QUAR. Stand aside, I'll answer you presently. [_He walks by._] Why
should I not marry this six thousand pound, now I think on't, and a
good trade too that she has beside, ha? The t'other wench Winwife is
sure of; there's no expectation for me there. Here I may make myself
some saver yet, if she continue mad, there's the question. It is money
that I want, why should not I marry the money when 'tis offer'd me? I
have a license and all, it is but razing out one name, and putting in
another. There's no playing with a man's fortune! I am resolved: I
were truly mad an I would not!--Well, come your ways, follow me, an
you will be mad, I'll shew you a warrant!
[_Takes her along with him._
PURE. Most zealously, it is that I zealously desire.
OVER. [_stopping him._] Sir, let me speak with you.
QUAR. By whose warrant?
OVER. The warrant that you tender, and respect so; Justice Overdo's. I
am the man, friend Troubleall, though thus disguised (as the careful
magistrate ought) for the good of the republic in the Fair, and the
weeding out of enormity. Do you want a house, or meat, or drink, or
clothes? speak whatsoever it is, it shall be supplied you; what want
you?
QUAR. Nothing but your warrant.
OVER. My warrant! for what?
QUAR. To be gone, sir.
OVER. Nay, I pray thee stay; I am serious, and have not many words,
nor much time to exchange with thee. Think what may do thee good.
QUAR. Your hand and seal will do me a great deal of good; nothing else
in the whole Fair that I know.
OVER. If it were to any end, thou shouldst have it willingly.
QUAR. Why, it will satisfy me, that's end enough to look on; an you
will not give it me, let me go.
OVER. Alas! thou shalt have it presently; I'll but step into the
scrivener's here by, and bring it. Do not go away.
[_Exit._
QUAR. Why, this madman's shape will prove a very fortunate one, I
think. Can a ragged robe produce these effects? if this be the wise
justice, and he bring me his hand, I shall go near to make some use
on't.
_Re-enter OVERDO._
He is come already!
OVER. Look thee! here is my hand and seal, Adam Overdo; if there be
any thing to be written above in that paper that thou want'st now, or
at any time hereafter, think on't, it is my deed. I deliver it so; can
your friend write?
QUAR. Her hand for a witness, and all is well.
OVER. With all my heart.
[_He urges her to sign it._
QUAR. Why should not I have the conscience to make this a bond of a
thousand pound now, or what I would else? [_Aside._
OVER. Look you, there it is, and I deliver it as my deed again.
QUAR. Let us now proceed in madness.
[_Exeunt Quarlous and Dame Purecraft._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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