potent prince, the constable, shall not save you. 73

Hear me, ungrateful hellhound. Did not I 74

Make purses for you? Then you licked my boots, 75

And thought your holiday cloak too coarse to clean 'em. 76

'Twas I that, when I heard thee swear if ever 77

Thou couldst arrive at forty pounds thou wouldst 78

Live like an emperor, 'twas I that gave it 79

In ready gold. Deny this, wretch! 80

TAPWELL

I must sir,

For, from the tavern to the taphouse, all, 81

On forfeiture of their licenses, stand bound 82

Never to remember who their best guests were, 83

If they grew poor like you. 84

WELLBORN

They are well rewarded

That beggar themselves to make such cuckolds rich. 85

Thou viper, thankless viper! Impudent bawd! 86

But since you are grown forgetful, I will help 87

Your memory, and tread thee into mortar, 88

Not leave one bone unbroken. 89

([He beats Tapwell again.])

TAPWELL

Oh!

FROTH

Ask mercy!

(Enter Allworth.)

WELLBORN

'Twill not be granted. 90

ALLWORTH

Hold, for my sake, hold!

Deny me, Frank? They are not worth your anger. 91

WELLBORN

For once thou hast redeemed them from this scepter. 92

([Wellborn puts up] his cudgel.)

But let 'em vanish, creeping on their knees, 93

And, if they grumble, I revoke my pardon. 94

FROTH

This comes of your prating, husband. You presumed 95

On your ambling wit, and must use your glib tongue 96

Though you are beaten lame for't. 97

TAPWELL

Patience, Froth.

There's law to cure our bruises. 98

(They go off on their hands and knees.)

WELLBORN

Sent to your mother?

ALLWORTH

My lady, Frank, my patroness! My all! 99

She's such a mourner for my father's death, 100

And, in her love to him, so favors me 101

That I cannot pay too much observance to her. 102

There are few such stepdames. 103

WELLBORN

'Tis a noble widow,

And keeps her reputation pure and clear 104

From the least taint of infamy; her life, 105

With the splendor of her actions, leaves no tongue 106

To envy or detraction. Prithee tell me: 107

Has she no suitors? 108

ALLWORTH

Even the best of the shire, Frank,

My lord excepted—such as sue and send, 109

And send and sue again, but to no purpose. 110

Their frequent visits have not gained her presence. 111

Yet she's so far from sullenness and pride 112

That I dare undertake you shall meet from her 113

A liberal entertainment. I can give you 114

A catalog of her suitors' names. 115

WELLBORN

Forbear it,

While I give you good counsel. I am bound to it; 116

Thy father was my friend, and that affection 117

I bore to him, in right descends to thee. 118

Thou art a handsome and a hopeful youth, 119

Nor will I have the least affront stick on thee, 120

If I with any danger can prevent it. 121

ALLWORTH

I thank your noble care. But pray you, in what 122

Do I run the hazard? 123

WELLBORN

Art thou not in love?

Put it not off with wonder. 124

ALLWORTH

In love, at my years?

WELLBORN

You think you walk in clouds, but are transparent. 125

I have heard all, and the choice that you have made, 126

And with my finger can point out the north star 127

By which the lodestone of your folly's guided. 128

And to confirm this true, what think you of 129

Fair Margaret, the only child and heir 130

Of cormorant Overreach? Does it blush and start 131

To hear her only named? Blush at your want 132

Of wit and reason. 133

ALLWORTH

You are too bitter, sir.

WELLBORN

Wounds of this nature are not to be cured 134

With balms, but corrosives. I must be plain: 135

Art thou scarce manumized from the porter's lodge, 136

And yet sworn servant to the pantofle, 137

And dar'st thou dream of marriage? I fear 138

'Twill be concluded for impossible 139

That there is now, nor e'er shall be hereafter, 140

A handsome page or players' boy of fourteen 141

But either loves a wench, or drabs love him— 142

Court-waiters not exempted. 143

ALLWORTH

This is madness.

Howe'er you have discovered my intents, 144

You know my aims are lawful; and if ever 145

The queen of flowers, the glory of the spring, 146

The sweetest comfort to our smell, the rose, 147

Sprang from an envious brier, I may infer 148

There's such disparity in their conditions 149

Between the goddess of my soul, the daughter, 150

And the base churl, her father. 151

WELLBORN

Grant this true,

As I believe it, canst thou ever hope 152

To enjoy a quiet bed with her whose father 153

Ruined thy state? 154

ALLWORTH

And yours too.

WELLBORN

I confess it.

True, I must tell you as a friend, and freely, 155

That, where impossibilities are apparent, 156

'Tis indiscretion to nourish hopes. 157

Canst thou imagine—let not self-love blind thee— 158

That Sir Giles Overreach, that, to make her great 159

In swelling titles, without touch of conscience 160

Will cut his neighbor's throat, and I hope his own too, 161

Will e'er consent to make her thine? Give o'er, 162

And think of some course suitable to thy rank, 163

And prosper in it. 164

ALLWORTH

You have well advised me.

But in the meantime, you that are so studious 165

Of my affairs wholly neglect your own. 166

Remember yourself, and in what plight you are. 167

WELLBORN

No matter, no matter. 168

ALLWORTH

Yes, 'tis much material.

You know my fortune and my means; yet something 169

I can spare from myself to help your wants. 170

([He offers money.])

WELLBORN

How's this? 171

ALLWORTH

Nay, be not angry. There's eight pieces

To put you in better fashion. 172

WELLBORN

Money from thee?

From a boy? A stipendiary? One that lives 173

At the devotion of a stepmother 174

And the uncertain favor of a lord? 175

I'll eat my arms first. Howsoe'er blind Fortune 176

Hath spent the utmost of her malice on me— 177

Though I am vomited out of an alehouse, 178

And, thus accoutred, know not where to eat, 179

Or drink, or sleep, but underneath this canopy— 180

Although I thank thee, I despise thy offer. 181

And, as I in my madness broke my state 182

Without th'assistance of another's brain, 183

In my right wits I'll piece it; at the worst 184

Die thus, and be forgotten. 185

ALLWORTH

A strange humor!

(Exeunt.)

1.2

([Enter] Order, Amble, Furnace, [and] Watchall.)

ORDER

Set all things right, or—as my name is Order, 1

And by this staff of office that commands you, 2

This chain and double ruff, symbols of power— 3

Whoever misses in his function, 4

For one whole week makes forfeiture of his breakfast 5

And privilege in the wine cellar. 6

AMBLE

You are merry,

Good Master Steward. 7

FURNACE

Let him; I'll be angry.

AMBLE

Why, fellow Furnace, 'tis not twelve o'clock yet, 8

Nor dinner taking up; then 'tis allowed 9

Cooks by their places may be choleric. 10

FURNACE

You think you have spoke wisely, goodman Amble, 11

My lady's go-before! 12

ORDER

Nay, nay, no wrangling.

FURNACE

Twit me with the authority of the kitchen? 13

At all hours and all places I'll be angry; 14

And, thus provoked, when I am at my prayers, 15

I will be angry. 16

AMBLE

There was no hurt meant.

FURNACE

I am friends with thee, and yet I will be angry. 17

ORDER

With whom? 18

FURNACE

No matter whom. Yet, now I think on't,

I am angry with my lady. 19

WATCHALL

Heaven forbid, man!

ORDER

What cause has she given thee? 20

FURNACE

Cause enough, Master Steward.

I was entertained by her to please her palate, 21

And till she forswore eating I performed it. 22

Now since our master, noble Allworth, died, 23

Though I crack my brains to find out tempting sauces, 24

And raise fortifications in the pastry 25

Such as might serve for models in the Low Countries, 26

Which if they had been practiced at Breda, 27

Spinola might have thrown his cap at it and ne'er took it— 28

AMBLE

But you had wanted matter there to work on. 29

FURNACE

Matter? With six eggs and a strike of rye meal 30

I had kept the town till doomsday, perhaps longer. 31

ORDER

But, what's this to your pet against my lady? 32

FURNACE

What's this? Marry, this: when I am three parts roasted 33

And the fourth part parboiled to prepare her viands, 34

She keeps her chamber, dines with a panada 35

Or water-gruel, my sweat never thought on. 36

ORDER

But your art is seen in the dining room. 37

FURNACE

By whom?

By such as pretend love to her, but come 38

To feed upon her. Yet of all the Harpies 39

That do devour her, I am out of charity 40

With none so much as the thin-gutted squire 41

That's stol'n into commission. 42

ORDER

Justice Greedy?

FURNACE

The same, the same. Meat's cast away upon him; 43

It never thrives. He holds this paradox: 44

Who eats not well can ne'er do justice well. 45

His stomach's as insatiate as the grave, 46

Or strumpet's ravenous appetites. 47

WATCHALL

One knocks.

(Allworth knocks, and enters.)

ORDER

Our late young master! 48

AMBLE

Welcome, sir.

FURNACE

Your hand.

If you have a stomach, a cold bake-meat's ready. 49

ORDER

[to the others] His father's picture in little. 50

FURNACE

We are all your servants.

AMBLE

In you he lives. 51

ALLWORTH

At once, my thanks to all.

This is yet some comfort. Is my lady stirring? 52

ORDER

Her presence answer for us. 53

(Enter the Lady Allworth, Waiting-woman, [and] Chambermaid.)

LADY ALLWORTH

[to her women] Sort those silks well.

I'll take the air alone. 54

(Exeunt Waiting-woman and Chambermaid.)

FURNACE

You air and air,

But will you never taste but spoon-meat more? 55

To what use serve I? 56

LADY ALLWORTH

Prithee, be not angry;

I shall, ere long. I'the meantime, there is gold 57

To buy thee aprons and a summer suit. 58

([She gives money.])

FURNACE

I am appeased, and Furnace now grows cool. 59

LADY ALLWORTH

And, as I gave directions, if this morning 60

I am visited by any, entertain 'em 61

As heretofore, but say, in my excuse, 62

I am indisposed. 63

ORDER

I shall, madam.

LADY ALLWORTH

Do, and leave me.—

Nay, stay you, Allworth. 64

ALLWORTH

I shall gladly grow here

To wait on your commands. 65

(Exeunt Order, Amble, Furnace, [and] Watchall.)

LADY ALLWORTH

So soon turned courtier!

ALLWORTH

Style not that "courtship", madam, which is duty 66

Purchased on your part. 67

LADY ALLWORTH

Well, you shall o'ercome;

I'll not contend in words. How is it with 68

Your noble master? 69

ALLWORTH

Ever like himself,

No scruple lessened in the full weight of honor. 70

He did command me (pardon my presumption) 71

As his unworthy deputy to kiss 72

Your Ladyship's fair hands. 73

([He kisses her hands.])

LADY ALLWORTH

I am honored in

His favor to me. Does he hold his purpose 74

For the Low Countries? 75

ALLWORTH

Constantly, good madam,

But he will in person first present his service. 76

LADY ALLWORTH

And how approve you of his course? You are yet, 77

Like virgin parchment, capable of any 78

Inscription, vicious or honorable. 79

I will not force your will, but leave you free 80

To your own election. 81

ALLWORTH

Any form you please

I will put on; but, might I make my choice, 82

With humble emulation I would follow 83

The path my lord marks to me. 84

LADY ALLWORTH

'Tis well answered,

And I commend your spirit. You had a father— 85

Blessed be his memory!—that some few hours 86

Before the will of heaven took him from me, 87

Who did commend you, by the dearest ties 88

Of perfect love between us, to my charge; 89

And therefore what I speak you are bound to hear 90

With such respect as if he lived in me. 91

He was my husband, and howe'er you are not 92

Son of my womb, you may be of my love, 93

Provided you deserve it. 94

ALLWORTH

I have found you,

Most honored madam, the best mother to me, 95

And, with my utmost strengths of care and service, 96

Will labor that you never may repent 97

Your bounties showered upon me. 98

LADY ALLWORTH

I much hope it.

These were your father's words: "If e'er my son 99

Follow the war, tell him it is a school 100

Where all the principles tending to honor 101

Are taught, if truly followed; but for such 102

As repair thither as a place in which 103

They do presume they may with license practice 104

Their lusts and riots, they shall never merit 105

The noble name of soldiers. To dare boldly 106

In a fair cause, and for the country's safety 107

To run upon the cannon's mouth undaunted; 108

To obey their leaders, and shun mutinies; 109

To bear with patience the winter's cold 110

And summer's scorching heat, and not to faint, 111

When plenty of provision fails, with hunger, 112

Are the essential parts make up a soldier— 113

Not swearing, dice, or drinking." 114

ALLWORTH

There's no syllable

You speak but is to me an oracle, 115

Which but to doubt were impious. 116

LADY ALLWORTH

To conclude:

Beware ill company, for often men 117

Are like to those with whom they do conserve. 118

And from one man I warned you, and that's Wellborn; 119

Not 'cause he's poor—that rather claims your pity— 120

But that he's in his manners so debauched, 121

And hath to vicious courses sold himself. 122

'Tis true your father loved him while he was 123

Worthy the loving, but, if he had lived 124

To have seen him as he is, he had cast him off 125

As you must do. 126

ALLWORTH

I shall obey in all things.

LADY ALLWORTH

Follow me to my chamber; you shall have gold 127

To furnish you like my son, and still supplied 128

As I hear from you. 129

ALLWORTH

I am still your creature.

(Exeunt.)

1.3

([Enter] Overreach, Greedy, Order, Amble, Furnace, Watchall, [and] Marall.)

GREEDY

Not to be seen? 1

OVERREACH

Still cloistered up? Her reason,

I hope, assures her, though she make herself 2

Close prisoner ever for her husband's loss, 3

'Twill not recover him. 4

ORDER

Sir, it is her will,

Which we that are her servants ought to serve it 5

And not dispute. Howe'er, you are nobly welcome, 6

And, if you please to stay, that you may think so, 7

There came not six days since from Hull a pipe 8

Of rich canary, which shall spend itself 9

For my lady's honor. 10

GREEDY

Is it of the right race?

ORDER

Yes, Master Greedy. 11

AMBLE

How his mouth runs o'er!

FURNACE

I'll make it run, and run.—Save Your good Worship! 12

GREEDY

Honest Master Cook, thy hand again. How I love thee! 13

Are the good dishes still in being? Speak, boy. 14

FURNACE

If you have a mind to feed, there is a chine 15

Of beef, well seasoned. 16

GREEDY

Good!

FURNACE

A pheasant, larded.

GREEDY

That I might now give thanks for't? 17

FURNACE

Other kickshaws.

Besides, there came last night from the Forest of Sherwood 18

The fattest stag I ever cooked. 19

GREEDY

A stag, man?

FURNACE

A stag, sir—part of it prepared for dinner, 20

And baked in puff paste. 21

GREEDY

Puff paste too, Sir Giles!

A ponderous chine of beef! A pheasant larded! 22

And red deer too, Sir Giles, and baked in puff paste! 23

All business set aside; let us give thanks here. 24

FURNACE

How the lean skeleton's rapt! 25

OVERREACH

You know we cannot.

MARALL

Your Worships are to sit on a commission, 26

And, if you fail to come, you lose the cause. 27

GREEDY

Cause me no causes. I'll prove't, for such a dinner 28

We may put off a commission: you shall find it 29

Henrici decimo quarto . 30

OVERREACH

Fie, Master Greedy,

Will you lose me a thousand pounds for a dinner? 31

No more, for shame! We must forget the belly 32

When we think of profit. 33

GREEDY

Well, you shall o'errule me.

I could ev'n cry now.—Do you hear, Master Cook? 34

Send but a corner of that immortal pasty, 35

And I, in thankfulness, will by your boy 36

Send you a brace of threepences. 37

FURNACE

Will you be so prodigal? 38

(Enter Wellborn.)

