Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 09 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 09 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Cro._ A poor old man alloted to my share.
_Ti._ Thou wouldst have two;
Nay, I think twenty: but fear not wench,
Though he be old he's tough: look on's making,
Hee'll not fail I warrant thee.
_Ros._ A merry fellow,
And were not man a creature I detest,
I could indure his company.
_Ti._ Here's a fair heard of Does before me,
And now for a barren one:
For, though I like the sport: I do not love
To Father children: like the _Grand Signior_,
Thus I walk in my _Seraglio_,
And view 'em as I pass: then draw I forth
My handkercher, and having made my choice,
I thus bestow it.
_Ros._ On me.
_Ti._ On you: now my choice is made;
To it you hungry Rascals.
_Alb._ Excellent.
_Amin._ As I love goodness,
It makes me smile i'th' height of all my fears.
_Cla._ What a strong contention you may behold
Between my Mothers mirth and anger.
_Tib._ Nay, no coyness: be Mistriss of your word,
I must, and will enjoy you.
_Ros._ Be advis'd fool: alas I am old;
How canst thou hope content from one that's fifty.
_Ti._ Never talk on't;
I have known good ones at threescore and upwards;
Besides the weathers hot: and men
That have experience, fear Fevers:
A temperate diet is the onely Physick,
Your _Julips_, nor _Guajacum prunello_'s,
_Camphire_ pills, nor _Goord-water_,
Come not near your old Woman;
Youthful stomachs are still craving,
Though there be nothing left to stop their mouths with;
And believe me I am no frequent giver of those bounties:
Laugh on: laugh on: good Gentlemen do,
I shall make holiday and sleep, when you
Dig in the mines till your hearts ake.
_Ros._ A mad fellow;
[Well,] Sir, I'll give you hearing: and as I like
Your wooing, and discourse: but I must tell ye Sir,
That rich Widows look for great sums in present,
Or assurances of ample Joynters.
_Ti._ That to me is easie,
For instantly I'll do it, hear me comrades.
_Alb._ What say'st thou _Tibalt_?
_Tib._ Why, that to woo a Wench with empty hands
Is no good Heraldry, therefore let's to the gold,
And share it equally: 'twill speak for us
More than a thousand complements or cringes,
Ditties stolen from _Petrarch_, or Discourse from _Ovid_,
Besides, 'twill beget us respect,
And if ever fortune friend us with a Barque,
Largely supply us with all provision.
_Alb._ Well advis'd, defer it not.
_Ti._ Are ye all contented.
_All._ We are!
_Ti._ Lets away then,
Strait wee'll return, [_Exit._
And you shall see our riches.
_Ros._ Since I knew what wonder and amazement was,
I nee'r was so transported.
_Cla._ Why weep ye gentle Maid?
There is no danger here to such as you;
Banish fear: for with us I dare promise,
You shall meet all courteous entertainment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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