MARRALL: I've used all means; and the last night I caused His host, the tapster, to turn him out of doors; And since I've charged all of your friends and tenants To refuse him even a crust of mouldy bread. OVERREACH: Persuade him that 'tis better steal than beg: Then, if I prove he have but robbed a hen roost, Not all the world shall save him from the gallows. MARRALL: I'll do my best, sir. OVERREACH: I'm now on my main work, with the Lord Lovell; The gallant-minded, popular Lord Lovell. He's come into the country; and my aims Are to invite him to my house. MARRALL: I see. This points at my young mistress. OVERREACH: She must part with That humble title, and write honourable-- Yes, Marrall, my right honourable daughter, If all I have, or e'er shall get, will do it. [_Exit_ OVERREACH. _Enter_ WELLBORN. MARRALL: Before, like you, I had outlived my fortunes, A withe had served my turn to hang myself. Is there no purse to be cut? House to be broken? Or market-woman with eggs that you may murder, And so dispatch the business? WELLBORN: Here's variety, I must confess; but I'll accept of none Of all your gentle offers, I assure you. Despite the rhetoric that the fiend has taught you, I am as far as thou art from despair. Nay, I have confidence, which is more than hope, To live, and suddenly, better than ever. Come, dine with me, and with a gallant lady. MARRALL: With the lady of the lake or queen of fairies? For I know it must be an enchanted dinner. WELLBORN: With the Lady Allworth, knave. MARRALL: Nay, now there's hope Thy brain is cracked. WELLBORN: Mark thee with what respect I am entertained. MARRALL: With choice, no doubt, of dog-whips! WELLBORN: 'Tis not far off; go with me; trust thine eyes. MARRALL: I will endure thy company. WELLBORN: Come along, then. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II.--_The country_. MARRALL _assures_ OVERREACH _that the plot on_ WELLBORN _succeeds. The rich_ LADY ALLWORTH _has feasted him and is fallen in love with him; he lives to be a greater prey than ever to_ OVERREACH. _Angered at the information_, OVERREACH, _who has himself attempted in vain to see her, knocks his creature down, mollifying him afterwards with gold_. ACT II