The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06
Dryden, John
English literature
_Limb._ Look you now, Pug! who's in the right? Well, thou art born to
be a lucky Pug, in spite of thyself.
_Trick_ [_Aside._] O, I am ruined!--One word, I beseech you, father
Aldo.
_Aldo._ Not a syllable. What the devil's in you, daughter? Open, son,
open.
_Trick._ [_Aloud._] It shall not be opened; I will have my will,
though I lose my settlement. Would I were within the chest! I would
hold it down, to spite you. I say again, would I were within the
chest, I would hold it so fast, you should not open it.--The best on't
is, there's good inkle on the top of the inside, if he have the wit to
lay hold on't. [_Aside._
_Limb._ [_Going to open it._] Before George, I think you have the
devil in a string, Pug; I cannot open it, for the guts of me. _Hictius
doctius!_ what's here to do? I believe, in my conscience, Pug can
conjure: Marry, God bless us all good Christians!
_Aldo._ Push hard, son.
_Limb._ I cannot push; I was never good at pushing. When I push, I
think the devil pushes too. Well, I must let it alone, for I am a
fumbler. Here, take the keys, Pug.
_Trick._ [_Aside._] Then all's safe again.
_Enter_ JUDITH _and_ GERVASE.
_Jud._ Madam, Mrs Pleasance has sent for the chest you borrowed of
her. She has present occasion for it; and has desired us to carry it
away.
_Limb._ Well, that's but reason: If she must have it, she must have
it.
_Trick_ Tell her, it shall be returned some time to-day; at present we
must crave her pardon, because we have some writings in it, which must
first be taken out, when we can open it.
_Limb._ Nay, that's but reason too: Then she must not have it.
_Gerv._ Let me come to't; I'll break it open, and you may take out
your writings.
_Limb._ That's true: 'Tis but reasonable it should be broken open.
_Trick._ Then I may be bound to make good the loss.
_Limb._ 'Tis unreasonable it should be broken open.
_Aldo._ Before George, Gervase and I will carry it away; and a smith
shall be sent for to my daughter Pleasance's chamber, to open it
without damage.
_Limb._ Why, who says against it? Let it be carried; I'm all for
reason.
_Trick._ Hold; I say it shall not stir.
_Aldo._ What? every one must have their own; _Fiat justitia, aut ruat
mundus._
_Limb._ Ay, _fiat justitia,_ Pug: She must have her own; for
_justitia_ is Latin for justice. [ALDO _and_ GERV. _lift at it._
_Aldo._ I think the devil's in't.
_Gerv._ There's somewhat bounces, like him, in't. 'Tis plaguy heavy;
but we'll take t'other heave.
_Trick._ [_Taking hold of the chest._] Then you shall carry me too.
Help, murder, murder! [_A confused gabbling among them._
_Enter Mrs_ SAINTLY.
_Saint._ Verily, I think all hell's broke loose among you. What, a
schism in my family! Does this become the purity of my house? What
will the ungodly say?
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