Rover test page
PROLOGUE.
Witts, like Physitians never can agree,
When of a different Societie.
And Rabels Drops were never more cry’d down
By all the Learned Doctors of the Town,
Than a New Play whose Author is unknown.
Nor can those Doctors with more Malice sue
(And powerful Purses) the discenting Few,
Than those with an Insulting Pride, do raile
At all who are not of their own Caball:
If a Young Poet hitt your Humour right,
You judg him then out of Revenge and Spight.
So amongst men there are Ridiculous Elves,
Who Monkeys hate for being too like themselves.
So that the reason of the grand debate,
Why Witt so oft is damn’d, when good Plays take,
Is, that you Censure as you love, or hate.
Thus like a Learned Conclave Poets sit,
Catholique Judges both of Sense and Wit,
And Damn or Save, as they themselves think fit.
Yet those who to others faults are so severe,
Are not so perfect but themselves may Erre.
Some write Correct. Coract indeed, but then the whole
(Bating their own Dull stuff i’th’ Play) is stole:
As Bees do suck from Flowers their Honey dew,
So they rob others striving to please you.
Some write their Characters Gentile and fine,
But then they do so Toyl for every line,
[page ]
That what to you does Easie seem, and Plain,
Is the hard Issue of their labouring Brain.
And some th’ Effects of all their pains we see,
Is but to Mimick good Extemporie.
Others by long Converse about the Town,
Have Witt enough to write a Lew’d Lampoon,
But their chief skill lyes in a Bawdy Song.
In short, the only Witt that’s now in Fashon,
Is but the gleenings of good Conversation.
As for the Author of this Coming Play,
I ask’t him what he thought fit I shou’d say
In thanks for your good Company to day:
He call’d me Fool, and said it was well known,
You came not here for our sakes, but your own.
New Plays are stuff’d with Witts, and with Deboches,
That Crowd and sweat like Citts, in May-Day Coaches.
Written by a Person of Quality.[page ]Some Books printed this Year 1677. For John Amery, at the Peacock; against St. Dunstan’s Church in Fleet-street.
Advice to Grand Jurors in cases of Blood, Asserting from Law and Reason, That at the Kings Suit in all cases (where a Person by Law is to be indicted for killing of another person) that the Indictment ought to be drawn for Murther, and that the Grand Jury ought to find it Murther, where the Evidence is, that the party intended to be indicted had his hands in Blood, and did kill the other Person. By Zachary BabingtonEsq 8o. price. 2 s. 6 d.
The Country Justice, Containing the practice of the Justices of the Peace, in and out of their Sessions, with an Abridgment of all Statutes relating thereunto to this present Year 1677. By Michael DaltonEsqFol. price bound 12 s.
A Treatise of Testaments and last Wills, fit to be understood by all Men, that they may know, whether, whereof, and how, to make them. Compiled out of the Laws Ecclesiastical, Civil, and Cannon, as also out of the Common Laws, Customs and Statutes of this Realm. The fourth Edition, with very large Additions. By Henry Swynburne, sometimes Judge of the Prerogative Court of York, in large 4o. price bound 7 s.
The Debaucheé, or the Credulous Cuckold, a Comedy, Acted at His Highness the Duke’s Theatre, in 4o. price 1 s.
Man without Passion, or the Wise Stoick, according to the Sentiments of Seneca, written Originally in French, by that great and Learned Philosopher Anthony Le Grand. English’t by G. R. printed 1675. 8o. price 2 s. 6 d.
An Introduction to the History of England, comprising the principal Affairs of this Land, from its first planting, to the comeing of the English Saxons. Together with a Catalogue of the 76 British and Pictish Kings, by D. D. Langhorne. Printed 8o. price 2 s.
[page ]Men
Mr. Jevorne, Don Antonio The Vice-Roy’s Son.
Mr. Medburne, Don Pedro A Noble Spaniard,his Friend.
Mr. Betterton, Belvile, An English Colonel in Love with Florinda.
Mr. Smith, Willmore, THE ROVER.
Mr. Crosbie, Frederick, An English Gentleman, and Friend to Belvile and Frederick
Mr. Underhill, Blunt, An English Country Gentleman.
Mr. Richards, Stephano, Servant to Don Pedro.
Mr. Percivall, Philippo, Lucetta’s Gallant.
Mr. John Lee, Sancho, Pimp to Lucetta.
Biskey, and Sebastian, Two Bravo’s toAngellica.
Officers and Souldiers.
Page To Don Antonio.
Women
Mrs. Betterton, Florinda, Sister to Don Pedro.
Mrs. Barrer, Hellena, A gay Young woman design’d for a Nun, and Sister to Florinda.
Mrs. Hughs, Valeria, A Kinswoman to Florinda.
Mrs. Gwin, Angellica Bianca, A Famous Courtizan.
Mrs. Leigh, Moretta, Her Woman.
Mrs. Norris, Callis, Governess to Florinda and Hellena.
Mrs. Gillo, Lucetta, A Jilting Wench.
Servants, Other Masqueraders Men and Women.
The Scene NAPLES, in Carnival time.
The Rover, or, The Banished Cavaliers(2018)
FemaleAphraBehn(Birth: 1640 December 14?)(Death: 1689 April 16)WriterMarriedBritain
[page 1]THE ROVER: OR, The Banish’t Cavaliers.
ACT the First.
Scene the First. A Chamber.
Enter Florinda and Hellena.
Florinda
What an Impertinent thing is a Young Girl bred in a Nunnery? How full of Questions? Prithee no more Hellena, I have told thee more than thou understand’st already.
Hellena
The more’s my grief, I wou’d fain know as much as you, which makes me so Inquisitive; nor is’t enough I know you’r a Lover, unless you tell me too, who ’tis you sigh for.
Florinda
When you’r a Lover, I’le think you fit for a Secret of that Nature.
Hellena
‘Tis true, I never was a Lover yet—but I begin to have a shrew’d guess, what ’tis to be so, and fancy it very pretty to sigh, and sing, and blush, and wish, and dream and wish, and long and wish to see the Man; and when I do look pale and tremble; just as you did when my Brother brought home the fine English Colonel to see you—what do you call him Don Belvill.
Florinda
FyeHellena.
Hellena
That blush betrays you.—I am sure ’tis so—or is it Don Antoniothe Vice-Roy’s Son?—or perhaps the Rich Old Don Vincentio whom my Father designs you for a Husband?- why do you blush again?
[page 2]Florinda
With Indignation, and how near soever my Father thinks I am to Marrying that hated Object, I shall let him see, I understand better, what’s due to my Beauty, Birth and Fortune, and more to my Soul, then to obey those unjust Commands.
Hellena
Now hang me, if I don’t love thee for that dear disobedience. I love mischief strangely, as most of our Sex do, who are come to Love nothing else—but tell me dear Florinda, don’t you love that fine Anglese?—for I vow next to loving him my self, ’twill please me most that you do so, for he is so gay and so handsome.
Florinda
Hellena, a Maid design’d for a Nun, ought not to be so Curious in a discourse of Love.
Hellena
And dost thou think that ever I’le be a Nun? or at least till I’m so Old, I’m fit for nothing else—Faith no Sister; andthat which makes me long to know whether you love Belvile, is because I hope he has some mad Companion or other, that will spoil my devotion, nay I’m resolv’d to provide my self this Carnival, if there be ere a handsome proper fellow of my humour above ground, tho I ask first.
Florinda
Prithee be not so wild.
Hellena
Now you have provided your self of a Man, you take no care for poor me—prithee tell me, what dost thou see about me that is unfit for Love—have I not a World of Youth? a humour gay? a Beauty passable? a Vigour desirable? well Shap’t? clean limb’d? sweet breath’d? and sense enough to know how all these ought to be employ’d to the best advantage; yes I do and will, therefore lay aside your hopes of my Fortune by my being a Devote, and tell me how you came acquainted with this Belvile? for I perceive you knew him before he came to Naples.
Florinda
Yes, I knew him at the Siege of Pampulona, he was then a Colonel of FrenchHorse, who when the Town was Ransack’t, Nobly treated my Brother and my self, preserving us from all Insolences; and I must own, (besides great Obligations) I have I know not what, that pleads kindly for him about my Heart, and will suffer no other to enter.—But see my Brother.
Enter Don Pedro Stephano with a Masquing habitand Callis.Pedro
Good morrow Sister.—Pray when saw you your Lover Don Vincentio?
Florinda
I know not Sir—Callis when was he here? for I consider it so little, I know not when it was.
[page 3]Pedro
I have a Command from my Father here to tell you, you ought not to despise him, a Man of so vast a Fortune, and such a Passion for you—Stephano my things.
[Don Pedro] puts on his Masquing habit.
Florinda
A Passion for me, ’tis more than e’re I saw, or he had a desire should be known—I hate Vincentio, Sir, and I wou’d not have a Man so dear to me as my Brother, follow the ill Customes of our Countrey, and make a slave of his Sister—and Sir, my Father’s will, I’m sure you may divert.
Pedro
I know not how dear I am to you, but I wish only to be ranckt in your esteem, equal with the English Coll. Belvile— why do you frown and blush? is there any guilt belongs to the Name of that Cavalier.
Florinda
I’le not deny I value Belvile, when I was expos’d to such dangers as the Licenc’d Lust of common Souldiers threatned, when Rage and Conquest flew through the City—then Belvile this Criminal for my sake, through himself into all dangers to save my Honour and will you not allow him my esteem?
Pedro
Yes, pay him what you will in Honour—but you must consider Don Vincentio’s Fortune, and the Joynture he’l make you.
Florinda
Let him consider my Youth, Beauty and Fortune; which ought not to be thrown away on his Age and Joynture.
Pedro
‘Tis true, he’s not so young and fine a Gentleman, as that Belvile,—but what Jewels will that Cavalier present you with? those of his Eyes and Heart?
Hellena
And are not those better than any Don Vincentio has brought from the Indies.
Pedro
Why how now! has your Nunnery breeding taught you to understand the value of Hearts and Eyes?
Hellena
Better than to believe Vincentio‘s deserve value from any Woman—he may perhaps encrease her Baggs,, but not her Family.
Pedro
This is fine—go—up to your Devotion, you are not design’d for the conversation of Lovers.
Hellena
(aside)Nor Saints, yet a while I hope
I’st not enough you make a Nun of me, but you must cast my Sister away too? exposing her to a worse confinement than a Religious life.
I’st not enough you make a Nun of me, but you must cast my Sister away too? exposing her to a worse confinement than a Religious life.
Pedro
The Girl’s mad—it is a confinement to be carry’d into the Countrey, to an Antient Villa belonging to the Family of [page 4] the Vincentio’s these five hundred Years, and have no other Prospect than that pleasing one of seeing all her own that meets her Eyes—a fine Ayr, large Fields and Gardens, where she may walk and gather Flowers.
Hellena
When by Moon Light? For I am sure she dares not encounter with the heat of the Sun, that were a task only for Don Vincentio and his Indian breeding, who loves it in the Dog dayes.—and if these be her daily divertisements, what are those of the Night, to lye in a wide Moth—eaten Bed Chamber, with furniture in Fashion in the Reign of King Sancho the First; The Bed, that which his Fore—fathers liv’d and dy’d in.
Pedro
Very well.
Hellena
This Appartment (new furbrusht and fitted out for the young Wife) he (out of freedom) makes his dressing Room, and being a Frugal and a Jealous Coxcomb, instead of a Valet to uncase his feeble Carcass, he desires you to do that Office—signs of favour I’ll assure you, and such as you must not hope for, unless your Woman be out of the way.
Pedro
Have you done yet?
Hellena
That Honour being past, the Gyant stretches it self; yawns and sighs a Belch or two, loud as a Musket, throws himself into Bed, and expects you in his foul sheets, and e’re you can get your self undrest, call’s you with a snore or Two—and are not these fine Blessings to a young Lady?
Pedro
Have you done yet?
Hellena
And this Man you must kiss, nay you must kiss none but him too—and nuzel through his Beard to find his Lips.—And this you must submit to for Threescore years, and all for a Joynture.
Pedro
For all your Character of Don Vincentio, she is as like to Marry him, as she was before.
Hellena
Marry Don Vincentio! hang me such a Wedlock would be worse than Adultery with another Man. I had rather see her in the Hostel de Dieu,, to wast her Youth there in Vowes, and be a hand-Maid to Lazers and Cripples, than to lose it in such a Marriage.
Pedro
You have consider’d Sister, that Belvile has no Fortune to bring you to, banisht his Countrey, despis’d at home, and pitty’d abroad.
Hellena
What then? the Vice-Roy’s Son is better than that Old Sir Fisty. Don Vincentio! Don Indian! he thinks he’s trading to [page 5]Gambo still, and wou’d Barter himself (that Bell and Bawble) for your Youth and Fortune.
Pedro
Callis take her hence, and lock her up all this Carnival, and at Lent she shall begin her everlasting Pennance in a Monastery.
Hellena
I care not, I had rather be a Nun, than be oblig’d to Marry as you wou’d have me, if I were design’d for’t.
Pedro
Do not fear the blessing of that choice—you shall be a Nun.
Aside:Hellena
Shall I so? you may chance to be mistaken in my way of devotion:—a Nun! yes I am like to make a fine Nun! I have an excellent humour for a Grate: no, I’le have a Saint of my own to pray to shortly, if I like any that dares venture on me.
Pedro
Callis, make it your business to watch this Wild Cat. As for you Florinda, I’ve only try’d you all this while and urg’d my Fathers will; but mine is, that you wou’d love Antonio, he is Brave and young, and all that can compleat the happiness of a Gallant Maid—this absence of my Father will give us opportunity, to free you from Vincentio, by Marrying here, which you must do to Morrow.
Florinda
To Morrow!
Pedro
To Morrow, or ’twill be too late—tis not my Friendship to Antonio, which makes me urge this, but Love to thee, and hatred to Vincentio—therefore resolve upon to Morrow.
Florinda
Sir, I shall strive to do, as shall become your Sister.
Pedro
I’le both believe and trust you—Adieu
Don Pedro and Stephano.Hellena
As becomes his Sister!—that is to be as resolv’d your way, as he is his—
[Hellena goes to Callis
Florinda
I ne’re till now perceiv’d my Ruine near,
I’ve no defence against Antonio’s Love,
For he has all the Advantages of Nature,
The moving Arguments of Youth and Fortune.
Hellena
But heark you Callis, you will not be so cruel to lock me up indeed, will you.
Callis
I must obey the Commands I have—besides, do you consider what a life you are going to lead?
Hellena
Yes, Callis, that of a Nun: and till then I’ll be indebted [page 6] a world of Prayers to you, if you’ll let me now see, what I never did, the Divertisements of a Carnival.
Callis
What, go in Masquerade? ’twill be a fine farewel to the World I take it—pray what wou’d you do there?
Hellena
That which all the World does, as I am told, be as mad as the rest, and take all Innocent freedomes—Sister you’ll go too, will you not? come prithee be not sad.—We’ll out—wit Twenty Brothers, if you’ll be rul’d by me—come put off this dull humour with your Cloths, and Assume one as gay, and as fantastick, as the Dress my Couzen Valeria, and I have provided, and let’s Ramble.
Florinda
Callis, will you give us leave to go?
Aside:Callis
I have a Youthful itch of going my self. To Florinda: —Madam, if I thought your Brother might not know it, and I might wait on you; for by my troth I’ll not trust Young Girles alone.
Florinda
Thou see’st my Brother’s gone already, and thou shalt attend, and watch us.
Enter StephanoStephano
Mad? the Habits are come, and your Couzen Valeria is drest, and stayes for you.
Florinda
‘Tis well.—I’ll write a Note, and if I chance to see Belvile, and want an opportunity to speak to him, that shall let him know, what I’ve resolv’d in favour of him.
Hellena
Come, let’s in and dress us.
Exeunt.SCENE II. A Long Street.Enter Belvile Melancholy, Blunt and Frederick.Frederick
Whe what the Devil ails the Coll. In a time when all the World is gay, to look like meer Lent thus? Had’st thou been long enough in Naples to have been in Love, I shou’d have sworn some such Judgment had befall’n thee.
Belvile
No, I have made no new Amours since I came to Naples?
Frederick
You have left none behind you in Paris?
Belvile
Neither.
[page 7]Frederick
I cannot divine the Cause then, unless the Old Cause, the want of Money.
Blunt
And another Old Cause, the want of a Wench— Wou’d not that revive you?
Belvile
You are mistaken, Ned.
Blunt
Nay, ‘Sheartlikins, then thou’rt past Cure.
