The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 05Dryden, John
History
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 05
Dryden, John
English literature
_Fisc._ No, no, mistake him not, it is a stout whoreson. You did ill
to press him, it will not sound well in Europe; he being here a public
minister, having no means of 'scaping should he kill you, besides
exposing all his countrymen to a revenge.
_Har. Jun._ That's all one; I'm resolved I will pursue my course, and
fight him.
_Fisc._ Pursue your end, that's to enjoy the woman and her wealth; I
would, like you, have Towerson despatched,--for, as I am a true
Dutchman, I do hate him,--but I would convey him smoothly out of the
world, and without noise; they will say we are ungrateful else in
England, and barbarously cruel; now I could swallow down the _thing_
ingratitude and the _thing_ murder, but the names are odious.
_Har. Jun._ What would you have me do then?
_Fisc._ Let him enjoy his love a little while, it will break no
squares in the long run of a man's life; you shall have enough of her,
and in convenient time.
_Har. Jun._ I cannot bear he should enjoy her first; no, it is
determined; I will kill him bravely.
_Fisc._ Ay, a right young man's bravery, that's folly: Let me alone,
something I'll put in practice, to rid you of this rival ere he
marries, without your once appearing in it.
_Har. Jun._ If I durst trust you now?
_Fisc._ If you believe that I have wit, or love you.
_Har. Jun._ Well, sir, you have prevailed; be speedy, for once I will
rely on you. Farewell. [_Exit_ HARMAN.
_Fisc._ This hopeful business will be quickly spoiled, if I not take
exceeding care of it.--Stay,--Towerson to be killed, and privately,
that must be laid down as the groundwork, for stronger reasons than a
young man's passion; but who shall do it? No Englishman will, and much
I fear, no Dutchman dares attempt it.
_Enter_ PEREZ.
Well said, in faith, old Devil! Let thee alone, when once a man is
plotting villany, to find him a fit instrument. This Spanish captain,
who commands our slaves, is bold enough, and is beside in want, and
proud enough to think he merits wealth.
_Per._ This Fiscal loves my wife; I am jealous of him, and yet must
speak him fair to get my pay; O, there is the devil for a Castilian,
to stoop to one of his own master's rebels, who has, or who designs to
cuckold him.--[_Aside._]--[_To_ FISCAL.] I come to kiss your hand
again, sir; six months I am in arrear; I must not starve, and
Spaniards cannot beg.
_Fisc._ I have been a better friend to you, than perhaps you think,
captain.
_Per._ I fear you have indeed. [_Aside._
_Fisc._ And faithfully solicited your business; send but your wife
to-morrow morning early, the money shall be ready.
_Per._ What if I come myself?
_Fisc._ Why ye may have it, if you come yourself, captain; but in case
your occasions should call you any other way, you dare trust her to
receive it.
_Per._ She has no skill in money.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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