OVERREACH

Remember me to your lady.—Who have we here? 39

WELLBORN

You know me. 40

OVERREACH

I did once, but now I will not;

Thou art no blood of mine. Avaunt, thou beggar! 41

If ever thou presume to own me more, 42

I'll have thee caged and whipped. 43

GREEDY

I'll grant the warrant.—

Think of Pie Corner, Furnace! 44

(Exeunt Overreach, Greedy, [and] Marall.)

WATCHALL

[to Wellborn] Will you out, sir?

I wonder how you durst creep in. 45

ORDER

This is rudeness

And saucy impudence. 46

AMBLE

Cannot you stay

To be served among your fellows from the basket, 47

But you must press into the hall? 48

FURNACE

Prithee, vanish

Into some outhouse, though it be the pigsty; 49

My scullion shall come to thee. 50

(Enter Allworth.)

WELLBORN

This is rare.

Oh, here's Tom Allworth.—Tom! 51

ALLWORTH

We must be strangers,

Nor would I have you seen here for a million. 52

(Exit Allworth.)

WELLBORN

Better and better. He contemns me too? 53

(Enter [Waiting-] woman and Chambermaid.)

WAITING-WOMAN

Foh, what a smell's here! What thing's this? 54

CHAMBERMAID

A creature

Made out of the privy. Let us hence, for love's sake, 55

Or I shall swoon. 56

WAITING-WOMAN

I begin to faint already.

(Exeunt [Waiting-] woman and Chambermaid.)

WATCHALL

[to Wellborn] Will you know your way? 57

AMBLE

Or shall we teach it you

By the head and shoulders? 58

WELLBORN

No. I will not stir.

Do you mark, I will not. Let me see the wretch 59

That dares attempt to force me. Why, you slaves, 60

Created only to make legs and cringe, 61

To carry in a dish and shift a trencher, 62

That have not souls only to hope a blessing 63

Beyond blackjacks or flagons—you that were born 64

Only to consume meat and drink, and batten 65

Upon reversions! Who advances? Who 66

Shows me the way? 67

ORDER

My lady!

(Enter Lady [Allworth, Waiting-] woman, [and] Chambermaid.)

CHAMBERMAID

Here's the monster.

WAITING-WOMAN

Sweet madam, keep your glove to your nose. 68

CHAMBERMAID

Or let me

Fetch some perfumes may be predominant; 69

You wrong yourself else. 70

WELLBORN

Madam, my designs

Bear me to you. 71

LADY ALLWORTH

To me?

WELLBORN

And though I have met with

But ragged entertainment from your grooms here, 72

I hope from you to receive that noble usage 73

As may become the true friend of your husband, 74

And then I shall forget these. 75

LADY ALLWORTH

I am amazed

To see and hear this rudeness. Dar'st thou think, 76

Though sworn, that it can ever find belief 77

That I, who to the best men of this country 78

Denied my presence since my husband's death, 79

Can fall so low as to change words with thee? 80

Thou son of infamy, forbear my house, 81

And know and keep the distance that's between us, 82

Or, though it be against my gentler temper, 83

I shall take order you no more shall be 84

An eyesore to me. 85

WELLBORN

Scorn me not, good lady;

But, as in form you are angelical, 86

Imitate the heavenly natures and vouchsafe 87

At the least awhile to hear me. You will grant 88

The blood that runs in this arm is as noble 89

As that which fills your veins; those costly jewels, 90

And those rich clothes you wear, your men's observance 91

And women's flattery are in you no virtues, 92

Nor these rags, with my poverty, in me vices. 93

You have a fair fame, and, I know, deserve it— 94

Yet, lady, I must say, in nothing more 95

Than in the pious sorrow you have shown 96

For your late noble husband. 97

ORDER

How she starts!

FURNACE

And hardly can keep finger from eye 98

To hear him named! 99

LADY ALLWORTH

Have you aught else to say?

WELLBORN

That husband, madam, was once in his fortune 100

Almost as low as I. Want, debts, and quarrels 101

Lay heavy on him. Let it not be thought 102

A boast in me though I say I relieved him. 103

'Twas I that gave him fashion; mine the sword 104

That did on all occasions second his; 105

I brought him on and off with honor, lady. 106

And when in all men's judgements he was sunk, 107

And in his own hopes not to be buoyed up, 108

I stepped unto him, took him by the hand, 109

And set him upright. 110

FURNACE

Are not we base rogues,

That could forget this? 111

WELLBORN

I confess you made him

Master of your estate; nor could your friends, 112

Though he brought no wealth with him, blame you for't, 113

For he had a shape, and to that shape a mind 114

Made up of all parts either great or noble— 115

So winning a behavior not to be 116

Resisted, madam. 117

LADY ALLWORTH

'Tis most true. He had.

WELLBORN

For his sake, then, in that I was his friend, 118

Do not contemn me. 119

LADY ALLWORTH

For what's past, excuse me;

I will redeem it.—Order, give the gentleman 120

A hundred pounds. 121

WELLBORN

No, madam, on no terms.

I will nor beg nor borrow sixpence of you, 122

But be supplied elsewhere, or want thus ever. 123

Only one suit I make, which you deny not 124

To strangers; and 'tis this. 125

(Whispers to her.)

LADY ALLWORTH

Fie, nothing else?

WELLBORN

Nothing, unless you please to charge your servants 126

To throw away a little respect upon me. 127

LADY ALLWORTH

What you demand is yours. 128

WELLBORN

I thank you, lady.

Now what can be wrought out of such a suit 129

Is yet in supposition. I have said all; 130

When you please, you may retire. 131

([Exit Lady Allworth with Waiting-woman and Chambermaid.])

Nay, all's forgotten; 132

And, for a lucky omen to my project, 133

Shake hands and end all quarrels in the cellar. 134

ORDER

Agreed, agreed. 135

FURNACE

Still merry Master Wellborn!

(Exeunt.)

2.1

([Enter] Overreach [and] Marall.)

OVERREACH

He's gone, I warrant thee; this commission crushed him. 1

MARALL

Your Worship have the way on't, and ne'er miss 2

To squeeze these unthrifts into air; and yet 3

The chap-fall'n justice did his part, returning 4

For your advantage the certificate, 5

Against his conscience and his knowledge too 6

(With your good favor), to the utter ruin 7

Of the poor farmer. 8

OVERREACH

'Twas for these good ends

I made him a justice. He that bribes his belly 9

Is certain to command his soul. 10

MARALL

I wonder

(Still with your license) why, Your Worship having 11

The power to put this thin-gut in commission, 12

You are not in't yourself? 13

OVERREACH

Thou art a fool.

In being out of office I am out of danger, 14

Where, if I were a justice, besides the trouble, 15

I might or out of willfulness or error 16

Run myself finely into a praemuníre, 17

And so become a prey to the informer. 18

No, I'll have none of't. 'Tis enough I keep 19

Greedy at my devotion; so he serve 20

My purposes, let him hang, or damn, I care not. 21

Friendship is but a word. 22

MARALL

You are all wisdom.

OVERREACH

I would be wordly-wise; for the other wisdom, 23

That does prescribe us a well-governed life, 24

And to do right to others as ourselves, 25

I value not an atom. 26

MARALL

What course take you,

With your good patience, to hedge in the manor 27

Of your neighbor Master Frugal? As 'tis said 28

He will nor sell nor borrow nor exchange, 29

And his land, lying in the midst of your many lordships, 30

Is a foul blemish. 31

OVERREACH

I have thought on't, Marrall,

And it shall take. I must have all men sellers, 32

And I the only purchaser. 33

MARALL

'Tis most fit, sir.

OVERREACH

I'll therefore buy some cottage near his manor, 34

Which done, I'll make my men break ope his fences, 35

Ride o'er his standing corn, and in the night 36

Set fire on his barns, or break his cattle's legs. 37

These trespasses draw on suits, and suits expenses, 38

Which I can spare, but will soon beggar him. 39

When I have harried him thus two or three year, 40

Though he sue in forma pauperis , in spite 41

Of all his thrift and care he'll grow behindhand. 42

MARALL

The best I ever heard! I could adore you. 43

OVERREACH

Then with the favor of my man of law, 44

I will pretend some title. Want will force him 45

To put it to arbitrament; then, if he sell 46

For half the value, he shall have ready money, 47

And I possess his land. 48

MARALL

'Tis above wonder!

Wellborn was apt to sell, and needed not 49

These fine arts, sir, to hook him in. 50

OVERREACH

Well thought on.

This varlet, Marall, lives too long to upbraid me 51

With my close cheat put upon him. Will nor cold 52

Nor hunger kill him? 53

MARALL

I know not what to think on't.

I have used all means, and the last night I caused 54

His host the tapster to turn him out of doors, 55

And have been since with all your friends and tenants, 56

And on the forfeit of your favour charged 'em, 57

Though a crust of moldy bread would keep him from starving, 58

Yet they should not relieve him. This is done, sir. 59

OVERREACH

That was something, Marall, but thou must go further, 60

And suddenly, Marall. 61

MARALL

Where and when you please, sir.

OVERREACH

I would have thee seek him out, and, if thou canst, 62

Persuade him that 'tis better steal than beg. 63

Then if I prove he has but robbed a henroost, 64

Not all the world shall save him from the gallows. 65

Do anything to work him to despair, 66

And 'tis thy masterpiece. 67

MARALL

I will do my best, sir.

OVERREACH

I am now on my main work with the Lord Lovell, 68

The gallant-minded, popular Lord Lovell; 69

The minion of the people's love. I hear 70

He's come into the country, and my aims are 71

To insinuate myself into his knowledge, 72

And then invite him to my house. 73

MARALL

I have you.

This points at my young mistress. 74

OVERREACH

She must part with

That humble title, and write "Honorable," 75

"Right Honorable," Marall, my "Right Honorable" daughter, 76

If all I have, or e'er shall get, will do it. 77

I will have her well attended; there are ladies 78

Of errant knights decayed and brought so low 79

That, for cast clothes and meat, will gladly serve her. 80

And 'tis my glory, though I come from the city, 81

To have their issue, whom I have undone, 82

To kneel to mine as bondslaves. 83

MARALL

'Tis fit state, sir.

OVERREACH

And therefore, I'll not have a chambermaid 84

That ties her shoes, or any meaner office, 85

But such whose fathers were Right Worshipful. 86

'Tis a rich man's pride, there having ever been 87

More than a feud, a strange antipathy 88

Between us and true gentry. 89

(Enter Wellborn.)

MARALL

See who's here, sir.

OVERREACH

Hence, monster! Prodigy! 90

WELLBORN

Sir, your wife's nephew;

She and my father tumbled in one belly. 91

OVERREACH

Avoid my sight! Thy breath's infectious, rogue. 92

I shun thee as a leprosy, or the plague.— 93

This is the time to work him. 94

MARALL

I warrant you, sir. 95

(Exit Overreach.)

WELLBORN

By this light, I think he's mad.

MARALL

Mad? Had you took compassion on yourself, 96

You long since had been mad. 97

WELLBORN

You have took a course,

Between you and my venerable uncle, 98

To make me so. 99

MARALL

The more pale-spirited you,

That would not be instructed. I swear deeply— 100

WELLBORN

By what? 101

MARALL

By my religion.

WELLBORN

Thy religion!

The devil's creed. But what would you have done? 102

MARALL

Had there been but one tree in all the shire, 103

Nor any hope to compass a penny halter, 104

Before, like you, I had outlived my fortunes, 105

A withe had served my turn to hang myself. 106

I am zealous in your cause; pray you, hang yourself, 107

And presently, as you love your credit. 108

WELLBORN

I thank you.

MARALL

Will you stay till you die in a ditch, or lice devour you? 109

Or if you dare not do the feat yourself, 110

But that you'll put the state to charge and trouble, 111

Is there no purse to be cut? House to be broken? 112

Or market women with eggs that you may murder, 113

And so dispatch the business? 114

WELLBORN

Here's variety,

I must confess; but I'll accept of none 115

Of all your gentle offers, I assure you. 116

MARALL

Why, have you hope ever to eat again? 117

Or drink? Or be the master of three farthings? 118

If you like not hanging, drown yourself. Take some course 119

For your reputation. 120

WELLBORN

'Twill not do, dear tempter,

With all the rhetoric the fiend hath taught you. 121

I am as far as thou art from despair; 122

Nay, I have confidence, which is more than hope, 123

To live, and suddenly, better than ever. 124

MARALL

Ha! Ha! These castles you build in the air 125

Will not persuade me or to give or lend 126

A token to you. 127

WELLBORN

I'll be more kind to thee.

Come, thou shalt dine with me. 128

MARALL

With you?

WELLBORN

Nay, more, dine gratis.

MARALL

Under what hedge, I pray you? Or at whose cost? 129

Are they padders or Abram-men that are your consorts? 130

WELLBORN

Thou art incredulous, but thou shalt dine 131

Not alone at her house, but with a gallant lady— 132

With me and with a lady. 133

MARALL

Lady? What lady?

With the Lady of the Lake, or Queen of Fairies? 134

For I know it must be an enchanted dinner. 135

WELLBORN

With the Lady Allworth, knave. 136

MARALL

Nay, now there's hope

Thy brain is cracked. 137

WELLBORN

Mark there with what respect

I am entertained. 138

MARALL

With choice, no doubt, of dog whips.

Why, dost thou ever hope to pass her porter? 139

WELLBORN

'Tis not far off; go with me. Trust thine own eyes. 140

MARALL

Troth, in my hope, or my assurance rather 141

To see thee curvet and mount like a dog in a blanket 142

If ever thou presume to pass her threshold, 143

I will endure thy company. 144

WELLBORN

Come along, then.

(Exeunt.)

2.2

([Enter] Allworth, Waiting-woman, Chambermaid, Order, Amble, Furnace, [and] Watchall.)

WAITING-WOMAN

[to Allworth] Could you not command your leisure one hour longer? 1

CHAMBERMAID

Or half an hour? 2

ALLWORTH

I have told you what my haste is.

Besides, being now another's, not mine own, 3

Howe'er I much desire to enjoy you longer, 4

My duty suffers if, to please myself, 5

I should neglect my lord. 6

WAITING-WOMAN

Pray you do me the favor

To put these few quince cakes into your pocket; 7

They are of mine own preserving. 8

CHAMBERMAID

And this marmalade;

'Tis comfortable for your stomach. 9

WAITING-WOMAN

And, at parting,

Excuse me if I beg a farewell from you. 10

CHAMBERMAID

[to her] You are still before me.—I move the same suit, sir. 11

([Allworth] kisses 'em severally.)

FURNACE

How greedy these chamberers are of a beardless chin! 12

I think the tits will ravish him. 13

ALLWORTH

My service

To both. 14

WAITING-WOMAN

Ours waits on you.

CHAMBERMAID

And shall do ever.

ORDER

[to the women] You hear my lady's charge; be therefore careful 15

That you sustain your parts. 16

WAITING-WOMAN

We can bear, I warrant you.

(Exeunt [Waiting-]woman and Chambermaid.)

FURNACE

[to Allworth] Here; drink it off. The ingredients are cordial, 17

And this the true elixir; it hath boiled 18

Since midnight for you. 'Tis the quintessence 19

Of five cocks of the game, ten dozen of sparrows, 20

Knuckles of veal, potato roots, and marrow, 21

Coral, and ambergris. Were you two years elder, 22

And I had a wife or gamesome mistress, 23

I durst trust you with neither. You need not bait 24

After this, I warrant you; though your journey's long, 25

You may ride on the strength of this till tomorrow morning. 26

ALLWORTH

Your courtesies overwhelm me. I much grieve 27

To part from such true friends, and yet find comfort; 28

My attendance on my honorable lord, 29

Whose resolution holds to visit my lady, 30

Will speedily bring me back. 31

(Knocking at the gate; Marall and Wellborn [speak] within.)

MARALL

[within] Dar'st thou venture further?