Frederick
I have found it out; thou hast renew’d thy acquaintance with the Lady that cost thee so many sighs at the Siege of Pampulona— Pox on’t, what d’e you call her—her Brother’s a Noble Spaniard—Nephew to the Dead General—Florinda— Ay Florinda—and will nothing serve thy turn but that damn’d virtuous Woman? whom on my Conscience thou lovest in spight too, because thou seest little or no possibility of gaining her.
Belvile
Thou art mistaken, I have Int’rest enough in that lovely Virgins heart, to make me proud and vain, were it not abated by the severity of a Brother, who perceiving my happiness—
Frederick
Has civily forbid thee the House?
Belvile
‘Tis so, to make way for a Pow’rful Rival, the Vice-Roy’s Son, who has the advantage of me, in being a Man of Fortune, a Spaniard, and her Brother’s Friend, which gives him Liberty to make his Court, whilst I have recourse only to Letters, and distant looks from her Window, which are as soft and kind
As those which Heav’n sends down on Penitents.
Blunt
Heyday! ‘Sheartlikins, simile! by this Light the Man is quite spoild.—Frederick what the Devil are we made of, that we cannot be thus concern’d for a Wench—’Sheartlikins our Cupids are like the Cooks of the Camp, they can Roast or Boil a Woman, but they have none of the fine tricks to set ’em off, no Hogoes to make the Sawce pleasant and the Stomach sharp.
Frederick
I dare swear I have had a hundred as young kind and handsom as this Florinda; and Dogs eat me, if they were not as troublesom to me i’th Morning, as they were welcome o’re Night.
Blunt
And yet I warrant, he wou’d not touch another Woman, if he might have her for nothing.
Belvile
That’s thy joy, a cheap Whore.
Blunt
Whe I ‘Sheartlikins I love a Franck Soul—when did you ever hear of an honest Woman that took a Man’s Money? I warrant [page 8] ’em good ones—but Gentlemen, You may be free, you have been kept so poor with Parliaments and Protectors, that the little Stock you have is not worth preserving—but I thank my Stars, I had more Grace than to forfeit my Estate by Cavaliering.
Belvile
Methinks only following the Court, shou’d be sufficient to entitle ’em to that.
Blunt
‘Sheartlikins, they know I follow it to do it no good, unless they pick a hole in my Coat for lending you Money now and then, which is a greater Crime to my Conscience, Gentlemen, than to the Common-Wealth.
Enter Willmore.Willmore
Ha! dear Belvile! noble Colonel!
Belvile
Willmore! welcom ashore, my dear Rover!—what happy wind blew us this good Fortune?
Willmore
Let me salute my dear Fred. and then Command me.— How is’t honest Lad?
Frederick
Faith, Sir, the Old Complement, infinitely the better to see my dear mad Willmore again.—Prithee why camest thou ashore? and where’s the Prince?
Willmore
He’s well, and Reigns still Lord of the watry Element. —I must abord again within a day or two, and my business ashore was only to enjoy my self a little this Carnival.
Belvile
Pray know our new Friend, Sir, he’s but bashful, a raw Traveller, but honest, stout, and one of us.
Embraces Blunt
Willmore
That you esteem him, gives him an Intr’est here.
Blunt
Your Servant, Sir.
Willmore
But well,—Faith I’m glad to meet you again in a warm Climate, where the kind Sun has its God-like Pow’r still over the Wine and Women—Love and Mirth! are my bus’ness in Naples, and if I mistake not the place, here’s an Excellent Market for Chapmen of my humour.
Belvile
See, here be those kind Merchants of Love you look for.
Enter several Men in Masquing Habits, some playing on Musique, others dancing after, Women drest like Courtizans, with Papers pinn’d on their Breasts, and Baskets of Flowers in their Hands.Blunt.
‘Sheartlikins, what have we here?
[page 9]Frederick
Now the game begins.
Willmore
Fine pretty creatures! May a stranger have leave to look and love?—What’s here—Roses for every moneth?
Reads the Papers.Blunt
Roses for every moneth? What means that?
Belvile
They are, or wou’d have you think they’re courtizans, who here in Naples, are to be hir’d by the moneth.
Willmore
Kind, and obliging to inform us—Pray where do these roses grow? I wou’d fain plant some of ’em in a bed of mine.
Woman
Beware such roses, Sir.
Willmore
A pox of fear: I’ll be bak’t with thee between a pair of sheets, and that’s they proper still; so I might but strew such roses over me, and under me—fair one, wou’d you wou’d give me leave to gather at your bush this idle moneth; I wou’d go near to make some body smell of it all the year after.
Belvile
And thou hast need of such a remedy, for thou stink’st of tar and ropes ends, like a dock or pest-house.
The Woman puts herself into the Hands of a Man, and Exits.Willmore
Nay, nay, you shall not leave me so.
Belvile
By all means use no violence here.
Willmore
Death! Just as I was going to be damnably in love, to have her led off! I could pluck that rose out of his hand, and even kiss the bed, the bush grew in.
Frederick
No friend to love, like a long voyage at sea.
Blunt
Except a nunnery, Fred.
Willmore
Death! But will they not be kind? Quickly be kind? Thou know’st I’m no tame sigher, but a rampant lion of the forrest.
Advances from the farther end of the Scenes, two Men drest all over with horns of several sorts, making grimaces at one another, with papers pinn’d on their backs.Belvile
Oh the fantastical rogues, how they’r drest! ‘Tis a satyre against the whole sex.
Willmore
‘Is this a fruit that grows in this warm countrey?
Belvile
Yes: ‘Tis pretty to see these Italians start, swell and stab, at the word cuckold; and yet stumble at horns on every threshold.
Willmore
See what’s on their back—Flowers of every Night.Reads. —Ah Rogue! and more sweet than roses of ev’ry moneth! This is a gardiner of Adam‘s own breeding.
They dance.[page 10]Belvile
What think you of those grave People?
—is a wake in Essex half so mad or extravagant?
Willmore
I like their sober grave way, ’tis a kind of legal authoriz’d fornication, where the men are not chid for’t, nor the women despis’d, as amongst our dull English, even the monsieurs want that part of good manners.
Belvile
But here in Italy, a monsieur is the humblest best bred gentleman—duels are so bafled by Bravo‘s, that an age shews not one but between a French-man, and a hang-man, who is as much too hard for him on the Piaza, as they are for a Dutchman on the New Bridge—but see another crew.
Enter Florinda, Hellena and Valeria, drest like Gipsies; Callis and Stephano, Lucetta, Philipo and Sancho in Masquerade.Hellena
Sister, there’s your English Man, and with him a handsome proper fellow—I’le to him, and instead of telling him his Fortune, try my own.
Willmore
Gipsies on my life—sure these will prattle if a man crosse their hands. [Goes to Hellena. —dear, pretty, (and I hope) young Devil, will you tell an amorous stranger, what luck he’s like to have?
Hellena
Have a care how you venture with me Sir, least I pick your pocket, which will more vex your English humour, than an Italian fortune will please you.
Willmore
How the Devil cam’st thou to know my countrey and humour?
Hellena
The first I guess by a certain forward impudence, which does not displease me at this time, and the loss of your money will vex you, because I hope you have but very little to lose.
Willmore
Egad child thou’rt ith’ right, it is so little, I dare not offer it thee for a kindness—but cannot you divine what other things of more value I have about me, that I wou’d more willingly part with.
Hellena
Indeed no, that’s the bus’ness of a witch, and I am but a gipsie yet.—Yet without looking in your hand, I have a parlous guess, ’tis some foolish heart you mean, an inconstant English heart, as little worth stealing as your purse.
Willmore
Nay, then thou dost deal with the Devil, that’s certain.— thou hast guest as right, as if thou had’st been one of that number it has languisht for.—I find you’l be better acquainted with it, nor can you take it in a better time; for I am come from sea, child, and Venus not being propitious to me in her own element: I have a world of love in store—wou’d you wou’d be good natur’d and take some on’t off my hands.
Hellena
Whe—I cou’d be inclin’d that way—but for a foolish vow I am going to make—to dye a maid.
Willmore
Then thou art damn’d without redemption, and as I am a good Christian, I ought in charity to divert so wicked a design —therefore prithee dear creature let me know quickly when, and where I shall begin to set a helping hand to so good a work.
Hellena
If you shou’d prevail with my tender heart (as I begin to fear you will, for you have horrible loving eyes) there will be difficulty in’t, that you’l hardly undergo for my sake.
Willmore
Faith child I have been bred in dangers, and wear a sword, that has been employ’d in a worse cause, than for a handsome kind woman—name the danger—let it be any thing but a long siege—and I’le undertake it.
Hellena
Can you storm?
Willmore
Oh most furiously.
Hellena
What think you of a Nunnery Wall? For he that wins me, must gain that first.
Willmore
A nun! Oh how I love thee for’t! There’s no sinner like a young Saint—nay now there’s no denying me, the Old Law had no curse (to a woman) like dying a maid; witness Ieptha’sdaughter.
Hellena
A very good text this, if well handled, and I perceive Father Captain, you wou’d impose no severe penance on her who were inclin’d to console her self, before she took orders.
Willmore
If she be young and handsome.
Hellena
Ay there’s it—but if she be not—
Willmore
By this hand, child, I have an implicit faith, and dare venture on thee with all faults—besides, ’tis more meritorious to leave the world, when thou hast tasted and prov’d the pleasure on’t. Then ’twill be a virtue in thee, which now will be pure ignorance.
Hellena
I perceive good Father Captain, you design only to make me fit for Heaven—but if on the contrary, you shou’d quite divert me from it, and bring me back to the world again, I shou’d have a new man to seek I find; and what a grief that will be—for when I begin, I fancy I shall love like any thing, I never try’d yet.
Willmore
Egad and that’s kind—prithee dear creature, give me credit for a heart, for faith I’m a very honest fellow—Oh, I long to come first to the Banquet of Love! And such a swinging appetite I bring—Oh I’m impatient.—thy lodging sweetheart, thy lodging! or I’m a dead man!
Hellena
Why must we be either guilty of fornication or murder if we converse with you men—and is there no difference between leave to love me, and leave to lie with me?
Willmore
Faith child they were made to go together.
Lucetta
Are you sure this is the man?
Pointing to Blunt.Sancho
When did I mistake your game?
Lucetta
This is a stranger, I know by his gazing; if he be brisk, he’l venture to follow me; and then if I understand my trade, he’s mine, he’s English too; and they say that’s a sort of good natur’d loving people, and have generally so kind an opinion of themselves, that a woman with any wit may flatter e’m into any sort of fool she pleases.
Blunt
‘Tis so—she is taken— I have Beauties which my false Glass at home did not discover.
She often passes by Blunt, and gazes on him, he struts and Cocks, and walks and gazes on her.Florinda
This Woman watches me so, I shall get no opportunity to discover my self to him, and so miss the intent of my coming —but as I was saying, Sir,—by this Line you shou’d be a Lover.
Looking in his hand.
Belvile
I thought how right you guessed, all men are in Love, or pretend to be so—come let me go, I’m weary of this fooling.
Walks away.
Florinda
I will not, till you have confest whether the passion that you have vow’d Florinda, be true or false?
She holds him, he strives to get from her.
Belvile
Florinda!
Turns quick towards her.
Florinda
Softly.
Belvile
Thou hast nam’d one will fix me here for ever.
Florinda
She’ll be disappointed then, who expects you this night at the Garden-gate, and if you fail not—as let me see the other hand—you will go near to do—she vows to dye or make you happy.
Looks on Callis who observes ’em.
[page 13]Belvile
What canst thou mean?
Florinda
That which I say—Farewel.
Offers to go.
Belvile
Oh charming Sybil stay, complete that joy which as it is will turn into destraction!—where must I be? at the Garden-gate? I know it—at Night you say?—I’ll sooner forfeit Heav’n than disobey.
Enter Don Pedro and other Masquers, and pass over the Stage.Callis
Madam, your Brother’s here.
Florinda
Take this to instruct you farther.
Gives him a Letter, and goes off.
Frederick
Have a care, Sir, what you promise; this may be a Trap laid by her Brother to ruine you.
Belvile
Do not disturb my happiness with doubts.
Opens the Letter.
Willmore
My dear pretty Creature, a Thousand Blessings on thee! still in this habit you say?—and after Dinner at this place.
Hellena
Yes, if you will swear to keep your heart, and not bestow it between this and that.
Willmore
By all the little Gods of Love I swear, I’l leave it with you, and if you run away with it, those Deities of Justice will revenge me.
Ex. all the Women.Frederick
Do you know the hand?
Belvile
‘Tis Florinda‘s.
All Blessings fall upon the virtuous Maid.
Frederick
Nay, no Idolatry, a sober Sacrifice I’l allow you.
Belvile
Oh Friends, the welcom’st News! the softest Letter!— nay—you shall all see it! and cou’d you now be serious, I might be made the happiest Man the Sun shines on!
Willmore
The reason of this mighty joy?
Belvile
See how kindly she invites me to deliver her from the threatned violence of her Brother—will you not assist me?
Willmore
I know not what thou mean’st, but I’ll make one at any mischief where a Woman’s concerned—but she’l be grateful to us for the favour, will she not?
Belvile
How mean you?
Willmore
How shou’d I mean? thou know’st there’s but one way for a Woman to oblige me.
Belvile
Do not prophane—the Maid is nicely virtuous.
[page 14]Willmore
Who Pox, then she’s fit for nothing but a husband, let her e’n go, Colonel.
Frederick
Peace, she’s the Colonel’s Mistris, Sir.
Willmore
Let her be the Devil, if she be thy Mistris, I’l serve her— name the way.
Belvile
Read here this Postscript.
[Gives him a Letter.
Will.
Reads. —Kind Heart, if we Three cannot weave a string to let her down a Garden-Wall, ’twere pity but the Hang-man wove one for us all.
At Ten at night—at the Garden-Gate—of which, if I cannot get the Key, I will contrive a way over the Wall—come attended with a Friend or Two.Frederick
Let her alone for that, your Womans wit! your fair kind Woman! will out-trick a Broker or a Jew: and contrive like a Jesuit in Chains—but see, Ned Blunt is stolen out after the Lure of a Damsel.
Ex. Blunt and Lucetta.Belvile
So, he’ll scarce find his way home again, unless we get him cry’d by the Bell-man in the Market-place, and ‘twou’d sound prettily—a lost English Boy of Thirty.
Frederick
I hope ’tis some Common crafty Sinner, one that will fit him; it may be she’ll sell him for Perue, the Rogue’s sturdy, and wou’d work well in a Mine; at least I hope she’ll dress him for our Mirth, cheat him of all, then have him well-favourd’ly bang’d, and turn’d out Naked at Midnight.
Willmore
Prithee what humour is he of, that you wish him so well?
Belvile
Why of an English Elder Brother’s humour, Educated in a Nursery, with a Maid to tend him till Fifteen, and lyes with his Grand-Mother till he’s of Age: one that knowes no pleasure beyond riding to the next Fair, or going up to London with his right Worshipful Father in Parliament-time; wearing gay Cloths, or making honourable Love to his Lady Mothers Landry-Maid: gets drunk at a Hunting-Match, and ten to one then gives some proofs of his Prowess.—A Pox upon him, he’s our Banker, and has all our Cash about him, and if he fail, we are all Broke.
Frederick
Oh let him alone for that matter, he’s of a damn’d stingey quality, that will secure our stock; I know not in what danger it were indeed if the Jilt shou’d pretend she’s in Love with him, for ’tis a kind believing Coxcomb; otherwise if he part with more than a piece of Eight—-gueld him: for which offer he may chance to be beaten, if she be a Whore of the First Rank.
[page ]Belvile
Nay the Rogue will not be easily beaten, he’s stout enough; perhaps if they talk beyond his capacity, he may chance to exercise his Courage upon some of them, else I’m sure they’ll find it as difficult to beat as to please him.
Willmore
‘Tis a luckey Devil to light upon so kind a Wench!
Frederick
Thou had’st a great deal of talk with thy little Gipsie, coud’st thou do no good upon her? for mine was hard-hearted.
Willmore
Hang her, she was some damn’d honest Person of Quality I’m sure, she was so very free and witty. If her face be but answerable to her Witt, and humour, I wou’d be bound to Constancy this Moneth to gain her—in the mean time, have you made no kind acquaintance since you came to Town?—you do not use to be honest so long, Gentlemen.
Frederick
Faith Love has kept us honest, we have been all fir’d with a Beauty newly come to Town, the Famous Paduana Angellica Bianca.
