The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 02 — John Shaqi
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 02Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 02
Dryden, John
English literature
_Franc_. I'll fetch it presently;--oh how my heart quops now, as
they say: I'll fetch it presently: Sweet Mr Loveby, if the business
can be done, it shall be a good thing in your worship's way, I promise
you: O the father! that it could be done: O sweet father! [Loveby
_plucks out a paper_.
_Lov_. Here, Mr Bibber, pray put in Madam Bibber's name into the
warrant.
_Bib_. Madam Bibber! there's joy!--I must call you wife no more,
'tis Madam Bibber now.
_Franc_. Pray read it, Mr Bibber.
_Bib_. An order for the admission of the illustrious lady, Madam
Bibber, into her majesty's service.
_Franc_. Pray give me the paper, I'll have nobody touch it but
myself; I am sure my money pays for it, as they say. These are the
finest words; Madam Bibber! pray, chicken, shew me where Madam is
written, that I may kiss it all over. I shall make bold now to bear
up to those flirting gentlewomen, that sweep it up and down with their
long tails. I thought myself as good as they, when I was as I was; but
now I am as I am.
_Lov_. Good landlady, dispatch, and bring the money--
_Franc_. Truly, in the place of a dresser, I dare be bold to say,
as they say, I shall give their majesties worships good content: I'll
go fetch it.
[_Exit_ FRANCES.
_Bib_. We must keep the poor soul in ignorance as long as we
can, sir; for when she has once smoked it, I have no other way but to
retreat into the body of my janizaries, my journey-men; and never come
out into her presence more. Where will you be at nine o'clock, sir,
that we may rejoice over our good fortune?
_Lov_. Call me at my Lord Nonsuch's house, and I'll go with you.
_Bib_. We'll have the fiddles, and triumph, i'faith.
[_Exit_ BIBBER.
_Lov_. Lord, how eager this vermin was to cheat himself! Well,
I'll after; I long to finger these Jacobus's: Perhaps they may make my
peace again with my mistress.
[_Exit _LOVEBY.
SCENE II.
_Enter_ FAILER _and_ NONSUCH. [CONSTANCE _and_ ISABELLA
_listening_.]
_Fail_. I vow to gad, my lord, Sir Timorous is the most dejected
person in the world, and full of regret for what is past. 'Twas his
misfortune to be drawn in by such a person as Madam Isabella.
_Non_. Tis well his estate pleads for him; he should ne'er set
foot more within my doors else.
_Fail_. I'll be security for him for time to come: Leave it to
me to get the licence: All I desire is, your daughter may be ready
to-morrow morning.
_Non_. Well, let me alone with her.
[_Exeunt_ FAILER _and_ NONSUCH.
_Isa_. You heard the dreadful sound, to-morrow, cousin.
_Const_. I would not throw myself away upon this fool, if I could
help it.
_Isa_. Better marry a tertian ague than a fool, that's certain;
there's one good day and night in that.
_Const_. And yet thou art mad for him thyself.
_Isa_. Nay, the fool is a handsome fool, that's somewhat; but
'tis not that; 'tis a kind of fancy I have taken to a glass coach, and
six Flanders mares; rich liveries, and a good fortune.
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