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
_Alin._ Out upon't, that's scurvy.
Nay, if we do, sure we'll do for good fellowship,
For pure love, or nothing: thus you shall be sure, Sir,
You shall not pay too dear for't.
_Du._ Sure I cannot.
_Alin._ By'r Lady but ye may: when ye have found me able
To do your work well, ye may pay my wages.
_Pet._ Why does your Grace start back?
_Olym._ I ha' seen that shakes me:
Chills all my bloud: O where is faith or goodness?
_Alinda_ thou art false, false, false thou fair one,
Wickedness false; and (wo is me) I see it.
For ever false.
_Pet._ I am glad 't has taken thus right. [_Exeunt._
_Alin._ I'le go ask my Lady, Sir.
_Du._ What?
_Alin._ Whether I shall lye with ye, or no: If I find her willing--
For look ye Sir, I have sworn, while I am in her service--
('Twas a rash Oath I must confess.)
_Du._ Thou mockst me.
_Alin._ Why, would ye lye with me, if I were willing?
Would you abuse my weakness?
_Du._ I would piece it,
And make it stronger.
_Alin._ I humbly thank your highness,
When you piece me, you must piece me to my Coffin:
When you have got my Maiden-head, I take it,
'Tis not an inch of an Apes tail will restore it,
I love ye, and I honour ye, but this way
I'le neither love nor serve ye.
Heaven change your mind, Sir. [_Exit._
_Duke._ And thine too:
For it must be chang'd, it shall be. [_Exit._
SCENE IV.
_Enter_ Boroskie, Burris, Theodore, Viola _and_ Honora.
_Bor._ They are goodly Gentlewomen.
_Bur._ They are,
Wondrous sweet Women both.
_Theo._ Does your Lordship like 'em?
They are my Sisters, Sir; good lusty Lasses,
They'll do their labour well, I warrant ye,
You'll find no Bed-straw here, Sir.
_Hon._ Thank ye Brother.
_The._ This is not so strongly built: but she is good mettle,
Of a good stirring strain too: she goes tith, Sir.
_Enter two Gentlemen._
Here they be, Gentlemen, must make ye merry,
The toyes you wot of: do you like their complexions?
They be no Moors: what think ye of this hand, Gentlemen?
Here's a white Altar for your sacrifice:
A thousand kisses here. Nay, keep off yet Gentlemen,
Let's start first, and have fair play: what would ye give now
To turn the Globe up, and find the rich _Moluccas_?
To pass the straights? here (do ye itch) by St _Nicholas_,
Here's that will make ye scratch and claw,
Claw my fine Gentlemen, move ye in divers sorts:
Pray ye let me request ye, to forget
To say your prayers, whilest these are Courtiers;
Or if ye needs will think of Heaven, let it be no higher
Than their eyes.
_Bor._ How will ye have 'em bestow'd, Sir?
_Theo._ Even how your Lordship please,
So you do not bake 'em.
_Bor._ Bake 'em?
_Theo._ They are too high a meat that way, they run to gelly.
But if you'll have 'em for your own diet, take my counsel,
Stew 'em between two Feather-beds.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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