Willmore
What the Mistris of the dead Spanish General?
Belvile
Yes, she’s now the only ador’d Beauty of all the Youth in Naples, who put on all their Charms to appear lovely in her sight, their Coaches, Liveries, and themselves, all gay, as on a Monarch’s Birth-Day, to attract the Eyes of this fair Charmer, while she has the pleasure to behold all languish for her that see her.
Frederick
‘Tis pretty to see with how much Love the Men regard her, and how much Envy the Women.
Willmore
What Gallant has she?
Belvile
None, she’s expos’d to Sail, and Four days in the Week she’s yours—for so much a Month.
Willmore
The very thought of it quenches all manner of Fire in me—yet prithee let’s see her.
Belvile
Let’s first to Dinner, and after that wee’l pass the day as you please—but at Night yee must all be at my Devotion.
Willmore
I will not fail you.
The End of the First Act.[page 16]ACT II.Scene I. The Long Street.Enter Belvile and Frederick in Masquing Habits, and Willmore in his own Cloaths, with a Vizard in his Hand.Willmore
But why thus disguis’d and muzzel’d?
Belvile
Because whatever Extravagances we commit in these Faces, our own may not be oblig’d to answer ’em.
Willmore
I shou’d have chang’d my Eternal Buffe too; but no matter, my little Gipsie wou’d not have found me out then; for if she shou’d change hers, it is impossible I should know her, unless I should hear her prattle.—A Pox on’t, I cannot get her out of my Head: Pray Heaven, if ever I do see her again, she prove damnably ugly, that I may fortifie my self against her Tongue.
Belvile
Have a care of Love, for o’ my conscience she was not of a quality to give thee any hopes.
Willmore
Pox on ’em, why do they draw a Man in then? She has play’d with my Heart so, that ’twill never lye still, till I have met with some kind Wench, that will play the Game out with me— Oh for my Arms full of soft, white, kind—Woman! such as I fancy Angelica.
Belvile
This is her House, if you were but in stock to get admittance; they have not din’d yet; I perceive the Picture is not out.
Enter Blunt.Willmore
I long to see the Shadow of the fair Substance; a Man may gaze on that for nothing.
Blunt
Coll. Thy Hand—and thine
Frederick
I have been an Ass, a deluded Fool, a very Coxcomb from my Birth till this hour, and heartily repent my little Faith.
Belvile
What the Devil’s the matter with thee Ned?
—Oh such a Mrs.
Frederick
such a Girl!
Willmore
Ha! where.
Frederick
Ay where!
Blunt
So fond, so amorous, so toying and so fine! and all for sheer Love ye Rogue! Oh how she lookt and kist! and sooth’d my [page 17] Heart from my Bosom—I cannot think I was awake, and yet methinks I see and feel her charms still—
Frederick
—Try if she have not left the taste of her Balmey Kisses upon my Lips—
Kisses him.
Belvile
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Willmore
Death Man where is she?
—What a Dog was I to stay in dull England so long,—How have I laught at the Coll. When he sigh’d for Love! but now the little Archer has reveng’d him! and by this one Dart, I can guess at all his joys, which then I took for Fancies, meer Dreams and Fables.—Well, I’m resolv’d to sell all in Essex, and plant here for ever.
Belvile
What a Blessing ’tis, thou hast a Mistris thou dar’st boast of; for I know thy Humour is, rather to have a proclaim’d Clap, than a secret Amour.
Willmore
Dost know her Name?
Blunt
Her Name? No, ‘sheartlikins what care I for Names. —She’s fair! young! brisk and kind! even to ravishment! and what a Pox care I for knowing her by any other Title.
Willmore
Didst give her any thing?
Blunt
Give her!—Ha, ha, ha! whe she’s a Person of Quality; —that’s a good one, give her! ‘sheartlikins dost think such Creatures are to be bought? Or are we provided for such a Purchase? give her quoth ye? Why she presented me with this Bracelet, for the Toy of a Diamond I us’d to wear: No, Gentlemen, Ned Blunt is not every Body—She expects me again to Night.
Willmore
Egad that’s well; we’ll all go.
Blunt
Not a Soul: No, Gentlemen, you are Wits; I am a dull Countrey Rogue, I.
Frederick
Well, Sir, for all your Person of Quality, I shall be very glad to understand your Purse be secure; ’tis our whole Estate at present, which we are loth to hazard in one Bottom; come, Sir, unlade.
Blunt
Take the necessary Trifle useless now to me, that am belov’d by such a Gentlewoman—’sheartlikins Money! Here take mine too.
Frederick
No, keep that to be couzen’d, that we may laugh.
Willmore
Couzen’d!—Death! wou’d I cou’d meet with one, that wou’d couzen me of all the Love I cou’d spare to Night.
Frederick
Pox, ’tis some common Whore upon my life.
[page 18]Blunt
A Whore!—yes with such Cloths! such Jewels! such a House! such Furniture, and so Attended! a Whore!
Belvile
Why yes Sir, they are Whores, tho’ they’ll neither entertain you with Drinking, Swearing, or Bawdry; are Whores in all those gay Cloths, and right Jewels, are Whores with those great Houses richly furnisht with Velvet Beds, Store of Plate, handsome Attendance, and fine Coaches, are Whores and Errant ones.
Willmore
Pox on’t, where do these fine Whores live?
Belvile
Where no Rogues in Office Ecliped Constables, dare give ’em Laws, nor the Wine Inspir’d Bullies of the Town, break their Windows; yet they are Whores tho this Essex Calf believe ’em Persons of Quality.
Blunt
‘Sheartlikins, y’are all Fools, there are things about this Essex Calf, that shall take with the Ladies, beyond all your Witt and Parts—this Shape and Size Gentlemen are not to be despis’d— my Waste too tolerably long, with other inviting signs, that shall be nameless.
Willmore
Egad I believe he may have met with some Person of Quality that may be kind to him.
Belvile
Dost thou perceive any such tempting things about him, that shou’d make a fine Woman, and of Quality, pick him out from all Mankind, to throw away her Youth and Beauty upon, nay and her dear heart too!—no, no, Angellica has rais’d the Price too high.
Willmore
May she languish for Mankind till she dye, and be damn’d for that one sin alone.
Enter Two Bravo’s, and hang up a great Picture of Angellica’s, against the Balcone, and Two little ones at each side of the Door.Belvile
See there the fair Sign to the Inn where a Man may Lodg that’s Fool enough to give her price.
Willmore gazes on the Picture.Blunt
‘Sheartlikins, Gentlemen, what’s this!
Belvile
A Famous Courtizan, that’s to be sold.
Blunt
How? to be sold! nay then I have nothing to say to her—sold! what Impudence is practic’d in this Countrey? —with what Order and decency Whoring’s Establisht here by Virtue of the Inquisition—come let’s begone, I’m sure wee’re no Chapmen for this Commodity.
Frederick
Thou art none I’m sure, unless thou coud’st have her in thy Bed at a price of a Coach in the Street.
[page 19]Willmore
How wondrous fair she is—a Thousand Crowns a Month—by Heaven as many Kingdoms were too little, a plague of this Poverty—of which I ne’re complain, but when it hinders my approach to Beauty: which Virtue ne’re cou’d purchase.
Turns from the Picture.
Blunt
What’s this?— Reads.A Thousand Crowns a Month!
—’Sheartlikins here’s a Sum! sure ’tis a mistake.
—Heark you Friend, does she take or give so much by the Month?
Frederick
A Thousand Crowns! why ’tis a Portion for the Infanta.
Blunt
Heark ye Friends, won’t she trust?
Bravo
This is a Trade, Sir, that cannot live by Credit.
Enter Don Pedro in Masquerade, follow’d by Stephano.Belvile
See, here’s more Company, let’s walk off a while.
[Ex.English.Don Pedro Reads.Enter Angellica and Moretta in the Balcone, and draw a Silk Curtain.Pedro
Fetch me a thousand Crowns, I never wisht to buy this Beauty at an easier rate.
passes off.
Angellica
Prithee what said those Fellows to thee?
Bravo
Madam, the first were admirers of Beauty only, but no purchasers, they were merry with your Price and Picture, laught at the Sum, and so past off.
Angellica
No Matter, I’m not displeas’d with their rallying; their wonder feeds my vanity, and he that wishes but to buy, gives me more Pride, than he that gives my Price, can make my pleasure.
Bravo
Madam, the last I knew through all his disguises to be Don Pedro, Nephew to the General, and who was with him in Pampalona.
Angellica
Don Pedro! my old Gallant’s Nephew, when his Uncle dy’d he left him a vast Sum of Money; it is he who was so in love with me at Padua, and who us’d to make the General so Jealous.
Moretta
Is this he that us’d to prance before our Window, and take such care to shew himself an Amorous Ass? If I am not mistaken he is the likeliest Man to give your price.
[page 20]Angellica
The Man is brave and generous, but of an humour so uneasie and inconstant, that the victory over his heart is as soon lost as won, a Slave that can add little to the Triumph of the Conquerour, but Inconstancy’s the sin of all Mankind, therefore I’m resolv’d that nothing but Gold, shall charm my heart.
Moretta
I’m glad on’t; ’tis only Interest that Women of our profession ought to consider: tho’ I wonder what has kept you from that general Disease of our Sex so long, I mean that of being in Love.
Angellica
A kind, but sullen Star under which I had the happiness to be born; yet I have had no time for Love; the bravest and noblest of Mankind have purchast my favours at so dear a rate, as if no Coin but Gold were currant with our Trade— but here’s Don Pedro again, fetch me my Lute—for ’tis for him or Don Antonio the Vice-Roys Son, that I have spread my Nets.
Enter at one Door Don Pedro, Stephano; Don Antonio and Diego at the other Door with People following him in Masquerade, antickly attir’d, some with Musick, they both go up to the Picture.Antonio
A Thousand Crowns! had not the Painter flatter’d her, I shou’d not think it dear.
Pedro
Flatter’d her! by Heav’n he cannot, I have seen the Original, nor is there one Charm here more than Adorns her Face and Eyes; all this soft and sweet, with a certain languishing Air, that no Artist can represent.
Antonio
What I heard of her Beauty before had fir’d my Soul, but this confirmation of it has blown it to a flame.
Pedro
Ha!
Diego
Sir, I have known you throw away a Thousand Crowns on a worse face, and tho y’are near your Marriage, you may venture a little Love here▪Florinda will not miss it.
Aside:Pedro
Ha! Florinda!—sure ’tis Antonio.
Antonio
Florinda! name not those distant joyes, there’s not one thought of her will check my Passion here.
Pedro
Florinda scorn’d! and all my [A noise of a Lute above. hopes defeated, of the Possession of Angelica.[Ant. gazes up. Her Injuries! by Heaven he shall not boast of.
[Song to a Lute above.Antonio
By Heav’n she’s charming fair!
Angellica throws open the Curtains, and bows to Antonio, who pulls off his Vizard and bows and blows up kisses. Don Pedro unseen looks in’s face.Pedro
‘Tis he; the false Antonio!
Antonio
Friend, where must I pay my Offring of Love?
[To the Bravo.
My Thousand Crowns I mean.
Pedro
That Offring I have design’d to make.
And yours will come too late.
Antonio
Prithee begone, I shall grow angry else.
And then thou art not safe.
Pedro
My Anger may be fatal, Sir, as yours;
And he that enters here may prove this truth.
Antonio
I know not who thou art, but I am sure thou’rt worth my killing, for aiming at Angelica.
They draw and fight.[page 22] Enter Willmore and Blunt, who draw and part ’em.Blunt
‘Sheartlikins, here’s fine doings.
Willmore
Tilting for the Wench I’m sure—nay gad, if that wou’d win her, I have as good a Sword as the best of ye.—Put up,— put up, and take another time and place, for this is design’d for Lovers only.
They all put up.Pedro
We are prevented; dare you meet me to Morrow on the Molo?
For I’ve a Title to a better quarrel,
That of Florinda in whose credulous heart
Thou’st, made an Int’rest, and destroyd my hopes.
Antonio
Dare!
I’ll meet thee there as early as the day.
Pedro
We will come thus disguised, that whosoever chance to get the better, he may escape unkown.
Antonio
It shall be so. [Ex. Pedro and Stephano. Who shou’d this Rival be? unless the English Colonel, of whom I’ve often heard Don Pedro speak; it must be he, and time he were remov’d, who lays a claim to all my happiness.
Willmore having gaz’d all this while on the Picture, pulls down a little one.Willmore
This Posture’s loose and negligent,
The sight on’t wou’d beget a warm desire,
In Souls whom Impotence and Age had chill’d.
—This must along with me.
Bravo
What means this rudeness, Sir?—restore the Picture.
Antonio
Ha! Rudeness committed to the fair Angellica!
—Restore the Picture, Sir—
Willmore
Indeed I will not, Sir.
Antonio
By Heav’n but you shall.
Willmore
Nay, do not shew your Sword, if you do, by this dear Beauty—I will shew mine too.
Antonio
What right can you pretend to’t?
Willmore
That of Possession which I will maintain—you perhaps have a 1000 Crowns to give for the Original.
Antonio
No matter, Sir, you shall restore the Picture.
Angellica
Oh Moretta! what’s the matter?
[Angellica and Moretta above.[page 23]Antonio
Or leave your life behind,
Willmore
Death! you lye—I will do neither.
Angellica
Hold, I command you, if for me you Fight.
They Fight, the Spaniards joyn with Don Antonio Blunt laying on like mad. They leave off and bow.Willmore
How Heavenly fair she is!—ah Plague of her price.
Angellica
You Sir in Buffe, you that appear a Souldier, that first began this Insolence—
Willmore
‘Tis true, I did so, if you call it Insolence for a Man to preserve himself; I saw your Charming Picture and was wounded; quite through my Soul each pointed Beauty ran; and wanting a Thousand Crowns to procure my remedy—I laid this little Picture to my Bosom—which if you cannot allow me, I’ll resign.
Angellica
No you may keep the Trifle.
Antonio
You shall first ask me leave, and this.
Fight again as before.Enter Belvile and Frederick who joyn with the English.Angellica
Hold! will you ruine me!—Beskey—Sebestian— part’em.—
The Spaniards are beaten off.Moretta
Oh Madam, we’re undone, a pox upon that rude Fellow, low, he’s set on to ruine us: we shall never see good days, till all these fighting poor Rogues are sent to the Gallies.
Enter Belvile, Blunt Frederick and Willmore with’s shirt bloody.Blunt
‘Sheartlikins, beat me at this sport, and I’le ne’re wear Sword more.
Belvile
The Devil’s in thee for a mad Fellow, thou art always one, at an unluckey Adventure—come let’s begon whil’st wee’re safe, and remember these are Spaniards, a sort of People that know how to revenge an Affront.
To WillmoreFrederick
You bleed! I hope you are not wounded.
Willmore
Not much:—a plague on your Dons, if they fight no better they’l ne’re recover Flanders.—what the Devil was’t to them that I took down the Picture?
Blunt
Took it! ‘Sheartlikins we’ll have the great one too; ’tis ours by Conquest.—prithee help me up and I’ll pull it down—
[page 24]Angellica
Stay Sir, and e’re you Affront me farther, let me know how you durst commit this out-rage—to you I speak Sir, for you appear a Gentleman.
Willmore
To me, Madam—Gentlemen your Servant.
Belvile stays him.Belvile
Is the Devil in thee? do’st know the danger of entring the house of an incens’d Courtizan?
Willmore
I thank you for your care—but there are other matters in hand, there are, tho we have no great Temptation—Death! let me go.
Frederick
Yes to your Lodging if you will, but not in here.
—Damn these Gay Harlots—by this hand I’ll have as sound and handsome a Whore, for a Patacoone,—death Man, she’ll Murder thee.
Willmore
Oh! fear me not, shall I not venture where a Beauty calls? a lovely Charming Beauty! for fear of danger! when by Heav’n there’s none so great, as to long for her, whil’st I want Moto purchase her.
Pedro
Therefore ’tis loss of time unless you had the Thousand Crowns to pay.
Willmore
It may be she may give a Favour, at least I shall have the pleasure of Saluting her when I enter, and when I depart.
Belvile
Pox, she’ll as soon lye with thee, as kiss thee, and sooner stab than do either—you shall not go.
Angellica
Fear not Sir, all I have to wound with is my Eyes.
Blunt
Let him go, ‘Sheartlikins, I believe the Gentlewoman means well.
