Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 06 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 06 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Boy._ Sir, if you will imagine all this to be done already,
you shall hear them talk together: but we cannot present a
house covered with black Velvet, and a Lady in beaten gold.
_Cit._ Sir Boy, lets ha't as you can then.
_Boy._ Besides, it will shew ill-favoredly to have a Grocers
Prentice to court a Kings daughter.
_Cit._ Will it so Sir? you are well read in Histories: I pray
you what was Sir _Dagonet_? was not he Prentice to a Grocer
in _London_? read the Play of the _Four Prentices of London_,
where they toss their Pikes so: I pray you fetch him in Sir,
fetch him in.
_Boy._ It shall be done, it is not our fault Gentlemen. [_Exit._
_Wife._ Now we shall see fine doings I warrant thee _George_. O
here they come; how prettily the King of _Cracovia_'s daughter
is drest.
_Enter_ Rafe _and the Lady, Squire and Dwarf_.
_Cit._ I _Nell_, it is the fashion of that Countrey, I warrant
thee.
_Lady._ Welcome sir Knight unto my fathers Court.
King of _Moldavia_, unto me _Pompiona_
His daughter dear: but sure you do not like
Your entertainment, that will stay with us
No longer but a night.
_Raph._ Damsell right fair,
I [a]m on many sad adventures bound,
That call me forth into the Wilderness:
Besides, my horses back is something gal'd,
Which will enforce me ride a sober pace.
But many thanks (fair Lady) be to you,
For using errant Knight with courtesie.
_Lady._ But say (brave Knight) what is your name and birth?
_Rafe._ My name is _Rafe_, I am an Englishman,
As true as steel, a hearty Englishman,
And Prentice to a Grocer in the _Strand_,
By deed indent, of which I have one part:
But fortune calling me to follow Arms,
On me this holy Order I did take,
Of _burning Pestle_, which in all mens eyes,
I bear, confounding Ladies enemies.
_Lady._ Oft have I heard of your brave Countrymen,
And fertile soil, and store of wholesome food;
My father oft will tell me of a drink
In _England_ found, and _Nipitato_ call'd,
Which driveth all the sorrow from your hearts.
_Rafe._ Lady 'tis true, you need not lay your lips
To better _Nipitato_ than there is.
_Lady._ And of a wild-fowl he will often speak,
Which poudred beef and mustard called is:
For there have been great Wars 'twixt us and you,
But truely _Rafe_, it was not long of me.
Tell me then _Rafe_ could you contented be,
To wear a Ladies favor in your shield?
_Rafe._ I am a Knight of Religious Order,
And will not wear a favor of a Ladies
That trusts in Antichrist, and false traditions.
_Cit._ Well said _Rafe_, convert her if thou canst.
_Rafe._ Besides, I have a Lady of my own
In merry _England_; for whose virtuous sake
I took these Arms, and _Susan_ is her name,
A Coblers maid in Milkstreet, whom I vow
Nere to forsake, whilst life and Pestle last.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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