A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 13Dodsley, Robert
General
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 13
Dodsley, Robert
English drama
+New.+ If't be your sister, we
Have labour'd her she should not match her uncle,
And bring forth riddles: children that should be
Nephews to their father, and to their uncle sons.
+Plot.+ I laugh now at your ignorance: why, these
Are projects, gentlemen: fine gins and projects.
Did Roseclap's boy come to you?
+Bright.+ Yes.
+Plot.+ I have
A rare scene for you.
+New.+ The boy told us you were
Upon a stratagem.
+Plot.+ I've sent for Roseclap
And Captain Quartfield to be here: I have
Put Salewit into orders; he's inducted
Into the French Church: you must all have parts.
+Bright.+ Prythee, speak out of clouds.
+Plot.+ By this good light,
'Twere justice now to let you both die simple
For leaving us so scurvily.
+New.+ We were
Sent for in haste by th' benchers to contribute
To one of 'em that's Reader.[255]
+Plot.+ Come with me;
I'll tell you then. But first I'll show you a sight
Much stranger than the fish.
_Enter +Dorcas+._
+Dor.+ Madam, here's Bannswright
And an old merchant to desire access.
+Aur.+ Bid 'em come in. [_Exit +Dorcas+._
+Plot.+ Gentlemen, fall off:
If we be seen, the plot is spoil'd. Sister,
Now look you do your part well.
+Aur.+ I am perfect. [_Exeunt +Plotwell+, +Bright+, +Newcut+._
SCENE VIII.
_Enter +Bannswright+, +Warehouse+, +Dorcas+._
+Ban.+ Madam, this is the gentleman I mention'd,
I've brought him here, according to my function,
To give you both an interview: if you
Be ready, the church and priest are.
+Aur.+ Is this, sir,
The wealthy merchant?
+Ban.+ Madam, this is he
That, if you'll wear the price of baronies,
Or live at Cleopatra's rate, can keep you.
+Aur.+ Come you a suitor, sir, to me?
+Ware.+ Yes, lady,
I did employ my speaker there, who hath,
I hope, inform'd you with my purpose.
+Aur.+ Surely
Your speaker then hath err'd; I understood
Him for my woman: if you can like her, sir,
It being, for aught I hear, all one to you,
I've woo'd her for you. But, for myself, could you
Endow me with the stream that ebbs and flows
In waves of gold, I hope you do not think
I'd so much stain my birth, as to be bought
To match into a company. Sir, plainly,
I'm match'd already.
+Ware.+ Bannswright, did not you
Tell me she'd have me?
+Ban.+ Faith, sir, I have ears
That might deceive me; but I did dream waking,
If she were not the party. Madam, pray you,
One word in private.
+Aur.+ I'll prevent you. 'Tis true,
My brother laid the scene for me; but since
We've chang'd the plot, and 'tis contriv'd my woman
Shall undertake my part. [_Aside._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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