English literature -- Early modern, 1500-1700; English wit and humor; Great Britain -- Civilization -- 17th century -- Literary collections
_Argument needless, It being a Thorow Farce very well known--_
[75.] _Actors Names._
Acteon, three Huntsmen, Bumpkin, three Country Wenches.
_Enter first Huntsman, and Bumkin._
_1. Hunt._ Why, what's the matter?
_Bump._ Nay, I know not; but every day my great Guts, and
my small Guts make such a Combustion in my belly, as passes,
and my Puddings, (like Lances) run a-tilt at my heart,
and make me queasie-stomacht.
_1 Hunt._ Canst thou not guess the reason of this trouble?
_Bump._ Yes, I think I can, and I'le be judged by thee,
if my case be not desperate. I have a horrible mind to be in love.
_1 Hunt._ With whom?
_Bump._ With any body; but I cannot find out the way how
to be in Love.
_1. Hunt._ Why? I'le instruct thee: Cans't thou be melancholly?
_Bump._ Yes, as a Dog, or a Hog-louse; I could even find
it in my heert to cry presently.
_1. Hunt._ Canst thou sleep well?
_Bump._ I cannot tell, I never saw myself sleep.
_1. Hunt._ Is't possible that thou so long been an attendant
upon my Lord Acteon, shoulds't be to learn the way to
be in love.
_Bump._ I would it were not possible, on the condition thou
wert hang'd and quartered.
_1 Hunt._ I thank you, Sir. But _Bumpkin_ list to me; This
day thou knows't the Maids and Young men meet to sport, and revel it
about the May pole: Present thy self there, tell thy cause of grief,
and I dare warrant thee a Sweet-heart presently.
_Bump._ If thou cans't do that, Ile marry her first and learn to
love her afterwards.
_1 Hunt._ Hast hither, _Bumpkin_ I'le go on before (_Exit_)
_Bump._ And I will follow thee a dog trot. Is it not a pitty:
that a man of Authority as I am, having been chief Dog-Keeper
to my Lord Acteon this five years, being a man so comely of person,
and having such a pure complexion, that all fair Ladies may be
ashamed to look on me, and that I should be distressed for a
Sweet-heart? Maypole I come.
And if the Wenches there encrease my pains
And scorn to love, i'le beat out all their brains.
(_Exit_)
_Enter Huntsmen with three Country Wenches._
_2. Co. Wench._ Is it possible would _Bumpkin_ be in love?
_1 Hunt._ Yes, if he knew but how, and for that sickness I have
undertaken to become his Doctor: For at the May Pole meeting 'tis
decreed, a Sweet-heart must be purchast, come what will on't.
_3. Co. Wench._ Nay, if he be distressed, twenty to one he may
find charitable persons there. Come, strike up a _Farewel
to Misfortune_. (_Exit_)
_Enter Bumpkin._
_Bump._ That is a Dance that I could never hit of: pray desist
a woile, and hear my doleful Tale.
_1. Co. Wench._ He'l make us cry sure.
_Bump._ Be it known unto all men by these presents----
_2. Co. Wench._ An Obligation, we will be no witnesses.
_Bump._ Why then I'le hang my self.
_3. Co. Wench._ We will be witness then.
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