The Plays of Philip Massinger, Vol. IMassinger, Philip
General
The Plays of Philip Massinger, Vol. I
Massinger, Philip
English drama -- 17th century
_Ful._ Or, if you belong [_To_ ADOR.
To the lady of the place, command her hither.
_Ador._ I do not wear her livery, yet acknowledge
A duty to her; and as little bound
To serve your peremptory will, as she is
To obey your summons. 'Twill become you, sir,
To wait her leisure; then, her pleasure known,
You may present your duty.
_Ful._ Duty! Slave,
I'll teach you manners.
_Ador._ I'm past learning; make not
A tumult in the house.
_Ful._ Shall I be braved thus? [_They draw._
_Clar._ Help! murder!
_Enter_ CAMIOLA.
_Cam._ What insolence is this? Adorni, hold,
Hold, I command you.
_Ful._ Saucy groom!
_Cam._ Not so, sir;
However, in his life, he had dependence
Upon my father, he's a gentleman,
As well born as yourself. Put on your hat.
_Ful._ In my presence, without leave!
_Syl._ He has mine, madam.
_Cam._ And I must tell you, sir, and in plain language,
Howe'er your glittering outside promise gentry,
The rudeness of your carriage and behaviour
Speaks you a coarser thing.
_Syl._ She means a clown, sir;
I am her interpreter, for want of a better.
_Cam._ I am a queen in mine own house; nor must you
Expect an empire here.
_Syl._ Sure I must love her
Before the day, the pretty soul's so valiant.
_Cam._ What are you? and what would you with me?
_Ful._ Proud one,
When you know what I am, and what I came for,
And may, on your submission, proceed to,
You, in your reason, must repent the coarseness
Of my entertainment.
_Cam._ Why, fine man? what are you?
_Ful._ A kinsman of the king's.
_Cam._ I cry you mercy,
For his sake, not your own. But, grant you are so,
'Tis not impossible but a king may have
A fool to his kinsman,--no way meaning you, sir.
_Ful._ You have heard of Fulgentio?
_Cam._ Long since, sir;
A suit-broker in court. He has the worst
Report among good men I ever heard of,
For bribery and extortion: in their prayers,
Widows and orphans curse him for a canker
And caterpillar in the state. I hope,
Sir, you are not the man.
_Ful._ I reply not
As you deserve, being assured you know me;
Pretending ignorance of my person, only
To give me a taste of your wit: 'tis well, and courtly;
I like a sharp wit well.
_Syl._ I cannot endure it;
Nor any of the Syllis.
_Ful._ More; I know, too,
This harsh induction must serve as a foil
To the well-tuned observance and respect
You will hereafter pay me, being made
Familiar with my credit with the king,
And that (contain your joy) I deign to love you.
_Cam._ Love me! I am not rapt with it.
_Ful._ Hear 't again;
I love you honestly: now you admire me.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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