Belvile
Well take thy Fortune, we’ll expect you in the next Street—farewell Fool—Farewell—
Willmore
‘Buy Colonel—
Goes in.Frederick
The Rogue’s stark mad for a Wench.
[Exeunt.SCENE. A fine Chamber.Enter Willmore, Angelica and Moretta.Angellica
Insolent Sir, how durst you pull down my Picture?
Willmore
Rather, how durst you set it up, to tempt poor Am’rous▪ Mortals with so much excellence? which I find you have but too well consulted by the unmerciful price you set upon’t.— [page 25] Is all this Heaven of Beauty shewn to move despair in those that cannot buy? and can you think th’ effects of that despair, shou’d be less extravagant than I have shewn?
Angellica
I sent for you to ask my Pardon Sir, not to Aggravate your Crime—I thought I shou’d have seen you at my Feet imploring it.
Willmore
You are deceiv’d, I came to rail at you, and rail such truths too, as shall let you see, the vanity of that Pride, which taught you how, to set such Price on Sin. For such it is, whil’st that which is Loves due. is meanly barter’d for.
Aside in a soft tone:Angellica
Ha! ha! ha! alas good Captain, what pitty ’tis your edifying Doctrine will do no good upon me—Moretta! fetch the Gentleman a Glass, and let him surveigh himself. To see what Charms he has—and guess my business.
Moretta
He knows himself of Old, I believe those Breeches and he have been acquainted ever since he was beaten at Worcester.
Angellica
Nay do not abuse the poor Creature—
Moretta
Good Weather beaten Corporal, will you march off? we have no need of your Doctrine, tho’ you have of our Charity, but at present we have no scraps, we can afford no kindness for God’s sake; in fine Sirrah, the price is too high ‘ith Mouth for you, therefore Troop I say.
Willmore
Here good Fore-Woman of the Shop serve me, and I’ll be gone.
Moretta
Keep it to pay your Landress, your Linnen stinks of the Gun Room; for here’s no selling by Retail.
Willmore
Thou hast sold plenty of thy Stale Ware at a Cheap rate.
Moretta
Ay the more Silly kind Heart I, but this is an Age wherein Beauty is at higher rates—In fine you know the price of this.
Willmore
I grant you ’tis here—set down a Thousand Crowns a Month—pray how much may come to my Share for a Pistol. —Bawd take your black Lead and Sum it up, that I may have a Pistols worth of this vain gay things, and I’ll trouble you no more.
Moretta
Pox on him he’ll fret me to death:—abominable Fellow, I tell thee, wee only sell by the whole piece.
Willmore
‘Tis very hard, the whole Cargo or nothing—Faith [page 26] Madam, my Stock will not reach it, I cannot be your Chapman —Yet I have Country Men in Town, Merchants of Love like me; I’ll see if they’ll put in for a share, we cannot lose much by it, and what we have no use for, we’ll sell upon the Frydays Mart at—Who gives more? I am studying Madam how to purchase you, tho’ at present I am unprovided of Money.
Angellica
Sure this from any other Man would anger me—nor shall he know the Conquest he has made—poor angry Man, how I despise this railing.
Willmore
Yes, I am poor—but I’m a Gentleman,
And one that Scornes this basenesswhich you practice;
Poor as I am, I wou’d not sell my self,
No not to gain your Charming high priz’d Person.
Tho’ I admire you strangely for your Beauty,
Yet I contemn your mind.
—And yet I wou’d at any rate enjoy you,
At your own rate—but cannot—see here
The only Sum I can command on Earth;
I know not where to eat when this is gon.
Yet such a Slave I am to Love and Beauty
This last reserve I’ll sacrifice to enjoy you.
—Nay do not frown, I know you’re to be bought,
And wou’d be bought by me, by me,
For a mean triffling sum if I cou’d pay it down
Which happy knowledge I will still repeat,
And lay it to my Heart, it has a Virtue in’t,
And soon will cure those Wounds your Eyes have made.
—And yet—there’s something so Divinely powerful there—
Nay I will gaze—to let you see my strength.
Holds her, looks on her, and pawses and sighs.
—By Heav’n bright Creature—I would not for the World
Thy Fame were half so fair, as is thy Face.
Turns her away from him.
Aside:Angellica
His words go through me to the very Soul.
To Willmore
—If you have nothing else to say to me—
Willmore
Yes, you shall hear how Infamous you are—
For which I do not hate thee—
But that secures my heart, and all the Flames it feels
Are but so many Lusts—
I know it by their sudden bold Intrusion.
[page 27] The Fire’s impatient and betrays, ’tis false—
For had it been the purer flame of Love,
I shou’d have pin’d and languisht at your feet,
E’re found the impudence to have discover’d it.
I now dare stand your scorn, and your denyal.
Morreta
Sure she’s bewitch, that she can stand thus tamely and hear his sawcy railing—Sirrah, will you be gon?
Angellica
How dare you take this Liberty?—withdraw.
To Morreta —Pray tell me, Sir, are not you guilty of the same Mercenary Crime,
To Morreta —Pray tell me, Sir, are not you guilty of the same Mercenary Crime,
When a Lady is propos’d to you for a Wife, you never ask, how fair—discreet—or virtuous she is; but what’s her Fortune— which if but small, you cry—she will not do my business— and basely leave her, thou she languish for you—say, is not this as poor?
Willmore
It is Barbarous Custome, which I will scorn to defend in our Sex, and do despise in yours.
Angellica
Thou’rt a brave Fellow! put up thy Gold, and know,
That were thy Fortune large as is thy Soul,
Thou shoud’st not buy my Love,
Coudst thou forget those mean effects of vanity
Which set me out to sale, and, as a Lover, prize my yielding joys.
Canst thou believe they’l be intirely thine,
Without considering they were Mercenary?
Aside:Willmore
I cannot tell, I must bethink me first—ha—death I’m going to believe her.
Angellica
Prithee confirm that faith—or if thou canst not— flatter me a little, ’twill please me from thy mouth.
Aside:Willmore
Curse on thy charming Tongue! dost thou return
My feign’d contempt with so much subtilty?
To Angellica
Thou’st found the easiest way into my heart,
Tho I yet know, that all thou say’st is false.
Turning from her in Rage.
Angellica
By all that’s good ’tis real,
I never lov’d before, tho ofta Mistress.
—Shall my first Vows be slighted?
Aside:Willmore
What can she mean?
Angellica
I find you cannot credit me.—
[In an angry tone.Willmore
I know you take me for an errant Ass,
An Ass that may be sooth’d into belief,
[page 28] And then be us’d at pleasure;
—But, Madam, I have been so often cheated
By perjur’d soft deluding Hypocrites,
That I’ve no faith left for the couzening Sex;
Especially for Women of your Trade.
Angellica
The low esteem you have of me, perhaps
May bring my heart again:
For I have pride, that yet surmounts my Love.
She turns: with pride he holds her.Willmore
Throw off this Pride, this Enemy to Bliss,
And shew the Pow’r of Love: ’tis with those Arms
I can be only vanquisht, made a Slave.
Angellica
Is all my mighty expectation vanisht?
—No, I will not hear thee talk—thou hast a Charm
In every word that draws my heart away.
And all the Thousand Trophies I design’d
Thou hast undone—Why art thou soft?
Thy looks are bravely rough, and meant for War.
Coud’st thou not storm on still?
I then perhaps had been as free as thou.
Aside:Willmore
Death, how she throws her Fire about my Soul!
To Angellica:
—Take heed, fair Creature, how you raise my hopes,
Which once assum’d pretends to all dominion.
There’s not a joy thou hast in store,
I shall not then Command.
—For which I’ll pay thee back my Soul! my Life!
—Come, let’s begin th’ account this happy minute!
Angellica
And will you pay me then the price I ask?
Willmore
Oh why dost thou draw me from an awful Worship,
By shewing thou art no Divinity.
Conceal the Fiend, and shew me all the Angel!
Keep me but ignorant, and I’ll be devout
And pay my Vows for ever at this shrine.
Kneels and kisses her hand.Angellica
The pay, I mean, is but thy Love for mine.
—Can you give that?
Willmore
Intirely—come, let’s withdraw! where I’ll renew my Vows—and breath ’em with such Ardour thou shalt not doubt my zeal.
[page 29]Angellica
Thou hast a Pow’r too strong to be resisted.
Ex. Willmore and AngellicaMoretta
Now my Curse go with you—is all our Project fallen to this? to love the only Enemy to our Trade? nay, to love such a Shameroone, a very Beggar, nay a Pyrate Beggar, whose business is to rifle, and be gone, a no Purchase, no Pay Taterdemalion, and EnglishPiccaroon.
A Rogue that fights for daily drink, and takes a Pride in being Loyally Lousie—Oh I cou’d curse now, if I durst.—This is the Fate of most Whores.
Trophies, which from believing Fops we win,
Are Spoils to those who couzen us agen.
The End of the Second ACT.ACT III.Scene I. A Street.Enter Florinda, Valeria, Hellena, in Antickdifferent Dresses, from what they were in before, Callis attending.Florinda
I Wonder what shou’d make my Brother in so ill a humour? I hope he has not found out our Ramble this Morning.
Hellena
No, if he had, we shou’d have heard on’t at both Ears, and have been Mew’dup this Afternoon; which I wou’d not for the World shou’d have hapned—hey ho, I’m as sad as a Lover’s Lute.—
Valeria
Well, methinks we have learnt this Trade of Gipsies as readily, as if we had been bred upon the Road to Loretta: and yet I did so fumble, when I told the stranger his Fortune, that I was [page 30] afraid I should have told my own and yours by mistake—but, methinks Hellena has been very serious ever since.
Florinda
I wou’d give my Garters she were in Love, to be reveng’d upon her, for abusing me—how is’t, Hellena?
Hellena
Ah—wou’d I had never seen my mad Monsieur—and yet for all your laughing, I am not in Love—and yet this small acquaintance o’ my Conscience will never out of my head.
Valeria
Ha, ha, ha—I laugh to think how thou art fitted with a Lover, a fellow that I warrant loves every new Face he sees.
Hellena
Hum—he has not kept his word with me here—and may be taken up—that thought is not very pleasant to me— what the Deuce shou’d this be now, that I feel?
Valeria
What is’t like?
Hellena
Nay, the Lord knows—but if I shou’d be hang’d, I cannot choose, but be angry and afraid, when I think, that mad Fellow shou’d be in Love with any Body but me—what to think of my self, I know not—wou’d I cou’d meet with some true damn’d Gipsie, that I might know my Fortune.
Valeria
Know it! why there’s nothing so easie, thou wilt love this wandring Inconstant, till thou findst thy self hang’d about his Neck, and then be as mad to get free again.
Florinda
Yes, Valeria, we shall see her bestride his Baggage Horse, and follow him to the Campaigne.
Hellena
So, so, now you are provided for, there’s no care taken of poor me—but since you have set my heart a wishing—I am resolv’d to know for what, I will not dye of the Pip, so I will not.
Florinda
Art thou mad to talk so? who will like thee well enough to have thee, that, hears what a mad Wench thou art?
Hellena
Like me! I don’t intend every he that likes me shall have me, but he that I like; I shou’d have staid in the Nunnery still, if I had lik’d my Lady Abbesse as well as she lik’d me—no, I came thence not (as my wise Brother imagines) to take an Eternal Farewel of the World, but to Love, and to be belov’d, and I will be belov’d, or I’ll get one of your Men, so I will.
Valeria
Am I put into the number of Lovers?
Hellena
You? why Couz, I know thou’rt too good natur’d to leave us in any design: thou wou’t venture a Cast, tho thou comest off a loser, especially with such a Gamester.—I observe your Man, and your willing Ear incline that way; and if you are not [page 31] a Lover, ’tis an Art soon learnt—that I find.
[Sighs.Florinda
I wonder how you learnt to Love so easily, I had a 1000 Charms to meet my Eyes and Ears, e’re I cou’d yield, and ’twas the knowedge of Belvile‘s merit, not the surprizing Person took my Soul—thou art too rash to give a heart at first sight.
Hellena
Hang your considering Lover; I never thought beyond the fancy that ’twas a very pretty, idle, silly, kind of pleasure to pass ones time with, to write little soft. Nonsensical Billiets, and with great difficulty and danger receive Answers; in which I shall have my Beauty prais’d, my Wit admir’d, (tho little or none) and have the vanity and pow’r to know I am desirable; then I have the more inclination that way, because I am to be a Nun, and so shall not be suspected to have any such Earthly thoughts about me—but when I walk thus—and sigh thus— they’l think my mind’s upon my Monastery, and cry how happy ’tis she’s so resolv’d.
—But not word of Man.
Florinda
What a mad Creature’s this?
Hellena
I’ll warrant, if my Brother hears either of you sigh, he cryes (gravely)—I fear you have the indiscretion to be in Love, but take heed of the Honour of our House, and your own unspotted Fame, and so he Conjures on till he has laid the soft wing’d God in your Hearts, or broke the Birds Nest—but see here comes your Lover, but where’s my Inconstant? let’s step aside, and wee may learn something.
[Go aside.Enter Belvile Frederick and Blunt.Belvile
What means this! the Picture’s taken in.
Blunt
It may be the Wench is good Natur’d, and will be kind Gratis. Your Friend’s a proper handsome Fellow.
Belvile
I rather think she has cut his Throat and is fled: I am mad he shou’d throw himself into dangers—pox on’t I shall want him too at Night—let’s knock and ask for him.
Hellena
My Heart goes a pit, a pat, for fear ’tis my Man they talk off.
[Knock, Moretta above.Moretta
What wou’d you have!
Belvile
Tell the stranger that enter’d here about two hours agoe, that his Friends stay here for him.
Moretta
A Curse upon him for Moretta, wou’d he were at the Devil—but he’s coming to you.
[page 32]Hellena
I, I, ’tis he! Oh how this vexes me.
Belvile
And how and how dear Lad, has Fortune smil’d! are we to break her Windows! or raise up Alters to her. hah!
Willmore
Does not my Fortune sit Triumphant on my Brow! dost not see the little wanton God there all gay and smiling. Have I not an Air about my Face and Eyes, that distinguish me from the Crow’d of common Lovers! By Heav’n Cupids Quiver has not half so many Darts as her Eyes!—Oh such a Bona Roba! to sleep in her Arms is lying in Fresco, all perfum’d Air about me.
Aside:Hellena
Here’s fine encouragement for me to fool on.
Willmore
Hark’ey where didst thou purchase that rich Canary we drank to day! tell me that I may Adore the Spigot, and Sacrifice to the Butt! the Juice was Divine! into which I must dip my Rosary, and then bless all things that I would have bold or Fortunate.
Belvile
Well Sir, let’s go take a Bottle, and hear the story of your Success.
Fred.
Wou’d not French Wine do better.
Willmore
Damn the hungry Balderdash, chearful Sack has a generous Virtue in’t inspiring a successful confidence, gives Eloquence to the Tongne! and vigour to the Soul! and has in a few hours compleated all my hopes and wishes! There’s nothing left to raise a new desire in me—come let’s be gay and wanton—and Gentlemen study, study what you want, for here are Friends,—that will supply Gentlemen,—heark! what a Charming sound they make—’tis he and the Gold whil’st here, and shall beget new pleasures every Moment.
Blunt
But heark’ey Sir, you are not Marryed are you?
Willmore
All the honey of Matrimony, but none of the sting Friend.
Blunt
‘Sheartlikins thou’rt a Fortunate Rogue!
Willmore
I am so Sir, let these—inform you!—ha how sweetly they Chime!—pox of Poverty it makes a Man a slave, makes Wit and Honour sneak, my Soul grew lean and rusty for want of credit.
Blunt
‘Sheartlikins this I like well, it looks like my lucky Bargain! Oh how I long for the approach of my Squire, that is to conduct me to her House again whe—here’s two provided for.
Frederick
By this light y’ are happy Men.
Blunt
Fortune is pleas’d to smile on us Gentlemen—to smile on us.
[page 33] Enter Sancho and pulls down Blunt by the sleeve.Sancho
Sir my Lady expects They go aside. you—she has remov’d all that might oppose your will and pleasure—and is impatient till you come.
Blunt
Sir I’ll attend you—oh the happiest Rogue! I’ll take no leave, least they either dog me, or stay me.
[Ex. with Sancho.Belvile
But then the little Gipsie is forgot?
Willmore
A mischief on thee for putting her into my thoughts I had quite forgot her else, and this Nights debauch had drunk her quite down.
Hellena
Had it so good Captain!
Claps him on the Back.
Aside:Willmore
Hah! I hope she did not hear me.
Hellena
What afraid of such a Champion?