WELLBORN

[within] Yes, yes, and knock again. 32

ORDER

[to the others] 'Tis he! Disperse.

AMBLE

[to the others] Perform it bravely. 33

FURNACE

I know my cue. Ne'er doubt me.

(They go off several ways. [Allworth remains onstage.])

([Enter Watchall with Wellborn and Marall.])

WATCHALL

[to Wellborn] Beast that I was, to make you stay! Most welcome. 34

You were long since expected. 35

WELLBORN

Say so much

To my friend, I pray you. 36

WATCHALL

For your sake I will, sir.

MARALL

For his sake! 37

WELLBORN

Mum! This is nothing.

MARALL

More than ever

I would have believed, though I had found it in my primer. 38

ALLWORTH

When I have giv'n you reasons for my late harshness, 39

You'll pardon and excuse me, for, believe me, 40

Though now I part abruptly, in my service 41

I will deserve it. 42

MARALL

Service! With a vengeance!

WELLBORN

I am satisfied. Farewell, Tom. 43

ALLWORTH

All joy stay with you!

(Exit Allworth.)

(Enter Amble.)

AMBLE

[to Wellborn] You are happily encountered! I yet never 44

Presented one so welcome as I know 45

You will be to my lady. 46

MARALL

This is some vision,

Or, sure, these men are mad, to worship a dunghill. 47

It cannot be a truth. 48

WELLBORN

Be still a pagan,

An unbelieving infidel; be so, miscreant, 49

And meditate on blankets and on dog whips! 50

(Enter Furnace.)

FURNACE

[to Wellborn] I am glad you are come. Until I know your pleasure, 51

I knew not how to serve up my lady's dinner. 52

MARALL

His pleasure! Is it possible? 53

WELLBORN

[to Furnace] What's thy will?

FURNACE

Marry, sir, I have some grouse, and turkey chicken, 54

Some rails, and quails, and my lady willed me ask you 55

What kind of sauces best affect your palate, 56

That I may use my utmost skill to please it. 57

([Wellborn and Furnace confer privately.])

MARALL

The devil's entered this cook. Sauce for his palate, 58

That, on my knowledge, for almost this twelvemonth 59

Durst wish but cheese parings and brown bread on Sundays! 60

WELLBORN

[to Furnace] That way I like 'em best. 61

FURNACE

It shall be done, sir.

(Exit Furnace.)

WELLBORN

What think you of the hedge we shall dine under? 62

Shall we feed gratis? 63

MARALL

I know not what to think.

Pray you, make me not mad. 64

(Enter Order.)

ORDER

[to Wellborn] This place becomes you not.

Pray you, walk, sir, to the dining room. 65

WELLBORN

I am well here

Till Her Ladyship quits her chamber. 66

MARALL

"Well here," say you?

'Tis a rare change! But yesterday you thought 67

Yourself well in a barn, wrapped up in peas straw. 68

(Enter [Waiting-]woman and Chambermaid.)

WAITING-WOMAN

[to Wellborn] Oh, sir, you are wished for. 69

CHAMBERMAID

[to Wellborn] My lady dreamt, sir, of you.

WAITING-WOMAN

And the first command she gave after she rose 70

Was (her devotions done) to give her notice 71

When you approached here. 72

CHAMBERMAID

Which is done, on my virtue.

MARALL

I shall be converted. I begin to grow 73

Into a new belief, which saints nor angels 74

Could have won me to have faith in. 75

WAITING-WOMAN

Sir, my lady!

(Enter Lady [Allworth].)

LADY ALLWORTH

I come to meet you, and languished till I saw you. 76

This first kiss is for form; I allow a second 77

To such a friend. 78

([She kisses Wellborn warmly.])

MARALL

To such a friend! Heav'n bless me!

WELLBORN

I am wholly yours; yet, madam, if you please 79

To grace this gentleman with a salute— 80

MARALL

Salute me at his bidding! 81

WELLBORN

I shall receive it

As a most high favor. 82

LADY ALLWORTH

Sir, you may command me.

([She offers to kiss Marall, who draws back.])

WELLBORN

Run backward from a lady? And such a lady? 83

MARALL

To kiss her foot is, to poor me, a favor 84

I am unworthy of— 85

([He kneels and] offers to kiss her foot.)

LADY ALLWORTH

Nay, pray you, rise,

And, since you are so humble, I'll exalt you. 86

You shall dine with me today at mine own table. 87

MARALL

Your Ladyship's table? I am not good enough 88

To sit at your steward's board. 89

LADY ALLWORTH

You are too modest.

I will not be denied. 90

(Enter Furnace.)

FURNACE

Will you still be babbling

Till your meat freeze on the table? The old trick still; 91

My art ne'er thought on! 92

LADY ALLWORTH

Your arm, Master Wellborn.

[To Marall] Nay, keeps us company. 93

MARALL

I was never so graced.

(Exeunt Wellborn, Lady [Allworth], Amble, Marall, [Waiting-]woman, [and Chambermaid].)

ORDER

So, we have played our parts, and are come off well. 94

But if know the mystery, why my lady 95

Consented to it, or why Master Wellborn 96

Desired it, may I perish! 97

FURNACE

Would I had

The roasting of his heart that cheated him 98

And forces the poor gentleman to these shifts! 99

By fire (for cooks are Persians, and swear by it), 100

Of all the griping and extorting tyrants 101

I ever heard or read of, I ne'er met 102

A match to Sir Giles Overreach. 103

WATCHALL

What will you take

To tell him so, fellow Furnace? 104

FURNACE

Just as much

As my throat is worth, for that would be the price on't. 105

To have a usurer that starves himself, 106

And wears a cloak of one-and-twenty years 107

On a suit of fourteen groats, bought of the hangman, 108

To grow rich, and then purchase, is too common; 109

But this Sir Giles feeds high, keeps many servants, 110

Who must at his command do any outrage. 111

Rich in his habit, vast in his expenses, 112

Yet he to admiration still increases 113

In wealth and lordships. 114

ORDER

He frights men out of their estates,

And breaks through all law nets made to curb ill men 115

As they were cobwebs. No man dares reprove him. 116

Such a spirit to dare and power to do were never 117

Lodged so unluckily. 118

(Enter Amble.)

AMBLE

Ha, ha! I shall burst.

ORDER

Contain thyself, man. 119

FURNACE

Or make us partakers

Of your sudden mirth. 120

AMBLE

Ha, ha! My lady has got

Such a guest at her table—this term driver, Marrall, 121

This snip of an attorney! 122

FURNACE

What of him, man?

AMBLE

The knave thinks still he's at the cook's shop in Ram Alley, 123

Where the clerks divide, and the elder is to choose; 124

And feeds so slovenly! 125

FURNACE

Is this all?

AMBLE

My lady

Drank to him for fashion sake, or to please Master Wellborn. 126

As I live, he rises, and takes up a dish 127

In which there were some remnants of a boiled capon, 128

And pledges her in white broth! 129

FURNACE

Nay, 'tis like

The rest of his tribe. 130

AMBLE

And when I brought him wine,

He leaves his stool, and after a leg or two 131

Most humbly thanks My Worship. 132

ORDER

Rose already!

AMBLE

I shall be chid. 133

(Enter Lady [Allworth], Wellborn, [and] Marrall.)

FURNACE

My lady frowns.

LADY ALLWORTH

[to Amble] You wait well!

Let me have no more of this. I observed your jeering. 134

Sirrah, I'll have you know, whom I think worthy 135

To sit at my table, be he ne'er so mean, 136

When I am present, is not your companion. 137

ORDER

Nay, she'll preserve what's due to her. 138

FURNACE

This refreshing

Follows your flux of laughter. 139

LADY ALLWORTH

[To Wellborn.] You are master

Of your own will. I know so much of manners 140

As not to inquire your purposes. In a word, 141

To me you are ever welcome as to a house 142

That is your own. 143

WELLBORN

Mark that!

MARALL

With reverence, sir,

An it like Your Worship. 144

WELLBORN

Trouble yourself no farther,

Dear madam. My heart's full of zeal and service, 145

However in my language I am sparing.— 146

Come, Master Marrall. 147

MARALL

I attend Your Worship.

(Exeunt Wellborn [and] Marall.)

LADY ALLWORTH

I see in your looks you are sorry, and you know me 148

An easy mistress. Be merry; I have forgot all.— 149

Order and Furnace, come with me; I must give you 150

Further directions. 151

ORDER

What you please.

FURNACE

We are ready.

([Exeunt.])

2.3

([Enter] Wellborn [and] Marall.)

WELLBORN

I think I am in a good way. 1

MARALL

Good sir, the best way,

The certain best way. 2

WELLBORN

There are casualties

That men are subject to. 3

MARALL

You are above 'em;

And, as you are already Worshipful, 4

I hope ere long you will increase in worship 5

And be Right Worshipful. 6

WELLBORN

Prithee, do not flout me.

What I shall be, I shall be. Is't for your ease 7

You keep your hat off? 8

MARALL

Ease, an it like Your Worship?

I hope Jack Marrall shall not live so long 9

To prove himself such an unmannerly beast, 10

Though it hail hazelnuts, as to be covered 11

When Your Worship's present. 12

WELLBORN

Is not this a true rogue?

That, out of mere hope of a future cos'nage, 13

Can turn thus suddenly? 'Tis rank already. 14

MARALL

I know Your Worship's wise, and needs no counsel; 15

Yet if, in my desire to do you service, 16

I humbly offer my advice (but still 17

Under correction), I hope I shall not 18

Incur your high displeasure. 19

WELLBORN

No. Speak freely.

MARALL

Then, in my judgment, sir, my simple judgment 20

(Still with Your Worship's favor), I could wish you 21

A better habit, for this cannot be 22

But much distasteful to the noble lady 23

(I say no more) that loves you; for, this morning 24

To me (and I am but a swine to her), 25

Before th'assurance of her wealth perfumed you, 26

You savored not of amber. 27

WELLBORN

I do now, then?

([Marall] kisses the end of his [Wellborn's] cudgel.)

MARALL

This your baton hath got a touch of it. 28

Yet, if your please, for change I have twenty pounds here, 29

Which, out of my true love, I presently 30

Lay down at Your Worship's feet. 'Twill serve to buy you 31

A riding suit. 32

([He offers money.])

WELLBORN

But where's the horse?

MARALL

My gelding

Is at your service; nay, you shall ride me 33

Before Your Worship shall be put to the trouble 34

To walk afoot. Alas, when you are lord 35

Of this lady's manor, as I know you will be, 36

You may, with the lease of glebe land called Knave's Acre— 37

A place I would manure—requite your vassal. 38

WELLBORN

I thank thy love, but must make no use of it. 39

What's twenty pounds? 40

MARALL

'Tis all that I can make, sir.

WELLBORN

Dost thou think, though I want clothes I could not have 'em 41

For one word to my lady? 42

MARALL

As I know not that!

WELLBORN

Come, I'll tell thee a secret, and so leave thee. 43

I'll not give her the advantage, though she be 44

A gallant-minded lady, after we are married 45

(There being no woman but is sometimes froward) 46

To hit me in the teeth and say she was forced 47

To buy my wedding clothes, and took me on 48

With a plain riding suit and an ambling nag. 49

No, I'll be furnished something like myself. 50

And so farewell. For thy suit touching Knave's Acre, 51

When it is mine, 'tis thine. 52

MARALL

I thank Your Worship.

(Exit Wellborn.)

How I was cozened in the calculation 53

Of this man's fortune! My master cozened too, 54

Whose pupil I am in the art of undoing men, 55

For that is our profession. Well, well, Master Wellborn, 56

You are of a sweet nature, and fit again to be cheated— 57

Which, if the Fates please, when you are possessed 58

Of the land and lady, you, sans question, shall be. 59

I'll presently think of the means. 60

(Walks by, musing.)

(Enter Overreach.)

OVERREACH

[to a servant within] Sirrah, take my horse.

I'll walk to get me an appetite. 'Tis but a mile, 61

And exercise will keep me from being pursy.— 62

Ha! Marrall! Is he conjuring? Perhaps 63

The knave has wrought the prodigal to do 64

Some outrage on himself, and now he feels 65

Compunction in his conscience for't. No matter, 66

So it be done.—Marrall! 67

MARALL

Sir?

OVERREACH

How succeed we

In our plot on Wellborn? 68

MARALL

Never better, sir.

OVERREACH

Has he hanged or drowned himself? 69

MARALL

No, sir, he lives—

Lives once more to be made a prey to you, 70

A greater prey than ever. 71

OVERREACH

Art thou in thy wits?

If thou art, reveal this miracle, and briefly. 72

MARALL

A lady, sir, is fall'n in love with him. 73

OVERREACH

With him? What lady? 74

MARALL

The rich Lady Allworth.

OVERREACH

Thou dolt! How dar'st thou speak this? 75

MARALL

I speak truth;

And I do so but once a year, unless 76

It be to you, sir. We dined with Her Ladyship, 77

I thank His Worship. 78

OVERREACH

His Worship!

MARALL

As I live, sir,

I dined with him at the great lady's table, 79

Simple as I stand here, and saw when she kissed him, 80

And would at his request have kissed me too, 81

But I was not so audacious as some youths are 82

And dare do anything, be it ne'er so absurd, 83

And sad after performance. 84

OVERREACH

Why, thou rascal,

To tell me these impossibilities! 85

Dine at her table? And kiss him? Or thee? 86

Impudent varlet! Have not I myself, 87

To whom great countesses' doors have oft flew open, 88

Ten times attempted, since her husband's death, 89

In vain to see her, though I came—a suitor? 90

And yet Your good Solicitorship and rogue Wellborn 91

Were brought into her presence, feasted with her! 92

But that I know thee a dog, that cannot blush, 93

This most incredible lie would call up one 94

On thy buttermilk cheeks. 95

MARALL

Shall I not trust my eyes, sir?

Or taste? I feel her good cheer in my belly. 96

OVERREACH

You shall feel me, if you give not over, sirrah. 97

Recover your brains again, and be no more gulled 98

With a beggar's plot, assisted by the aids 99

Of servingmen and chambermaids—for beyond these 100

Thou never saw'st a woman—or I'll quit you 101

From my employments. 102

MARALL

Will you credit this yet?

On my confidence of their marriage, I offered Wellborn 103

I would give a crown now I durst say "His Worship" 104

My nag and twenty pounds. 105

OVERREACH

Did you so, idiot?

(Strikes him down.)

Was this the way to work him to despair, 106

Or rather to cross me? 107

MARALL

Will Your Worship kill me?

OVERREACH

No, no; but drive the lying spirit out of you. 108

MARALL

He's gone. 109

OVERREACH

I have done, then. Now, forgetting

Your late imaginery feast and lady, 110

Know my Lord Lovell dines with me tomorrow. 111

Be careful naught be wanting to receive him, 112

And bid my daughter's women trim her up; 113

Though they paint her, so she catch the lord, I'll thank 'em. 114

There's a piece for my late blows. 115

([He gives money.])

MARALL

I must yet suffer:

But there may be a time— 116

OVERREACH

Do you grumble?

MARALL

No, sir.

([Exeunt.])

3.1

([Enter] Lovell, Allworth, [and] servants.)

LOVELL

Walk the horses down the hill. Something in private 1

I must impart to Allworth. 2

(Exeunt servii.)

