A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 12Dodsley, Robert
General
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 12
Dodsley, Robert
English drama
LAMB. You observe very well, sweet virgin; for his nativity is
his doublet, which is the upper part of his suit; and his name
is in's breeches, for that part, which is his name, he defiles
many times.
SPEED. Your observation is corrupt, sir. Let me show mine own
tale. I say, sweet beauty, my name is Speedwell. My godfather,
by his bounty (being an old soldier, and having served in the
wars as far as Boulogne) therefore called my name Godfrey,
a title of large renown.[80] My wealth and wit has added to
those the paraphrase of knighthood, so that my name in the
full longitude is called Sir Godfrey Speedwell, a name of good
experience.
JANE. If every quality you have be as large in relation as your
name, sir, I should imagine the best of them, rather than hear
them reported.
SPEED. You say well, sweet modesty; a good imagination is good,
and shows your good experience.
LAMB. Nay, if names can do any good, I beseech you observe
mine. My name is Lambskin, a thing both hot and harmless.
JANE. On, sir; I would not interrupt you, because you should be
brief.
LAMB. My godfather, seeing in my face some notes of
disposition, in my cradle did give me the title of
Innocent,[81] which I have practised all my lifetime; and since
my father's decease, my wealth has purchased me in the vanguard
of my name the paraphrase of gentility, so that I am called
_Master_ Innocent Lambskin.
JANE. In good time: and what trade was your father, sir?
LAMB. My father was of an occupation before he was a
tradesman; for, as I have observed in my father's and mother's
report, they set up together in their youth. My father was a
starch-maker, and my mother a laundress; so, being partners,
they did occupy[82] long together before they were married;
then was I born.
JANE. What, before your father was married?
LAMB. Truly a little after. I was the first-fruits, as they
say. Then did my father change his copy, and set up a brewhouse.
JANE. Ay, then came your wealth in, sir.
LAMB. Your observation's good. I have carried the tallies[83]
at my girdle seven year together with much delight and
observation, for I did ever love to deal honestly in the nick.
JANE. A very innocent resolution.
SPEED. Your experience may see his coarse education; but to the
purpose, sweet female. I do love that face of yours.
JANE. Sir, if you love nothing but my face, I cannot sell it
from the rest.
LAMB. You may see his slender observation. Sweet virgin, I do
love your lower parts better than your face.
SPEED. Sir, you do interrupt and thwart my love.
LAMB. Ay, sir, I am your rival, and I will thwart your
love; for your love licks at the face, and my love shall be
arsy-versy to yours.
JANE. I would desire no better wooing of so bad suitors.
STEPH. Mistake me not, kind-heart.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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