Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 03 of 10: The Loyal SubjectFletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 03 of 10: The Loyal Subject
Fletcher, John
English drama -- 18th century; Tragicomedy
_Arch._ Peace: I perceive your eye, Sir,
Is fixt upon this Captain for his freedom,
And happily you find his tongue too forward;
As I am Master of the place I carry,
'Tis fit I think so too; but were I this man,
No stronger tie upon me, than the truth
And tongue to tell it, I should speak as he do's,
And think with modesty enough, such Saints
That daily thrust their loves and lives through hazards,
And fearless for their Countries peace, march hourly
Through all the doors of death, and know the darkest,
Should better be canoniz'd for their service:
What labour would these men neglect, what danger
Where honour is, though seated in a Billow,
Rising as high as Heaven, would not these Souldiers,
Like to so many Sea-gods charge up to it?
Do you see these swords? times Sythe was ne'er so sharp, Sir;
Nor ever at one harvest mow'd such handfuls:
Thoughts ne'er so sudden, nor belief so sure
When they are drawn, and were it not sometimes
I swim upon their angers to allay 'em,
And like a calm depress their fell intentions;
They are so deadly sure, nature would suffer--
And whose are all these glories? why, their Princes,
Their Countries, and their Friends? Alas, of all these,
And all the happy ends they bring, the blessings,
They only share the labours: A little joy then,
And outside of a welcome, at an upshot
Would not have done amiss, Sir; but howsoever
Between me and my duty, no crack, Sir,
Shall dare appear: I hope by my example
No discontent in them: without doubt Gentlemen,
The Duke will both look suddenly and truly
On your deserts: Methinks 'twere good they were paid, Sir.
_Bor._ They shall be immediately; I stay for money;
And any favour else--
_Arch._ We are all bound to ye;
And so I take my leave, Sir; when the Duke pleases
To make me worthy of his eyes--
_Bor._ Which will be suddenly,
I know his good thoughts to ye.
_Arch._ With all duty,
And all humility, I shall attend, Sir.
_Bor._ Once more you are welcome home: these shall be satisfied.
_The._ Be sure we be: and handsomly.
_Arch._ Wait you on me, Sir.
_The._ And honestly: no jugling.
_Arch._ Will ye come, Sir? [_Exit._
_Bor._ Pray do not doubt.
_The._ We are no Boys. [_Exit._
_Enter a Gent. and 2 or 3 with Mony._
_Bor._ Well Sir.
_Gent._ Here's mony from the Duke, and't please your Lordship.
_Bor._ 'Tis well.
_Gent._ How sowre the Souldiers look?
_Bor._ Is't told?
_Gent._ Yes, and for every company a double pay,
And the Dukes love to all.
_Anc._ That's worth a Ducket.
_Bor._ You that be Officers, see it discharg'd then,
Why do not you take it up?
_Anc._ 'Tis too heavy:
'Body o'me, I have strain'd mine arm.
_Bor._ Do ye scorn it?
_Anc._ Has your Lor[d]ship any dice about ye? sit round Gentlemen,
And come on seven for my share.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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