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
_Hon._ O we are too honest,
Believe it Sir, too honest, far too honest,
The way that you propound too ignorant,
And there is no medling with us; for we are fools too,
Obstinate, peevish fools: if I would be ill,
And had a wantons itch, to kick my heels up,
I would not leap into th' Sun, and doe't there,
That all the world might see me: an obscure shade Sir,
Dark as the deed, there is no trusting light with it,
Nor that that's lighter far, vain-glorious greatness.
_Duke._ You will love me as your friend?
_Ho[n]._ I will honour ye,
As your poor humble handmaid serve, and pray for ye.
_Du._ What sayes my little one; you are not so obstinate?
Lord how she blushes: here are truly fair souls:
Come you will be my love?
_Viol._ Good Sir be good to me,
Indeed I'le doe the best I can to please ye;
I do beseech your grace: Alas I fear ye.
_Duke._ What shouldst thou fear?
_Hon._ Fie Sir, this is not noble.
_Duke._ Why do I stand entreating, where my power--
_Hon._ You have no power, at least you ought to have none
In bad and beastly things: arm'd thus, I'le dye here,
Before she suffer wrong.
_Duke._ Another _Archas_?
_Hon._ His child Sir, and his spirit.
_Duke._ I'le deal with you then,
For here's the honour to be won: sit down sweet,
Prethee _Honora_ sit.
_Hon._ Now ye intreat I will Sir.
_Duke._ I doe, and will deserve it.
_Hon._ That's too much kindness.
_Duke._ Prethee look on me.
_Hon._ Yes: I love to see ye,
And could look on an age thus, and admire ye:
Whilst ye are good and temperate I dare touch ye,
Kiss your white hand.
_Duke._ Why not my lips?
_Hon._ I dare Sir.
_Duke._ I do not think ye dare.
_Hon._ I am no coward.
D[o] you believe me now? or now? or now Sir?
You make me blush: but sure I mean no ill Sir:
It had been fitter you had kiss'd me.
_Du._ That I'le doe too.
What hast thou wrought into me?
_Hon._ I hope all goodness:
Whilst ye are thus, thus honest, I dare do any thing,
Thus hang about your neck, and thus doat on ye;
Bless those fair lights: hell take me if I durst not--
But good Sir pardon me. Sister come hither,
Come hither, fear not wench: come hither, blush not,
Come kiss the Prince, the vertuous Prince, the good Prince:
Certain he is excellent honest.
_Du._ Thou wilt make me--
_Hon._ Sit down, and hug him softly.
_Du._ Fie _Honora_,
Wanton _Honora_; is this the modesty,
The noble chastity your on-set shew'd me,
At first charge beaten back? Away.
_Hon._ Thank ye:
Upon my knees I pray, heaven too may thank ye;
Ye have deceiv'd me cunningly, yet nobly
Ye have cozen'd me: In all your hopefull life yet,
A Scene of greater honour you ne're acted:
I knew fame was a lyar, too long, and loud tongu'd,
And now I have found it: O my vertuous Master.
_Viol._ My vertuous Master too.
_Hon._ Now you are thus,
What shall become of me let fortune cast for't.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account