ALLWORTH

O my lord,

What sacrifice of reverence, duty, watching, 3

Although I could put off the use of sleep 4

And ever wait on your commands to serve 'em, 5

What dangers, though in ne'er so horrid shapes, 6

Nay, death itself, though I should run to meet it, 7

Can I, and with a thankful willingness, suffer, 8

But still the retribution will fall short 9

Of your bounties show'red upon me! 10

LOVELL

Loving youth,

Till what I purpose be put into act, 11

Do not o'erprize it. Since you have trusted me 12

With your soul's nearest—nay, her dearest—secret, 13

Rest confident 'tis in a cabinet locked 14

Treachery shall never open. I have found you 15

(For so much to your face I must profess, 16

Howe'er you guard your modesty with a blush for't) 17

More zealous in your love and service to me 18

Than I have been in my rewards. 19

ALLWORTH

Still great ones,

Above my merit. 20

LOVELL

Such your gratitude calls 'em;

Nor am I of that harsh and rugged temper 21

As some great men are taxed with, who imagine 22

They part from the respect due to their honors 23

If they use not all such as follow 'em, 24

Without distinction of their births, like slaves. 25

I am not so conditioned. I can make 26

A fitting difference between my footboy 27

And a gentleman by want compelled to serve me. 28

ALLWORTH

'Tis thankfully acknowledged. You have been 29

More like a father to me than a master. 30

Pray you, pardon the comparison. 31

LOVELL

I allow it;

And, to give you assurance I am pleased in't, 32

My carriage and demeanor to your mistress, 33

Fair Margaret, shall truly witness for me 34

I can command my passions. 35

ALLWORTH

'Tis a conquest

Few lords can boast of when they are tempted.—Oh! 36

LOVELL

Why do you sigh? Can you be doubtful of me? 37

By that fair name I in the wars have purchased, 38

And all my actions hitherto untainted, 39

I will not be more true to mine own honor 40

Than to my Allworth. 41

ALLWORTH

As you are the brave Lord Lovell,

Your bare word only given is an assurance 42

Of more validity and weight to me 43

Than all the oaths bound up with imprecations 44

Which, when they would deceive, most courtiers practice. 45

Yet, being a man (for, sure, to style you more 46

Would relish of gross flattery), I am forced, 47

Against my confidence of your worth and virtues, 48

To doubt—nay, more—to fear. 49

LOVELL

So young, and jealous?

ALLWORTH

Were you to encounter with a single foe, 50

The victory were certain; but to stand 51

The charge of two such potent enemies, 52

At once assaulting you, as wealth and beauty, 53

And those too seconded with power, is odds 54

Too great for Hercules. 55

LOVELL

Speak your doubts and fears,

Since you will nourish 'em, in plainer language, 56

That I may understand 'em. 57

ALLWORTH

What's your will,

Though I lend arms against myself (provided 58

They may advantage you) must be obeyed. 59

My much loved lord, were Margaret only fair, 60

The cannon of her more than earthly form, 61

Though mounted high, commanding all beneath it, 62

And rammed with bullets of her sparkling eyes, 63

Of all the bulwarks that defend your senses 64

Could batter none but that which guards your sight. 65

But when the well-tuned accents of her tongue 66

Make music to you, and with numerous sounds 67

Assault your hearing (such as if Ulysses 68

Now lived again, howe'er he stood the Sirens, 69

Could not resist), the combat must grow doubtful 70

Between your reason and rebellious passions. 71

Add this too; when you feel her touch and breath, 72

Like a soft western wind when it glides o'er 73

Arabia creating gums and spices, 74

And, in the van, the nectar of her lips 75

Which you must taste, bring the battalia on, 76

Well armed, and strongly lined with her discourse 77

And knowing manners, to give entertainment— 78

Hippolytus himself would leave Diana 79

To follow such a Venus. 80

LOVELL

Love hath made you

Poetical, Allworth. 81

ALLWORTH

Grant all these beat off

(Which, if it be in man to do, you'll do it), 82

Mammon, in Sir Giles Overreach, steps in 83

With heaps of ill-got gold, and so much land, 84

To make her more remarkable, as would tire 85

A falcon's wings in one day to fly over. 86

O my good lord, these powerful aids, which would 87

Make a misshapen Negro beautiful 88

(Yet are but ornaments to give her lustre 89

That in herself is all perfection), must 90

Prevail for her. I here release your trust. 91

'Tis happiness enough for me to serve you 92

And sometimes with chaste eyes to look upon her. 93

LOVELL

Why, shall I swear? 94

ALLWORTH

Oh, by no means, my lord;

And wrong not so your judgment to the world 95

As from your fond indulgence to a boy, 96

Your page, your servant, to refuse a blessing 97

Divers great men are rivals for. 98

LOVELL

Suspend

Your judgment till the trial. How far is it 99

T'Overreach's house? 100

ALLWORTH

At the most, some half hour's riding;

You'll soon be there. 101

LOVELL

And you the sooner freed

From your jealous fears. 102

ALLWORTH

Oh, that I durst but hope it!

(Exeunt.)

3.2

([Enter] Overreach, Greedy, [and] Marall.)

OVERREACH

Spare for no cost. Let my dressers crack with the weight 1

Of curious viands. 2

GREEDY

Store indeed's no sore, sir.

OVERREACH

That proverb fits your stomach, Master Greedy. 3

And let no plate be seen but what's pure gold, 4

Or such whose workmanship exceeds the matter 5

That it is made of. Let my choicest linen 6

Perfume the room, and, when we wash, the water, 7

With precious powders mixed, so please my lord 8

That he may with envy wish to bathe so ever. 9

MARALL

'Twill be very chargeable. 10

OVERREACH

Avaunt, you drudge!

Now all my labored ends are at the stake, 11

It's a time to think of thrift? Call in my daughter. 12

([Exit Marall.])

And, Master Justice, since you love choice dishes, 13

And plenty of 'em— 14

GREEDY

As I do indeed, sir,

Almost as much as to give thanks for 'em. 15

OVERREACH

I do confer that providence, with my power 16

Of absolute command to have abundance, 17

To your best care. 18

GREEDY

I'll punctually discharge it

And give the best directions. Now am I 19

In mine own conceit a monarch, at the least 20

Archpresident of the boiled, the roast, the baked, 21

For which I will eat often, and give thanks, 22

When my belly's braced up like a drum—and that's pure justice. 23

(Exit Greedy.)

OVERREACH

It must be so. Should the foolish girl prove modest, 24

She may spoil all. She had it not from me, 25

But from her mother. I was ever forward, 26

As she must be, and therefore I'll prepare her. 27

([Enter] Margaret.)

Alone—and let your women wait without. 28

MARGARET

Your pleasure, sir? 29

OVERREACH

Ha, this is a neat dressing!

These orient pearls, and diamonds well placed too! 30

The gown affects me not; it should have been 31

Embroidered o'er and o'er with flowers of gold; 32

But these rich jewels and quaint fashion help it. 33

And how below? Since oft the wanton eye, 34

The face observed, descends unto the foot, 35

Which, being well proportioned, as yours is, 36

Invites as much as perfect white and red, 37

Though without art. How like you your new woman, 38

The Lady Downfall'n? 39

MARGARET

Well, for a companion;

Not as a servant. 40

OVERREACH

Is she humble, Meg?

And careful too, her ladyship forgotten? 41

MARGARET

I pity her fortune. 42

OVERREACH

Pity her? Trample on her!

I took her up in an old tamin gown, 43

(Even starved for want of twopenny chops) to serve thee; 44

And if I understand she but repines 45

To do thee any duty, though ne'er so servile, 46

I'll pack her to her knight, where I have lodged him, 47

Into the Counter, and there let 'em howl together. 48

MARGARET

You know your own ways; but, for me, I blush 49

When I command her that was once attended 50

With persons not inferior to myself 51

In birth. 52

OVERREACH

In birth? Why, art thou not my daughter?

The blest child of my industry and wealth? 53

Why, foolish girl, was't not to make thee great 54

That I have ran, and still pursue, those ways 55

That hale down curses on me, which I mind not? 56

Part with these humble thoughts, and apt thyself 57

To the noble state I labor to advance thee, 58

Or, by my hopes to see thee "Honorable," 59

I will adopt a stranger to my heir 60

And throw thee from my care. Do not provoke me. 61

MARGARET

I will not, sir. Mold me which way you please. 62

(Enter Greedy.)

OVERREACH

How! Interrupted? 63

GREEDY

'Tis matter of importance.

The cook, sir, is self-willed and will not learn 64

From my experience. There's a fawn brought in, sir, 65

And, for my life, I cannot make him roast it 66

With a Norfolk dumpling in the belly of it. 67

And, sir, we wise men know, without the dumpling 68

'Tis not worth threepence. 69

OVERREACH

Would it were whole in thy belly

To stuff it out! Cook it any way. Prithee leave me. 70

GREEDY

Without order for the dumpling? 71

OVERREACH

Let it be dumpled

Which way thou wilt, or tell him I will scald him 72

In his own cauldron. 73

GREEDY

I had lost my stomach,

Had I lost my Mistress Dumpling I'll give thanks for. 74

(Exit Greedy.)

OVERREACH

But to our business, Meg. You have heard who dines here? 75

MARGARET

I have, sir. 76

OVERREACH

'Tis an honorable man,

A lord, Meg, and commands a regiment 77

Of soldiers, and, what's rare, is one himself, 78

A bold and understanding one; and to be 79

A lord and a good leader in one volume 80

Is granted unto few but such as rise up 81

The kingdom's glory. 82

(Enter Greedy.)

GREEDY

I'll resign my office

If I be not better obeyed. 83

OVERREACH

'Slight, art thou frantic?

GREEDY

Frantic? 'Twould make me a frantic, and stark mad, 84

Were I not a Justice of Peace, and Coram too, 85

Which this rebellious cook cares not a straw for. 86

There are a dozen of woodcocks— 87

OVERREACH

Make thyself

Thirteen, the baker's dozen. 88

GREEDY

I am contented,

So they may be dressed to my mind. He has found out 89

A new device for sauce, and will not dish 'em 90

With toasts and butter. My father was a tailor, 91

And my name, though a justice, Greedy Woodcock; 92

And ere I'll see my lineage so abused, 93

I'll give up my commission. 94

OVERREACH

[to the cook within] Cook! Rogue, obey him!

[To Greedy] I have given the word; pray you, now remove yourself 95

To a collar of brawn, and trouble me no farther. 96

GREEDY

I will, and meditate what to eat at dinner. 97

(Exit Greedy.)

OVERREACH

And as I said, Meg, when this gull disturbed us, 98

This honorable lord, this colonel, 99

I would have thy husband. 100

MARGARET

There's too much disparity

Between his quality and mine to hope it. 101

OVERREACH

I more than hope't, and doubt not to effect it. 102

Be thou no enemy to thyself; my wealth 103

Shall weigh his titles down, and make you equals. 104

Now for the means to assure him thine. Observe me: 105

Remember he's a courtier and a soldier 106

And not to be trifled with, and therefore when 107

He comes to woo you, see you do not coy it. 108

This mincing modesty hath spoiled many a match 109

By a first refusal, in vain after hoped for. 110

MARGARET

You'll have me, sir, preserve the distance that 111

Confines a virgin? 112

OVERREACH

Virgin me no virgins!

I must have you lose that name, or you lose me. 113

I will have you private—start not—I say, private. 114

If thou art my true daughter, not a bastard, 115

Thou wilt venture alone with one man, though he came 116

Like Jupiter to Semele, and come off too; 117

And therefore when he kisses you, kiss close. 118

MARGARET

I have heard this is the strumpet's fashion, sir, 119

Which I must never learn. 120

OVERREACH

Learn anything,

And from any creature that may make thee great— 121

From the devil himself. 122

MARGARET

This is but devilish doctrine.

OVERREACH

Or if his blood grow hot, suppose he offer 123

Beyond this, do not you stay till it cool, 124

But meet his ardor; if a couch be near, 125

Sit down on't, and invite him. 126

MARGARET

In your house?

Your own house, sir? For heav'n's sake, what are you then? 127

Or what shall I be, sir? 128

OVERREACH

Stand not on form.

Words are no substances. 129

MARGARET

Though you could dispense

With your own honor, cast aside religion, 130

The hopes of heaven or fear of hell, excuse me 131

In worldly policy, this is not the way 132

To make me his wife; his whore, I grant it may do. 133

My maiden honor so soon yielded up, 134

Nay, prostituted, cannot but assure him 135

I that am light to him will not hold weight 136

When he is tempted by others; so, in judgment, 137

When to his lust I have given up my honor, 138

He must and will forsake me. 139

OVERREACH

How? Forsake thee?

Do I wear a sword for fashion? Or is this arm 140

Shrunk up? Or withered? Does there live a man 141

Of that large list I have encountered with 142

Can truly say I e'er gave inch of ground 143

Not purchased with his blood that did oppose me? 144

Forsake thee when the thing is done? He dares not. 145

Give me but proof he has enjoyed thy person, 146

Though all his captains, echoes to his will, 147

Stood armed by his side to justify the wrong, 148

And he himself in the head of his bold troop, 149

Spite of his lordship and his colonelship, 150

Or the judge's favor, I will make him render 151

A bloody and a strict account, and force him, 152

By marrying thee, to cure thy wounded honor. 153

I have said it. 154

(Enter Marall.)

MARALL

Sir, the man of honor's come

Newly alighted. 155

OVERREACH

[to Margaret] In, without reply,

And do as I command, or thou art lost. 156

(Exit Margaret.)

Is the loud music I gave order for 157

Ready to receive him? 158

MARALL

'Tis, sir.

OVERREACH

Let 'em sound

A princely welcome. 159

([Exit Marall.])

[To himself] Roughness, awhile leave me,

For fawning now—a stranger to my nature— 160

Must make way for me. 161

(Loud music.)

(Enter Lovell, Greedy, Allworth, [and] Marall.)

LOVELL

Sir, you meet your trouble.

OVERREACH

What you are pleased to style so is an honor 162

Above my worth and fortunes. 163

ALLWORTH

Strange. So humble!

OVERREACH

A justice of peace, my lord. 164

(Presents Greedy to him.)

LOVELL

[to Greedy] Your hand, good sir.

GREEDY

This is a lord, and some think this a favor; 165

But I had rather have my hand in my dumpling. 166

OVERREACH

Room for my lord! 167

LOVELL

I miss, sir, your fair daughter

To crown my welcome. 168

OVERREACH

May it please my lord

To taste a glass of Greek wine first, and suddenly 169

She shall attend my lord. 170

LOVELL

You'll be obeyed, sir.

(Exeunt omnes praeter Overreach.)

OVERREACH

'Tis to my wish. As soon as come, ask for her!— 171

[Calling] Why, Meg! Meg Overreach! 172

([Enter Margaret.])

How! Tears in your eyes?

Ha! Dry 'em quickly, or I'll dig 'em out. 173

Is this a time to whimper? Meet that greatness 174

That flies into thy bosom! Think what 'tis 175

For me to say, "My honorable daughter," 176

And thou, when I stand bare, to say "Put on," 177

Or, "Father, you forget yourself." No more, 178

But be instructed, or expect—He comes! 179

(Enter Lovell, Greedy, Allworth, [and] Marall. They salute.)

A black-browed girl, my lord, 180

LOVELL

[kissing Margaret] As I live, a rare one.

ALLWORTH

He's took already! I am lost. 181

OVERREACH

That kiss

Came twanging off; I like it. 182

(The rest [Greedy, Allworth, and Marall, go] off.)

A little bashful, my good lord, but you, 183

I hope, will teach her boldness. 184

LOVELL

I am happy

In such a scholar, but— 185

OVERREACH

I am past learning,

And therefore leave you to yourselves. 186

(To his daughter) Remember!

(Exit Overreach.)

LOVELL

You see, fair lady, your father is solicitous 187

To have you change the barren name of virgin 188

Into a hopeful wife. 189

MARGARET

His haste, my lord,

Holds no power o'er my will. 190

LOVELL

But o'er your duty.

MARGARET

Which, forced too much, may break. 191

LOVELL

Bend rather, sweetest.

Think of your years. 192

MARGARET

Too few to match with yours;

And choicest fruits, too soon plucked, rot and wither. 193

LOVELL

Do you think I am old? 194

MARGARET

I am sure I am too young.

