The Elder Brother: The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)Fletcher, John
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The Elder Brother: The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)
Fletcher, John
Comedy plays; English drama -- 17th century
_Char._ Why Father, I'll go down, an't please you let me, because I'd see
the thing they call the Gentlewoman; I see no Woman but through
contemplation, and there I'll do't before the company, and wish my Brother
fortune.
_Bri._ Do, I prethee.
_Char._ I must not stay, for I have things above require my study.
_Bri._ No, thou shalt not stay; thou shalt have a brave dinner too.
_And._ Now has he o'erthrown himself for ever; I will down into the
Cellar, and be stark drunk for anger. [_Exeunt._
ACTUS III. SCENA V.
_Enter_ Lewis, Angellina, Eustace, Priest, Ladies, Cowsy, Notary, _and_
Miramont.
_Not._ Come, let him bring his Sons hand, and all's done. Is your's ready?
_Pri._ Yes, I'll dispatch ye presently, immediately, for in truth I am a
hungry.
_Eust._ Do, speak apace, for we believe exactly: do not we stay long,
Mistress?
_Ang._ I find no fault, better things well done, than want time to do
them. Uncle, why are you sad?
_Mir._ Sweet smelling blossom, would I were thine Uncle to thine own
content, I'd make thy Husband's state a thousand better, a yearly
thousand. Thou hast mist a man, (but that he is addicted to his study, and
knows no other Mistress than his mind) would weigh down bundles of these
empty kexes.
_Ang._ Can he speak, Sir?
_Mir._ Faith yes, but not to Women; his language is to Heaven, and
heavenly wonder; to Nature, and her dark and secret causes.
_Ang._ And does he speak well there?
_Mir._ O admirably! but he's too bashful to behold a Woman, there's none
that sees him, and he troubles none.
_Ang._ He is a man.
_Mir._ Faith yes, and a clear sweet spirit.
_Ang._ Then conversation me thinks--
_Mir._ So think I; but it is his rugged Fate, and so I leave you.
_Ang._ I like thy nobleness.
_Eust._ See my mad Uncle is courting my fair Mistress.
_Lew._ Let him alone; there's nothing that allays an angry mind so soon as
a sweet Beauty: he'll come to us.
_Enter_ Brisac, _and_ Charles.
_Eust._ My Father's here, my Brother too! that's a wonder, broke like a
Spirit from his Cell.
_Bri._ Come hither, come nearer, _Charles_; 'twas your desire to see my
noble Daughter, and the company, and give your Brother joy, and then to
Seal, Boy; you do, like a good Brother.
_Lew._ Marry does he, and he shall have my love for ever for't. Put to
your hand now.
_Not._ Here's the Deed, Sir, ready.
_Char._ No, you must pardon me a while, I tell ye, I am in contemplation,
do not trouble me.
_Bri._ Come, leave thy Study, _Charles_.
_Char._ I'll leave my life first; I study now to be a man, I've found it.
Before what Man was, was but my Argument.
_Mir._ I like this best of all, he has taken fire, his dull mist flies
away.
_Eust._ Will you write, Brother?
_Char._ No, Brother, no; I have no time for poor things, I'm taking the
height of that bright Constellation.
_Bri._ I say you trifle time, Son.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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