Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 07 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 07 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Gom._ Thy pardon sweet: I have been looking on
The Prize that was brought in by the brave _Dane_,
The valiant _Norandine_, and have brought something,
That may be thou wilt like of; but one kiss,
And then possess my purchase: there's a piece
Of cloth of Tissue, this of purple Velvet,
And as they swear, of the right _Tyrian_ dye,
Which others here but weakly counterfeit:
If they are worth thy use, wear them; if not,
Bestow them on thy women.
_Abd._ Here's the Husband.
_Gom._ While there is any trading on the Sea
Thou shalt want nothing; 'tis a Soldiers glory,
However he neglect himself, to keep
His Mistriss in full lustre.
_Ori._ You exceed, Sir.
_Gom._ Yet there was one part of the prize dispos'd of
Before I came, which I grieve that I miss'd of,
Being almost assured, it would have been
A welcome present.
_Ori._ Pray you say, what was it?
_Gom._ A _Turkish_ Captive of incomparable beauty,
And without question, in her Countrey Noble;
Which, as companion to thy faithful _Moor_,
I would have given thee for thy slave.
_Ori._ But was she
Of such an exquisite form?
_Gom._ Most exquisite.
_Ori._ And well descended?
_Gom._ So the habit promis'd,
In which she was taken.
_Ori._ Of what years?
_Gom._ 'Tis said
A Virgin of fourteen.
_Ori._ I pity her,
And wish she were mine, that I might have the means
T' entertain her gently.
_Gom._ She's now _Miranda_'s,
And as I have heard, made it her suit to be so.
_Ori. Miranda_'s? then her fate deserves not pity,
But envy rather.
_Gom._ Envy _Oriana_?
_Ori._ Yes, and their envy that live free.
_Gom._ How's this?
_Ori._ Why, she's falln into the hands of one,
So full of that, which in men we stile goodness,
That in her being his slave, she is happier far
Than if she were confirm'd the _Sultan_'s Mistriss.
_Gom. Miranda_ is indeed a Gentleman
Of fair desert, and better hopes, but yet
He hath his equals.
_Ori._ Where? I would go far,
As I am now, though much unfit for travails,
But to see one that without injury
Might be put in the scale, or paralell'd,
In any thing that's Noble, with _Miranda_;
His knowledge in all services of war,
And ready courage, to put into act
That knowing judgement, as you are a Soldier
You best may speak of. Nor can you deliver,
Nor I hear with delight, a better subject.
And heaven did well, in such a lovely feature
To place so chaste a mind; for he is of
So sweet a carriage, such a winning nature,
And such a bold, yet well-dispos'd behaviour;
And to all these, h'as such a charming tongue,
That if he would serve under Loves fresh colours,
What monumental Trophies might he raise,
Of his free conquests, made in Ladies favors?
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