Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 04 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 04 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Pin._ We are for ye, Sir; we are your servants once more;
Once more we'll seek our fortune in strange Countries;
Ours is too scornful for us.
_Bel._ Is there ne're a Land
That ye have read, or heard of, (for I care not how far it be,
Nor under what pestiferous Star it lies)
A happy Kingdom where there are no Women?
Nor have been ever? Nor no mention
Of any such lewd things, with lewder qualities?
For thither would I Travel; where 'tis Felony
To confess he had a Mother: a Mistris, Treason.
_La-Cast._ Are you for Travel too?
_Bel._ For any thing;
For living in the Moon, and stopping hedges,
E're I stay here to be abus'd, and baffl'd.
_Nan._ Why did ye not break your minds to me? they are my Daughters;
And sure I think I should have that command over 'em,
To see 'em well bestow'd: I know ye are Gentlemen,
Men of fair Parts and States; I know your Parents;
And had ye told me of your fair Affections--
Make but one tryal more; and let me second ye.
_Bel._ No I'le make Hob-nails first, and mend old Kettles:
Can ye lend me an Armour of high proof, to appear in,
And two or three Field-pieces to defend me?
The Kings Guard are meer Pigmeys.
_Nant._ They will not eat ye.
_Bel._ Yes, and you too, and twenty fatter Monsieurs,
If their high stomachs hold: they came with Chopping-knives,
To cut me into Rands, and Sirloins, and so powder me.
Come, shall we go?
_Nant._ You cannot be so discourteous
(If ye intend to go) as not to visit 'em,
And take your leaves.
_Mir._ That we dare do, and civilly,
And thank 'em too.
_Pin._ Yes, Sir, we know that honesty.
_Bel._ I'le come i'th' Rear, forty foot off, I'le assure ye,
With a good Gun in my hand; I'le no more Amazons,
I mean, no more of their frights; I'le make my three legs
Kiss my hand twice; and if I smell no danger;
If the enterview be clear, may be I'le speak to her;
I'le wear a privy coat too; and behind me,
To make those parts secure, a Bandog.
_la-Cast._ You are a merry Gentleman.
_Bel._ A wary Gentleman; I do assure ye,
I have been warn'd, and must be arm'd.
_la-Cast._ Well, Son,
These are your hasty thoughts, when I see you are bent to it,
Then I'le believe, and joyn with ye; So we'll leave ye:
There's a Trick will make ye stay.
_Nant._ I hope so. [_Exeunt._
_Mir._ We have won immortal Fame now, if we leave 'em.
_Pin._ You have, but we have lost.
_Mir._ _Pinac_, thou art cozen'd;
I know they love ye; and to gain ye handsomly,
Not to be thought to yield, they would give millions;
Their Fathers willingness, that must needs shew ye.
_Pin._ If I thought so.
_Mir._ Ye shall be hang'd, ye Recreant,
Would ye turn Renegado now?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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