Chapter CXXVI: Act III: Scene I.4064

[_Enter_ LORD] LOVELL, ALLWORTH, _and_ Servants.

_Lov._ Walk the horses down the hill: something in private
I must impart to Allworth. _Exeunt_ Servants.

_All._ O, my lord,
What a sacrifice of reverence, duty, watching,
Although I could put off the use of sleep,
And ever wait on your commands to serve ’em; 5
What dangers, though in ne’er so horrid shapes,
Nay death itself, though I should run to meet it,
Can I, and with a thankful willingness, suffer!
But still the retribution will fall short
Of your bounties shower’d upon me.

_Lov._ Loving youth, 10
Till what I purpose be put into act,
Do not o’erprize it; since you have trusted me
With your soul’s nearest, nay, her dearest secret,
Rest confident ’t is in a cabinet lock’d
Treachery shall never open. I have found you 15
(For so much to your face I must profess,
Howe’er you guard your modesty with a blush for ’t)
More zealous in your love and service to me
Than I have been in my rewards.

_All._ Still great ones,
Above my merit.

_Lov._ Such your gratitude calls ’em; 20
Nor am I of that harsh and rugged temper
As some great men are tax’d[4065] with, who imagine
They part from the respect due to their honours
If they use not all such as follow ’em, 24
Without distinction of their births, like slaves.
I am not so condition’d; I can make
A fitting difference between my foot boy
And a gentleman by want compell’d to serve me.

_All._ ’T is thankfully acknowledg’d: you have been
More like a father to me than a master. 30
Pray you, pardon the comparison.

_Lov._ I allow it:
And, to give you assurance I am pleas’d in ’t,
My carriage and demeanour to your mistress,
Fair Margaret, shall truly witness for me
I can command my passions.

_All._ ’T is a conquest 35
Few lords can boast of when they are tempted—Oh!

_Lov._ Why do you sigh? Can you be doubtful of me?
By that fair name I in the wars have purchas’d,
And all my actions, hitherto untainted,
I will not be more true to mine own honour 40
Than to my Allworth!

_All._ As you are the brave Lord Lovell,
Your bare word only given is an assurance
Of more validity and weight to me
Than all the oaths, bound up with imprecations,
Which, when they would deceive, most courtiers practise; 45
Yet being a man, (for, sure, to style you more
Would relish of gross flattery,) I am forc’d,
Against my confidence of your worth and virtues,
To doubt, nay, more, to fear.

_Lov._ So young, and jealous!

_All._ Were you to encounter with a single foe,
The victory were certain; but to stand 51
The charge of two such potent enemies,
At once assaulting you, as wealth and beauty,
And those too seconded with power, is odds
Too great for Hercules.

_Lov._ Speak your doubts and fears, 55
Since you will nourish ’em, in plainer language,
That I may understand them.

_All._ What ’s your will,
Though I lend arms against myself, (provided
They may advantage you,) must be obeyed.
My much-lov’d lord, were Margaret only fair, 60
The cannon of her more than earthly form,
Though mounted high, commanding all beneath it,
And ramm’d with bullets of her sparkling eyes,
Of all the bulwarks that defend your senses
Could batter none, but that which guards your sight. 65
But when the well-tun’d accents of her tongue
Make music to you, and with numerous[4066] sounds
Assault your hearing, (such as if Ulysses
Now liv’d again, howe’er he stood the Syrens,
Could not resist,) the combat must grow doubtful 70
Between your reason and rebellious passions.
Add this too; when you feel her touch, and breath
Like a soft western wind when it glides o’er
Arabia, creating gums and spices;
And, in the van, the nectar of her lips, 75
Which you must taste, bring the battalia on,
Well arm’d, and strongly lin’d[4067] with her discourse,
And knowing manners, to give entertainment;—
Hippolytus himself would leave Diana,
To follow such a Venus.

_Lov._ Love hath made you 80
Poetical, Allworth.

