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
_Eust_. May all the poorness of my spirit go with you: the fetters of my
thraldom are fil'd off, and I at liberty to right my self; and though my
hope in _Angellina's_ little, my honour (unto which compar'd she's
nothing) shall, like the Sun, disperse those lowring Clouds that yet
obscure and dim it; not the name of Brother shall divert me, but from him,
that in the world's opinion ruin'd me, I will seek reparation, and call
him unto a strict accompt. Ha! 'tis near day, and if the Muses friend,
Rose-cheek'd _Aurora_, invite him to this solitary Grove, as I much hope
she will, he seldome missing to pay his vows here to her, I shall hazard
to hinder his devotions--The door opens, 'tis he most certain, and by's
side my Sword. Blest Opportunity.
_Enter_ Charles.
_Char_. I have o'er-slept my self, and lost part of the morn, but I'le
recover it: Before I went to bed, I wrote some Notes within my Table-book,
which I will now consider. Ha! what means this? What do I with a Sword?
Learn'd _Mercury_ needs not th' aid of _Mars_, and innocence is to it self
a guard; yet since Arms ever protect Arts, I may justly wear and use it;
for since 'twas made my prize, I know not how I'm grown in love with't,
and cannot eat nor study, and much less walk without it. But I trifle,
matters of more weight ask my judgment.
_Eust_. Now, Sir, treat of no other Theme, I'le keep you to it, and see
y'expound it well.
_Char_. _Eustace_!
_Eust_. The same, Sir, your younger Brother, who, as duty binds him, hath
all this night (turn'd out of door) attended, to bid Good-morrow t'ye.
_Char_. This not in scorn, commands me to return it. Would you ought else?
_Eust_. O much, Sir, here I end not, but begin; I must speak to you in
another strain than yet I ever us'd; and if the language appear in the
delivery rough and harsh, you (being my Tutor) must condemn your self,
from whom I learn'd it.
_Char_. When I understand (be't in what style you please) what's your
demand, I shall endeavour, in the self-same phrase, to make an answer to
the point.
_Eust_. I come not to lay claim to your birth-right, 'tis your own, and
'tis fit you enjoy it; nor ask I from you your learning and deep
knowledge; (though I am not a Scholar as you are) I know them Diamonds by
your sole industry, patience and labour, forc'd from steep Rocks, and with
much toil attended, and but to few that prize their value granted, and
therefore without Rival freely wear them.
_Char_. These not repin'd at (as you seem t'inform me) the motion must be
of a strange condition, if I refuse to yield to't; therefore, _Eustace_,
without this tempest in your looks, propound it, and fear not a denial.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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