Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 03 of 10: The Loyal Subject — John Shaqi
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
_Arc._ Poor miserable men, you have rob'd your selves both;
This Gown, and this unvalu'd Treasure, your brave Father,
Found me a Child at School with, in his progress.
Where such a love he took to some few answers,
Unhappy Boyish toys hit in my head then,
That suddenly I made him, thus as I was,
(For here was all the Wealth I brought his Highness)
He carried me to Court, there bred me up,
Bestow'd his favours on me, taught me the Arms first,
With those an honest mind; I serv'd him truly,
And where he gave me trust, I think I fail'd not;
Let the World speak: I humbly thank your Highness,
You have done more, and nobler, eas'd mine age, Sir;
And to this care a fair _Quietus_ given,
Now to my Book again.
_Du._ You have your wish, Sir,
Let some bring off the treasure.
_Bor._ Some is his, Sir.
_Arc._ None, none, a poor unworthy reaper,
The Harvest is his Graces.
_Du._ Thank you, _Archas_.
_Arc._ But will not you repent, Lord? when this is gone
Where will your Lordship?--
_Bor._ Pray take you no care, Sir.
_Arc._ Does your Grace like my House?
_Du._ Wondrous well, _Archas_,
You have made me richly welcome.
_Arc._ I did my best, Sir.
Is there any thing else may please your Grace?
_Du._ Your Daughters
I had forgot, send them to Court.
_Arc._ How's that, Sir?
_Du._ I said your Daughters; see it done: I'll have 'em
Attend my Sister, _Archas_.
_Arc._ Thank your Highness.
_Du._ And suddenly. [_Exit._
_Arc._ Through all the ways I dare,
I'll serve your temper, though you try me far. [_Exit._
_Actus Tertius. Scena Prima._
_Enter_ Theodore, Putskey, _Ancient and Servant_.
_The._ I wonder we hear no news.
_Puts._ Here's your fathers servant,
He comes in haste too, now we shall know all, Sir.
_The._ How now?
_Ser._ I am glad I have met you, Sir; your father
Intreats you presently make haste unto him.
_The._ What news?
_Ser._ None of the best, Sir, I am asham'd to tell it,
Pray ask no more.
_The._ Did not I tell ye, Gentlemen?
Did not I prophesie? he's undone then.
_Ser._ Not so, Sir, but as near it--
_Puts._ There's no help now;
The Army's scatter'd all, through discontent,
Not to be rallied up in haste to help this.
_Anc._ Plague of the Devil; have ye watch'd your seasons?
We shall watch you ere long.
_The._ Farewel, there's no cure,
We must endure all now: I know what I'll do.
[_Exeunt_ Theodore _and Servant_.
_Puts._ Nay, there's no striving, they have a hand upon us,
A heavy and a hard one.
_Anc._ Now I have it,
We have yet some Gentlemen, some Boys of mettle,
(What, are we bob'd thus still, colted, and carted?)
And one mad trick we'll have to shame these Vipers;
Shall I bless 'em?
_Puts._ Farewel; I have thought my way too. [_Exit._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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