_All._ Grant all these beat off,
Which if it be in man to do, you ’ll do it,
Mammon, in Sir Giles Overreach, steps in
With heaps of ill-got gold, and so much land,
To make her more remarkable, as would tire 85
A falcon’s wings in one day to fly over.
O my good lord! these powerful aids, which would
Make a mis-shapen negro beautiful,
(Yet are but ornaments to give her lustre,
That in herself is all perfection,) must 90
Prevail for her. I here release your trust;
’T is happiness enough for me to serve you
And sometimes, with chaste eyes, to look upon her.

_Lov._ Why, shall I swear?

_All._ O, by no means, my lord;
And wrong not so your judgment to the world
As from your fond indulgence to a boy, 96
Your page, your servant, to refuse a blessing
Divers great men are rivals for.

_Lov._ Suspend
Your judgment till the trial. How far is it
To Overreach’s house?

_All._ At the most, some half hour’s riding; 100
You ’ll soon be there.

_Lov._ And you the sooner freed
From your jealous fears.

_All._ O that I durst but hope it! _Exeunt._

SCENE II.[4068]

[_Enter_] OVERREACH, GREEDY, _and_ MARRALL.

_Over._ Spare for no cost; let my dressers crack with the weight
Of curious viands.

_Greedy._ “Store indeed ’s no sore,” sir.

_Over._ That proverb fits your stomach, Master Greedy.
And let no plate be seen but what ’s pure gold,
Or such whose workmanship exceeds the matter 5
That it is made of; let my choicest linen
Perfume the room, and, when we wash, the water,
With precious powders mix’d, so please my lord
That he may with envy wish to bathe so ever.

_Mar._ ’T will be very chargeable.

_Over._ Avaunt, you drudge! 10
Now all my labour’d ends are at the stake,
Is ’t a time to think of thrift? Call in my daughter.
[_Exit_ MARRALL.]
And, Master Justice, since you love choice dishes,
And plenty of ’em——

_Greedy._ As I do, indeed, sir,
Almost as much as to give thanks for ’em. 15

_Over._ I do confer that providence,[4069] with my power
Of absolute command to have abundance,
To your best care.

_Greedy._ I ’ll punctually discharge it,
And give the best directions. Now am I,
In mine own conceit, a monarch; at the least,
Arch-president of the boil’d, the roast, the bak’d; 21
For which I will eat often, and give thanks
When my belly ’s brac’d up like a drum, and that ’s pure justice.
_Exit._

_Over._ It must be so. Should the foolish girl prove modest,
She may spoil all; she had it not from me, 25
But from her mother: I was ever forward,
As she must be, and therefore I ’ll prepare her.
[_Enter_] MARGARET.
Alone—and let your women wait without.

_Marg._ Your pleasure, sir?

_Over._ Ha! this is a neat dressing!
These orient pearls and diamonds well plac’d too! 30
The gown affects me not, it should have been
Embroider’d o’er and o’er with flowers of gold;
But these rich jewels and quaint fashion help it.
And how below? since oft the wanton eye
The face observ’d, descends unto the foot, 35
Which being well proportion’d, as yours is,
Invites as much as perfect white and red,
Though without art. How like you your new woman,
The Lady Downfall’n?

_Marg._ Well, for a companion;
Not as a servant.

_Over._ Is she humble, Meg, 40
And careful too, her ladyship forgotten?

_Marg._ I pity her fortune.

_Over._ Pity her! trample on her.
I took her up in an old tamin[4070] gown,
(Even starv’d for want of twopenny chops,) to serve thee;
And if I understand she but repines 45
To do thee any duty, though ne’er so servile,
I ’ll pack her to her knight, where I have lodg’d him,
Into the Counter[4071] and there let ’em howl together.

_Marg._ You know your own ways; but for me, I blush
When I command her, that was once attended
With persons not inferior to myself 51
In birth.

_Over._ In birth! why, art thou not my daughter,
The blest child of my industry and wealth?
Why, foolish girl, was ’t not to make thee great
That I have run, and still pursue, those ways 55
That hale down curses on me, which I mind not?
Part with these humble thoughts, and apt[4072] thyself
To the noble state I labour to advance thee;
Or, by my hopes to see thee honourable,
I will adopt a stranger to my heir, 60
And throw thee from my care. Do not provoke me.