LOVELL

I can advance you. 195

MARGARET

To a hill of sorrow,

Where every hour I may expect to fall, 196

But never hope firm footing. You are noble, 197

I of a low descent, however rich; 198

And tissues matched with scarlet suit but ill. 199

O my good lord, I could say more, but that 200

I dare not trust these walls. 201

LOVELL

Pray you, trust my ear, then.

([They whisper.])

(Enter Overreach, listening.)

OVERREACH

Close at it! Whispering! This is excellent! 202

And, by their postures, a consent on both parts. 203

(Enter Greedy. [He and Overreach converse, unnoticed at first by Lovell and Margaret.])

GREEDY

Sir Giles, Sir Giles! 204

OVERREACH

The great fiend stop that clapper!

GREEDY

It must ring out, sir, when my belly rings noon. 205

The baked meats are run out, the roasts turned powder. 206

OVERREACH

I shall powder you. 207

GREEDY

Beat me to dust, I care not;

In such a cause as this, I'll die a martyr. 208

OVERREACH

Marry, and shall, you barathrum of the shambles! 209

(Strikes him.)

GREEDY

How! Strike a justice of peace? 'Tis petty treason, 210

Edwardi quinto . But that you are my friend, 211

I could commit you without bail or mainprize. 212

OVERREACH

Leave your bawling, sir, or I shall commit you 213

Where you shall not dine today. Disturb my lord 214

When he is in discourse? 215

GREEDY

Is't a time to talk

When we should be munching? 216

LOVELL

[hearing something] Ha! I heard some noise.

OVERREACH

[privately to Greedy] Mum, villain, vanish! Shall we break a bargain 217

Almost made up? 218

(Thrust Greedy off [exiting with him].)

LOVELL

Lady, I understand you,

And rest most happy in your choice, believe it; 219

I'll be a careful pilot to direct 220

Your yet uncertain bark to a port of safety. 221

MARGARET

So shall Your Honor save two lives, and bind us 222

Your slaves forever. 223

LOVELL

I am in the act rewarded,

Since it is good; howe'er, you must put on 224

An amorous carriage towards me to delude 225

Your subtle father. 226

MARGARET

I am prone to that.

LOVELL

Now break we off our conference.—Sir Giles! 227

Where is Sir Giles? 228

(Enter Overreach and the rest [Greedy, Marall, and Allworth].)

OVERREACH

My noble lord! And how

Does Your Lordship find her? 229

LOVELL

Apt, Sir Giles, and coming,

And I like her the better. 230

OVERREACH

So do I too.

LOVELL

Yet, should we take forts at the first assault, 231

'Twere poor in the defendant. I must confirm her 232

With a love letter or two, which I must have 233

Delivered by my page, and you give way to't. 234

OVERREACH

With all my soul! A towardly gentleman.— 235

Your hand, good Master Allworth. Know my house 236

Is ever open to you. 237

ALLWORTH

'Twas shut till now.

OVERREACH

Well done, well done, my honorable daughter! 238

Thou'rt so already. Know this gentle youth, 239

And cherish him, my honorable daughter. 240

MARGARET

I shall, with my best care. 241

(Noise within as of a coach.)

OVERREACH

A coach!

GREEDY

More stops

Before we go to dinner! Oh, my guts! 242

(Enter Lady [Allworth] and Wellborn.)

LADY ALLWORTH

[privately to Wellborn] If I find welcome,

You share in it; if not, I'll back again, 243

Now I know your ends, for I come armed for all 244

Can be objected. 245

LOVELL

How! The Lady Allworth!

OVERREACH

And thus attended! 246

(Lovell salutes the Lady [Allworth]; the Lady salutes Margaret.)

MARALL

No, I am a dolt!

The spirit of lies had ent'red me! 247

OVERREACH

Peace, patch!

'Tis more than wonder! An astonishment 248

That does possess me wholly! 249

LOVELL

Noble lady,

This is a favor, to prevent my visit, 250

The service of my life can never equal. 251

LADY ALLWORTH

My lord, I laid wait for you, and much hoped 252

You would have made my poor house your first inn; 253

And therefore doubting that you might forget me, 254

Or too long dwell here, having such ample cause 255

In this unequalled beauty for your stay, 256

And fearing to trust any but myself 257

With the relation of my service to you, 258

I borrowed so much from my long restraint 259

And took the air in person to invite you. 260

LOVELL

Your bounties are so great they rob me, madam, 261

Of words to give you thanks. 262

LADY ALLWORTH

Good Sir Giles Overreach!

(Salutes him.)

How dost thou, Marrall? [To Greedy] Liked you my meat so ill 263

You'll dine no more with me? 264

GREEDY

I will, when you please,

And it like Your Ladyship. 265

LADY ALLWORTH

When you please, Master Greedy;

If meat can do it, you shall be satisfied.— 266

And now, my lord, pray take into your knowledge 267

This gentleman. (Presents Wellborn.) Howe'er his outside's coarse, 268

His inward linings are as fine and fair 269

As any man's. Wonder not I speak at large. 270

And howsoe'er his humor carries him 271

To be thus accoutred, or what taint soever 272

For his wild life hath stuck upon his fame, 273

He may, ere long, with boldness rank himself 274

With some that have contemned him.—Sir Giles Overreach, 275

If I am welcome, bid him so. 276

OVERREACH

My nephew!

He has been too long a stranger. [To Wellborn] Faith, you have; 277

Pray, let it be mended. 278

(Lovell conferring [privately] with Wellborn.)

MARALL

Why, sir, what do you mean?

This is rogue Wellborn, monster, prodigy, 279

That should hang or drown himself, no man of worship, 280

Much less your nephew. 281

OVERREACH

Well, sirrah, we shall reckon

For this hereafter. 282

MARALL

I'll not lose my jeer,

Though I be beaten dead for't. 283

WELLBORN

[privately to Lovell] Let my silence plead

In my excuse, my lord, till better leisure 284

Offer itself to hear a full relation 285

Of my poor fortunes. 286

LOVELL

[privately to Wellborn] I would hear, and help 'em.

OVERREACH

[aloud] Your dinner waits you. 287

LOVELL

Pray you lead; we follow.

LADY ALLWORTH

[to Wellborn, as he hesitates] Nay, you are my guest. Come, dear Master Wellborn. 288

(Exeunt. Manet Greedy.)

GREEDY

"Dear Master Wellborn"! So she said. Heav'n! Heav'n! 289

If my belly would give me leave, I could ruminate 290

All day on this. I have granted twenty warrants 291

To have him committed, from all prisons in the shire 292

To Nottingham jail; and now "Dear Master Wellborn"! 293

And "My good nephew"! But I play the fool 294

To stand here prating, and forget my dinner. 295

(Enter Marall.)

Are they set, Marrall? 296

MARALL

Long since. Pray you a word, sir.

GREEDY

No wording now. 297

MARALL

In troth, I must. My master,

Knowing you are his good friend, makes bold with you 298

And does entreat you, more guests being come in 299

Than he expected, especially his nephew, 300

The table being full too, you would excuse him 301

And sup with him on the cold meat. 302

GREEDY

How! No dinner,

After all my care? 303

MARALL

'Tis but a penance for

A meal. Besides, you broke your fast. 304

GREEDY

That was

But a bit to stay my stomach. A man in commission 305

Give place to a tatterdemalion? 306

MARALL

No bug-words, sir.

Should His Worship hear you— 307

GREEDY

Lose my dumpling too?

And buttered toasts, and woodcocks? 308

MARALL

Come, have patience.

If you will dispense a little with your worship, 309

And sit with the waiting-women, you have dumpling, 310

Woodcock, and buttered toasts too. 311

GREEDY

This revives me.

I will gorge there sufficiently. 312

MARALL

This is the way, sir.

(Exeunt.)

3.3

([Enter] Overreach as from dinner.)

OVERREACH

She's caught! Oh, women! She neglects my lord, 1

And all her compliments applied to Wellborn! 2

The garments of her widowhood laid by, 3

She now appears as glorious as the spring. 4

Her eyes fixed on him, in the wine she drinks, 5

He being her pledge, she sends him burning kisses, 6

And sits on thorns till she be private with him. 7

She leaves my meat to feed upon his looks, 8

And, if in our discourse he be but named, 9

From her a deep sigh follows. But why grieve I 10

At this? It makes for me; if she prove his, 11

All that is hers is mine, as I will work him. 12

(Enter Marall.)

MARALL

Sir, the whole board is troubled at your rising. 13

OVERREACH

No matter; I'll excuse it. Prithee, Marrall, 14

Watch an occasion to invite my nephew 15

To speak with me in private. 16

MARALL

Who! The rogue

The lady scorned to look on? 17

OVERREACH

You are a wag.

(Enter Lady [Allworth] and Wellborn.)

MARALL

[privately to Overreach] See, sir, she's come, and cannot be without him. 18

LADY ALLWORTH

[to Overreach] With your favor, sir, after a plenteous dinner, 19

I shall make bold to walk a turn or two 20

In your rare garden. 21

OVERREACH

There's an arbor too,

If Your Ladyship please to use it. 22

LADY ALLWORTH

Come, Master Wellborn.

(Exeunt Lady [Allworth] and Wellborn.)

OVERREACH

Grosser and grosser! Now I believe the poet 23

Feigned not, but was historical, when he wrote 24

Pasiphaë was enamored of a bull. 25

This lady's lust's more monstrous.— 26

(Enter Lovell, Margaret, and the rest [including Allworth, Greedy, and servants].)

My good lord,

Excuse my manners. 27

LOVELL

There needs none, Sir Giles—

I may ere long say "father," when it pleases 28

My dearest mistress to give warrant to it. 29

OVERREACH

She shall seal to it, my lord, and make me happy. 30

MARGARET

My lady is returned. 31

(Enter Wellborn and the Lady [Allworth].)

LADY ALLWORTH

[to servants] Provide my coach;

I'll instantly away.—My thanks, Sir Giles, 32

([Exeunt servants.])

For my entertainment. 33

OVERREACH

'Tis your nobleness

To think it such. 34

LADY ALLWORTH

I must do you a further wrong

In taking away your honorable guest. 35

LOVELL

I wait on you, madam.—Farewell, good Sir Giles. 36

LADY ALLWORTH

Good Mistress Margaret!—Nay, come, Master Wellborn, 37

I must not leave you behind; in sooth, I must not. 38

OVERREACH

Rob me not, madam, of all joys at once. 39

Let my nephew stay behind; he shall have my coach, 40

And, after some small conference between us, 41

Soon overtake Your Ladyship. 42

LADY ALLWORTH

[to Wellborn] Stay not long, sir.

LOVELL

[kissing Margaret] This parting kiss. You shall every day hear from me 43

By my faithful page. 44

ALLWORTH

'Tis a service I am proud of.

(Exeunt Lovell, Lady Allworth, Marall [and all the others except Overreach and Wellborn].)

OVERREACH

Daughter, to your chamber. 45

([Exit] Margaret.)

You may wonder, nephew, 46

After so long an enmity between us, 47

I should desire your friendship. 48

WELLBORN

So I do, sir.

'Tis strange to me. 49

OVERREACH

But I'll make it no wonder,

And, what is more, unfold my nature to you. 50

We worldly men, when we see friends and kinsmen 51

Past hope sunk in their fortunes, lend no hand 52

To lift 'em up, but rather set our feet 53

Upon their heads to press 'em to the bottom— 54

As, I must yield, with you I practised it. 55

But, now I see you in a way to rise, 56

I can and will assist you. This rich lady 57

(And I am glad of 't) is enamored of you; 58

'Tis too apparent, nephew. 59

WELLBORN

No such thing;

Compassion rather, sir. 60

OVERREACH

Well, in a word,

Because your stay is short, I'll have you seen 61

No more in this base shape; nor shall she say 62

She married you like a beggar, or in debt. 63

WELLBORN

He'll run into the noose and save my labor. 64

OVERREACH

You have a trunk of rich clothes, not far hence, 65

In pawn; I will redeem 'em. And, that no clamor 66

May taint your credit for your petty debts, 67

You shall have a thousand pounds to cut 'em off, 68

And go a free man to the wealthy lady. 69

WELLBORN

This done, sir, out of love, and no ends else— 70

OVERREACH

As it is, nephew. 71

WELLBORN

Binds me still your servant.

OVERREACH

No compliments; you are stayed for. Ere you've supped 72

You shall hear from me.—My coach, knaves, for my nephew!— 73

Tomorrow I will visit you. 74

WELLBORN

Here's an uncle

In a man's extremes! How much they do belie you 75

That say you are hard-hearted! 76

OVERREACH

My deeds, nephew,

Shall speak my love; what men report I weigh not. 77

(Exeunt.)

4.1

([Enter] Lovell [and] Allworth.)

LOVELL

'Tis well; give me my cloak. I now discharge you 1

From further service. Mind your own affairs; 2

I hope they will prove successful. 3

ALLWORTH

What is blest

With your good wish, my lord, cannot but prosper. 4

Let aftertimes report, and to your honor, 5

How much I stand engaged, for I want language 6

To speak my debt. Yet if a tear or two 7

Of joy for your much goodness can supply 8

My tongue's defects, I could— 9

LOVELL

Nay, do not melt.

This ceremonial thanks to me's superfluous. 10

OVERREACH

(within) Is my lord stirring?

LOVELL

'Tis he. Oh, here's your letter. 11

[He gives Allworth a letter.] Let him in.

(Enter Overreach, Greedy, [and] Marall.)

OVERREACH

A good day to my lord! 12

LOVELL

You are an early riser,

Sir Giles. 13

OVERREACH

And reason: to attend Your Lordship.

LOVELL

And you too, Master Greedy, up so soon? 14

GREEDY

In troth, my lord, after the sun is up 15

I cannot sleep, for I have a foolish stomach 16

That croaks for breakfast. With Your Lordship's favor, 17

I have a serious question to demand 18

Of my worthy friend Sir Giles. 19

LOVELL

Pray you use your pleasure.

GREEDY

How far, Sir Giles—and pray you, answer me 20

Upon your credit—hold you it to be 21

From your manor house to this of my Lady Allworth's? 22

OVERREACH

Why, some four mile. 23

GREEDY

How! Four mile? Good Sir Giles,

Upon your reputation, think better, 24

For, if you do abate but one half-quarter 25

Of five, you do yourself the greatest wrong 26

That can be in the world; for four miles riding 27

Could not have raised so huge an appetite 28

As I feel gnawing on me. 29

MARALL

Whether you ride

Or go afoot, you are that way still provided, 30

An it please Your Worship. 31

OVERREACH

How now, sirrah? Prating

Before my lord? No difference? Go to my nephew; 32

See all his debts discharged, and help His Worship 33

To fit on his rich suit. 34

MARALL

I may fit you too;

Tossed like a dog still! 35

(Exit Marall.)

LOVELL

I have writ this morning

A few lines to my mistress, your fair daughter. 36

OVERREACH

'Twill fire her, for she's wholly yours already.— 37

[Giving a ring] Sweet Master Allworth, take my ring—'twill carry you 38

To her presence, I dare warrant you—and there plead 39

For my good lord, if you shall find occasion. 40

That done, pray ride to Nottingham; get a license, 41

Still by this token.—I'll have it dispatched, 42

And suddenly, my lord, that I may say 43

My "Honorable," nay, "Right Honorable" daughter. 44

GREEDY

[to Allworth] Take my advice, young gentleman; get your breakfast. 45

'Tis unwholesome to ride fasting. I'll eat with you, 46

And eat to purpose. 47

OVERREACH

Some Fury's in that gut!

Hungry again! Did you not devour this morning 48

A shield of brawn and a barrel of Colchester oysters? 49

GREEDY

Why that was, sir, only to scour my stomach— 50

A kind of a preparative. [To Allworth] Come, gentleman, 51

I will not have you feed like the hangman of Flushing, 52

Alone, while I am here. 53

LOVELL

[to Allworth] Haste your return.

