Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 10 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 10 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_[2] Int._ He'll wind a Traitor I warrant him.
_Luc._ But surely methinks, setting aside the touch of conscience,
and all [other] inward convulsions.
_2 Int._ He'll be hang'd, I know by that word.
_Laz._ Your Lordship may consider--
_Luc._ Hold thy peace: thou canst not answer this speech: no
Traitor can answer it: but because you cannot answer this speech, I
take it you have confess'd the Treason.
_1 Int._ The Count _Valore_ was the first that discover'd him, and
can witness it; but he left the matter to your Lordship's grave
consideration.
_Luc._ I thank his Lordship, carry him away speedily to the Duke.
_Laz._ Now _Lazarillo_ thou art tumbl'd down
The hill of fortune, with a violent arm;
All plagues that can be, Famine, and the Sword
Will light upon thee, black despair will boil
In thy despairing breast, no comfort by,
Thy friends far off, thy enemies are nigh.
_Luc._ Away with him, I'll follow you, look you pinion him, and
take his money from him, lest he swallow a shilling, and kill
himself.
_2 Int._ Get thou on before. [_Exeunt._
_Actus Quintus. Scæna [2]._
_Enter the Duke, the Count_, Gondarino, _and_ Arrigo.
_Duke._ Now _Gondarino_, what can you put on now
That may [again] deceive us?
Have ye more strange illusions, yet more mists,
Through which, the weak eye may be led to error:
What can ye say that may do satisfaction
Both for her wrong'd honor, and your ill?
_Gond._ All I can say, or may, is said already:
She is unchaste, or else I have no knowledge,
I do not breathe, nor have the use of sense.
_Duke._ Dare ye be yet so wilful, ignorant of your own
nakedness? did not your servants
In mine own hearing confess
They brought her to that house we found her in,
Almost by force: and with a great distrust
Of some ensuing hazard?
_Count._ He that hath begun so worthily,
It fits not with his resolution
To leave off thus, my Lord, I know these are but idle proofs.
What says your Lordship to them?
_Gond._ Count, I dare yet pronounce again, thy Sister is not honest.
_Count._ You are your self my Lord, I like your setledness.
_Gond._ Count, thou art young, and unexperienc'd in the dark,
hidden ways of Women: Thou dar'st affirm with confidence, a Lady of
fifteen may be a Maid.
_Count._ Sir, if it were not so, I have a Sister would set near my
heart.
_Gond._ Let her sit near her shame, it better fits her: call back
the bloud that made our stream in nearness, and turn the Current to
a better use; 'tis too much mudded, I do grieve to know it.
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