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._ What do you here then?
_Ar._ Why I am sent for
To Supper with the Duke.
_The._ Have you no meat at home?
Or do you long to feed as hunted Deer do,
In doubt and fear?
_Ar._ I have an excellent stomach,
And can I use it better
Than among my friends, Boy?
How do the Wenches?
_The._ They do well enough, Sir,
They know the worst by this time: pray be rul'd, Sir,
Go home again, and if ye have a Supper,
Eat it in quiet there: this is no place for ye,
Especially at this time,
Take my word for't.
_Ar._ May be they'll drink hard;
I could have drunk my share, Boy.
Though I am old, I will not out.
_The._ I hope you will.
Hark in your ear: the Court's
Too quick of hearing.
_Ar._ Not mean me well?
Thou art abus'd and cozen'd.
Away, away.
_The._ To that end Sir, I tell ye.
Away, if you love your self.
_Ar._ Who dare do these things,
That ever heard of honesty?
_The._ Old Gentleman,
Take a fools counsel.
_Ar._ 'Tis a fools indeed;
A very fools: thou hast more of
These flams in thee, these musty doubts:
Is't fit the Duke send for me,
And honour me to eat within his presence,
And I, like a tale fellow, play at bo-peep
With his pleasure?
_The._ Take heed
Of bo-peep with your pate, your pate, Sir,
I speak plain language now.
_Ar._ If 'twere not here,
Where reverence bids me hold,
I would so swinge thee, thou rude,
Unmanner'd Knave; take from his bounty,
His honour that he gives me, to beget
Sawcy, and sullen fears?
_The._ You are not mad sure:
By this fair light, I speak
But what is whisper'd,
And whisper'd for a truth.
_Ar._ A Dog: drunken people,
That in their Pot see visions,
And turn states, mad-men and Children:
Prethee do not follow me;
I tell thee I am angry:
Do not follow me.
_The._ I am as angry
As you for your heart,
I and as wilful too: go, like a Wood-cock,
And thrust your neck i'th' noose.
_Ar._ I'le kill thee,
And thou speakst but three words more.
Do not follow me. [_Exit._
_The._ A strange old foolish fellow: I shall hear yet,
And if I do not my part, hiss at me. [_Exit._
SCENE V.
_Enter two Servants preparing a Banquet._
_1 Serv._ Believe me fellow here will be lusty drinking.
Many a washt pate in Wine I warrant thee.
_2 Ser._ I am glad the old General's come: upon my Conscience
That joy will make half the Court drunk. Hark the Trumpets,
They are coming on; away.
_1 Ser._ We'll have a rowse too. [_Exeunt._
_Enter Duke_, Archas, Burris, Boroskie, _Attend. Gent._
_Duke._ Come seat your selves: Lord _Archas_ sit you there.
_Ar._ 'Tis far above my worth.
_Duke._ I'le have it so:
Are all things ready?
_Bor._ All the Guards are set,
The Court Gates are shut.
_Duke._ Then do as I prescrib'd ye.
Be sure no further.
_Bor._ I shall well observe ye.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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