Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 04 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 04 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Du._ No, nor do not
Out of a baseness leave me: what is danger,
More than the weakness of our apprehensions?
A poor cold part o'th' bloud? who takes it hold of?
Cowards, and wicked livers: valiant minds
Were made the Masters of it: and as hearty Sea-men
In desperate storms, stem with a little Rudder
The tumbling ruines of the Ocean:
So with their cause and swords do they do dangers.
Say we were sure to dye all in this venture,
As I am confident against it: is there any
Amongst us of so fat a sense, so pamper'd,
Would chuse luxuriously to lye a bed,
And purge away his spirit, send his soul out
In Sugar-sops, and Syrups? Give me dying
As dying ought to be, upon mine enemy,
Parting with man-kind, by a man that's manly:
Let 'em be all the world, and bring along
Cain's envy with 'em, I will on.
_2 Gent._ You may Sir,
But with what safety?
_1 Gent._ Since 'tis come to dying,
You shall perceive Sir, here be those amongst us
Can dye as decently as other men,
And with as little ceremony: on brave Sir.
_Duke._ That's spoken heartily.
_1 Gent._ And he that flinches,
May he dye lowzie in a ditch.
_Duke._ No more dying,
There's no such danger in it:
What's a clock?
_3 Gent._ Somewhat above your hour.
_Duke._ Away then quickly,
Make no noise, and no tr[o]uble will attend us. [_Exeunt._
SCENE XI.
_Enter_ Frederick, _and_ Peter, (_with a candle_.)
_Fred._ Give me the candle: so, go you out that way.
_Peter._ What have we now to do?
_Fred._ And o' your life Sirrah,
Let none come near the door without my knowledge,
No not my Landlady, nor my friend.
_Peter._ 'Tis done Sir.
_Fred._ Nor any serious business that concerns me.
_Peter._ Is the wind there again?
_Fred._ Be gone.
_Peter._ I am Sir. [_Exit._
_Enter_ Constantia.
_Fre._ Now enter without fear.--And noble Lady
That safety and civility ye wish'd for
Shall truly here attend you: no rude tongue
Nor rough behaviour knows this place, no wishes
Beyond the moderation of a man,
Dare enter here; your own desires and Innocence,
Joyn'd to my vow'd obedience, shall protect you,
Were dangers more than doubts.
_Const._ Ye are truly noble,
And worth a womans trust: let it become me,
(I do beseech you, Sir) for all your kindness,
To render with my thanks, this worthless trifle;
I may be longer troublesome.
_Fred._ Fair offices
Are still their own rewards: Heav'n bless me Lady
From selling civil courtesies: may it please ye,
If ye will force a favour to oblige me,
Draw but that cloud aside, to satisfie me
For what good Angel I am engag'd.
_Const._ It shall be,
For I am truly confident ye are honest:
The Piece is scarce worth looking on.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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