ALLWORTH

I will not fail, my lord. 54

GREEDY

Nor I, to line

My Christmas coffer. 55

(Exeunt Greedy and Allworth.)

OVERREACH

To my wish, we are private.

I come not to make offer with my daughter 56

A certain portion; that were poor and trivial. 57

In one word, I pronounce all that is mine, 58

In lands or leases, ready coin or goods, 59

With her, my lord, comes to you; nor shall you have 60

One motive to induce you to believe 61

I live too long, since every year I'll add 62

Something unto the heap which shall be yours too. 63

LOVELL

You are a right kind father. 64

OVERREACH

You shall have reason

To think me such. How do you like this seat? 65

It is well wooded and well watered, the acres 66

Fertile and rich. Would it not serve for change 67

To entertain your friends in a summer progress? 68

What thinks my noble lord? 69

LOVELL

'Tis a wholesome air,

And well-built pile, and she that's mistress of it 70

Worthy the large revenue. 71

OVERREACH

She the mistress?

It may be so for a time; but let my lord 72

Say only that he likes it and would have it, 73

I say, ere long 'tis his. 74

LOVELL

Impossible.

OVERREACH

You do conclude too fast, not knowing me, 75

Nor the engines that I work by. 'Tis not alone 76

The Lady Allworth's lands, for those once Wellborn's 77

(As, by her dotage on him, I know they will be) 78

Shall soon be mine; but point out any man's 79

In all the shire, and say they lie convenient 80

And useful for Your Lordship, and once more 81

I say aloud, they are yours. 82

LOVELL

I dare not own

What's by unjust and cruel means extorted; 83

My fame and credit are more dear to me 84

Than so to expose 'em to be censured by 85

The public voice. 86

OVERREACH

You run, my lord, no hazard.

Your reputation shall stand as fair 87

In all good men's opinions as now; 88

Nor can my actions, though condemned for ill, 89

Cast any foul aspersion upon yours. 90

For, though I do contemn report myself 91

As a mere sound, I still will be so tender 92

Of what concerns you in all points of honor 93

That the immaculate whiteness of your fame 94

Nor your unquestioned integrity 95

Shall e'er be sullied with one taint or spot 96

That may take from your innocence and candor. 97

All my ambition is to have my daughter 98

Right Honorable, which my lord can make her. 99

And, might I live to dance upon my knee 100

A young Lord Lovell, born by her unto you, 101

I write nil ultra to my proudest hopes. 102

As for possessions and annual rents 103

Equivalent to maintain you in the port 104

Your noble birth and present state requires, 105

I do remove that burthen from your shoulders 106

And take it on mine own; for, though I ruin 107

The country to supply your riotous waste, 108

The scourge of prodigals—want—shall never find you. 109

LOVELL

Are you not frighted with the imprecations 110

And curses of whole families made wretched 111

By your sinister practices? 112

OVERREACH

Yes, as rocks are

When foamy billows split themselves against 113

Their flinty ribs, or as the moon is moved 114

When wolves, with hunger pined, howl at her brightness. 115

I am of a solid temper, and, like these, 116

Steer on a constant course. With mine own sword, 117

If called into the field, I can make that right 118

Which fearful enemies murmured at as wrong. 119

Now, for these other piddling complaints 120

Breathed out in bitterness, as when they call me 121

Extortioner, tyrant, cormorant, or intruder 122

On my poor neighbor's right, or grand encloser 123

Of what was common to my private use; 124

Nay, when my ears are pierced with widows' cries, 125

And undone orphans wash with tears my threshold: 126

I only think what 'tis to have my daughter 127

Right Honorable, and 'tis a powerful charm 128

Makes me insensible of remorse, or pity, 129

Or the least sting of conscience. 130

LOVELL

I admire

The toughness of your nature. 131

OVERREACH

'Tis for you,

My lord, and for my daughter, I am marble. 132

Nay, more: if you will have my character 133

In little, I enjoy more true delight 134

In my arrival to my wealth these dark 135

And crooked ways than you shall e'er take pleasure 136

In spending what my industry hath compassed. 137

My haste commands me hence. In one word therefore: 138

Is it a match? 139

LOVELL

I hope that is past doubt now.

OVERREACH

Then rest secure. Not the hate of all mankind here, 140

Nor fear of what can fall on me hereafter, 141

Shall make me study aught but your advancement 142

One story higher. An earl, if gold can do it! 143

Dispute not my religion nor my faith. 144

Though I am borne thus headlong by my will, 145

You may make choice of what belief you please; 146

To me they are equal. So, my lord, good morrow. 147

(Exit.)

LOVELL

He's gone. I wonder how the earth can bear 148

Such a portent! I, that have lived a soldier, 149

And stood the enemy's violent charge undaunted, 150

To hear this blasphemous beast am bathed all over 151

In a cold sweat. Yet, like a mountain, he, 152

Confirmed in atheistical assertions, 153

Is no more shaken than Olympus is 154

When angry Boreas loads his double head 155

With sudden drifts of snow. 156

(Enter Amble, Lady [Allworth, and Waiting-]woman.)

LADY ALLWORTH

Save you, my lord!

Disturb I not your privacy? 157

LOVELL

No, good madam.

For your own sake I am glad you came no sooner, 158

Since this bold, bad man, Sir Giles Overreach, 159

Made such a plain discovery of himself, 160

And read this morning such a devilish matins 161

That I should think it a sin next to his 162

But to repeat it. 163

LADY ALLWORTH

I ne'er pressed, my lord,

On others' privacies; yet, against my will, 164

Walking for health sake in the gallery 165

Adjoining to your lodgings, I was made 166

(So vehement and loud he was) partaker 167

Of his tempting offers. 168

LOVELL

Please you to command

Your servants hence, and I shall gladly hear 169

Your wiser counsel. 170

LADY ALLWORTH

'Tis, my lord, a woman's,

But true and hearty. [To her servants] Wait in the next room, 171

But be within call, yet not so near to force me 172

To whisper my intents. 173

AMBLE

We are taught better

By you, good madam. 174

WAITING-WOMAN

And well know our distance.

LADY ALLWORTH

Do so, and talk not; 'twill become your breeding. 175

(Exeunt Amble and [Waiting-]woman.)

Now, my good lord—if I may use my freedom 176

As to an honored friend? 177

LOVELL

You lessen else

Your favor to me. 178

LADY ALLWORTH

I dare then say thus:

As you are noble, howe'er common men 179

Make sordid wealth the object and sole end 180

Of their industrious aims, 'twill not agree 181

With those of eminent blood, who are engaged 182

More to prefer their honors than to increase 183

The state left to 'em by their ancestors, 184

To study large additions to their fortunes 185

And quite neglect their births; though I must grant 186

Riches well got to be a useful servant, 187

But a bad master. 188

LOVELL

Madam, 'tis confessed.

But what infer you from it? 189

LADY ALLWORTH

This, my lord:

That as all wrongs, though thrust into one scale, 190

Slide of themselves off when right fills the other, 191

And cannot bide the trial, so all wealth 192

(I mean if ill acquired), cemented to honor 193

By virtuous ways achieved and bravely purchased, 194

Is but as rubbage poured into a river 195

(Howe'er intended to make good the bank), 196

Rend'ring the water that was pure before 197

Polluted and unwholesome. I allow 198

The heir of Sir Giles Overreach, Margaret, 199

A maid well qualified, and the richest match 200

Our north part can make boast of; yet she cannot, 201

With all that she brings with her, fill their mouths 202

That never will forget who was her father, 203

Or that my husband Allworth's lands and Wellborn's 204

(How wrung from both needs now no repetition) 205

Were real motives that more worked Your Lordship 206

To join your families than her form and virtues. 207

You may conceive the rest. 208

LOVELL

I do, sweet madam,

And long since have considered it. I know, 209

The sum of all that makes a just man happy 210

Consists in the well choosing of his wife; 211

And there, well to discharge it, does require 212

Equality of years, of birth, of fortune. 213

For beauty, being poor and not cried up 214

By birth or wealth, can truly mix with neither; 215

And wealth, where there's such difference in years 216

And fair descent, must make the yoke uneasy. 217

But I come nearer. 218

LADY ALLWORTH

Pray you do, my lord.

LOVELL

Were Overreach' states thrice centupled, his daughter 219

Millions of degrees much fairer than she is, 220

Howe'er I might urge precedents to excuse me, 221

I would not so adulterate my blood 222

By marrying Margaret, and so leave my issue 223

Made up of several pieces, one part scarlet 224

And the other London blue. In my own tomb 225

I will inter my name first. 226

LADY ALLWORTH

I am glad to hear this.

[Aloud] Why then, my lord, pretend your marriage to her? 227

Dissimulation but ties false knots 228

On that straight line by which you hitherto 229

Have measured all your actions. 230

LOVELL

I make answer,

And aptly, with a question. Wherefore have you, 231

That since your husband's death have lived a strict 232

And chaste nun's life, on the sudden giv'n yourself 233

To visits and entertainments? Think you, madam, 234

'Tis not grown public conference? Or the favors 235

Which you too prodigally have thrown on Wellborn, 236

Being too reserved before, incur not censure? 237

LADY ALLWORTH

I am innocent here, and on my life I swear 238

My ends are good. 239

LOVELL

On my soul, so are mine

To Margaret; but leave both to the event. 240

And since this friendly privacy does serve 241

But as an offered means unto ourselves 242

To search each other farther—you having shown 243

Your care of me, I my respect to you— 244

Deny me not, but still in chaste words, madam, 245

An afternoon's discourse. 246

LADY ALLWORTH

So I shall hear you.

([Exeunt.])

4.2

([Enter] Tapwell [and] Froth.)

TAPWELL

Undone, undone! This was your counsel, Froth. 1

FROTH

Mine! I defy thee. Did not Master Marrall 2

(He has marred all, I am sure) strictly command us, 3

On pain of Sir Giles Overreach' displeasure, 4

To turn the gentleman out of doors? 5

TAPWELL

'Tis true.

But now he's his uncle's darling, and has got 6

Master Justice Greedy (since he filled his belly) 7

At his commandment to do anything. 8

Woe, woe to us! 9

FROTH

He may prove merciful.

TAPWELL

Troth, we do not deserve it at his hands. 10

Though he knew all the passages of our house, 11

As the receiving of stol'n goods, and bawdry, 12

When he was rogue Wellborn no man would believe him, 13

And then his information could not hurt us; 14

But, now he is "Right Worshipful" again, 15

Who dares but doubt his testimony? Methinks 16

I see thee, Froth, already in a cart, 17

For a close bawd, thine eyes e'en pelted out 18

With dirt and rotten eggs, and my hand hissing 19

(If I scape the halter) with the letter R 20

Printed upon it. 21

FROTH

Would that were the worst!

That were but nine days' wonder, as for credit, 22

We have none to lose; but we shall lose the money 23

He owes us, and his custom—there's the hell on't. 24

TAPWELL

He has summoned all his creditors by the drum, 25

And they swarm about him like so many soldiers 26

On the payday, and has found out such a new way 27

To pay his old debts as 'tis very likely 28

He shall be chronicled for it. 29

FROTH

He deserves it,

More than ten pageants. But are you sure His Worship 30

Comes this way to my lady's? 31

(A cry within: "Brave Master Wellborn!")

TAPWELL

Yes, I hear him.

FROTH

Be ready with your petition and present it 32

To His good Grace. 33

(Enter Wellborn in a rich habit, [Marall,] Greedy, Order, Furnace, [and] three Creditors. Tapwell, kneeling, delivers his bill of debt.)

WELLBORN

How's this! Petitioned too?

But note what miracles the payment of 34

A little trash and a rich suit of clothes 35

Can work upon these rascals! I shall be, 36

I think, Prince Wellborn. 37

MARALL

When Your Worship's married,

You may be—I know what I hope to see you. 38

WELLBORN

Then look thou for advancement. 39

MARALL

To be known

Your Worship's bailiff is the mark I shoot at. 40

WELLBORN

And thou shalt hit it. 41

MARALL

Pray you, sir, dispatch

These needy followers, and, for my admittance, 42

Provided you'll defend me from Sir Giles, 43

Whose service I am weary of, I'll say something 44

You shall give thanks for. 45

WELLBORN

Fear me not Sir Giles.

(This interim, Tapwell and Froth flattering and bribing Justice Greedy.)

GREEDY

Who? Tapwell? I remember thy wife brought me, 46

Last New Year's tide, a couple of fat turkeys. 47

TAPWELL

And shall do every Christmas, let Your Worship 48

But stand my friend now. 49

GREEDY

How? With Master Wellborn?

I can do anything with him, on such terms.— 50

[To Wellborn] See you this honest couple? They are good souls 51

As ever drew out faucet. Have they not 52

A pair of honest faces? 53

WELLBORN

I o'erheard you,

And the bribe he promised. You are cozened in 'em, 54

For of all the scum that grew rich by my riots, 55

This for a most unthankful knave and this 56

For a base bawd and whore have worst deserved me, 57

And therefore speak not for 'em. By your place 58

You are rather to do me justice. Lend me your ear. 59

Forget his turkeys, and call in his license, 60

And at the next fair I'll give you a yoke of oxen 61

Worth all his poultry. 62

GREEDY

I am changed on the sudden

In my opinion. [To Tapwell] Come near. Nearer, rascal! 63

[To Wellborn] And, now I view him better, did you e'er see 64

One look so like an arch-knave? His very countenance, 65

Should an understanding judge but look upon him, 66

Would hang him, though he were innocent. 67

TAPWELL [and] FROTH

Worshipful sir!

GREEDY

No, though the great Turk came, instead of turkeys, 68

To beg any favor, I am inexorable. 69

Thou hast an ill name. Besides thy musty ale, 70

That hath destroyed many of the King's liege people, 71

Thou never hadst in thy house, to stay mens' stomachs, 72

A piece of Suffolk cheese, or gammon of bacon, 73

Or any esculent, as the learnèd call it, 74

For their emolument, but sheer drink only. 75

For which gross fault, I here do damn thy license, 76

Forbidding thee ever to tap or draw; 77

For instantly I will, in mine own person, 78

Command the constable to pull down thy sign, 79

And do it before I eat. 80

FROTH

No mercy?

GREEDY

Vanish!

If I show any, may my promised oxen gore me! 81

TAPWELL

Unthankful knaves are ever so rewarded. 82

(Exeunt Greedy, Tapwell, [and] Froth.)

WELLBORN

[to the First Creditor] Speak; what are you? 83

FIRST CREDITOR

A decayed vintner, sir,

That might have thrived, but that Your Worship broke me 84

With trusting you with muscadine and eggs, 85

And five-pound suppers, with your after-drinkings, 86

When you lodged upon the Bankside. 87

WELLBORN

I remember.

FIRST CREDITOR

I have not been hasty, nor e'er laid to arrest you; 88

And therefore, sir— 89

WELLBORN

Thou art an honest fellow.

I'll set thee up again. [To Order] See his bill paid.— 90

What are you? 91

SECOND CREDITOR

A tailor once, but now mere botcher.

I gave you credit for a suit of clothes, 92

Which was all my stock, but, you failing in payment, 93

I was removed from the shop board, and confined 94

Under a stall. 95

WELLBORN

[to Order] See him paid.—And botch no more.

SECOND CREDITOR

I ask no interest, sir. 96

WELLBORN

Such tailors need not;

If their bills are paid in one-and-twenty year, 97

They are seldom losers. [To Third Creditor] Oh, I know thy face; 98

Thou wert my surgeon. You must tell no tales; 99

Those days are done. I will pay you in private. 100

ORDER

[to Furnace] A royal gentleman! 101

FURNACE

[to Order] Royal as an emperor!

