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
_Bur._ Please you Colonel
To let 'em wait upon the Princess?
_Theo._ Yes, Sir,
And thank your honour too: but then happily,
These noble Gentlemen shall have no access to 'em,
And to have 'em buy new Cloaths, study new faces,
And keep a stinking stir with themselves for nothing,
'Twill not be well i'faith: they have kept their bodies,
And been at charge for Bathes: do you see that shirt there?
Weigh but the moral meaning, 'twill be grievous:
Alas, I brought 'em to delight these Gentlemen,
I weigh their wants by mine: I brought 'em wholesome,
Wholesome, and young my Lord, and two such blessings
They will not light upon again in ten years.
_Bor._ 'Tis fit they wait upon her.
_Theo._ They are fit for any thing:
They'll wait upon a man, they are not bashful,
Carry his Cloak, or unty his points, or any thing,
Drink drunk, and take Tobacco; the familiar'st fools--
This wench will leap over Stools too, and sound a Trumpet,
Wrastle, and pitch the Bar; they are finely brought up.
_Bor._ Ladies, ye are bound to your Brother,
And have much cause to thank him:
I'le ease ye of this charge, and to the Princess,
So please you, I'le attend 'em.
_Theo._ Thank your Lordship:
If there be e're a private corner as ye go, Sir,
A foolish lobbie out o'th' way, make danger,
Try what they are, try--
_Bor._ Ye are a merry Gentleman.
_The._ I would fain be your honours kinsman.
_Bor._ Ye are too curst, Sir.
_The._ Farewel wenches, keep close your ports, y'are washt else.
_Hon._ Brother, bestow your fears where they are needful.
[_Exit_ Boros. Honor. Viol.
_The._ _Honor_ thy name is, and I hope thy Nature.
Go after, Gentlemen, go, get a snatch if you can,
Yond' old _Erra Pater_ will never please 'em.
Alas I brought 'em for you, but see the luck on't,
I swear I meant as honestly toward ye--
Nay do not cry good Gentlemen: a little counsel
Will do no harm: they'll walk abroad i'th' Evenings,
Ye may surprize 'em easily, they wear no Pistols.
Set down your minds in Metre, flowing Metre,
And get some good old linnen Woman to deliver it,
That has the trick on't: you cannot fail:
Farewel Gentlemen. [_Exeunt Gent._
_Bur._ You have frighted off these flesh-flies.
_The._ Flesh-flies indeed my Lord.
_Enter a Servant._
And it must be very stinking flesh they will not seize on.
_Serv._ Your Lordship bid me bring this Casket.
_Bur._ Yes, Good Colonel
Commend me to your worthy Father, and as a pledge
He ever holds my love, and service to him,
Deliver him this poor, but hearty token,
And where I may be his--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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