Thomas Otway: The Best Plays of the Old DramatistsOtway, Thomas
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Thomas Otway: The Best Plays of the Old Dramatists
Otway, Thomas
English drama -- 17th century; Otway, Thomas, 1652-1685
_Sir Dav._ Let me beseech you, sir, to despatch, and get rid
of him as soon as you can. I would gladly drink a bottle with
you, sir, but I hate the devil's company mortally: as for the
hundred pound here, it is ready; no more words, I'll submit to
your good-nature and discretion.
_Four._ Then, wretch, take this, and make thy peace with the
infernal king; he loves riches; sacrifice and be at rest.
_Bloody-B._ 'Tis done, I'll follow thee, lead on; nay, if thou
smile, I more defy thee; fee, fa, fum. [_Exit._
_Four._ 'Tis very odd, this.
_Sir Dav._ Very odd, indeed; I'm glad he's gone, though.
_Four._ Now, sir, if you please, we'll refresh ourselves with a
cheerful glass, and so _chacun chez lui_--I would fain make the
gull drunk a little, to put a little mettle into him. [_Aside._
_Sir Dav._ With all my heart, sir; but no more words of the
devil, if you love me.
_Four._ The devil's an ass, sir, and here's a health to all
those that defy the devil.
_Sir Dav._ With all my heart, and all his works too.
_Four._ Nay, sir, you must do me right,[45] I assure you.
_Sir Dav._ Not so full, not so full, that's too much of all
conscience: in troth, friend, these are sad times, very sad
times; but here's to you.
_Four._ Pox o' the times! the times are well enough, so long as
a man has money in his pocket.
_Sir Dav._ 'Tis true, here I have been bargaining with you
about a murder, but never consider that idolatry is coming in
full speed upon the nation. Pray what religion are you of,
friend?
_Four._ What religion am I of, sir? Sir, your humble servant.
_Sir Dav._ Truly a good conscience is a great happiness; and so
I'll pledge you, hemph, hemph. But shan't the dog be murdered
this night?
_Four._ My brother rogue is gone by this time to set him, and
the business shall be done effectually, I'll warrant you.
Here's rest his soul.
_Sir Dav._ With all my heart, faith; I hate to be uncharitable.
_Re-enter_ COURTINE _and_ Drawer.
_Cour._ Look you, 'tis a very impudent thing not to be drunk by
this time: shall rogues stay in taverns to sip pints, and be
sober, when honest gentlemen are drunk by gallons? I'll have
none on't.
_Sir Dav._ O Lord, who's there? [_Sits up in his chair._
_Draw._ I beseech your honour--our house will be utterly ruined
by this means.
_Cour._ Damn your house, your wife and children, and all your
family, you dog!--Sir, who are you?
[_To_ Sir DAVY.
_Sir Dav._ Who am I, sir? what's that to you, sir? Will you
tickle my foot, you rogue?
_Cour._ I'll tickle your guts, you poltroon, presently.
_Sir Dav._ Tickle my guts, you mad-cap! I'll tickle your toby,
if you do.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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