He'll prove a brave master. My good lady knew 102

To choose a man. 103

WELLBORN

[to Order] See all men else discharged;

And since old debts are cleared by a new way, 104

A little bounty will not misbecome me. 105

([Giving money to Furnace])

There's something, honest cook, for thy good breakfasts, 106

([Giving money to Order])

And this for your respect. Take't; 'tis good gold, 107

And I able to spare it. 108

ORDER

You are too munificent.

FURNACE

[to the others] He was ever so. 109

WELLBORN

Pray you, on before.

THIRD CREDITOR

Heaven bless you!

MARALL

At four o'clock the rest know where to meet me. 110

(Exeunt Order, Furnace, [and] Creditors.)

WELLBORN

Now, Master Marrall, what's the weighty secret 111

You promised to impart? 112

MARALL

Sir, time nor place

Allow me to relate each circumstance. 113

This only in a word: I know Sir Giles 114

Will come upon you for security 115

For his thousand pounds, which you must not consent to. 116

As he grows in heat—as I am sure he will— 117

Be you but rough and say he's in your debt 118

Ten times the sum, upon sale of your land. 119

I had a hand in't (I speak it to my shame) 120

When you were defeated of it. 121

WELLBORN

That's forgiven.

MARALL

I shall deserve 't, then. Urge him to produce 122

The deed in which you passed it over to him— 123

Which I know he'll have about him—to deliver 124

To the Lord Lovell, with many other writings 125

And present moneys. I'll instruct you further, 126

As I wait on Your Worship. If I play not my prize 127

To your full content and your uncle's much vexation, 128

Hang up Jack Marrall. 129

WELLBORN

I rely upon thee.

(Exeunt.)

4.3

([Enter] Allworth [and] Margaret.)

ALLWORTH

Whether to yield the first praise to my lord's 1

Unequalled temperance or your constant sweetness, 2

That I yet live, my weak hands fastened on 3

Hope's anchor, spite of all storms of despair, 4

I yet rest doubtful. 5

MARGARET

Give it to Lord Lovell,

For what in him was bounty in me's duty. 6

I make but payment of a debt to which 7

My vows, in that high office registered, 8

Are faithful witnesses. 9

ALLWORTH

'Tis true, my dearest.

Yet, when I call to mind how many fair ones 10

Make willful shipwreck of their faiths and oaths 11

To God and man to fill the arms of greatness, 12

And you rise up no less than a glorious star, 13

To the amazement of the world, that hold out 14

Against the stern authority of a father 15

And spurn at honor when it comes to court you, 16

I am so tender of your good that, faintly, 17

With your wrong I can wish myself that right 18

You yet are pleased to do me. 19

MARGARET

Yet, and ever.

To me what's title, when content is wanting? 20

Or wealth, raked up together with much care 21

And to be kept with more, when the heart pines 22

In being dispossessed of what it longs for, 23

Beyond the Indian mines? Or the smooth brow 24

Of a pleased sire, that slaves me to his will, 25

And—so his ravenous humor may be feasted 26

By my obedience, and he see me great— 27

Leaves to my soul nor faculties nor power 28

To make her own election? 29

ALLWORTH

But the dangers

That follow the repulse— 30

MARGARET

To me they are nothing.

Let Allworth love, I cannot be unhappy. 31

Suppose the worst, that in his rage he kill me; 32

A tear or two by you dropped on my hearse 33

In sorrow for my fate will call back life 34

So far as but to say that I die yours, 35

I then shall rest in peace. Or should he prove 36

So cruel as one death would not suffice 37

His thirst of vengeance, but with ling'ring torments 38

In mind and body I must waste to air 39

In poverty joined with banishment, so you share 40

In my afflictions (which I dare not wish you), 41

So high I prize you, I could undergo 'em 42

With such a patience as should look down 43

With scorn on his worst malice. 44

ALLWORTH

Heaven avert

Such trials of your true affection to me! 45

Nor will it, unto you that are all mercy, 46

Show so much rigor. But since we must run 47

Such desperate hazards, let us do our best 48

To steer between 'em. 49

MARGARET

Your lord's ours, and sure;

And, though but a young actor, second me 50

In doing to the life what he has plotted; 51

The end may yet prove happy. Now, my Allworth— 52

(Enter Overreach [behind].)

ALLWORTH

To your letter! And put on a seeming anger. 53

MARGARET

[aloud] I'll pay my lord all debts due to his title, 54

And when, with terms not taking from his honor, 55

He does solicit me, I shall gladly hear him. 56

But in this peremptory, nay, commanding way, 57

T'appoint a meeting, and, without my knowledge, 58

A priest to tie the knot can ne'er be undone 59

Till death unloose it, is a confidence 60

In His Lordship will deceive him. 61

ALLWORTH

I hope better,

Good lady. 62

MARGARET

Hope, sir, what you please. For me,

I must take a safe and secure course. I have 63

A father, and, without his full consent, 64

Though all lords of the land kneeled for my favor, 65

I can grant nothing. 66

OVERREACH

[coming forward] I like this obedience.

But whatsoever my lord writes must and shall be 67

Accepted and embraced. Sweet Master Allworth, 68

You show yourself a true and faithful servant 69

To your good lord; he has a jewel of you.— 70

How? Frowning, Meg? Are these looks to receive 71

A messenger from my lord? 72

[Seeing the letter] What's this? Give me it. 73

MARGARET

A piece of arrogant paper, like th'inscriptions. 74

(Overreach [takes and] read[s] the letter.)

OVERREACH

"Fair mistress, from your servant learn all joys 75

That we can hope for, if deferred, prove toys; 76

Therefore this instant, and in private, meet 77

A husband that will gladly at your feet 78

Lay down his honors, tend'ring them to you 79

With all content, the church being paid her due." 80

Is this the arrogant piece of paper? Fool, 81

Will you still be one? In the name of madness, what 82

Could His good Honor write more to content you? 83

Is there aught else to be wished after these two 84

That are already offered: marriage first, 85

And lawful pleasure after? What would you more? 86

MARGARET

Why, sir, I would be married like your daughter, 87

Not hurried away I'th'night I know not whither, 88

Without all ceremony, no friends invited 89

To honor the solemnity. 90

ALLWORTH

An't please Your Honor—

For so before tomorrow I must style you— 91

My lord desires this privacy in respect 92

His honorable kinsmen are far off, 93

And his desires to have it done brook not 94

So long delay as to expect their coming; 95

And yet he stands resolved, with all due pomp— 96

As running at the ring, plays, masques, and tilting— 97

To have his marriage at court celebrated 98

When he has brought Your Honor up to London. 99

OVERREACH

[to Margaret] He tells you true; 'tis the fashion, on my knowledge. 100

Yet the good lord, to please your peevishness, 101

Must put it off, forsooth, and lose a night 102

In which perhaps he might get two boys on thee. 103

Tempt me no farther. If you do, this goad 104

([Pointing to his sword])

Shall prick you to him. 105

MARGARET

I could be contented,

Were you but by to do a father's part 106

And give me in the church. 107

OVERREACH

So my lord have you,

What do I care who gives you? Since my lord 108

Does purpose to be private, I'll not cross him.— 109

I know not, Master Allworth, how my lord 110

May be provided, and therefore 111

[giving money] there's a purse 112

Of gold 'twill serve this night's expense; tomorrow 113

I'll furnish him with any sums. In the meantime, 114

Use my ring to my chaplain; he is beneficed 115

At my manor of Gotham, and called Parson Willdo. 116

'Tis no matter for a license; I'll bear him out in't. 117

MARGARET

With your favor, sir, what warrant is your ring? 118

He may suppose I got that twenty ways, 119

Without your knowledge; and then to be refused 120

Were such a stain upon me! If you pleased, sir, 121

Your presence would do better. 122

OVERREACH

Still perverse?

I say again I will not cross my lord; 123

Yet I'll prevent you too. 124

[Calling] Paper and ink there! 125

ALLWORTH

I can furnish you. 126

OVERREACH

I thank you; I can write then.

(Writes on his book.)

ALLWORTH

You man, if you please, put out the name of my lord, 127

In respect he comes disguised, and only write: 128

"Marry her to this gentleman." 129

OVERREACH

Well advised.

([He writes, and gives the note to Allworth.])

'Tis done. Away! (Margaret kneels.) My blessing, girl? Thou hast it. 130

Nay, no reply; begone. [She rises.] Good Master Allworth, 131

This shall be the best night's work you ever made. 132

ALLWORTH

I hope so, sir. 133

(Exeunt Allworth and Margaret.)

OVERREACH

Farewell!—Now all's cocksure.

Methinks I hear already knights and ladies 134

Say, "Sir Giles Overreach, how is it with 135

Your honorable daughter? Has Her Honor 136

Slept well tonight?" Or, "Will Her Honor please 137

To accept this monkey? Dog? Or parakeet?" 138

(This is state in ladies), or "My eldest son 139

To be her page, and wait upon her trencher?" 140

My ends, my ends are compassed! Then for Wellborn 141

And the lands. Were he once married to the widow, 142

I have him here. I can scarce contain myself, 143

I am so full of joy, nay, joy all over! 144

(Exit.)

5.1

([Enter] Lovell, Lady [Allworth, and] Amble [who retires once he has ushered them in].)

LADY ALLWORTH

By this you know how strong the motives were 1

That did, my lord, induce me to dispense 2

A little with my gravity, to advance, 3

In personating some few favors to him, 4

The plots and projects of the downtrod Wellborn. 5

Nor shall I e'er repent—although I suffer 6

In some few men's opinions for't—the action. 7

For he that ventured all for my dear husband 8

Might justly claim an obligation from me 9

To pay him such a courtesy, which, had I 10

Coyly or overcuriously denied, 11

It might have argued me of little love 12

To the deceased. 13

LOVELL

What you intended, madam,

For the poor gentleman hath found good success, 14

For, as I understand, his debts are paid, 15

And he once more furnished for fair employment. 16

But all the arts that I have used to raise 17

The fortunes of your joy and mine, young Allworth, 18

Stand yet in supposition, though I hope well, 19

For the young lovers are in wit more pregnant 20

Than their years can promise; and for their desires, 21

On my knowledge, they are equal. 22

LADY ALLWORTH

As my wishes

Are with yours, my lord. Yet give me leave to fear 23

The building, though well grounded. To deceive 24

Sir Giles, that's both a lion and a fox 25

In his proceedings, were a work beyond 26

The strongest undertakers, not the trial 27

Of two weak innocents. 28

LOVELL

Despair not, madam.

Hard things are compassed oft by easy means, 29

And judgment, being a gift derived from heaven, 30

Though sometimes lodged I'th'hearts of worldly men 31

That ne'er consider from whom they receive it, 32

Forsakes such as abuse the giver of it. 33

Which is the reason that the politic 34

And cunning statesman, that believes he fathoms 35

The counsels of all kingdoms on the earth, 36

Is by simplicity oft overreached. 37

LADY ALLWORTH

May he be so! Yet in his name to express it 38

Is a good omen. 39

LOVELL

May it to myself

Prove so, good lady, in my suit to you! 40

What think you of the motion? 41

LADY ALLWORTH

Troth, my lord,

My own unworthiness may answer for me; 42

For had you, when that I was in my prime 43

(My virgin flower uncropped), presented me 44

With this great favor, looking on my lowness 45

Not in a glass of self-love but of truth, 46

I could not but have thought it as a blessing 47

Far, far beyond my merit. 48

LOVELL

You are too modest,

And undervalue that which is above 49

My title, or whatever I call mine. 50

I grant, were I a Spaniard, to marry 51

A widow might disparage me, but, being 52

A trueborn Englishman, I cannot find 53

How it can taint my honor. Nay, what's more, 54

That which you think a blemish is to me 55

The fairest lustre. You already, madam, 56

Have given sure proofs how dearly you can cherish 57

A husband that deserves you, which confirms me 58

That, if I am not wanting in my care 59

To do you service, you'll be still the same 60

That you were to your Allworth. In a word, 61

Our years, our states, our births are not unequal, 62

You being descended nobly and allied so. 63

If then you may be won to make me happy, 64

But join your lips to mine, and that shall be 65

A solemn contract. 66

LADY ALLWORTH

I were blind to my own good,

Should I refuse it. 67

[They kiss.] Yet, my lord, receive me 68

As such a one the study of whose whole life 69

Shall know no other object but to please you. 70

LOVELL

If I return not, with all tenderness, 71

Equal respect to you, may I die wretched! 72

LADY ALLWORTH

There needs no protestation, my lord. 73

To her that cannot doubt— 74

(Enter Wellborn [handsomely dressed].)

You are welcome, sir.

Now you look like yourself. 75

WELLBORN

And will continue

Such, in my free acknowledgment that I am 76

Your creature, madam, and will never hold 77

My life mine own when you please to command it. 78

LOVELL

It is a thankfulness that well becomes you. 79

You could not make choice of a better shape 80

To dress your mind in. 81

LADY ALLWORTH

For me, I am happy

That my endeavors prospered. Saw you of late 82

Sir Giles, your uncle? 83

WELLBORN

I heard of him, madam,

By his minister, Marrall. He's grown into strange passions 84

About his daughter. This last night he looked for 85

Your Lordship at his house, but, missing you, 86

And she not yet appearing, His Wisehead 87

Is much perplexed and troubled. 88

LOVELL

[to Lady Allworth] It may be,

Sweetheart, my project took. 89

(Enter Overreach [with a box], with distracted looks, driving in Marall before him. [They are unaware at first of the presence of the others already onstage.])

LADY ALLWORTH

I strongly hope.

OVERREACH

[to Marall] Ha! find her, booby, thou huge lump of nothing! 90

I'll bore thine eyes out else. 91

WELLBORN

May it please Your Lordship,

For some ends of mine own, but to withdraw 92

A little out of sight, though not of hearing, 93

You may perhaps have sport. 94

LOVELL

You shall direct me.

(Steps aside.)

OVERREACH

[to Marall] I shall sol-fa you, rogue. 95

MARALL

Sir, for what cause

Do you use me thus? 96

OVERREACH

Cause, slave? Why, I am angry,

And thou a subject only fit for beating, 97

And so to cool my choler. Look to the writing; 98

Let but the seal be broke upon the box 99

That has slept in my cabinet these three years, 100

I'll rack thy soul for't. 101

MARALL

I may yet cry quittance,

Though now I suffer and dare not resist. 102

OVERREACH

[seeing Lady Allworth] Lady, by your leave, did you see my daughter, lady?

And the lord her husband? Are they in your house? 103

If they are, discover, that I may bid 'em joy; 104

And, as an entrance to her place of honor, 105

See Your Ladyship on her left hand, and make curtsies 106

When she nods on you, which you must receive 107

As a special favor. 108

LADY ALLWORTH

When I know, Sir Giles,

Her state requires such ceremony, I shall pay it; 109

But in the meantime, as I am myself, 110

I give you to understand I neither know 111

Nor care where Her Honor is. 112

OVERREACH

When you once see her

Supported and led by the lord her husband, 113

You'll be taught better. 114

[Seeing Wellborn] Nephew!

WELLBORN

Sir.

OVERREACH

No more?

WELLBORN

'Tis all I owe you. 115

OVERREACH

Have you redeemed rags

Made you thus insolent? 116

WELLBORN

(in scorn) Insolent to you?

Why, what are you, sir, unless in your years, 117

At the best, more than myself? 118

OVERREACH

His fortune swells him.

'Tis rank he's married. 119

LADY ALLWORTH

This is excellent!

OVERREACH

Sir, in calm language (though I seldom use it), 120

I am familiar with the cause that makes you 121

Bear up thus bravely. There's a certain buzz 122

Of a stol'n marriage—do you hear?—of a stol'n marriage, 123

In which, 'tis said, there's somebody hath been cozened. 124

I name no parties. 125

WELLBORN

Well, sir, and what follows?