_Marg._ I will not, sir; mould me which way you please.

_Re-enter_ GREEDY.

_Over._ How! Interrupted!

_Greedy._ ’T is matter of importance.
The cook, sir, is self-will’d, and will not learn
From my experience. There ’s a fawn brought in, sir, 65
And, for my life, I cannot make him roast it
With a Norfolk dumpling in the belly of it;
And, sir, we wise men know, without the dumpling
’T is not worth three-pence.

_Over._ 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?

_Over._ Let it be dumpl’d
Which way thou wilt; or tell him, I will scald him
In his own caldron.

_Greedy._ I had lost my stomach
Had I lost my mistress dumpling; I ’ll give thanks for ’t.
[_Exit._]

_Over._ But to our business, Meg; you have heard who dines here? 75

_Marg._ I have, sir.

_Over._ ’T is an honourable man;
A lord, Meg, and commands a regiment
Of soldiers, and, what ’s rare, is one himself,
A bold and understanding one; and to be
A lord and a good leader, in one volume, 80
Is granted unto few but such as rise up
The kingdom’s glory.

_Re-enter_ GREEDY.

_Greedy._ I ’ll resign my office,
If I be not better obey’d.

_Over._ ’Slight, art thou frantic?

_Greedy._ Frantic! ’T would make me frantic and stark mad,
Were I not a justice of peace and quorum too,
Which this rebellions cook cares not a straw for. 86
There are a dozen of woodcocks——

_Over._ Make thyself
Thirteen, the baker’s dozen.

_Greedy._ I am contented,
So they may be dress’d to my mind; he has found out
A new device for sauce, and will not dish ’em
With toasts and butter. My father was a tailor, 91
And my name, though a justice, Greedy Woodcock;
And, ere I ’ll see my lineage so abus’d,
I ’ll give up my commission.

_Over._ [_loudly._] Cook!—Rogue, obey him!
I have given the word, pray you now remove yourself 95
To a collar of brawn,[4073] and trouble me no further.

_Greedy._ I will, and meditate what to eat at dinner. _Exit._

_Over._ And as I said, Meg, when this gull[4074] disturb’d us,
This honourable lord, this colonel,
I would have thy husband.

_Marg._ There ’s too much disparity 100
Between his quality and mine, to hope it.

_Over._ I more than hope’t, and doubt not to effect it.
Be thou no enemy to thyself, my wealth
Shall weight his titles down, and make you equals.
Now for the means to assure him thine, observe me: 105
Remember he ’s a courtier and a soldier,
And not to be trifled with; and, therefore, when
He comes to woo you, see you do not coy it:
This mincing modesty has spoil’d many a match
By a first refusal, in vain after hop’d for. 110

_Marg._ You ’ll have me, sir, preserve the distance that
Confines a virgin?

_Over._ Virgin me no virgins!
I must have you lose that name, or you lose me.
I will have you private—start not—I say, private;
If thou art my true daughter, not a bastard, 115
Thou wilt venture alone with one man, though he came
Like Jupiter to Semele, and come off, too;
And therefore, when he kisses you, kiss close.

_Marg._ I have heard this is the strumpet’s fashion, sir,
Which I must never learn.

_Over._ Learn any thing, 120
And from any creature that may make thee great;
From the devil himself.

_Marg._ [_Aside._] This is but devilish doctrine!

_Over._ Or, if his blood grow hot, suppose he offer
Beyond this, do not you stay till it cool,
But meet his ardour; if a couch be near, 125
Sit down on ’t, and invite him.

_Marg._ In your house,
Your own house, sir! For Heaven’s sake, what are you then?
Or what shall I be, sir?

_Over._ Stand not on form;
Words are no substances.

