Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 09 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 09 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Cun._ While I dispatch a business with the Knight,
And I go with you. Well sed, I thank you,
This small Banquet will furnish our few Guests
With taste and state enough; one reach my Gown.
The action craves it rather than the weather.
_1 Serv._ There's one stayes to speak with you, Sir.
_Cun._ What is he?
_1 Serv._ Faith I know not what, Sir, a Fool, I think,
That some Brokers shop has made half a Gentleman;
Has the name of a Worthy too.
_Cun. Pompey?_ Is't not?
_1 Ser._ That's he, Sir.
_Cun._ Alas, poor fellow, prethee enter him, he will need too.
_Enter second_ Servant _with a Gown_.
He shall serve for a Witness. Oh Gramercy:
If my friend _Sir Gregory_ comes, you know him,
_Enter_ Clown.
Entertain him kindly. Oh Master _Pompey_, How is't man?
_Clow._ 'Snails, I'm almost starv'd with Love, and cold,
and one thing or other;
Has not my Lady sent for me yet?
_Cun._ Not that I hear, sure some unfriendly Messenger
Is imploy'd betwixt you.
_Clow._ I was ne'er so cold in my life, in my Conscience I have
been seven mile in length, along the New River; I have seen a
hundred stickle bags; I do not think but there's gudgeons too;
'twill ne'er be a true water.
_Cun._ Why think you so?
_Clow._ I warrant you, I told a thousand Millers thumbs in it,
I'll make a little bold with your Sweet-meats.
_Cun._ And welcome _Pompey_.
_Clow._ 'Tis a strange thing, I have no taste in any thing.
_Cun._ Oh, that's Love, that distasts any thing but it self.
_Clow._ 'Tis worse than Cheese in that point, may not a Man
break his word with a Lady? I could find in my heart and my
hose too.
_Cun._ By no means, Sir, that breaks all the Laws of Love.
_Clow._ Well, I'll ne'er pass my word without my deed to
A Lady, while I live agen, I would fain recover my taste.
_Cun._ Well, I have news to tell you.
_Clow._ Good news, Sir?
_Cun._ Happy news, I help you away with a Rival your Master
bestow'd.
_Clow._ Where, for this Plumbs sake--
_Cun._ Nay, listen me.
_Clow._ I warrant you, Sir, I have two ears to one mouth,
I hear more than I eat, I'de ne'er row by Queen Hive
While I liv'd else.
_Cun._ I have a Wife for him, and thou shalt witness the Contract.
_Clow._ The old one I hope, 'tis not the Lady?
_Cun._ Choak him first, 'tis one which thou shalt see,
See him, see him deceiv'd, see the deceit, only
The injunction is, you shall smile with modesty.
_Clow._ I'll simper I'faith, as cold as I am yet, the old one
I hope.
_Enter_ Servant.
_Serv._ Sir, here's Sir _Gregory_.
_Cun._ U'd so, shelter, shelter, if you be seen,
All's ravell'd out again; stand there private,
And you'll find the very opportunity
To call you forth, and place you at the Table.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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