The Lady of Pleasure: A Comedie, as It Was Acted by Her Majesties Servants, at the Private House in Drury LaneShirley, James
General
The Lady of Pleasure: A Comedie, as It Was Acted by Her Majesties Servants, at the Private House in Drury Lane
Shirley, James
Comedy plays; English drama -- 17th century
_Bor._ I know not Madam,
But you pursue these wayes. _Are._ What wayes?
_Bor._ In the strict sence of honestie I dare
Make oath, they are Innocent. _Are._ Do not divert,
By busie troubling of your braine, those thoughts
That should preserve em. _Bor._ How was that?
_Are._ Tis English.
_Bor._ But carries some unkinde sence.
_Enter Madam Decoy._
_De._ Good morrow my sweete Madam.
_Are._ _Decoy_ welcome, this visite is a favour.
_De._ Alas sweet Madam, I cannot stay, I came
But to present my service to your Ladiship;
I could not passe by your doore, but I must take
The boldnesse to render my respects.
_Are._ You oblige me Madam, but I must
Not dispence so with your absence.
_De._ Alas, the Coach Madam stayes for me at the doore.
_Are._ Thou shalt command mine, prethee sweete _Decoy_.
_De._ I wou'd waite on you Madam, but I have many
Visits to make this morning I beseech.
_Are._ So you will promise to dine with me. _De._ I shall
Present a guest. _Are._ Why then good morrow Madam.
_De._ A happy day shine on your Ladiship. _Exit._
_Enter Steward._
_Are._ Whats your newes sir? _St._ Madam two gentlemen.
_Are._ What gentlemen? Have they no names. _St._ They are
The gentleman with his owne head of haire,
Whom you commended for his horsemanship
In Hide Parke, and becomming the saddle
The tother day. _Are._ What circumstance is this,
To know him by. _St._ His names at my tongues end,
He lik'd the fashion of your pearle chaine Madam,
And borrowed it for his Jewelier to take
A coppie by it. _Bor._ What cheating gallants this?
_St._ That never walkes without a Ladies buske,
And playes with fannes Mr. _Alexander Kickshaw_,
I thought I should remember him. _Are._ Whats the other?
_St._ What an unluckie memorie I have?
The gallant that still danceth in the streete,
And weares a grosse of Ribbon in his hat,
That carries _Oringado_ in his pocket,
And Suger-plumbs to sweeten his discourse,
That studies complement, defies all wit
On blacke and censures playes that are not bawdy,
Mr. _John Littleworth_. _Are._ They are welcome, but
Pray entertaine them a small time, lest I
Be unprovided. _Bor._ Did they aske for me?
_Ste._ No sir. _Bor._ It matters not, they must be welcome.
_Are._ Fie, how's this haire disordered? here's a curle,
Straddle most impiously, I must to my closet. _Exit._
_Bor._ Waite on em my Lady will returne agen,
I have to such a height fulfill'd her humor,
All applications dangerous, these gallants
Must be received or shee will fall into
A tempest, and the house be shooke with names
Of all her kindred, tis a servitude,
I may in time shake off.
_Enter Alexander and Littleworth._
_Al. Lit._ Save you Sir _Thomas_.
_Bor._ Save you gentlemen. _Al._ I kisse your hand.
_Bor._ What day is it abroad?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account