_Marg._ Though you could dispense
With your own honour, cast aside religion, 130
The hopes of Heaven, or fear of hell, excuse me,
In worldly policy this is not the way
To make me his wife; his whore, I grant it may do.
My maiden honour so soon yielded up,
Nay, prostituted, cannot but assure him 135
I, that am light to him, will not hold weight
Whene’er[4075] tempted by others; so, in judgment,
When to his lust I have given up my honour,
He must and will forsake me.

_Over._ How! forsake thee!
Do I wear a sword for fashion? or is this arm
Shrunk up or wither’d? Does there live a man 141
Of that large list I have encounter’d with
Can truly say I e’er gave inch of ground
Not purchas’d with his blood that did oppose me?
Forsake thee when the thing is done! He dares not. 145
Give me but proof he has enjoy’d thy person,
Though all his captains, echoes to his will,
Stood arm’d by his side to justify the wrong,
And he himself in the head of his bold troop,
Spite of his lordship, and his colonelship, 150
Or the judge’s favour, I will make him render
A bloody and a strict account, and force him,
By marrying thee, to cure thy wounded honour!
I have said it.

_Re-enter_ MARRALL.

_Mar._ Sir, the man of honour ’s come,
Newly alighted.

_Over._ In, without reply. 155
And do as I command, or thou art lost. _Exit_ MARGARET.
Is the loud music I gave order for
Ready to receive him?

_Mar._ ’T is, sir.

_Over._ Let ’em sound
A princely welcome. [_Exit_ MARRALL.] Roughness awhile leave me;
For fawning now, a stranger to my nature, 160
Must make way for me.

_Loud music_. _Enter_ LORD LOVELL, GREEDY, ALLWORTH, _and_ MARRALL.

_Lov._ Sir, you meet your trouble.

_Over._ What you are pleas’d to style so is an honour
Above my worth and fortunes.

_All._ [_Aside._] Strange, so humble.

_Over._ A justice of peace, my lord. _Presents_ GREEDY _to him._

_Lov._ Your hand, good sir.

_Greedy._ [_Aside._] This is a lord, and some think this a favour; 165
But I had rather have my hand in my dumpling.

_Over._ Room for my lord.

_Lov._ I miss, sir, your fair daughter
To crown my welcome.

_Over._ May it please my lord
To taste a glass of Greek wine first, and suddenly
She shall attend my lord.

_Lov._ You ’ll be obey’d, sir. _Exeunt all but_ OVERREACH. 170

_Over._ ’T is to my wish: as soon as come, ask for her!
Why, Meg! Meg Overreach.—
[_Re-enter_ MARGARET.]
How! tears in your eyes!
Hah! dry ’em quickly, or I ’ll dig ’em out.
Is this a time to whimper? Meet that greatness
That flies into thy bosom, think what ’t is 175
For me to say, “My honourable daughter;”
And thou, when I stand bare, to say, “Put on;”
Or, “Father, you forget yourself.” No more:
But be instructed, or expect——He comes.
_Re-enter_ LORD LOVELL, Greedy, ALLWORTH, _and_ MARRALL.
A black-brow’d girl, my lord,

_Lov._ As I live, a rare one. _They salute._ 180

_All._ [_Aside._] He ’s took already: I am lost.

_Over._ [_Aside._] That kiss
Came twanging off, I like it.—Quit the room.
[_Exeunt all but_ OVERREACH, LOVELL, _and_ MARGARET.]
A little bashful, my good lord, but you,
I hope, will teach her boldness.

_Lov._ I am happy
In such a scholar: but——

_Over._ I am past learning, 185
And therefore leave you to yourselves.—Remember!
_Aside to_ MARGARET _and exit._

_Lov._ You see, fair lady, your father is solicitous
To have you change the barren name of virgin
Into a hopeful wife.

_Marg._ His haste, my lord,
Holds no power o’er my will.

_Lov._ But o’er your duty. 190

_Marg._ Which forc’d too much, may break.

_Lov._ Bend rather, sweetest:
Think of your years.

_Marg._ Too few to match with yours:
And choicest fruits too soon pluck’d, rot and wither.

_Lov._ Do you think I am old?