Willmore
Oh! you’re a fine Lady of your word, are you not? to make a Man languish a whole day—▪
Hellena
In tedious search of me.
Willmore
Egad Child thou’rt in the right, had’st thou seen what a Melancholy Dog I have been ever since I was a Lover, how I have walkt the streets like a Capuchin with my Hands in my Sleeves—Faith sweet Heart thou would’st pitty me.
Hellena
Now if I shou’d be hang’d I can’t be angry with him he dissembles so Heartily—alas good Captain what pains you have taken—now were I ungrateful not to reward so true a Servant.
Willmore
Poor Soul! that’s kindly said, I see thou barest a Conscience —come then for a beginning shew me thy dear Face.
Hellena
I’m afraid, my small acquaintance, you have been staying that swinging Stomach you boasted of this Morning; I then remember my little Collation wou’d have gone down with you, without the Sauce of a handsome Face—is your Stomach so queasiy now?
Willmore
Faith long fasting Child, spoils a Mans Appetite—yet if you durst treat, I cou’d so lay about me still—
Hellena
And wou’d you fall to, before a Priest says Grace?
Willmore
Oh 〈◊〉, what an Old out of fashion’d thing hast thou nam’d? thou cou’st not dash me more out of Countenance shoud’st thou shew me an ugly Face.
[Whilst he is seemingly Courting Hellena.[page 34]Enter Angellica Moretta Biskey and Sebastian all in Masquerade, Angellica sees Will. and stares.Angellica
Heavens ‘ts he! and passionately fond to see another Woman.
Moretta
What cou’d you less expect from such a swaggerer?
Angellica
Expect! as much as I paid him, a Heart intire
Which I had Pride enough to think when ‘ere I gave,
It would have rais’d the Man above the Vulgar
Made him all Soul! and that all soft and constant.
Hellena
You see Captain, how willing I am to be Friends with you, till time and ill luck make us Lovers, and ask you the Question first, rather then put your Modesty to the blush, by asking me (for alas!) I know you Captains are such strict Men and such severe observers of your Vows to Chastity, that ’twill be hard to prevail with your tender Conscience to Marry a young willing Maid.
Willmore
Do not abuse me, for fear I shou’d take thee at thy word, and Marry thee indeed, which I’m sure will be revenge sufficient.
Hellena
O’ my Conscience, that will be our Destiny, because we are both of one humour; I am as inconstant as you, for I have consider’d, Captain, that a handsome Woman has a great deal to do whilst her Face is good, for then is our Harvest-time to gather Friends; and should I in these dayes of my Youth, catch a fit of foolish Constancy, I were undone; ’tis loitering by day-light in our great Journey: therefore I declare, I’ll allow but one year for Love, one year for indifference, and one year for hate— and then—go hang your self—for I profess my self the gay, the kind, and the Inconstant—the Devil’s in’t if this won’t please you.
Willmore
Oh most damnably—I have a heart with a hole quite through it too, no Prison mine to keep a Mistress in.
Aside:Angellica
Perjur’d Man! how I believe thee now.
Hellena
Well, I see our business as well as humours are a like, yours to couzen as many Maids as will trust you, and I as many Men as have Faith—see if I have not as desperate a lying look, as you can have for the heart of you.
[Pulls off her Vizard: he starts.
—How do you like it Captain?
[page 35]Willmore
Like it! by Heav’n, I never saw so much beauty! Oh the Charms of those sprightly black Eyes! that strangely fair Face! full of smiles and dimples! those soft round melting Cherry Lips! and small even white Teeth! not to be exprest, but silently ador’d!—oh one look more! and strike me dumb, or I shall repeat nothing else till I’m mad.
[He seems to Court her to pull off her Vizar: she refuses.Angellica
I can endure no more—nor is it fit to interrupt him, for if I do, my Jealousie has so destroid my Reason,—I shall undo him —therefore I’l retire—and you, Sebastian,[To one of her Bravo‘s. follow that Woman, and learn who ’tis; while you tell the Fugitive, I wou’d speak to him instantly.
[To the other Bravo.[Exit.This while Florinda is talking to Belvile, who stands sullenly. Frederick courting Valeria.Valeria
Prithee, dear stranger, be not so sullen, for tho you have lost your Love, you see my Friend franckly offers you hers to play with in the mean time.
Belvile
Faith Madam, I am sorry I can’t play at her Game.
Frederick
Pray leave your Intercession, and mind your own Affair, they’l better agree apart; he’s a modest sigher in Company, but alone no Woman scapes him.
Florinda
Sure he does but rally—yet if it shou’d be true— I’ll tempt him farther—believe me, Noble Stranger, I’m no common Mistris—and for a little proof on’t—wear this Jewel—nay, take it, Sir, ’tis right, and Bills of Exchange may sometimes miscarry.
Belvile
Madam, why am I chose out of all Mankind to be the Object of your Bounty?
Valeria
There’s another civil Question askt.
Frederick
Pox of’s Modesty, it spoils his own Markets & hinders mine.
Florinda
Sir, from my Window I have often seen you, and Women of my Quality have so few opportunities for Love, that we ought to loose none.
Aside to BelvileFrederick
Ay, this is something! here’s a Woman!—when shall I be blest with so much kindness from your fair Mouth?—take the Jewel, Fool.
Belvile
You tempt me strangely Madam every way—
Aside:Florinda
So, if I find him false, my whole Repose
Belvile
And but for a Vow I’ve made to a very Lady, this goodness had subdu’d me.
[page 36]Frederick
Pox on’t be kind, in pitty to me be kind, for I am to thrive here but as you treat her Friend.
Hellena
Tell me what you did in yonder House, and I’ll unmasque.
Willmore
Yonder House—oh—I went to—a—to—why there’s a Friend of mine lives there.
Hellena
What a Shee, or a Hee Friend?
Willmore
A Man upon Honour! a Man—a Shee Friend—no, no Madam you have done my business I thank you.
Hell.
And wast your Man Friend, that had more Darts in’s Eyes, than Cupid carries in’s whole Budget of Arrowes.
Willmore
So—
Hellena
Ah such a Bona Roba! to be in her Arms is lying in Fresco, all perfum’d Air about me—was this your Man Friend too?
Willmore
So—
Hellena
That gave you the He, and the She Gold, that begets young pleasures?
Willmore
Well, well Madam, then you see there are Ladies in the World, that will not be cruel—there are Madam there are—
Hellena
And there be Men too, as fine, wild Inconstant Fellowes as your self, there be Captain there be, if you go to that now— therefore I’m resolv’d—
Willmore
Oh!—
Hellena
To see your Face no more—
Willmore
Oh!
Hellena
Till to morrow.
Willmore
Egad you frighted me.
Hellena
Nor then neither, unless you’ll swear never to see that Lady more.
Willmore
See her!—whe never to think of Woman kind again.
Hellena
Kneel,—and swear—
[Kneels, she gives him her hand.Willmore
I do never to think—to see—to Love—nor Lye— with any but thy self.
Hellena
Kiss the Book.
Willmore
Oh most Religiously.
[Kisses her hand.Hellena
Now what a wicked Creature am I, to damn a proper Fellow.
Callis
Madam, I’ll stay no longer, ’tis e’ne dark.
[To FlorindaFlorinda
How ever Sir, I’ll leave this with you—that when [page 37] I’m gone, you may repent the opportunity you have lost, by your Modesty.
Gives him the Jewel which is her Picture, and Ex. he gazes after her.Willmore
‘Twill be an Age till to Morrow,—and till then I will most impatiently expect you—Adieu my Dear pretty Angell.
[Ex. all the Women.Belvile
Ha! Florinda’s Picture—’twas she her self—what a dull Dog was I? I wou’d have given the World for one minuts discourse with her—
Frederick
This comes of your modesty!—ah pox o’ your vow, ’twas ten to one, but we had lost the Jewel by’t.
Belvile
Willmore! the blessed’st opportunity lost! Florinda! Friends! Florinda!
Willmore
Ah Rogue! such black Eyes! such a Face! such a Mouth! such Teeth—and so much Witt!—
Belvile
All, all, and a Thousand Charmes besides.
Willmore
Why dost thou know her?
Belvile
Know her! Ay, Ay, and a pox take me with all my Heart for being Modest.
Willmore
But hearkey Friend of mine, are you my Rival? and have I been only beating the Bush all this while?
Belvile
I understand thee not—I’m mad—see here—
[Shews the Picture.Willmore
Ha! whose Picture’s this!—’tis a fine Wench!
Frederick
The Colonels Mrs. Sir.
Willmore
Oh oh here—I thought ‘thad been another prize— come, come, a Bottle will set thee right again.
[Gives the Picture back.Belvile
I am content to try, and by that time ’twill be late enough for our design.
Willmore
Agreed.
Love does all day the Soules great Empire keep,
But Wine at night Lulls the soft God asleep.
Exeunt.SCENE the II. Lucetta’s House.Enter Blunt and Lucetta with a Light.Lucetta
Now we are safe and free; no fears of the coming home of my Old Jealous Husband, which made me a little thoughtful [page 38] when you came in first—but now Love is all the business of my Soul.
Aside:Blunt
I am transported!—pox on’t, that I had but some fine things to say to her, such as Lovers use,—I was a Fool not to learn of Frederick a little by heart before I came—something I must say— To Lucetta ‘Sheartlikins sweet Soul! I am not us’d to Complement, but I’m an honest Gentleman, and thy humble Servant.
Lucetta
I have nothing to pay for so great a Favour, but such a Love as cannot but be great, since at first sight of that sweet Face and Shape, it made me your absolute Captive.
Aside:Blunt
Kind heart! how prettily she talks! Egad I’ll shew her Husband a Spanish trick; send him out of the World and Marry her: she’s damnably in Love with me, and will ne’re mind Settlements, and so there’s that sav’d.
Lucetta
Well Sir, I’ll go and undress me, and be with you instantly.
Blunt
Make hast then, for adshartilikins dear Soul thou canst not guess at the pain of a longing Lover; when his joys are drawn within the compass of a few Minuts.
Lucetta
You speak my sense, and I’l make hast to prove it.
[Ex.
Blunt
‘Tis a rare Girl! and this one Nights enjoyment with her, will be worth all the days I ever past in Essex.—wou’d she wou’d go with me into England; tho’ to say truth there’s plenty of Whores already.—But a Pox on ’em they are such Mercenary —Prodigal Whores, that they want such a one as this, that’s Free and Generous to give ’em good Examples—Whe what a house she has, how rich and fine!
Sancho
Sir, my Lady has sent me to conduct you to her Chamber.
[Enter Sancho.Blunt
Sir, I shall be proud to follow—here’s one of her Servants too! ‘Sheartlikins by this garb and gravity, he might be a Justice of Peace in Essex, and is but a Pimp here.
[Exeunt.The Scene Changes to a Chamber with an Alcove Bed in’t, a Table, &c. Lucetta in Bed. Enter Sancho and Blunt, who takes the Candle of Sancho at the Door.Sancho.
Sir, my Commission reaches no farther.
Blunt
Sir I’ll excuse your Complement—what in Bed my sweet Mistress.
[page 39]Lucetta
You see, I still outdo you in kindness.
Blunt
And thou shalt see what haste I’ll make to quit scores —oh the luckiest Rogue!
[He undresses himself.Lucetta
Shou’d you be false or cruel now!—
Blunt
False! ‘Sheartlikins, what dost thou take me for? A Jew? an insensible heathen—a Pox of thy Old Jealous Husband, an he were dead, Egad, sweet Soul, it shou’d be none of my fault, if I did not Marry thee.
Lucetta
It never shou’d be mine.
Blunt.
Good Soul! I’m the fortunatest Dog!
Lucetta
Are you not undrest yet?
Blunt
As much as my impatience will permit.
[Goes towards the Bed in his shirt, Drawers.Lucetta
Hold, Sir, put out the Light, it may betray us else.
Blunt
Any thing, I need no other Light, but that of thine Eyes!—’Sheartlikins, there I think I had it. [Puts out the Candle, the Bed descends, he groaps about to find it. —Whe—whe—where am I got? what not yet?—where are you sweetest?—ah, the Rogue’s silent now—a pretty Love trick this—how she’l laugh at me anon!—you need not, my dear Rogue! you need not!—I’m all on fire already—come, come, now call me in pity.—Sure I’m Enchanted! I have been round the Chamber, and can find neither Woman, nor Bed—I lockt the Door, I’m sure she cannot go that way— or if she cou’d, the Bed cou’d not—Enough, enough, my pretty wanton, do not carry the jest too far—ha, Betrayed! Dogs! Rogues! Pimps!—help! help!
[Lights on a Trap, and is let down.Enter Lucetta, Phillippo, and Sancho with a Light.Phillippo
Ha, ha, ha, he’s dispatch finely.
Lucetta
Now, Sir, had I been Coy we had mist of this Booty.
Phillippo
Nay, when I saw ’twas a substantial Fool, I was mollified; but when you dote upon a Serenading Coxcomb, upon a Face, fine Cloaths, and a Lute, it makes me rage.
Lucetta
You know I was never guilty of that Folly, my dear Phillippo; but with your self—but come, let’s see what we have got by this.
Phillippo
A rich Coat!—Sword and Hat—these Breeches too—are well lin’d—see here, a Gold Watch!— [page 40] a Purse—ha!—Gold!—at least Two Hundred Pistols! —a bunch of Diamond Rings! and one with the Family Arms!—a Gold Box!—with a Medal of his King! and his Lady Mother’s Picture!—these were Sacred Relics, believe me!—see, the Wasteband of his Breeches have a Mine of Gold!—Old Queen Besse‘s, we have a quarrel to her ever since Eighty Eight, and may therefore justify the Theft, the Inquisition might have committed it.
Lucetta
—See, a Bracelet of bowd Gold! these his Sisters tied about his Arm at parting—but well—for all this, I fear his being a Stranger, may make a noise and hinder our Trade with them hereafter.
Phillippo
That’s our security; he is not only a Stranger to us, but to the Country too—the Common Shoar into which he is descended, thou knowst conducts him into another Street, which this Light will hinder him from ever finding again—he knows neither your Name, nor that of the Street where you House is, nay nor the way to his own Lodgings.
Lucetta
And art not thou an unmerciful Rogue! not to afford him one Night for all this?—I shou’d not have been such a Jew.
Phillippo
Blame me not, Lucetta, to keep as much of thee as I can to my self—come, that thought makes me wanton!—let’s to Bed!—Sancho, lock up these.
This is the Fleece which Fools do bear,
Design’d for witty Men to sheer.
[Exeunt.The Scene changes, and discovers Blunt, creeping out of a Common-Shoar, his Face, &c. all dirty.Blunt
Oh Lord! [Climbing up. I am got out at last, and (which is a Miracle) without a Clue— and now to Damning and Cursing!—but if that wou’d ease me, where shall I begin? with my Fortune, my self, or the Queen that couzen’d me—what a Dog was I to believe in Woman? oh Coxcomb!—Ignorant conceited Coxcomb! to fancy she could be enamoured with my Person! at first sight enamoured! —oh, I’m a cursed Puppy! ’tis plain, Fool was writ upon my Forehead! she perceiv’d it!—saw the Essex-Calf there— [page 41] for what Allurements cou’d there be in this Countenance? which I can indure, because I’m acquainted with it—oh, dull silly Dog! to be thus sooth’d into a Couzening! had I been drunk, I might fondly have credited the young Quean!—but as I was in my right Wits, to be thus cheated, confirms it I am a dull believing English Country Fop—but my Camrades! death and the Devil! there’s the worst of all—then a Ballad will be Sung to Morrow on the Prado, to a Lousie Tune of the Enchanted ‘Squire, and the Annihilated Damsel—but Frederick that Rogue! and the Colonel, will abuse me beyond all Christian patience— had she left me my Clothes, I have a Bill of Exchange at home, would have saved my Credit—but now all hope is taken from me—well, I’l home (if I can find the way) with this Consolation, that I am not the first kind believing Coxcomb; but there are Gallants many such good Natures amongst ye.
And tho you’ve better Arts to hide your Follies,
Adsheartlikins y’ are all as errant Cullies.
SCENE, the Garden in the Night.Enter Florinda in an undress, with a Key and a little Box.Florinda
Well, thus far I’m in my way to happiness; I have got my self free from Callis; my Brother too I find by yonder light is got into his Cabinet, and thinks not of me; I have by good Fortune, got the Key of the Garden back-door.—I’ll open it to prevent Belvile‘s knocking—a little noise will now Alarm my Brother. Now am I as fearful as a young Thief. [Unlocks the door. —heark—what noise is that—oh, ’twas the Wind that played amongst the Boughs—Belvile stays long, methinks —it’s time—stay—for fear of a surprise—I’ll hide these Jewels in yonder Jessamin.
