The Mad Lover, a Tragi-Comedy: The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (3 of 10)Fletcher, John
General
The Mad Lover, a Tragi-Comedy: The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (3 of 10)
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Cal._ Look to him Gentlemen: farewel, Lord I am sorry
We cannot kiss at this time, but believe it
We'l find an hour for all: God keep my Children,
From being such sweet Souldiers; Softly wenches,
Lest we disturb his dream. [_Exeunt_ Calis _and_ Ladies.
_Eumen._ Why this is Monstrous.
_1 Capt._ A strange forgetfulness, yet still he holds it.
_2 Capt._ Though he ne're saw a woman of great fashion
Before this day, yet methinks 'tis possible
He might imagine what they are, and what
Belongs unto 'em: meer report of others.
_Eumen._ Pish, his head had other whimsies in't: my Lord,
Death I think y'are struck dumb; my good Lord General.
_1 Capt._ Sir.
_Mem._ That I do love ye Madam; and so love ye
An't like your grace.
_2 Capt._ He has been studying this speech.
_Eumen._ Who do ye speak to Sir?
_Mem._ Why where's the Lady,
The woman, the fair woman?
_1 Capt._ Who?
_Mem._ The Princess,
Give me the Princess.
_Eumen._ Give ye counsel rather
To use her like a Princess: Fy my Lord,
How have you born your self, how nakedl[y]
Laid your soul open, and your ignorance
To be a sport to all. Report and honour
Drew her to doe you favours, and you bluntly,
Without considering what, or who she was,
Neither collecting reason, nor distinction.
_Mem._ Why, what did I my Masters?
_Eumen._ All that shews
A man unhandsom, undigested dough.
_Mem._ Did not I kneel unto her?
_Eumen._ Dumb and sensless,
As though ye had been cut out for your fathers tomb,
Or stuck a land-mark; when she spoke unto you,
Being the excellence of all our Island,
Ye star'd upon her, as ye had seen a monster.
_Me[m]._ Was I so foolish? I confess _Eumenes_,
I never saw before so brave an outside,
But did I kneel so long?
_Eumen._ Till they laught at ye,
And when you spoke I am asham'd to tell ye
What 'twas my Lord; how far from order;
Bless me, is't possible the wild noise of war
And what she only teaches should possess ye?
Knowledge to treat with her, and full discretion
Being at flood still in ye: and in peace,
And manly conversation smooth and civil,
Where gracefulness and glory twyn together,
Thrust your self out an exile?
Do you know Sir, what state she carries?
What great obedience waits at her beck continually?
_Mem._ She ne're commanded
A hundred thousand men, as I have done,
Nor ne're won battel; Say I would have kist her.
_Eumen._ There was a dainty offer too, a rare one.
_Mem._ Why, she is a woman, is she not?
_Eumen._ She is so.
_Mem._ Why, very well; what was she made for then?
Is she not young, and handsom, bred to breed?
Do not men kiss fair women? if they doe,
If lips be not unlawfull ware; Why a Princess
Is got the same way that we get a begger
Or I am cozen'd; and the self-same way
She must be handled e're she get another,
That's rudeness is it not?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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