_Marg._ I am sure I am too young.

_Lov._ I can advance you.

_Marg._ To a hill of sorrow, 195
Where every hour I may expect to fall,
But never hope firm footing. You are noble,
I of a low descent, however rich;
And tissues match’d with scarlet[4076] suit but ill.
O, my good lord. I could say more, but that 200
I dare not trust these walls.

_Lov._ Pray you, trust my ear then.

_Re-enter_ OVERREACH [_behind_], _listening_.

_Over._ Close at it! whispering! this is excellent!
And, by their postures, a consent on both parts.

_Re-enter_ GREEDY _behind._

_Greedy._ Sir Giles, Sir Giles!

_Over._ The great fiend stop that clapper!

_Greedy._ It must ring out, sir, when my belly rings noon. 205
The bak’d-meats are run out, the roasts turn’d powder.

_Over._ I shall powder you.

_Greedy._ Beat me to dust, I care not;
In such a cause as this, I’ll die a martyr.

_Over._ Marry, and shall, you barathrum[4077] of the shambles!
_Strikes him._

_Greedy._ How! strike a justice of peace! ’T is petty treason. 210
_Edwardi quinto:_ but that you are my friend,
I would commit you without bail or main-prize.[4078]

_Over._ Leave your bawling, sir, or I shall commit you
Where you shall not dine to-day. Disturb my lord,
When he is in discourse!

_Greedy._ Is ’t a time to talk 215
When we should be munching!

_Lov._ Hah! I heard some noise.

_Over._ Mum, villain; vanish! Shall we break a bargain
Almost made up? _Thrusts_ GREEDY _off_.

_Lov._ Lady, I understand you.
And rest most happy in your choice, believe it;
I ’ll be a careful pilot to direct 220
Your yet uncertain bark to a port of safety.

_Marg._ So shall your honour save two lives, and bind us
Your slaves for ever.

_Lov._ I am in the act rewarded,
Since it is good; howe’er, you must put on
An amorous carriage towards me to delude 225
Your subtle father.

_Marg._ I am prone to that.

_Lov._ Now break we off our conference.—Sir Giles!
Where is Sir Giles? [OVERREACH _comes forward._]

_Re-enter_ ALLWORTH, MARRALL, _and_ GREEDY.

_Over._ My noble lord; and how
Does your lordship find her?

_Lov._ Apt, Sir Giles, and coming;
And I like her the better.

_Over._ So do I too. 230

_Love._ Yet should we take forts at the first assault,
’T were poor in the defendant; I must confirm her
With a love-letter or two, which I must have
Deliver’d by my page, and you give way to ’t.

_Over._ With all my soul:—a towardly gentleman! 235
Your hand, good Master Allworth: know my house
Is ever open to you.

_All._ (_Aside._) ’T was shut till now.

_Over._ Well done, well done, my honourable daughter!
Thou ’rt so already. Know this gentle youth,
And cherish him, my honourable daughter. 240

_Marg._ I shall, with my best care. _Noise within, as of a coach._

_Over._ A coach!

_Greedy._ More stops
Before we go to dinner! O my guts!

_Enter_ LADY ALLWORTH _and_ WELLBORN.

_L. All._ If I find welcome,
You share in it; if not, I ’ll back again,
Now I know your ends; for I come arm’d for all
Can be objected.

_Lov._ How! the Lady Allworth! 245

_Over._ And thus attended!
LOVELL _salutes_ LADY ALLWORTH, LADY ALLWORTH _salutes_ MARGARET.

_Mar._ No, “I am a dolt!
The spirit of lies had ent’red me!”

_Over._ Peace, Patch;[4079]
’T is more than wonder! an astonishment
That does possess me wholly!

_Lov._ Noble lady,
This is a favour, to prevent[4080] my visit, 250
The service of my life can never equal.