[She goes to lay down the Box.Enter Willmore, drunk.Willmore
What the Devil is become of these fellows, Belvile and Frederick, they promised to stay at the next Corner for me, but who the Devil knows the Corner of a Full Moon—now—where-abouts am I!—hah—what have we here a Garden!— a very convenient place to sleep in—hah—what has God [page 42] sent us here!—a Female!—by this Light a Woman!— I’m a Dog if it be not a very Wench!—
Florinda
He’s come!—hah—who’s there?
Willmore
Sweet Soul! let me salute thy Shoe-string.
Florinda
‘Tis not my Belvile.—good Heavens! I know him not —who are you, and from whence come you?
Willmore
Prithee—prithee Child—not so many hard questions— let it suffice I am here Child—come, come kiss me.
Florinda
Good Gods! what luck is mine?
Willmore
Only good luck Child, parlous good luck—come hither, —’tis a delicate shining Wench—by this hand she’s perfumed, and smells like any Nosegay—prithee dear Soul, let’s not play the Fool, and lose time—precious time—for as God shall save me I’m as honest a Fellow as breathes, tho’ I’m a little disguised at present—come I say—whe thou may’st be free with me, I’ll be very secret. I’ll not boast who ’twas obliged me, not I—for hang me if I know thy name.
Florinda
Heavens! what a filthy Beast is this?
Willmore
I am so, and thou ought’st the sooner to lie with me for that reason—for look you Child, there will be no sin in’t, because ’twas neither designed nor premeditated. ‘Tis pure Accident on both sides—that’s a certain thing now—indeed should I make Love to you, and you vow fidelity—and swear and lie till you believed and yielded—that were to make it wilful Fornication —the crying Sin of the Nation—thou art therefore (as thou art a good Christian) obliged in Conscience to deny me nothing. Now—come be kind without any more idle prating.
Florinda
Oh I am ruined—Wicked Man unhand me.
Willmore
Wicked!—Egad Child a Judge were he young and vigorous, and saw those Eyes of thine, would know ’twas they gave the first blow—the first provocation—come prithee let’s lose no time, I say—this is a fine convenient place.
Florinda
Sir, let me go, I conjure you, or I’ll call out.
Willmore
Ay, Ay, you were best to call Witness to see how finely you treat me—do—
Florinda
I’ll cry Murder! Rape! or anything! if you do not instantly let me go.
Willmore
A Rape! Come, come, you lie you Baggage, you lie, what, I’ll warrant you would fain have the World believe now that you are not so forward as I. No, not you—why at this time [page 43] of Night was your Cobweb Door set open dear Spider—but to catch Flies?—Hah—come—or I shall be damnably angry. —Whe what a Coyl is here—
Florinda
Sir, can you think—
Willmore
That you would do’t for nothing—oh, oh I find what you would be at—look here, here’s a Pistol for you—here’s a work indeed—here—take it I say—
Florinda
For Heavens sake Sir, as you’re a Gentleman—
Willmore
So—now—now—she would be wheadling me for more —what, you will not take it then—you are resolved you will not—come—come take it, or I’ll put if up again—for look ye, I never give more—whe how now Mistress, are you so high i’th’ Mouth a Pistol won’t down with you—hah—whe what a works’ here—in good time—come, no struggling to be gone—but an y’are good at a dumb Wrestle I’m for ye—look ye—I’m for yee—
[She struggles with him.Enter Belvile and Frederick.Belvile
The Door is open, a pox of this mad Fellow, I’m angry that we’ve lost him, I durst have sworn he had followed us.
Frederick
But you were so hasty Colonel to be gone.
Florinda
Help! help!—Murder!—help—oh I am ruined.
Belvile
Ha! sure that’s Florindas voyce.
[Comes up to them.
—A Man! Villain let go that Lady.
[A Noise.[Willmroe turns and draws, Frederick interposes.Florinda
Belvile! Heavens! my Brother too is coming, and ’twill be impossible to escape—Belvile I conjure you to walk under my Chamber Window, from whence I’ll give you some Instructions what to do—this rude Man has undone us.
[Exit.
Willmore
Belvile!
Enter Pedro, Stephano, and other Servants with Lights.Pedro
I’m betrayed! run Stephano and see if Florinda be safe? [Ex. StephanoSo, who e’re they be, all is not well, I’ll to Florindas Chamber.
They Fight, and Pedro Party beats ’em out.Going out, meets StephanoStephano
You need not Sir, the poor Lady’s fast asleep and thinks no harm. I would not awake her Sir, for fear of frighting her with your danger.
[page 44]Red.
Check ThisI’m glad she’s there—Rascals how came the Garden Door open?
Stephano
That Question comes too late Sir, some of my Fellow Servants Masquerading I’le warrant.
Pedro
Masquerading! a lewd Custome to debauch our youth, —there’s something more in this then I imagine.
[Exeunt.Scene changes to the Street.Enter Belvile in Rage. Frederick holding him, and Wilmore Melancholy.Willmore
Whe how the Devil shou’d I know Florinda?
Belvile
Ah plague of your Ignorance! if it had not been Florinda, must you be a Beast?—a Brute? a Senseless Swine.
Willmore
Well Sir, you see I am endu’d with patience—I can bear —tho Egad y’are very free with me, methinks.—I was in good hopes the Quarrel wou’d have been on my side, for so uncivilly interrupting me.
Belvile
Peace Brute! whilst thou’rt safe—oh I’m distracted.
Willmore
Nay, nay, I’m an unlucky Dogg, that’s certain.
Belvile
Ah Curse upon the Star that Rul’d my Birth! or whatsoever other Influence that makes me still so wretched.
Willmore
Thou break’st my Heart with these complaints; there is no Star in fault, no Influence, but Sack, the cursed Sack I drunk.
Frederick
Whe how the Devil came you so drunk?
Willmore
Whe how the Devil came you so sober?
Belvile
A Curse upon his thin Skull, he was always before hand that way.
Frederick
Prithee Dear Colonel forgive him, he’s sorry for his Fault.
Belvile
He’s always so after he has done a mischief—a plague on all such Brutes.
Willmore
By this Light I took her for an Errant Harlot.
Belvile
Damn your debaucht opinion! tell me Sot had’st thou so much sense and light about thee to distinguish her Woman, and coud st not see something about her Face and Person, to strike an awful Reverence into thy Soul?
Willmore
Faith no, I consider’d her as meer a Woman as I cou’d wish.
[page 45]Belv.
‘Sdeath, I have no patience—draw, or I’ll kill you.
Willmore
Let that alone till to Morrow, and if I set not all right again, use your pleasure.
Belvile
To Morrow! damn it
The Spightful Light will lead me to no happiness.
To Morrow is Antonio’s, and perhaps
Guides him to my undoing;—oh that I cou’d meet
This Rival! this pow’rfull Fortunate!
Willmore
What then?
Belv.
Let thy own Reason, or my Rage instruct thee.
Willmore
I shall be finely inform’d then, no doubt, hear me Colonel —hear me—shew me the Man and I’le do his Business.
Belvile
I know him no more than thou, or if I did I shou’d not need thy Aid.
Willmore
This you say is Angellicas House, I promis’d the kind Baggage to lye with her to Night.
Offers to go in.Enter Antonio and his Page. Antonio knocks on the Hilt of’s Sword.Antonio
You paid the Thousand Crowns I directed?
Page
To the Ladies Old Woman, Sir I did.
Willmore
Who the Devil have we here!
Belvile
I’ll now plant my self under Florinda‘s Window, and if I find no comfort there, I’ll dye.
[Ex. Belvile and FrederickEnter Moretta.Moretta
Page!
Page.
Here’s my Lord.
Willmore
How is this! a Pickroone going to board my Fregate? here’s one Chase Gun for you.
Drawing his Sword, justlesAntonio who turns and draws. They fight, Ant. falls.Moretta
Oh bless us! we’re all undone!
[Runs in and shuts the Door.Page
Help! Murder!
[Belvile returns at the noise of fighting.Belvile
Ha! the mad Rogue’s engag’d in some unlucky Adventure again.
[page 46] Enter two or three Masqueraders.Masquerader
Ha! a Man kill’d!
Willmore
How! a Man kill’d! then I’l go home to sleep.
[Puts up and reels out▪Ex. Masqueradersque another way.Belvile
Who shou’d it be! pray Heaven the Rogue is safe for all my Quarrel to him.
[As Belvile is groping about, Enter an Officer and six Soldiers.Soldier
Who’s there?
Officer
So, here’s one dispatcht—secure the Murderer.
Belvile
Do not mistake my Charity for Murder! I came to his Assistance.
[Soldiers seise on Belvile.Officer
That shall be try’d, Sir—St. Iago, Swords drawn in the Carnival time!
[Goes to Antonio.Antonio
Thy hand prithee.
Officer
Ha! Don Antonio! look well to the Villain there.— How is it, Sir?
Antonio
I’m hurt.
Belvile
Has my humanity made me a Criminal?
Officer
Away with him.
Belvile
What a curst chance is this?
[Ex. Soldiers with Belvile.Antonio
This is the Man, that has set upon me twice—carry him to my Appartment, till you have farther Orders from me.
[To the Officer.Ex. Antonio led.The End of the Third ACT.ACT IV.Scene I. A fine Room.Discovers Belvile as by dark alone.Belvile
VVHen shall I be weary of railing on Fortune, who is resolv’d never to turn with smiles upon me —Two such defeats in one Night—none but the Devil, and that mad Rogue cou’d have contriv’d to have plagu’d me with [page 47] —I am here a Prisoner—but where—Heav’n knows —and if there be Murder done, I can soon decide the Fate of a Stranger in a Nation without mercy—yet this is nothing to the Torture my Soul bows with, when I think of losing my fair, my dear Florinda—heark—my door opens—a Light— a Man—and seems of Quality—arm’d too!—now shall I dye like a Dog without defence.
Enter Antonio in a Night-Gown, with a Light; his Arm in a Scarf, and a Sword under his Arm: he sets the Candle on the Table.Antonio
Sir, I come to know what Injuries I have done you, that cou’d provoke you to so mean an Action, as to Attack me basely, without allowing time for my defence?
Belvile
Sir, for a Man in my circumstances to plead Innocence, wou’d look like fear—but view me well, and you will find no marks of Coward on me; nor any thing that betrays that Brutality you accuse me with.
Antonio
In vain, Sir, you impose upon my sense.
You are not only he who drew on me last Night,
But yesterday before the same house, that of Angellica.
Yet there is something in your Face and Meine
That makes me wish I were mistaken.
Belvile
I own I fought to day in the defence of a Friend of mine, with whom you (if you’re the same) and your Party were first engag’d.
Perhaps you think this Crime enough to kill me,
But if you do; I cannot fear you’l do it basely.
Antonio
No, Sir, I’l make you fit for a defence with this.
[Gives him the Sword.Belvile
This Gallantry surprizes me—nor know I how to use this Present, Sir, against a Man so brave.
Antonio
You shall not need;
For know, I come to snatch you from a danger
That is decreed against you:
Perhaps your Life, or long Imprisonment;
And ’twas with so much Courage you offended,
I cannot see you punisht.
Belvile
How shall I pay this Generosity?
Antonio
It had been safer to have kill’d another
[page 48] Than have attempted me:
To shew your danger, Sir, I’l let you know my Quality;
And ’tis the Vice-Roy’s Son, whom you have wounded.
Aside:Belvile
The Vice-Roy’s Son!
Death and Confusion! was this Plague reserv’d
To compleat all the rest—oblig’d by him!
The Man of all the World I wou’d destroy.
Antonio
You seem disorder’d, Sir.
Belvile
Yes, trust me, Sir, I am, and ’tis with pain
That Man receives such Bounties,
who wants the Pow’r to pay ’em back again▪
Antonio
To gallant Spirits ’tis indeed uneasie;
—But you may quickly over pay me, Sir.
Aside:Belvile
Then I am well—kind Heav’n! but set us even,
That I may fight with him and keep my Honour safe.
To Antonio
—Oh, I’m impatient, Sir, to be discounting
The mighty Debt I owe you, Command me quickly—
Antonio
I have a Quarrel with a Rival, Sir,
About the Maid we love.
Aside:Belvile
Death, ’tis Florinda he means—
That thought destroys my Reason,
And I shall kill him—
Antonio
My Rival, Sir,
Is one has all the Virtues Man can boast of—
Aside:Belvile
Death! who shou’d this be?
To Don Antonio:
He challeng’d me to meet him on the Molo,
As soon as day appear’d, but last Nights quarrel,
Has made my Arm unfit to guide a Sword.
Belvile
I apprehend you, Sir, you’d have me kill the Man,
That lays a Claim to the Maid you speak of.
—I’l do’t—I’l fly to do’t!
Antonio
Sir, do you know her?
Belvile
—No, Sir, but ’tis enough she is admir’d by you.
Antonio
Sir, I shall rob you of the Glory on’t,
For you must fight under my Name and Dress.
Belvile
That Opinion must be strangely obliging that makes
You think I can personate the brave Antonio,
Whom I can but strive to imitate.
Antonio
You say too much to my Advantage;
—Come, Sir, the day appears that calls you forth.
[page 49] —Within, Sir, is the habit.
[Exit Antonio.
Belvile
Fantastick Fortune, thou deceitful Light,
That Cheats the wearied Traveller by Night,
Tho on a Precipice each step you tread,
I am resolv’d to follow where you lead.
[Exit.
SCENE, the Mole.Enter Florinda and Callis in Masques with Stephano.Aside:Florinda
I’m dying with my fears, Belvile‘s not coming as I expected under my Window,
Makes me believe that all those fears are true.
To Stephano:
—Canst thou not tell with whom my Brother fights?
Stephano
No, Madam, they were both in Masquerade, I was by when they challeng’d one another, and they had decided the Quarrel then, but were prevented by some Cavaliers; which made ’em put it off till now—but I am sure ’tis about you they fight.
Aside:Florinda
Nay, then ’tis with Belvile, for what other Lover have I that dares fight for me, except Antonio? and he is too much in favour with my Brother—if it be he, for whom shall I direct my Prayers to Heav’n?
Stephano
Madam, I must leave you, for if my Master see me, I shall be hang’d for being your Conductor—escapt narrowly for the excuse I made for you last Night i’th Garden.
Florinda
And I’l reward thee for’t—prithee no more.
[Ex. StephanoEnter Don Pedro in his Masquing Habit.Pedro
Antonio‘s late to day, the place will fill, and we may be prevented.
[Walks about.Aside:Florinda
Antonio sure I heard amiss.
Pedro
But who will not excuse a happy Lover
When soft fair Arms confine the yielding Neck;
And the kind whisper languishingly breathes.
—Must you begone so soon?—
Sure I had dwelt for ever on her Bosome.
—But stay, he’s here.
[page 50] Enter Belvile drest in Antonio’s Clothes.Florinda
‘Tis not Belvile, half my fears are vanisht.
Pedro
Antonio!
Aside:Belvile
This must be he.
To Don Pedro
You’re early, Sir,—I do not use to be out-done this way.
Pedro
The wretched, Sir, are watchful, and ’tis enough
You’ve the advantage of me in Angellica.
Aside:Belvile
Angellica! or I’ve mistook my Man! or else Antonio.
—Can he forget his Intrest in Florinda,
And fight for common Prize?
Pedro
Come, Sir, you know our terms—
Aside:Belvile
By Heav’n not I.
To Don Pedro: (?)
—No talking, I am ready, Sir.
[Offers to fight, Floridna runs in.Florinda
Oh, hold! who e’re you be, I do conjure you hold!
If you strike here—I dye—
[To BelvilePedro
Florinda!
Belvile
Florinda imploring for my Rival!
Pedro
Away, this kindness is unseasonable.
[Puts her by, they fight; she runs in just as Belv. disarms Pedro.Florinda
Who are you, Sir, that dares deny my Prayers?
Belvile
Thy Prayers destroy him, if thou would’st preserve him,
Do that thou’rt unacquainted with and Curse him.
[She holds him.Florinda
By all you hold most dear, by her you love,
I do conjure you, touch him not.
Belvile
By her I love!
See—I obey—and at your feet resign
The useless Trophy of my Victory.
[Lays his Sword at her feet.Pedro
Antonio, you’ve done enough to prove you love Florinda.
