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
_Du._ As little as may be:
Farewel, you know your limit. [_Ex. Duke_, &c.
_Bur._ Alas, brave Gentleman.
_Ar._ I do, and will observe it suddenly,
My Grave; I, that's my limit; 'tis no new thing,
Nor that can make me start, or tremble at it,
To buckle with that old grim Souldier now:
I have seen him in his sowrest shapes, and dreadfull'st;
I, and I thank my honesty, have stood him:
That audit's cast; farewel my honest Souldiers,
Give me your hands; farewel, farewel good _Ancient_,
A stout man, and a true, thou art come in sorrow.
Blessings upon your Swords, may they ne'r fail ye;
You do but change a man; your fortune's constant;
That by your ancient Valours is ty'd fast still;
Be valiant still, and good: and when ye fight next,
When flame and fury make but one face of horrour,
When the great rest of all your honour's up,
When you would think a Spell to shake the enemy,
Remember me, my Prayers shall be with ye:
So once again farewel.
_Puts._ Let's wait upon ye.
_Ar._ No, no, it must not be; I have now left me
A single Fortune to my self, no more,
Which needs no train, nor complement; good Captain,
You are an honest and a sober Gentleman,
And one I think has lov'd me.
_Puts_. I am sure on't.
_Ar_. Look to my Boy, he's grown too headstrong for me.
And if they think him fit to carry Arms still,
His life is theirs; I have a house i'th' Country,
And when your better hours will give you liberty,
See me: you shall be welcome. Fortune to ye. [_Exit._
_Anc._ I'll cry no more, that will do him no good,
And 'twill but make me dry, and I have no money:
I'll fight no more, and that will do them harm;
And if I can do that, I care not for money:
I could have curst reasonable well, and I have had the luck too
To have 'em hit sometimes. Whosoever thou art,
That like a Devil didst possess the Duke
With these malicious thoughts; mark what I say to thee,
A Plague upon thee, that's but the Preamble.
_Sold._ O take the Pox too.
_Anc._ They'll cure one another;
I must have none but kills, and those kill stinking:
Or look ye, let the single Pox possess them,
Or Pox upon Pox.
_Puts._ That's but ill i'th' arms, Sir.
_Anc._ 'Tis worse i'th' Legs, I would not wish it else:
And may those grow to scabs as big as Mole-hills,
And twice a day, the Devil with a Curry-Comb
Scratch 'em, and scrub 'em: I warrant him he has 'em.
_Sold._ May he be ever lowzie.
_Anc._ That's a pleasure,
The Beggar's Lechery; sometimes the Souldiers:
May he be ever lazie, stink where he stands,
And Maggots breed in's Brains.
_2 Sold._ I, marry Sir,
May he fall mad in love with his Grand-mother,
And kissing her, may her teeth drop into his mouth,
And one fall cross his throat, then let him gargle.
_Enter a Post._
_Puts._ Now, what's the matter?
_Post._ Where's the Duke, pray, Gentlemen?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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