_L. All._ My lord, I laid wait for you, and much hop’d
You would have made my poor house your first inn:
And therefore doubting that you might forget me,
Or too long dwell here, having such ample cause, 255
In this unequall’d beauty, for your stay,
And fearing to trust any but myself
With the relation of my service to you,
I borrow’d so much from my long restraint
And took the air in person to invite you. 260

_Lov._ Your bounties are so great, they rob me, madam,
Of words to give you thanks.

_L. All._ Good Sir Giles Overreach. _Salutes him._
—How dost thou, Marrall? Lik’d you my meat so ill,
You ’ll dine no more with me?

_Greedy._ I will, when you please, 264
An it like[4081] your ladyship.

_L. All._ When you please, Master Greedy;
If meat can do it, you shall be satisfied.
And now, my lord, pray take into your knowledge
This gentleman; howe’er his outside ’s coarse, _Presents_ WELLBORN.
His inward linings are as fine and fair 269
As any man’s; wonder not I speak at large:
And howsoe’er his humour carries him
To be thus accoutred, or what taint soever,
For his wild life, hath stuck upon his fame,
He may ere long, with boldness, rank himself
With some that have contemn’d him. Sir Giles Overreach, 275
If I am welcome, bid him so.

_Over._ My nephew!
He has been too long a stranger. Faith you have,
Pray let it be mended. LOVELL _confers aside with_ WELLBORN.

_Mar._ Why, sir, what do you mean?
This is “rogue Wellborn, monster, prodigy,
That should hang or drown himself;” no man of worship, 280
Much less your nephew.

_Over._ Well, sirrah, we shall reckon
For this hereafter.

_Mar._ I ’ll not lose my jeer,
Though I be beaten dead for ’t.

_Well._ Let my silence plead
In my excuse, my lord, till better leisure
Offer itself to hear a full relation 285
Of my poor fortunes.

_Lov._ I would hear, and help ’em.

_Over._ Your dinner waits you.

_Lov._ Pray you lead, we follow.

_L. All._ Nay, you are my guest; come, dear Master Wellborn.
_Exeunt all but_ GREEDY.

_Greedy._ “Dear Master Wellborn!” so she said: Heaven! Heaven!
If my belly would give me leave, I could ruminate 290
All day on this. I have granted twenty warrants
To have him committed, from all prisons in the shire,
To Nottingham gaol; and now “Dear Master Wellborn!”
And, “My good nephew!”—but I play the fool 294
To stand here prating, and forget my dinner.
_Re-enter_ MARRALL.
Are they set, Marrall?

_Mar._ Long since; pray you a word, sir.

_Greedy._ No wording now.

_Mar._ In troth, I must. My master,
Knowing you are his good friend, makes bold with you,
And does entreat you, more guests being come in
Than he expected, especially his nephew, 300
The table being full too, you would excuse him,
And sup with him on the cold meat.

_Greedy._ How! No dinner,
After all my care?

_Mar._ ’T is but a penance for
A meal; besides, you broke your fast.

_Greedy._ That was
But a bit to stay my stomach. A man in commission 305
Give place to a tatterdemalion!

_Mar._ No bug[4082] words, sir;
Should his worship hear you——

_Greedy._ Lose my dumpling too,
And butter’d toasts, and woodcocks!

_Mar._ Come, have patience.
If you will dispense a little with your worship,
And sit with the waiting women, you ’ll have dumpling, 310
Woodcock, and butter’d toasts too.

_Greedy._ This revives me:
I will gorge there sufficiently.

_Mar._ This is the way, sir. _Exeunt._

SCENE III.[4083]

[_Enter_] OVERREACH, _as from dinner_.

_Over._ She ’s caught! O women!—she neglects my lord,
And all her compliments appli’d to Wellborn!
The garments of her widowhood laid by,
She now appears as glorious as the spring,
Her eyes fix’d on him, in the wine she drinks, 5
He being her pledge, she sends him burning kisses,
And sits on thorns, till she be private with him.
She leaves my meat to feed upon his looks,
And if in our discourse he be but nam’d,
From her a deep sigh follows. And why grieve I 10
At this? It makes for me; if she prove his,
All that is hers is mine, as I will work him.

