The Elder Brother: The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10) — John Shaqi
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
_And_. If I keep her from your French Dialect, as I hope I shall, Sir;
however she is your Landress, she shall put you to the charge of no more
Soap than usual for th'washing of your Sheets.
_Bri_. Take in the Knave, and let him eat.
_And_. And drink too, Sir.
_Bri_. And drink too Sir, and see your Masters Chamber ready for him.
_But_. Come, Dr _Andrew_, without Disputation thou shalt Commence i'the
Cellar.
_And_. I had rather Commence on a cold Bak'd meat.
_Cook_. Thou shalt ha't, Boy.
_Bri_. Good Monsieur _Lewis_, I esteem my self much honour'd in your clear
intent, to joyn our ancient Families, and make them one; and 'twill take
from my age and cares, to live and see what you have purpos'd but in act,
of which your visit at this present is a hopeful Omen; I each minute
expecting the arrival of my Sons; I have not wrong'd their Birth for want
of Means and Education, to shape them to that course each was addicted;
and therefore that we may proceed discreetly, since what's concluded
rashly seldom prospers, you first shall take a strict perusal of them, and
then from your allowance, your fair Daughter m[a]y fashion her affection.
_Lew_. Monsieur _Brisac_, you offer fair and nobly, and I'le meet you in
the same line of Honour; and I hope, being blest but with one Daughter, I
shall not appear impertinently curious, though with my utmost vigilance
and study, I labour to bestow her to her worth: Let others speak her form,
and future Fortune from me descending to her; I in that sit down with
silence.
_Bri_. You may, my Lord, securely, since Fame aloud proclaimeth her
perfections, commanding all mens tongues to sing her praises; should I say
more, you well might censure me (what yet I never was) a Flatterer. What
trampling's that without of Horses?
_Enter_ Butler.
_But_. Sir, my young Masters are newly alighted.
_Bri_. Sir, now observe their several dispositions.
_Enter_ Charles.
_Char_. Bid my Supsiser carry my Hackney to the Butt'ry, and give him his
Bever; it is a civil and sober Beast, and will drink moderately; and that
done, turn him into the Quadrangle.
_Bri_. He cannot out of his University tone.
_Enter_ Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy.
_Eust_. Lackey, take care our Coursers be well rubb'd, and cloath'd; they
have out-stripp'd the Wind in speed.
_Lew_. I marry, Sir, there's metal in this young Fellow! What a Sheep's
look his elder Brother has!
_Char_. Your blessing, Sir.
_Bri_. Rise, _Charles_, thou hast it.
_Eust_. Sir, though it be unusual in the Court, (since 'tis the Courtiers
garb) I bend my knee, and do expert what follows.
_Bri_. Courtly begg'd. My blessing, take it.
_Eust. (to Lew.)_ Your Lordship's vow'd adorer. What a thing this Brother
is! yet I'le vouchsafe him the new Italian shrug--
How clownishly the Book-worm does return it!
_Char_. I'm glad ye are well. [_Reads_.
_Eust_. Pray you be happy in the knowledge of this pair of accomplish'd
Monsieurs; they are Gallants that have seen both Tropicks.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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