Belvile
Love Florinda!
Does Heav’n love Adoration! Pray’r! or Penitence! Love her! here, Sir,—your Sword again. [Snatches up the Sword and gives it him. Upon this truth I’l fight my life away.
Pedro
No, you’ve redeem’d my Sister, and my Friendship!
Belvile
Don Pedro!
He gives him Flor. and pulls off his Vizard to shew his Face and puts it on again.Pedro
Can you resign your Claims to other Women,
And give your heart intirely to Florinda?
[page 51]Belvile
Intire! as dying Saints Confessions are!
I can delay my happiness no longer.
This Minute! let me make Florinda mine.
Pedro
This Minute let it be—no time so proper,
This Night my Father will arrive from Rome,
And possibly may hinder what wee purpose!
Florinda
Oh Heavens! this Minute!
Enter Masqueraders and pass over.Belvile
Oh, do not ruine me!
Pedro
The place begins to fill, and that we may not be observ’d, do you walk off to St. Peters Church, where I will meet you, and conclude your happiness.
Aside:Belvile
I’ll meet you there.—If there be no more Saints Churches in Naples.
Florinda
Oh stay Sir, and recal your hasty doom!
alas I have not yet prepar’d my Heart
To entertain so strange a Guest.
Pedro
Away this silly modesty is Assum’d too late.
Belvile
Heaven Madam! what do you do?
Florinda
Do! despise the Man that lays a Tyrant’s Claim
To what he ought to Conquer by submission.
Belvile
You do not know me—move a little this way.
[Draws her aside.Florinda
Yes, you may force me even to the Alter,
But not the holy Man that offers there
Shall force me to be thine.
[Pedro talks to Callis this while.Belvile
Oh do not loose so blest an opportunity!
—See—’tis your Belvile—not Antonio,
Whom your mistaken Scorn & Anger ruines.
[Pulls off his Vizard.Florinda
Belvile.
Where was my Soul it cou’d not meet thy Voyce!
And take this knowledge in.
As they are talking, Enter Wilmore finely drest, and Frederick.Willmore
No Intelligence! no News of Belvile yet—well I am the most unlucky Rascal in Nature—ha—am I deceiv’d —or is it he—look Ferd.—’tis he—my dear Belvile.
Runs and Embraces him. Belvile Vizard falls out on’s Hand.Belvile
Hell and confusion seize thee!
[page 52]Pedro
Ha! Belvile! I beg your Pardon Sir.
[Takes Florinda from him.Belvile
Nay touch her not, she’s mine by Conquest Sir,
I won her by my Sword.
Willmore
Did’st thou so—and Egad Child wee’l keep her by the Sword.
[Draws on Pedro. Belvile goes between.Belvile
Stand off
Thou’rt so profanely Lewd, so curst by Heaven,
All quarrels thou espousest must be Fatal.
Willmore
Nay an you be so hot, my Valour’s Coy, and shall be Courted when you want it next.
[Puts up his Sword.Belvile
You know I ought to Claim a Victors right.
[To Pedro.
But you’re the Brother to Divine Florinda,
To whom I’m such a Slave—to purchase her,
I durst not hurt the Man she holds so dear.
Aside to Florinda as they are going out Belvile looks after her and begins to walk up and down in Rage.Pedro
‘Twas by Antonio’s, not by Belvile’s Sword
This question should have been decided Sir,
I must confess much to your Bravery’s due,
Both now, and when I met you last in Arms.
But I am nicely punctual in my word,
As Men of Honour ought, and beg your Pardon.
—For this mistake another time shall clear.
—This was some Plot between you and Belvile.
But I’ll prevent you.
Willmore
Do not be Modest now and loose the Woman, but if wee shall fetch her back so—
Belvile
Do not speak to me—
Willmore
Not speak to you—Egad I’ll speak to you, and will be answer’d too.
Belvile
Will you Sir—
Willmore
I know I’ve done some mischief, but I’m so dull a Puppey, that I’m the Son of a Whore, if I know how, or where— prithee inform my understanding—
Belvile
Leave me I say, and leave me instantly.
Willmore
I will not leave you in this humour, nor till I know my Crime.
[page 53]Belvile
Death I’ll tell you Sir—
Draws and runs at Willmore he runs out, Belvile after him, Frederick interposes.Enter Angellica, Moretta and Sebastian.Angellica
Ha—Sebastian—
Is not that Willmore?—hast—hast and bring him back.
Frederick
The Colonel’s mad—I never saw him thus before, I’l after ’em least he do some mischief, for I am sure Wilmore will not draw on him.
[Exit.
Angellica
I am all Rage! my first desires defeated!
For one for ought he knows that has no
Other Merit than her Quality.
—Her being Don Pedro’s Sister—he loves her!
I know ’tis so—dull, dull, Insensible—
He will not see me now tho oft invited;
And broke his word last Night—false perjur’d Man!
—He that but Yesterday fought for my Favours,
And wou’d have made his Life a Sacrifice
To’ve gain’d one Night with me,
Must now be hir’d and Courted to my Arms.
Moretta
I told you what wou’d come ou’t, butMoretta‘s an old doating Fool—why did you give him five Hundred Crowns, but to set himself out for other Lovers! you shou’d have kept him Poor, if you had meant to have had any good from him.
Angellica
Oh, name not such mean trifles;—had I given him all
My Youth has earn’d from Sin,
I had not lost a thought, nor sigh upon’t.
But I have given him my Eternal rest,
My whole repose, my future joys, my Heart!
My Virgin heart Moretta! Oh ’tis gone!
Moretta
Curse on him here he comes;
How fine she has made him too.
Enter Willmore and Sebastion. Angellica turns and walks away.Willmore
How now turn’d shaddow!
Fly when I pursue! and follow when I fly!
[page 54] [Sings.]
Stay gentle shadow of my Dove
And tell me e’re I go,
Whether the substance may not prove
A Fleeting thing like you.
There’s a soft kind look remaining yet.
As she turns she looks on him.Angellica
Well Sir, you may be gay, all happiness, all joyes pursue you still, Fortune’s your Slave, and gives you every hour choyce of new hearts and Beauties, till you are cloy’d with the repeated Bliss, which others vainly languish for.—
—But know false Man that I shall be reveng’d.
[Turns away in Rage.Willmore
So gad there are of those faint hearted Lovers, whom such a sharp Lesson next their hearts, wou’d make as Impotent as Fourscore—pox o’ this whining.—My bus’ness is to laugh and love—a pox on’t, I hate your sullen Lover, a Man shall lose as much time to put you in humour now, as wou’d serve to gain a new Woman.
Angellica
I scorn to cool that Fire I cannot raise,
Or do the Drudgery of your virtuous Mistris.
Willmore
A virtuous Mistress! death, what a thing thou hast found out for me! why what the Devil, shou’d I do with a virtuous Woman? —a sort of ill-natur’d Creatures, that take a Pride to torment a Lover, Virtue is but an infirmity in Woman; a Disease that renders even the handsome ungrateful; whilst the ill-favour’d for want of Solicitations and Address, only fancy themselves so.—I have layn with a Woman of Quality, who has all the while been railing at Whores.
Angellica
I will not answer for your Mistres’s Virtue,
Though she be Young enough to know no Guilt;
And I cou’d wish you wou’d perswade my heart
‘Twas the Two hundred Thousand Crowns you Courted.
Willmore
Two Hundred Thousand Crowns! what Story’s this? —what Trick?—what Woman?—ha!
Angellica
How strange you make it, have you forgot the Creature you entertain’d on the Prazo last Night?
Aside:Willmore
Ha! my Gipsie worth Two Hundred Thousand Crowns! —oh how I long to be with her—pox, I knew she was of Quality.
[page 55]Angellica
False Man! I see my ruine in thy face.
How many Vows you breath’d upon my Bosome,
Never to be unjust—have you forgot so soon?
Aside:Willmore
Faith no, I was just coming to repeat ’em—but here’s a humour indeed—wou’d make a Man a Saint—wou’d she wou’d be angry enough to leave me, and Command me not to wait on her.
Enter Hellena drest in Man’s Cloths.Hellena
This must be Angellica! I know it by her mumping Matron here—Ay, ay, ’tis she! my Mad Captain’s with her too, for all his swearing—how this unconstant humour makes me love him!—Pray good grave Gentle woman is not this Angellica?
Moretta
My too young Sir, it is—I hope ’tis one from Don Antonio.
Goes to Angellica.
AsideHellena
Well, something I’l do to vex him for this.
Angellica
I will not speak with him; am I in humour to receive a Lover.
Willmore
Not speak with him! whe I’l begon—and wait your idler Minutes—can I shew less obedience to the thing I love so fondly?
Offers to go.Angellica
A fine excuse, this!—stay—
Willmore
And hinder your advantage! shou’d I repay your Bounties so ungratefully?
Angellica
Come hither, Boy—that I may let you see
How much adove the advanges you name
I prize one Minutes joy with you.
Willmore
Oh, you destroy me with this indearment. [Impatient to be gone. —Death! how shall I get away—Madam, ’twill not be fit I shou’d be seen with you—besides, it will not be convenient —and I’ve a Friend—that’s dangerously sick.
Angellica
I see you’re impatient—yet you shall stay.
Aside, and walks about impatiently:Willmore
And miss my Assignation with my Gipsie.
Hellena
Madam,
Moretta brings Hellena, who addresses her self to Angellica.
You’l hardly pardon my Intrusion,
When you shall know my business!
[page 56] And I’m too young to tell my Tale with Art:
But there must be a wondrous store of goodness,
Where so much Beauty dwells.
To Willmore who is stealing off.Angellica
A pretty Advocate whoever sent thee.
—Prithee proceed—Nay, Sir, you shall not go.
Aside:Willmore
Then I shall lose my dear Gipsie for ever
—Pox on’t, she stays me out of spight.
Angellica
I am related to a Lady, Madam,
Young, Rich, and nobly born, but has the Fate
To be in Love with a young English Gentleman.
Strangely she loves him, at first sight she lov’d him,
But did Adore him when she heard him speak;
For he, she said, had Charms in every word,
That faild not to surprize, to Wound and Conquer.
Aside:Willmore
Ha! Egad I hope this concerns me.
Angellica
‘Tis my false man, he means—wou’d he were gone.
This Praise will raise his Pride, and ruin me—well
Since you are so impatient to be gon
I will release you, Sir.
[To WillmoreAside:Willmore
Nay, then I’m sure ’twas me he spoke off, this cannot be the effects of kindness in her.
To Angellica:
—No, Madam, I’ve consider’d better on’t,
And will not give you Cause of Jealousie.
Angellica
But, Sir, I’ve—bus’ness, that—
Willmore
This shall not do, I know ’tis but to try me.
Aside:Angellica
Well, to your story, Boy,—tho ’twill undo me.
Hellena
With this addition to his other Beauties,
He won her unresisting tender heart,
He vow’d, and sigh’t, and swore he lov’d her dearly;
And she believ’d the cunning flatterer,
And thought her self the happiest Maid alive,
To day was the appointed time by both
To consummate their Bliss,
The Virgin, Altar, and the Priest were drest,
And whilst she languisht for th’ expected Bridegroom,
She heard, he paid his broken Vows to you.
Willmore
So, this is some dear Rogue that’s in Love with me,
And this way lets me know it; or if it be not me, she means some one whose place I may supply.
[page 57]Angellica
Now I perceive
The cause of thy impatience to be gone,
And all the business of this Glorious Dress.
Willmore
Damn the young Prater, I know not what he means.
Hellena
Madam,
In your fair Eyes I read too much concern,
To tell my farther business.
Angellica
Prithee, sweet Youth, talk on, thou maist perhaps
Raise here a storm that may undo my passion,
And then I’l grant thee any thing.
Hellena
Madam, ’tis to intreat you, (oh unreasonable)
You wou’d not see this stranger;
For if you do, she Vows you are undone,
Tho Nature never made a Man so Excellent,
And sure he’ad been a God, but for inconstancy.
Aside:Willmore
Ah, Rogue, how finely he’s instructed!
To Angellica:
—’Tis plain; some woman that has seen me e’n passant.
Angellica
Oh, I shall burst with Jealousie! do you know the Man you speak off?—
Hellena
Yes, Madam, he us’d to be in Buff and Scarlet.
Angellica
Thou, false as Hell, what canst thou say to this?
[To WillmoreWillmore
By Heaven—
Angellica
Hold, do not Damn thy self—
Hellena
Nor hope to be believ’d.—
[He walks about, they follow.Angellica
Oh perjur’d Man!
Is’t thus you pay my generous Passion back?
Hellena
Why wou’d you, Sir, abuse my Lady’s Faith?—
Angellica
And use me so unhumanely.
Hellena
A Maid so young, so innocent—
Willmore
Ah, young Divel.
Angellica
Dost thou not know thy life is my pow’r?
Hellena
Or think my Lady cannot be reveng’d.
Willmore
So, so, the storm comes finely on.
[aside.
Angellica
Now thou art silent, guilt has struck thee dumb.
Oh, hadst thou still been so, I’d liv’d in safety.
[She turns away and weeps.Willmore
Sweet heart, the Lady’s Name and House,—quickly: I’m impatient to be with her.—
Aside to Hellena, looks towards Angellica to watch her turning, and as she comes towards them he meets her.[page 58]Hellena
So, now is he for another Woman.
[aside.
Willmore
The impudents young thing in nature,
I cannot perswade him out of his Error, Madam.
Angellica
I know he’s in the right,—yet thou’st a tongue
That wou’d perswade him to deny his Faith.
[In rage walks away.Willmore
Her Name, her Name, dear Boy.—
[Said softly to HellenaHellena
Have you forgot it, Sir?
Willmore
Oh, I perceive he’s not to know I am a stranger to his Lady.
[aside.
—Yes, yes I do know—but—I have forgot the—
[Angellica turns.
—By Heaven such early confidence I never saw.
Angellica
Did I not charge you with this Mistris, Sir?
Which you deny’d, tho’ I beheld your, Perjury.
This little generosity of thine, has render’d back my heart.
[Walks away.Willmore
So, you have made sweet work here, my little mischief;
Look your Lady be kind and good natur’d now, or
I shall have but a Cursed Bargain on’t.
[Angellica turns towards them.
—The Rogue’s bred up to mischief,
Art thou so great a Fool to credit him?
Angellica
Yes, I do, and you in vain impose upon me.
—Come hither, Boy,—is not this he you spake of.
Hellena
I think—it is, I cannot swear, but I vow he has just such another lying Lovers look.
[Hellena looks in his face, he gazes on her.Willmore
Hah! do not I know that face—
By Heaven my little Gipsie, what a dull Dog was I,
Had I but lookt that way I’d known her.
Are all my hopes of a new Woman banisht?
aside.
—Egad if I do not fit thee for this, hang me.
—Madam, I have found out the Plot.
Hellena
Oh Lord, what does he say? am I discover’d now?
Willmore
Do you see this young Spark here?—
Hellena
He’l tell her who I am.
Willmore
—Who do you think this is?
Hellena
Ay, ay, he does know me—Nay, dear Captain! I am undone if you discover me.
Willmore
Nay, nay, no eogging, she shall know what a pretious Mistris I have.
Hellena
Will you be such a Devil?
Willmore
Nay, nay, I’l teach you to spoil sport you will not make. [page 59] — this small Ambassador comes not from a Person of Quality as you Imagine, and he says: but from a very Errant Gipsie, the talking’st, prating’st, canting’st little Animal thou ever saw’st.
Angellica
What news you tell me, that’s the thing I mean.
Hellena
Wou’d I were well off the place, if ever I go a Captain, Hunting again— Aside
Willmore
Mean that thing? that Gipsie thing, thou may’st as well be Jealous of thy Monkey or Parrot, as of her, a German Motion were worth a duzen of her, and a Dream were a better enjoyment, a Creature of a Constitution fitter for Heaven then Man.
Hellena
Tho I’m sure he lyes, yet this vexes me. Aside.
Angellica
You are mistaken, she’s a Spanish Woman Made up of no such dull Materials.
Willmore
Materials, Egad an shee be made of any that will either dispence or admit of Love, I’le be bound to continence.
Hellena
Unreasonable Man, do you think so? Aside to him. — you may return my little Brazen Head, and tell your Lady, that till she be handsom enough to be belov’d, or I dull enough to be Religious, there will be small hopes of me.
Angellica
Did you not promise then to marry her?
Willmore
Not I by heaven.
Angellica
You cannot undeceive my fears and torments, till you have vow’d you will not marry her.
