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
_The._ Ye are too noble;
A wonder here my Lord, that dare be honest,
When all men hold it vitious: I shall deliver it,
And with it your most noble love. Your servant. [_Ex._ Bur.
Were there but two more such at Court, 'twere Sainted,
This will buy Brawn this Christmas yet, and Muscadine. [_Ex._
SCENE V.
_Enter Ancient, crying Brooms, and after him severally,
four Souldiers, crying other things._ Boroskie _and Gent,
over the Stage observing them_.
I. SONG.
Anc. _Broom, Broom, the bonnie Broom,
Come buy my Birchen Broom,
I'th' Wars we have no more room,
Buy all my bonnie Broom,
For a kiss take two;
If those will not do,
For a little, little pleasure,
Take all my whole treasure:
If all these will not do't,
Take the Broom-man to boot.
Broom, Broom, the bonnie Broom._
II. SONG.
1 Soul. _The Wars are done and gone,
And Souldiers now neglected, Pedlers are,
Come Maidens, come alone,
For I can show you handsome, handsome ware;
Powders for, for the head,
And drinks for your bed,
To make ye blith and bonney.
As well in the night we Souldiers can fight,
And please a young wench as any._
2 Soul. _I have fine Potato's,
Ripe Potato's._
III. SONG.
3 Soul. _Will ye buy any Honesty, come away,
I sell it openly by day,
I bring no forced light, nor no Candle
To cozen ye; come buy and handle:
This will shew the great man good,
The Tradesman where he swears and lyes,
Each Lady of a noble bloud,
The City dame to rule her eyes:
Ye are rich men now: come buy, and then
I'le make ye richer, honest men._
IV. SONG.
4 Sol. _Have ye any crackt maiden-heads, to new leach or mend?
Have ye any old maiden-heads to sell or to change?
Bring 'em to me with a little pretty gin,
I'le clout 'em, I'le mend 'em, I'le knock in a pin,
Shall make 'em as good maids agen,
As ever they have been._
_Bor._ What means all this, why do y'sell Brooms _Ancient_?
Is it in wantonness, or want?
_An._ The only reason is,
To sweep your Lordships conscience: here's one for the nonce.
Gape Sir, you have swallowed many a goodlier matter--
The only casting for a crazie conscience.
_3 Sol._ Will your Lordship buy any honestie? 'twill be worth your mony.
_B[o]r._ How is this?
_3 Sol._ Honestie my Lord, 'tis here in a quill.
_An._ Take heed you open it not, for 'tis so subtle,
The least puffe of wind will blow it out o'th' Kingdom.
_2 Sol._ Will your Lordship please to taste a fine Potato?
'Twill advance your wither'd state.
_Anc._ Fill your honour full of most noble itches,
And make Jack dance in your Lordships breeches.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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