English drama -- Early modern and Elizabethan, 1500-1600; Heywood, Thomas, approximately 1574-1641
Bess.
Rise, thou hast leave. Now, Roughman, thou art blest:
This day thy life is saved; look to the rest.
Take back thy sword.
Roughman.
Oh! you are generous: honour me so much
As let me know to whom I owe my life.
Bess.
I am Bess Bridges’ brother.
Roughman.
Still methought
That you were something like her.
Bess.
And I have heard
You domineer and revel in her house,
Control her servants, and abuse her guests,
Which if I ever shall hereafter hear,
Thou art but a dead man.
Roughman.
She never told me of a brother living;
But you have power to sway me.
Bess.
But for I see you are a gentleman,
I am content this once to let you pass;
But if I find you fall into relapse,
The second’s far more dangerous.
Roughman.
I shall fear it.
Sir, will you take the wine?
Bess.
I am for London,
And for these two terms cannot make return;
But if you see my sister, you may say
I was in health.
Roughman.
Too well: the devil take you! [_Aside_.
Bess.
Pray, use her well, and at my coming back
I’ll ask for your acquaintance. Now, farewell. [_Exit_.
Roughman.
None saw’t: he’s gone for London; I am unhurt;
Then who shall publish this disgrace abroad?
One man’s no slander, should he speak his worst.
My tongue’s as loud as his; but in this country
Both of more fame and credit. Should we contest,
I can outface the proudest. This is, then,
My comfort. Roughman, thou art still the same,
For a disgrace not seen is held no shame. [_Exit_.
SCENE IV.--_Fayal_.
_Enter two_ Sailors.
1st Sailor.
Aboard, aboard! the wind stands fair for England;
The ships have all weighed anchor.
2nd Sailor.
A stiff gale
Blows from the shore.
_Enter_ Captain Goodlack.
Goodlack.
The sailors call aboard, and I am forced
To leave my friend now at the point of death,
And cannot close his eyes. Here is the will.
Now may I find yon tanner’s daughter turned
Unchaste or wanton, I shall gain by it
Five hundred pounds a year. Here is good evidence.
1st Sailor.
Sir, will you take the long-boat and aboard?
_Enter a third_ Sailor.
Goodlack.
With all my heart.
3rd Sailor.
What, are you ready, mates?
1st Sailor.
We stayed for you. Thou canst not tell who’s dead?
The great bell rung out now.
3rd Sailor.
They say ’twas for one Spencer, who this night
Died of a mortal wound.
Goodlack.
My worthy friend:
Unhappy man, that cannot stay behind,
To do him his last rites!--Was his name Spencer?
3rd Sailor.
Yes, sir; a gentleman of good account,
And well known in the navy.
Goodlack.
This is the end of all mortality.
It will be news unpleasing to his Bess.
I cannot fare amiss, but long to see
Whether these lands belong to her or me.
_Enter_ Spencer _and_ Surgeon.
Surgeon.
Nay, fear not, sir: now you have scaped this dressing,
My life for yours.
Spencer.
I thank thee, honest friend.
Surgeon.
Sir, I can tell you news.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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