A little indulgent to that servant's wit, And help his fortune, though with some small Hot Ananias, Dapper, Drugger, all strain Of his own candour. Speak for thyself, knave. Face. So I will, sir. Gentlemen, Though I am clean Got off from Subtle, Surly, Mammon, Dol, [Exeunt omnes. GREEDY, a hungry justice of peace. TAPWELL, an ale-house-keeper. Three creditors. WOMEN. LADY ALLWORTH, a rich widow. MARGARET, Overreach's daughter. MARRALL, a term-driver, a creature of SIR GILES FROTH, Tapwell's wife. OVERREACH. And stood fair to be custos rotulorum ; Bare the whole sway of the shire; kept a good house; Relieved the poor, and so forth; but he dying, Well. Slave, stop! or I shall lose myself. You cannot be out of your way. Tap. But to my story; I shall proceed, sir : Which your uncle, sir Giles Overreach, observing, you. Well. Some curate has penned this invective, mongrel, And you have studied it. Tap. I have not done yet. Your lands gone, and your credit not worth a token, You grew the common borrower; no man 'scaped Your paper pellets, from the gentleman to the groom; While I, honest Tim Tapwell, with a little stock, Some forty pounds or so, bought a small cottage; Humbled myself to marriage with my Froth here; Gave entertainment Well. Yes, to whores and pickpockets. I gleaned from them hath made me in my parish Well. Thus, you dog-bolt And thus Tap. Cry out for help! Well. Stir, and thou diest: 'Twas I, that when I heard thee swear, if ever Thou could'st arrive at forty pounds, thou would'st Live like an emperor: 'twas I that gave it, For, from the tavern to the tap-house, all, Well. They are well rewarded That beggar themselves to make such rascals rich. Thou viper, thankless viper! But since you are grown forgetful, I will help Your memory, and kick thee into remembrance; Not leave one bone unbroken. Tap. Oh! Enter ALLWORTH. Allw. Hold, for my sake, hold! Deny me, Frank? they are not worth your anger. Well. For once thou hast redeemed them from this sceptre: [Shaking his cudgel. But let them vanish, For if they grumble, I revoke my pardon. Froth. This comes of your prating, husband; you presumed On your ambling wit, and must use your glib tongue, Though you are beaten lame for it. Tap. Patience, Froth; [They go off into the house. Well. Tis a noble widow, And keeps her reputation pure, and clear To envy or detraction. Pr'ythee, tell me ; Allw. Even the best of the shire, Frank, sence; Yet she's so far from sullenness and pride, [Beats him. That I dare undertake you shall meet from her Your potent prince, the constable, shall not save While I give you good counsel. I am bound to it; Thy father was my friend; and that affection I bore to him, in right descends to thee: Thou art a handsome and a hopeful youth, Do I run the hazard? Well. Art thou not in love? Put it not off with wonder. Allw. In love, at my years? Well. You think you walk in clouds, but are transparent. I have heard all, and the choice that you have made; And, with my finger can point out the north star, By which the load-stone of your folly's guided. And, to confirm this true, what think you of Fair Margaret, the only child and heir Of cormorant Overreach? Dost blush and start, To hear her only named? Blush at your want Of wit and reason, Allw. You are too bitter, sir. Well. Wounds of this nature are not to be cured With balms, but corrosives. I must be plain : Art thou scarce manumized from the porter's lodge, And yet sworn servant to the pantoffle, Allw. Howe'er you have discovered my in- You know my aims are lawful; and if ever The queen of flowers, the glory of the spring, The sweetest comfort to our smell, the rose, Sprang from an envious briar, I may infer, There's such disparity in their conditions Between the goddess of my soul, the daughter, And the base churl, her father. Well. Grant this true, As I believe it; canst thou ever hope To enjoy a quiet bed with her, whose father Ruined thy state? Allw. And yours too. Well. I confess it, Allworth. I must tell you as a friend, and freely, Will e'er consent to make her thine? Give o'er, Allw. You have well advised me; But, in the mean time, you, that are so studious Of my affairs, wholly neglect your own. Remember yourself, and in what plight you are. Well. No matter, no matter. Allw. Yes, 'tis much material: You know my fortune, and my means; yet something I can spare from myself, to help your wants. Well. How's this? Allw. Nay, be not angry. There's eight pieces, To put you in better fashion. Well. Money from thee? From a boy, a stipendary? one that lives And the uncertain favour of a lord? Allw, A strange humour! [Exeunt severally. SCENE II-A Chamber in Lady ALLWORTH'S House. Enter ORDER, AMBLE, FURNACE. Order. Set all things right, or, as my name is Order, Whoever misses in his function, For one whole week makes forfeiture of his breakfast, And privilege in the wine cellar. Good master steward. Furn. Let him; I'll be angry. Amble. Why, fellow Furnace, 'tis not twelve o'clock yet, Nor dinner taking up; then 'tis allowed My lady's go-before. Order. Nay, nay, no wrangling. Furn. Twit me with the authority of the kitchen? At all hours, and at all places, I'll be angry; And, thus provoked, when I am at my prayers I will be angry. Amble. There was no hurt meant. Furn. I am friends with thee, and yet I will be angry. Order. With whom? Furn. No matter whom : yet, now I think on't, I am angry with my lady. Amble. Heaven forbid, man! Order. What cause has she given thee? I was entertained by her to please her palate, sauces, When I am three parts roasted, And the fourth part par-boiled, to prepare her | Like virgin parchment, capable of any viands, She keeps her chamber, dines with a panada, By such as pretend to love her; but come Order. Justice Greedy? Inscription, vicious or honourable. I will not force your will, but leave you free Allw. Any form you please I will put on but, might I make my choice, Lady. 'Tis well answered, And I commend your spirit: you had a father, (Blessed be his memory) that some few hours Before the will of Heaven took him from me, Furn. The same, the same. Meat is cast away Did commend you, by the dearest ties It never thrives. He holds his paradox, Of perfect love between us, to my charge: hear With such respect, as if he lived in me. [ALLWORTH knocks, and enters. Most honoured madam, the best mother tome; Order. Our late young master. Furn. Your hand: If you have a stomach, a cold bake-meat's ready. This is yet some comfort. Is my lady stirring? Enter the Lady ALLWORTH. Order. Her presence answers for us. And, as I gave directions, if this morning I am visited by any, entertain them As heretofore: but say, in my excuse, Order. I shall, madam. Lady. Do, and leave me. And with my utmost strength of care and service, Lady. I much hope it. These were your father's words: If e'er my son They do presume they may, with license, prac tise Their lusts and riots, they shall never merit up a soldier: [Exeunt ORDER, AMBLE, and FURNACE. Not swearing, dice, or drinking. Nay, stay you, Allworth. Alla. I shall gladly grow here, To wait on your commands. Lady. So soon turned courtier ! Allw. There's no syllable You speak, but it is to me an oracle; Lady. To conclude; Alla. Stile not that courtship, madam, which Beware ill-company; for often men is duty, Purchased on your part. Lady. Well, you shall o'ercome; I'll not contend in words. How is it with Alla. Ever like himself; No scruple lessened in the full weight of ho- He did command me (pardon my presumption), Your ladyship's fair hands. Lady. I am honoured in His favour to me. Does he hold his purpose Alla. Constantly, good madam : But he will, in person, first present his service. you are yet, |