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
_Olym._ Something there was, when I first look'd upon thee,
Made me both like and love thee: now I know it;
And you shall find that knowledge shall not hurt you:
I hope ye are a Maid?
_Alin._ I hope so too, Madam;
I am sure for any man: and were I otherwise,
Of all the services my hopes could point at,
I durst not touch at yours.
_Flourish. Enter Duke_, Burris, _and Gent._
_Pet._ The great Duke, Madam.
_Duk._ Good morrow, Sister.
_Olym._ A good day to your highness.
_Duk._ I am come to pray you use no more perswasions
For this old stubborn man: nay to command ye:
His sail is swell'd too full: he is grown too insolent,
Too self-affected, proud: those poor slight services
He has done my Father, and my self, has blown him
To such a pitch, he flyes to stoop our favours.
_Olym._ I am sorry Sir: I ever thought those services
Both great and noble.
_Bur._ However, may it please ye
But to consider 'em a true hearts Servants,
Done out of faith to you, and not self-fame:
Do but consider royal Sir, the dangers;
When you have slept secure, the mid-night tempests,
That as he marcht sung through his aged locks;
When you have fed at full, the wants and famins;
The fires of Heaven, when you have found all temperate,
Death with his thousand doors--
_Duk._ I have consider'd;
No more: and that I will have, shall be.
_Olym._ For the best,
I hope all still.
_Duk._ What handsom wench is that there?
_Olym._ My Servant, Sir.
_Duk._ Prethee observe her _Burris_,
Is she not wondrous handsom? speak thy freedom.
_Bur._ She appears no less to me Sir.
_Duk._ Of whence is she?
_Ol._ Her Father I am told is a good Gentleman,
But far off dwelling: her desire to serve me
Brought her to th' Court, and here her friends have left her.
_Du._ She may find better friends:
Ye are welcom fair one,
I have not seen a sweeter: By your Ladies leave:
Nay stand up sweet, we'll have no superstition:
You have got a Servant; you may use him kindly,
And he may honour ye: [_Ex._ Duke _and_ Burris.
Good morrow Sister.
_Ol._ Good morrow to your Grace. How the wench blushes!
How like an A[n]gel now she looks!
_1 Wom._ At first jump
Jump into the Dukes arms? we must look to you,
Indeed we must, the next jump we are journeymen.
_Pet._ I see the ruine of our hopes already,
Would she were at home again, milking her Fathers Cows.
_1 Wom._ I fear she'l milk all the great Courtiers first.
_Olym._ This has not made ye proud?
_Al._ No certain, Madam.
_Olym._ It was the Duke that kist ye.
_Al._ 'Twas your Brother,
And therefore nothing can be meant but honour.
_Ol._ But say he love ye?
_Al._ That he may with safety:
A Princes love extends to all his subjects.
_Ol._ But say in more particular?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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