OVERREACH

Marry, this, since you are peremptory: remember, 126

Upon mere hope of your great match, I lent you 127

A thousand pounds. Put me in good security, 128

And suddenly, by mortgage or by statute 129

Of some of your new possessions, or I'll have you 130

Dragged in your lavender robes to the jail. You know me, 131

And therefore do not trifle. 132

WELLBORN

Can you be

So cruel to your nephew, now he's in 133

The way to rise? Was this the courtesy 134

You did me in pure love and no ends else? 135

OVERREACH

End me no ends! Engage the whole estate, 136

And force you spouse to sign it, you shall have 137

Three or four thousand more, to roar and swagger 138

And revel in bawdy taverns. 139

WELLBORN

And beg after;

Mean you not so? 140

OVERREACH

My thoughts are mine, and free.

Shall I have security? 141

WELLBORN

No, indeed you shall not,

Nor bond, nor bill, nor bare acknowledgment. 142

Your great looks fright not me. 143

OVERREACH

But my deeds shall.

Outbraved? 144

(They both draw.)

(The servants [including Order, Amble, and Furnace] enter.)

LADY ALLWORTH

Help! Murder, murder!

WELLBORN

Let him come on,

With all his wrongs and injuries about him, 145

Armed with his cutthroat practices to guard him; 146

The right that I bring with me will defend me, 147

And punish his extortion. 148

OVERREACH

That I had thee

But single in the field! 149

LADY ALLWORTH

You may; but make not

My house your quarrelling scene. 150

OVERREACH

Were't in a church,

By heaven, and hell, I'll do't. 151

MARALL

Now put him to

The showing of the deed. 152

WELLBORN

This rage is vain, sir.

For fighting, fear not; you shall have your hands full 153

Upon the least incitement. And whereas 154

You charge me with a debt of a thousand pounds, 155

If there be law (howe'er you have no conscience), 156

Either restore my land, or I'll recover 157

A debt that's truly due to me from you 158

In value ten times more than what you challenge. 159

OVERREACH

I in thy debt? Oh, impudence! Did I not purchase 160

The land left by thy father, that rich land, 161

That had continued in Wellborn's name 162

Twenty descents, which, like a riotous fool, 163

Thou didst make sale of? Is not here enclosed 164

The deed that does confirm it mine? 165

MARALL

Now, now!

WELLBORN

I do acknowledge none. I ne'er passed o'er 166

Any such land. I grant for a year or two 167

You had it in trust, which if you do discharge, 168

Surrend'ring the possession, you shall ease 169

Yourself and me of chargeable suits in law— 170

Which if you prove not honest (as I doubt it) 171

Must of necessity follow. 172

LADY ALLWORTH

In my judgment

He does advise you well. 173

OVERREACH

Good! Good! Conspire

With you new husband, lady; second him 174

In his dishonest practices. But when 175

This manor is extended to my use, 176

You'll speak in an humbler key and sue for favor. 177

LADY ALLWORTH

Never. Do not hope it. 178

WELLBORN

Let despair first seize me!

OVERREACH

Yet to shut up thy mouth and make thee give 179

Thyself the lie, the loud lie, I draw out 180

The precious evidence; if thou canst forswear 181

Thy hand and seal, and make a forfeit of 182

Thy ears to the pillory, see, here's that will make 183

My interest clear. 184

(Opens the box.) Ha!

LADY ALLWORTH

A fair skin of parchment.

WELLBORN

Indented, I confess, and labels too, 185

But neither wax nor words. How! Thunderstruck? 186

Not a syllable to insult with? My wise uncle, 187

Is this your precious evidence? Is this that makes 188

Your interest clear? 189

OVERREACH

I am o'erwhelmed with wonder!

What prodigy is this? What subtle devil 190

Hath razed out the inscription, the wax 191

Turned into dust? The rest of my deeds whole 192

As when they were delivered, and this only 193

Made nothing! Do you deal with witches, rascal? 194

There is a statute for you, which will bring 195

Your neck in a hempen circle; yes, there is. 196

And now 'tis better thought, for, cheater, know 197

This juggling shall not save you. 198

WELLBORN

To save thee

Would beggar the stock of mercy. 199

OVERREACH

Marrall!

MARALL

Sir?

OVERREACH

(flattering him) Though the witnesses are dead, your testimony— 200

Help with an oath or two; and for thy master, 201

Thy liberal master, my good, honest servant, 202

I know thou wilt swear anything to dash 203

This cunning sleight. Besides, I know thou art 204

A public notary, and such stand in law 205

For a dozen witnesses. The deed being drawn too 206

By thee, my careful Marrall, and delivered 207

When thou wert present, will make good my title. 208

Wilt thou not swear this? 209

MARALL

I? No, I assure you.

I have a conscience not seared up like yours; 210

I know no deeds. 211

OVERREACH

Wilt thou betray me?

MARALL

[to the others] Keep him

From using of his hands, I'll use my tongue 212

To his no little torment. 213

OVERREACH

[as they restrain him] Mine own varlet

Rebel against me? 214

MARALL

Yes, and uncase you, too.

The idiot, the patch, the slave, the booby, 215

The property fit only to be beaten 216

For your morning exercise, your football, or 217

Th'unprofitable lump of flesh, your drudge, 218

Can now anatomize you, and lay open 219

All your black plots, and level with the earth 220

Your hill of pride, and, with these gabions guarded, 221

Unload my great artillery and shake, 222

Nay, pulverize the walls you think defend you. 223

LADY ALLWORTH

How he foams at the mouth with rage! 224

WELLBORN

To him again.

OVERREACH

Oh, that I had thee in my grip! I would tear thee 225

Joint after joint! 226

MARALL

I know you are a tearer,

But I'll have first your fangs pared off, and then 227

Come nearer to you, when I have discovered 228

And made it good before the judge what ways 229

And devilish practices you used to cozen with 230

An army of whole families, who, yet alive 231

And but enrolled for soldiers, were able 232

To take in Dunkirk. 233

WELLBORN

All will come out.

LADY ALLWORTH

The better.

OVERREACH

But that I will live, rogue, to torture thee 234

And make thee wish—and kneel in vain—to die, 235

These swords that keep thee from me should fix here, 236

Although they made my body but one wound, 237

But I would reach thee. 238

LOVELL

Heav'n's hand is in this!

One bandog worry the other! 239

OVERREACH

I play the fool,

And make my anger but ridiculous. 240

There will be a time and place—there will be, cowards!— 241

When you shall feel what I dare do. 242

WELLBORN

I think so.

You dare do any ill, yet want true valor 243

To be honest and repent. 244

OVERREACH

They are words I know not,

Nor e'er will learn. Patience, the beggar's virtue, 245

Shall find no harbor here. 246

(Enter Greedy and Parson Willdo.)

After these storms,

At length a calm appears. Welcome, most welcome! 247

There's comfort in thy looks. Is the deed done? 248

Is my daughter married? Say but so, my chaplain, 249

And I am tame. 250

WILLDO

Married? Yes, I assure you.

OVERREACH

Then vanish all sad thoughts! 251

[Offering money] There's more gold for thee.

My doubts and fears are in the titles drowned 252

Of my Right Honorable, my Right Honorable daughter. 253

GREEDY

Here will be feasting! At least for a month 254

I am provided. Empty guts, croak no more! 255

You shall be stuffed like bagpipes, not with wind 256

But bearing dishes. 257

OVERREACH

(whispering to Willdo) Instantly be here?

To my wish, to my wish! Now you that plot against me, 258

And hoped to trip my heels up, that contemned me, 259

Think on't, and tremble. (Loud music.) They come! I hear the music. 260

A lane there for my lord! 261

WELLBORN

This sudden heat

May yet be cooled, sir. 262

OVERREACH

Make way there for my lord!

(Enter Allworth and Margaret.)

MARGARET

(kneeling) Sir, first your pardon, then your blessing, with 263

Your full allowance of the choice I have made, 264

As ever you could make use of your reason. 265

Grow not in passion, since you may as well 266

Call back the day that's past as untie the knot 267

Which is too strongly fastened. Not to dwell 268

Too long on words, this's my husband. 269

OVERREACH

How!

ALLWORTH

So I assure you. All the rites of marriage, 270

With every circumstance, are past. Alas, sir, 271

Although I am no lord, but a lord's page, 272

Your daughter and my loved wife mourns not for it; 273

And, for "Right Honorable son-in-law," you may say 274

"Your dutiful daughter." 275

OVERREACH

Devil! Are they married?

WILLDO

Do a father's part, and say, "Heav'n give 'em joy!" 276

OVERREACH

Confusion and ruin! Speak, and speak quickly, 277

Or thou art dead. 278

WILLDO

They are married.

OVERREACH

Thou hadst better

Have made a contract with the king of fiends 279

Than these. My brain turns! 280

WILLDO

Why this rage to me?

Is not this your letter, sir, and these the words? 281

"Marry her to this gentleman." 282

OVERREACH

It cannot—

Nor will I e'er believe it—'sdeath, I will not— 283

That I, that in all passages I touched 284

At worldly profit have not left a print 285

Where I have trod for the most curious search 286

To trace my footsteps, should be gulled by children, 287

Baffled and fooled, and all my hopes and labors 288

Defeated and made void! 289

WELLBORN

As it appears,

You are so, my grave uncle. 290

OVERREACH

Village nurses

Revenge their wrongs with curses. I'll not waste 291

A syllable, but thus I take the life 292

Which wretched I gave to thee. 293

(Offers to kill Margaret.)

LOVELL

[intervening] Hold, for your own sake!

Though charity to your daughter hath quite left you, 294

Will you do an act, though in your hopes lost here, 295

Can leave no hope for peace or rest hereafter? 296

Consider: at the best you are but a man, 297

And cannot so create your aims but that 298

They may be crossed. 299

OVERREACH

Lord, thus I spit at thee

And at thy counsel, and again desire thee, 300

As thou art a soldier, if thy valor 301

Dares show itself where multitude and example 302

Lead not the way, let's quit the house and change 303

Six words in private. 304

LOVELL

I am ready, sir.

LADY ALLWORTH

[to Lovell] Stay, sir!

Contest with one distracted? 305

WELLBORN

You'll grow like him,

Should you answer his vain challenge. 306

OVERREACH

[to Lovell] Are you pale?

Borrow his help. Though Hercules call it odds, 307

I'll stand against both, as I am, hemmed in thus. 308

Since, like a Libyan lion in the toil, 309

My fury cannot reach the coward hunters 310

And only spends itself, I'll quit the place. 311

Alone I can do nothing, but I have servants 312

And friends to second me; and, if I make not 313

This house a heap of ashes—by my wrongs, 314

What I have spoke I will make good!—or leave 315

One throat uncut, if it be possible, 316

Hell add to my afflictions! 317

(Exit Overreach.)

MARALL

Is't not brave sport?

GREEDY

Brave sport? I am sure it has ta'en away my stomach; 318

I do not like the sauce. 319

ALLWORTH

[to Margaret] Nay, weep not, dearest,

Though it express your pity; what's decreed 320

Above, we cannot alter. 321

LADY ALLWORTH

His threats move me

No scruple, madam. 322

MARALL

[to Wellborn] Was it not a rare trick,

An it please Your Worship, to make the deed nothing? 323

I can do twenty neater, if you please 324

To purchase and grow rich, for I will be 325

Such a solicitor and steward for you 326

As never worshipful had. 327

WELLBORN

I do believe thee.

But first discover the quaint means you used 328

To raze out the conveyance. 329

MARALL

They are mysteries

Not to be spoke in public: certain minerals 330

Incorporated in the ink and wax. 331

Besides, he gave me nothing, but still fed me 332

With hopes and blows; and that was the inducement 333

To this conundrum. If it please Your Worship 334

To call to memory, this mad beast once caused me 335

To urge you or to drown or hang yourself; 336

I'll do the like to him, if you command me. 337

WELLBORN

You are a rascal! He that dares be false 338

To a master, though unjust, will ne'er be true 339

To any other. Look not for reward 340

Or favor from me; I will shun thy sight 341

As I would do a basilisk's. Thank my pity 342

If thou keep thy ears. Howe'er, I will take order 343

Your practice shall be silenced. 344

GREEDY

I'll commit him,

If you'll have me, sir. 345

WELLBORN

That were to little purpose. 346

His conscience be his prison.—Not a word, 347

But instantly begone! 348

ORDER

[kicking Marall] Take this kick with you.

AMBLE

[kicking Marall] And this. 349

FURNACE

If that I had my cleaver here

I would divide your knave's head. 350

MARALL

This is the haven

False servants still arrive at. 351

(Exit Marall.)

(Enter Overreach [distracted in his wits].)

LADY ALLWORTH

Come again!

LOVELL

Fear not; I am your guard. 352

WELLBORN

His looks are ghastly.

WILLDO

Some little time I have spent, under your favors, 353

In physical studies, and, if my judgment err not, 354

He's mad beyond recovery. But observe him, 355

And look to yourselves. 356

OVERREACH

Why, is not the whole world

Included in myself? To what use then 357

Are friends and servants? Say there were a squadron 358

Of pikes, lined through with shot; when I am mounted 359

Upon my injuries, shall I fear to charge 'em? 360

(Flourishing his sword ensheathed.)

No: I'll through the battalia, and, that routed, 361

I'll fall to execution. Ha! I am feeble: 362

Some undone widow sits upon mine arm 363

And takes away the use of't, and my sword, 364

Glued to my scabbard with wronged orphans' tears, 365

Will not be drawn. Ha! What are these? Sure, hangmen, 366

That come to bind my hands, and then to drag me 367

Before the judgment seat! Now they are new shapes 368

And do appear like Furies, with steel whips 369

To scourge my ulcerous soul! Shall I then fall 370

Ingloriously, and yield? No! Spite of Fate, 371

I will be forced to hell like to myself; 372

Though you were legions of accursèd spirits, 373

Thus would I fly among you. 374

([He runs at them weakly.])

WELLBORN

There's no help.

Disarm him first, then bind him. 375

GREEDY

Take a mittimus

And carry him to Bedlam. 376

LOVELL

How he foams!

WELLBORN

And bites the earth! 377

WILLDO

Carry him to some dark room. 378

There try what art can do for his recovery. 379

MARGARET

O my dear father! 380

(They [Order, Amble, Furnace, etc.] force Overreach off.)

ALLWORTH

You must be patient, mistress.

LOVELL

Here is a precedent to teach wicked men 381

That, when they leave religion and turn atheists, 382

Their own abilities leave 'em. Pray you, take comfort. 383

I will endeavor you shall be his guardians 384

In his distractions. And for your land, Master Wellborn, 385

Be it good or ill in law, I'll be an umpire 386

Between you and this, th'undoubted heir 387

Of Sir Giles Overreach. For me, here's the anchor 388

That I must fix on. 389

ALLWORTH

What you shall determine,

My lord, I will allow of. 390

WELLBORN

'Tis the language

That I speak, too. But there is something else 391

Beside the repossession of my land 392

And payment of my debts that I must practice. 393

I had a reputation, but 'twas lost 394

In my loose course; and, till I redeem it 395

Some noble way, I am but half made up. 396

It is a time of action. If Your Lordship 397

Will please to confer a company upon me 398

In your command, I doubt not in my service 399

To my king and country but I shall do something 400

That may make me right again. 401

LOVELL

Your suit is granted,

And you loved for the motion. 402

WELLBORN

Nothing wants then

But your allowance— 403

The Epilogue

But your allowance, and in that our all 1

Is comprehended, it being known nor we 2

Nor he that wrote the comedy can be free 3

Without your manumission—which if you 4

Grant willingly, as a fair favor due 5

To the poet's and our labors (as you may, 6

For we despair not, gentlemen, of the play), 7

We jointly shall profess Your Grace hath might 8

To teach us action, and him how to write. 9

([Exeunt.])

FINIS