Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 05 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 05 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Alin._ Prepar'd thus?
The blessing of a Father never reach'd it:
His contemplation now scorns ye, contemns ye,
And all the tortures ye can use. Let him die thus;
And these that know and love revenge will laugh at ye:
Here lies the honour of a well-bred anger,
To make his enemy shake and tremble under him;
Doubt, nay, almost despair, and then confound him.
This man ye rock asleep, and all your rages
Are Requiems to his parting soul, meer Anthems.
_Rod._ Indeed he is strongly built.
_Alin._ You cannot shake him;
And the more weight ye put on his foundation,
Now as he stands, ye fix him still the stronger;
If ye love him, honour him, would heap upon him
Friendships and benefits beyond example,
Hope him a Star in Heaven, and there would stick him,
Now take his life.
_Rod._ I had rather take mine own, Boy.
_Alin._ I'le ease him presently.
_Rod._ Stay, be not hasty.
_Alin._ Bless my tongue still.
_Lop._ What has the boy done to him?
How dull, and still he looks!
_Alin._ You are a wise man,
And long have buckled with the worlds extremities,
A valiant man, and no doubt know both fortunes,
And would ye work your Master-piece thus madly,
Take the bare name of honour, that will pity ye
When the world knows ye have prey'd on a poor Pilgrim?
_Rod._ The boy has stagger'd me: what would'st thou have me?
_Ali._ Have ye? do you not feel Sir? do's it not stir ye?
Do you ask a child? I would have ye do most bravely,
Because I most affect ye: like your self Sir,
Scorn him, and let him go; seem to contemn him,
And now ye have made him shake, seal him his pardon,
When he appears a subject fit for anger,
And fit for you, his pious Armour off,
His hopes no higher than your sword may reach at,
Then strike, and then ye know revenge; then take it.
I hope I have turn'd his mind.
_Rod._ Let the fool go there,
I scorn to let loose so base an anger
May light on thee: See me no more, but quit me;
And when we meet again.
_Ped._ I'le thank ye Captain. [_Exit._
_Alin._ Why this was like your self: but which way goes he?
Shall we ne're happy meet?
_Rod._ I am drowsie: Boy,
Go with me, and discourse: I like thy company
O Child! I love thy tongue.
_Alin._ I shall wait on ye. [_Exit._
_Lop._ The Boy has don't: a Plaguey witty Rascal.
And I shall love him terribly.
_Jaq._ 'Twas he most certain,
For if ye mark, how earnest he was with him,
And how he labour'd him.
_Lop._ A cunning villain,
But a good rogue; 'This boy will make's all honest.
_1 Out-l._ I scarce believe that: but I like the boy well.
Come let's to Supper; then upon our watches.
_Lop._ This Pilgrim scap'd a joyfull one.
_Jaq._ Let's drink round
To the boys health, and then about our business.
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account