The Elder Brother: The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)Fletcher, John
General
The Elder Brother: The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)
Fletcher, John
Comedy plays; English drama -- 17th century
_Char_. What loads are these? _Andr_. Meat, meat, Sir, for the Kitchin,
And stinking Fowles the Tenants have sent in;
They'l nere be found out at a general eating;
And there's fat Venison, Sir. _Cha_. What's that? _And_. Why Deer,
Those that men fatten for their private pleasures,
And let their tenants starve upon the Commons.
_Char_. I've red of Deer, but yet I nere eat any.
_And_. There's a Fishmongers boy with Caviar Sir,
Anchoves and Potargo, to make ye drink.
_Cha_. Sure these are modern, very modern meats,
For I understand 'm not. _And_. No more do's any man
From Caca merda or a substance worse,
Till they be greas'd with oyle, and rub'd with onions,
And then flung out of doors, they are rare Sallads.
_Cha_. And why is all this, prithee tell me Andrew!
Are there any Princes to dine here to day?
By this abundance sure there should be Princes;
I've read of entertainment for the gods
At half this charge, will not six dishes serve 'em?
I never had but one, and that a small one.
_And_. Your Brother's married this day, he's married,
Your younger brother Eustace. _Cha_. What of that?
_And_. And all the friends about are bidden hither.
There's not a dog that knowes the house but comes too.
_Cha_. Married? to whom? _And_. Why to a dainty Gentlewoman,
Young, sweet, and modest. _Cha_. Are there modest women?
How do they look? _And_. O you'ld blesse your self to see them.
He parts with's book, he nere did so before yet.
_Cha_. What do's my father for 'm? _And_. Gives all his Land,
And makes your brother Heir. _Cha_. Must I have nothing?
_And_. Yes, you must study still, and he'l maintain you.
_Cha_. I am his eldest brother. _And_. True, you were so,
But he has leapd ore your shoulders, Sir. _Cha_. 'Tis wel,
He'l not inherit my understanding too?
_And_. I think not, he'l scarce find tenants to let it
Out to. _Cha_. Hark, hark. _Andr_. The Coach that brings the fair
Lady.
_Enter_ Lewis, Angellina, _Ladies_, Notary, &c.
_And_. Now you may see her. _Cha_. Sure this should be modest;
But I do not truly know what women make of it,
_Andrew_; She has a face looks like a story,
The storie of the Heavens looks very like her.
_And_. She has a wide face then. _Cha_. She has a Cheiubins,
Cover'd and vail'd with modest blushes.
_Eustace_ be happy, whiles poor _Charles_ is patient.
Get me my book again, and come in with me-- _Exeunt_.
_Enter_ Brisac, Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy, Miramont.
_Bri_. Welcome sweet Daughter, welcome noble Brother,
And you are welcome Sir, with all your writings,
Ladies most welcome; What? my angry brother!
You must be welcome too, the Feast is flat else.
_Mir_. I am not come for your welcome, I expect none;
I bring no joyes to blesse the bed withal;
Nor songs, nor Masques to glorifie the Nuptials,
I bring an angrie mind to see your folly,
A sharp one too, to reprehend you for it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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