_Enter_ MARRALL.

_Mar._ Sir, the whole board is troubled at your rising.

_Over._ No matter, I ’ll excuse it. Prithee, Marrall,
Watch an occasion to invite my nephew 15
To speak with me in private.

_Mar._ Who? “The rogue
The lady scorn’d to look on”?

_Over._ You are a wag.

_Enter_ LADY ALLWORTH _and_ WELLBORN.

_Mar._ See, sir, she’s come, and cannot be without him.

_L. All._ With your favour, sir, after a plenteous dinner,
I shall make bold to walk a turn or two, 20
In your rare garden.

_Over._ There ’s an arbour too,
If your ladyship please to use it.

_L. All._ Come, Master Wellborn.
_Exeunt_ LADY ALLWORTH _and_ WELLBORN.

_Over._ Grosser and grosser! Now I believe the poet
Feign’d not, but was historical, when he wrote
Pasiphae was enamour’d of a bull: 25
This lady’s lust ’s more monstrous.—My good lord,
_Enter_ LORD LOVELL, MARGARET, _and the rest_.
Excuse my manners.

_Lov._ There needs none, Sir Giles,
I may ere long say father, when it pleases
My dearest mistress to give warrant to it.

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

_Re-enter_ WELLBORN _and_ LADY ALLWORTH.

_Marg._ My lady is return’d.

_L. All._ Provide my coach,
I ’ll instantly away. My thanks, Sir Giles,
For my entertainment.

_Over._ ’T is your nobleness
To think it such.

_L. All._ I must do vou a further wrong
In taking away your honourable guest. 35

_Lov._ I wait on you, madam; farewell, good Sir Giles.

_L. All._ Good Mistress Margaret! Nay, come, Master Wellborn,
I must not leave you behind; in sooth, I must not.

_Over._ Rob me not, madam, of all joys at once;
Let my nephew stay behind. He shall have my coach, 40
And, after some small conference between us,
Soon overtake your ladyship.

_L. All._ Stay not long, sir.

_Lov._ This parting kiss: [_kisses_ MARGARET] you shall every day
hear from me,
By my faithful page.

_All._ ’T is a service I am proud of.
_Exeunt_ LORD LOVELL, LADY ALLWORTH, ALLWORTH, _and_ MARRALL.

_Over._ Daughter, to your chamber.— _Exit_ MARGARET.
—You may wonder, nephew, 45
After so long an enmity between us,
I should desire your friendship.

_Well._ So I do, sir;
’T is strange to me.

_Over._ But I ’ll make it no wonder;
And what is more, unfold my nature to you.
We worldly men, when we see friends and kinsmen 50
Past hopes sunk in their fortunes, lend no hand
To lift ’em up, but rather set our feet
Upon their heads, to press ’em to the bottom;
As, I must yield,[4084] with you I practis’d it:
But, now I see you in a way to rise, 55
I can and will assist you. This rich lady
(And I am glad of ’t) is enamour’d of you;
’T is too apparent, nephew.

_Well._ No such thing:
Compassion rather, sir.

_Over._ Well, in a word, 59
Because your stay is short, I ’ll have you seen
No more in this base shape; nor shall she say
She married you like a beggar, or in debt.

_Well._ (_Aside._) He ’ll run into the noose, and save my labour.

_Over._ You have a trunk of rich clothes, not far hence,
In pawn; I will redeem ’em; and that no clamour 65
May taint your credit for your petty debts,
You shall have a thousand pounds to cut ’em off,
And go a free man to the wealthy lady.

_Well._ This done, sir, out of love, and no ends else——

_Over._ As it is, nephew.

_Well._ Binds me still your servant. 70

_Over._ No compliments; you are staid for. Ere you have supp’d
You shall hear from me. My coach, knaves, for my nephew.
To-morrow I will visit you.

_Well._ Here’s an uncle
In a man ’s extremes! How much they do belie you,
That say you are hard-hearted!

_Over._ My deeds, nephew, 75
Shall speak my love; what men report I weigh not. _Exeunt._