Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 10 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 10 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Charl._ The boy is jealo[u]s, sweet lad leave us: my Lady call'd
for you I swear: that's a good child, there's a piece of Gold for
thee, go buy a Feather.
_Ver._ There's two pieces for you, do you go and buy one, or what
you will, or nothing, so you go. Nay then I see you would have me
go, Sir; why, I'faith I will, now I perceive you love her better
than you do me; but [God] bless you whatever you do, or intend, I
know you are a very honest man. [_Exit._
_Charl._ Still [shall] I wooe thee, whilst thy ears reply
I cannot, or I will not marry thee?
Why hast thou drawn the bloud out of my cheeks,
And given a quicker motion to my heart?
Oh thou hast bred a Feaver in my veins
Call'd love, which no Physitian can cure;
Have mercy on a Maid, whose simple youth--
_Mont._ How your example, fairest, teacheth me
A ceremonious Idolatry! [_Kneels._
By all the joy of love, I love thee better,
Than I or any man can tell another;
And will express the mercy which thou crav'st,
I will forbear to marry thee: consider
Thou art Nature's heir in feature, and thy parents,
In fair Inheritances; rise with these thoughts,
And look on me; but with a womans eye,
A decaid fellow, void of means and spirit.
_Charl._ Of spirit?
_Mont._ Yes, could I tamely live,
Forget my Fathers bloud, wait, and make legs,
Stain my best breeches, with the servile drops
That fall from others draughts.
_Charl._ This vizard wherewith thou wouldst hide thy spirit,
Is perspective, to shew it plainlier.
This undervalue of thy life, is but
Because I should not buy thee, what more speaks
Greatness of man, than valiant patience,
That shrinks not under his fates strongest strokes?
These _Roman_ deaths, as falling on a sword,
Opening of veins, with poison quenching thirst,
(Which we erroneously do stile the deeds
Of the heroick and magnanimous man)
Was dead-ey'd cowardize, and white-cheek'd fear,
Who doubting tyranny, and fainting under
Fortunes false Lottery, desperately run
To death, for dread of death; that soul's most stout,
That bearing all mischance, dares last it out;
Will you perform your word, and marry me,
When I shall call you to't?
_Enter_ Longueville _with a riding-rod_.
_Mont._ I'faith I will.
_Charl._ Who's this alights here?
_Long._ With leave, fair creature, are you the Lady Mistriss of the
house?
_Charl._ Her servant, Sir.
_Long._ I pray then favour me, to inform your Lady, and Duke
_Orleans_ wife,
A business of import awaits 'em here,
And craves for speedy answer.
_Charl._ Are you in post, Sir?
_Long._ No, I am in Satin, Lady; I would you would be in post.
_Charl._ I will return, Sweet. [_Exit._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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