Hellena
If he Swears, that he’le be reveng’d on me indeed for all my Rogueries. Aside.
Angellica
I know what Arguments you’ll bring against me, Fortune, and Honour.—
Willmore
Honour, I tell you, I hate it in your Sex, and those that fancy themselves possest of that Foppery, are the most impertinently troublesome of all Woman kind, and will transgress Nine Commandments to keep one, and to satisfie your Jealousie I swear.
Hellena
Oh, no swearing dear Captain. Aside to him.
Willmore
If it were possible, I should ever be inclin’d to marry, it shou’d be some kind young Sinner, one that has generosity, enough to give a favour hansomely to one that can ask it discreetly, one that has Witt enough to Manage an intrigue of Love—oh, how civil such a Wench is, to a Man that does her the Honour to marry her.
Angellica
By Heaven there’s no Faith in any thing he says.
[page 60] Enter Sebastian.Sebastian
Madam, Don Antonio—
Angellica
Come hither.
Hellena
Ha! Antonio, he may be coming hither and he’l certainly discover me, I’le therefore retire without a Ceremony.
[Exit Hellena.
Angellica
I’le see him, get my Coach ready.
Sebastian
It waits you Madam,
Willmore
This is luckey: what Madam, now I may be gone and leave you to the injoyment of my Rival?
Angellica
Dull man, that can’st not see how Ill, how poor,
That false dissimulation looks—begon
And never let me see thy Couzening Face again,
Least I relaps and kill thee.
Willmore
Yes, you can spare me now,—farewel, till you’re in better Humour—I’m glad of this release—
Now for my Gipsie:
For tho’ to worse we change, yet still we find
New Joys, new Charms, in a New Miss that’s kind.
[Ex. Willmore.
Angellica
He’s gone, and in this Ague of my Soul
The Shivering fit returns;
Oh with what willing haste, he took his leave,
As if the long’d-for Minute, were arriv’d
Of some blest assignation.
In vain I have Consulted all my Charms,
In vain this Beauty priz’d, in vain believ’d,
My Eyes cou’d kindle any lasting fires;
I had forgot my Name, my Infamie,
And the reproach that Honour lays on those
That dare pretend a sober passion here.
Nice reputation, tho’ it leave behind
More Vertues than inhabit where that dwells;
Yet that once gone, those Vertues shine no more.
—Then since I am not fit to be belov’d,
I am resolv’d to think on a revenge
On him that sooth’d me thus to my undoing.
[Exeunt.[page 61]SCENE the Third. A Street.Enter Florinda and Valeria in Habits different from what they have been seen in.Florinda
We’re happily Escap’t, and yet I tremble still.
Valeria
A Lover and fear! whe I am but half an one, and yet I have Courage for any attempt, wou’d Hellena were here , I wou’d fain have had her as deep in this Mischief as we, she’le fare but in else I doubt.
Florinda
She pretended a Visit to the Augustine Nuns, but I believe some other design carried her out, pray Heaven we light on her.—Prithee what did’st do with Callis?
Valeria
When I saw no reason wou’d do good on her, I follow’d her into the Wardrobe, and as she was looking for something in a great Chest, I topled her in by the heels, snatch’t the Key of the Appartment where you were confin’d, lock’t her in, and left her bawling for help.
Florinda
‘Tis well you resolve to follow my Fortunes, for thou darest never appear at home again after such an action.
Valeria
That’s according as the young Stranger and I shall agree. —but to our bus’ness—I deliver’d your Letter, your Note to Belvile, when I got out under pretence of going to Mass, I found him at his Lodging, and believe me it came seasonably; for never was Man in so desperate a Condition, I told him of your resolution of making your Escape to day, if your Brother would be absent long enough to permit you; if not,to die rather than be Antonio’s.
Florinda
Thou should’st have told him I was confin’d to my Chamber upon my Brothers suspition, that the bus’ness on the Molo was a Plott laid between him and I.
Valeria
I said all this, and told him your Brother was now gone to his Devotion, and he resolves to visit every Church till he find him; and not only undeceive him in that, but carress him so as shall delay his return home.
Florinda
Oh Heavens! he’s here, and Belvile with him too.
They put on their Vizards.
Enter Don Pedro, Belvile, Willmore. Belvile and Don Pedro seeming in serious discourse.Valeria
Walk boldly by them, and I’le come at distance, least he suspect us.
She walks by them, and looks back on them.
[page 62]Willmore
Hah! a Woman, and of an Excellent Mien.
Pedro
She throws a kind look back on you.
Willmore
Death, tis a likely Wench, and that kind look shall not be cast away—I’le follow her.
Belville
Prithee do not.
Willmore
Do not, by Heavens to the Antipodies, with such an invitation.
[She goes out, and Willmore follows her.Belvile
‘Tis a mad Fellow for a Wench.
Enter FrederickFrederick
Oh Col. such News!
Belvile
Prithee what?
Frederick
News that will make you laugh in spight of Fortune.
Belvile
What, Blunt has had some Damn’d Trick put upon him, Cheated, Bang’d or Clapt.
Frederick
Cheated Sir, rarely Cheated of all but his Shirt &Drawers, the unconscionable Whore too turn’d him out before Consummation, so that traversing the Streets at Midnight, the Watch found him in this Fresco, and conducted him home: By Heaven ’tis such a sight, and yet I durst as well been hang’d as laught at him, or pity him; he beats all that do but ask him a question, and is in such an Humour.
Pedro
Who is’t has met with this Ill usage, Sir?
Belvile
A Friend of ours whom you must see for mirths sake. I’le imploy him to give Florinda time for an escape.
[Aside.
Pedro
What is he?
Belvile
A Young Countryman of ours, one that has been Educated at so plentiful a rate, he yet ne’re knew the want of Money, and ’twill be a great Jeast to see how simply he’le look without it, for my part I’le lend him none, and the Rogue know not how to put on a Borrowing face, and ask first, I’le let him see how good ’tis to play our parts whilst I play his—prithee Frederick do you go home and keep him in that posture till we come.
[Exeunt.
Enter Florinda from the farther end of the Scene, looking behind ber.Florinda
I am follow’d still—hah.—my Brother too advancing this way, good Heavens defend me from being seen by him.
[She goes off.[page 63] Enter Willmore, and after him Valeria, at a little distance.Willmore
Ah! There she sailes, she looks back as she were willing to be boarded, I’le warrant her Prize.
[He goes out, Valeria following.Enter Hellena, just as he goes out, with a Page:Hellena
Hah, is not that my Captain that has a Woman in chase? —’tis not Angellica; Boy, follow those people at a distance, and bring me an account where they go in,—I’le find his haunts, and plague him every where,—ha—my Brother—
[Ex. Page.[Belvile Willmore Pedro cross the Stage: Hellena runs off.Scene changes to another Street. Enter Florinda.Florinda
What shall I do, my Brother now pursues me,
Will no kind Pow’r protect me from his tyranny? —hah, here’s a door open, I’le venture in, since nothing can be worse then to fall into his hands, my life and honour are at stake, and my Necessity has no choyce.
[She goes in.Enter Valeria and Hellena’s Page peeping after Florinda.Page
Here she went in, I shall remember this house.
[Ex. Boy.Valeria
This is Belvile‘s Lodging; she’s gone in as readily as if she knew it,—hah—here’s that Mad Fellow again, I dare not venture in,—I’le watch my opportunity.
[Goes aside.Enter Willmore, gazing about him.Willmore
I have lost her hereabouts—Pox on’t, she must not scape me so.
[Goes out.Scene changes to Blunts Chamber, discovers him sitting on a Couch in his Shirt and Drawers, reading.Blunt
So, now my mind’s a little at peace, since I have resolv’d revenge—a Pox on this Tayler tho, for not bringing home the Clothes I bespoke; and a Pox of all poor Cavaliers, a Man can never keep a spare Suit for ’em; and I shall have these Rogues come in and find me naked, and then I’m undone; but I’m resolv’d to arm my self—the Rascals shall not insult over me too much. [Puts on an old rusty Sword, and Buff Belt. —Now, how like a Morrice-Dancer I am Equipt—a fine [page 64] Lady like Whore to Cheat me thus, without affording me a kindness for my Money, a Pox light on her, I shall never be reconcil’d to the Sex more, she has made me as faithless as a Phisitian, as uncharitable as a Church-man, and as ill natur’d as a Poet. Oh how I’l use all woman-kind hereafter! what wou’d I give to have one of ’em within my reach now! any Mortal thing in Petticoats, kind Fortune, send me! and I’l forgive thy last nights Malice—here’s a Cursed Book too, (a warning to all young Travellers) that can instruct me how to prevent such Mischiefs now ’tis too late, well ’tis a rare convenient thing to read a little now and then, as well as Hawk and Hunt.
[Sits down again and Reads.Enter to him Florinda.Florinda
This House is haunted sure, ’tis well furnisht and no living thing inhabits it—hah—a Man, Heavens how he’s attir’d! sure ’tis some Rope-dancer, or Fencing-master; I tremble now for fear, and yet I must venture now to speak to him—Sir, if I may not interrupt your Meditations—
[She starts up and gazes.Blunt
Hah—what’s here! are my wishes granted? and is not that a she Creature? ads heartlikins ’tis! what wretched thing art thou—hah!
Florinda
Charitable Sir, you’ve told your self already what I am; a very wretched Maid, forc’t by a strange unlucky accident, to seek a safety here,
And must be ruin’d, if you do not grant it.
Blunt
Ruin’d! is there any ruin so inevitable as that which now threatens thee? dost thou know, miserable Woman! into what Den of Mischiefs thou art fall’n? what abiss of Confusion— hah!—dost not see something in my looks that frights thy guilty Soul, and makes thee wish to change that shape of Woman for any humble Animal, or Devil? for those were safer for thee, and less mischievous.
Florinda
Alas, what mean you, Sir? I must confess, your looks have something in ’em, makes me fear, but I beseech you, as you seem a Gentleman, pity a harmless Virgin, that takes your house for Sanctuary.
Blunt.
Talk on, talk on, and weep too, till my Faith-return Do, flatter me out of my Senses again—a harmless Virgin [page 65] with a Pox, as much one as ‘tother, adsheartlikins. Whe what the Devil can I not be safe in my House for you, not in my Chamber, nay, even being naked too cannot secure me: this is an Impudence greater than has invaded me yet—Come, no resistance.
[Pulls her rudely.Florinda
Dare you be so cruel?
Blunt
Cruel, adsheartlikins as a Galley slave, or a Spanish▪ Whore: Cruel, yes I will kiss and beat thee all over; kiss, and see thee all over; thou shalt lye with me too, not that I care for the injoyment, but to let thee see I have tain deliberated Malice to thee, and will be reveng’d on one Whore for the sins of another; I will smile and deceive thee, flatter thee, and beat thee, kiss and swear, and lye to thee, imbrace thee and rob thee, as she did me, fawn on thee, and strip thee stark naked; then hang thee out at my window by the heels, with a Paper of scurvy Verses fasten’d to thy breast, in praise of damnable women—Come come along.
Florinda
Alas, Sir, must I be sacrific’d for the Crimes of the most infamous of my Sex, I never understood the fins you name.
Blunt
Do, perswade the Fool you Love him, or that one of you can be just or honest, tell me I was not an easie Coxcomb, or any strange impossible tale: it will be believ’d sooner than thy false Showres or Protestations. A generation of damn’d Hypocrites to flatter my very Clothes from my Back! dissembling Witches! are these the returns you make an honest Gentleman, that trusts, believes, and loves you—but if I be not even with you—Come along—or I shall—
[Pulls her again.Enter FrederickFrederick
Hah! what’s here to do?
Blunt
Adsheartlikins, Frederick I am glad thou art come, to be a witness of my dire revenge.
Frederick
What’s this, a Person of Quality too, who is upon the ramble to supply the defects of some grave impotent Husband?
Blunt
No, this has another pretence, some very unfortunate accident, brought her hither, to save a life pursu’d by I know not who, or why, and forc’t to take sanctuary here at Fools Haven. Adsheartlikins to me of all Mankind for protection? is the Ass to be Cajold again, think ye? No, young one, no Prayers or Tears shall mitigate my rage; therefore prepare for both my [page 66] pleasures of injoyment and revenge, for I am resolv’d to make up my loss here on thy body, I’l take it out in kindness and in beating.
Frederick
Now Mistress of mine, what do you think of this?
Florinda
I think he will not—dares not be so barbarous.
Frederick
Have a care, Blunt, she fetch’t a deep sigh, she is inamour’d with thy Shirt and Drawers, she’l strip thee even of that, there are of her calling such unconscionable Baggages, and such dexterous Thieves, they’l flea a man and he shall ne’re miss his skin, till he feels the cold. There was a Country-man of ours Rob’d of a Row of Teeth whilst he was a sleeping, which the Jilt made him buy again when he wak’t—you see Lady how little reason we have to trust you.
Blunt
‘Dsheartlikins, whe this is most abominable.
Florinda
Some such Devils there may be, but by all that’s Holy, I am none such, I enter’d here to save a Life in danger.
Blunt
For no goodness, I’l warrant her.
Frederick
Faith, Damsel, you had e’en confest the plain truth, for we are fellows not to be caught twice in the same Trap: look on that Wreck, a tite Vessel when he set out of Haven, well Trim’d and Laden, and see how a Female Piccaroon of this Island of Rogues has shatter’d him, and canst thou hope for any Mercy?
Blunt
No, no, Gentlewoman, come along, adsheartlikins we must be better acquainted—we’l both lye with her, and then let me alone to bang her.
Frederick
I’m ready to serve you in matters of Revenge that has a double pleasure in’t.
Blunt
Well said. You hear, little one, how you are condemn’d by publick Vote to the Bed within, there’s no resisting your Destiny, sweet heart.
[Pulls her.Florinda
Stay, Sir, I have seen you with Belvile, an English Cavalier, for his sake use me kindly; you know him, Sir.
Blunt
Belvile, whe yes, sweeting, we do know Belvile, and wish he were with us now, he’s a Cormorant at Whore and Bacon, he’d have a Limb or two of thee my Virgin Pullet, but ’tis no matter, we’l leave him the bones to pick.
Florinda
Sir, if you have any Esteem for that Belvile, I conjure you to treat me with more gentleness; he’l thank you for the justice.
[page 67]Frederick
Harkey, Blunt, I doubt we are mistaken in this Matter.
Florinda
Sir, if you find me not worth Belvile‘s care, use me as you please, and that you may think I merit better treatment than you threaten—pray take this present—
[Gives him a Ring: he loods on it.Blunt
Hum—a Diamond! whe ’tis a wonderful Virtue now that lies in this Ring, a mollifying Virtue; adsheartlikins there’s more perswasive Rhetorick in’t, than all her Sex can utter.
Frederick
I begin to suspect something; and ‘twould anger us vilely to be trust up for a rape upon a Maid of quality, when we only believe we ruffle a Harlot.
Blunt
Thou art a credulous Fellow, but adsheartlikins I have no Faith yet, whe my Saint prattled as parlously as this does, she gave me a Bracelet too, a Devil on her, but I sent my Man to fell it to day for Necessaries, and it prov’d as counterfeit as her Vows of Love.
Frederick
However let it reprieve her till we see Belvile.
Blunt
That’s hard, yet I will grant it.
Enter a Servant.Servant
Oh, Sir, the Colonel is just come in with his new Friend and a Spaniard of Quality, and talks of having you to Dinner with ’em.
Blunt
‘Dsheartlikins, I’m undone—I would not see ’em for the World. Harkey, Fred. lock up the Wench in your Chamber.
Frederick
Fear nothing, Madam, what e’re he threatens, you are safe whilst in my hands.
[Ex. Frederick and FlorindaBlunt
And, Sirrah—upon your life, say—I am not at home,—or that I am asleep—or—or any thing—away— I’l prevent their coming this way.
[Locks the Door, and Exeunt.The End of the Fourth ACT.[page 68]ACT V.Scene I. Blunt’s Chamber.After a great knocking as at his Chamber Door, Enter Blunt softly crossing the Stage, in his Shirt and Drawers as before.
Ned, Ned Blunt, Ned Blunt.
[call within.Blunt
The Rogues are up in Arms, ‘Sheartlikins this Villainous Frederick has betray’d me, they have heard of my blessed Fortune,
Ned Blunt, Ned, Ned—
[and knocking within.Belvile
Whe he’s dead Sir, without dispute dead, he has not been seen to day, let’s break open the door—here—Boy—
Blunt
Ha, break open the door. d’sheartlikins that mad Fellow will be as good as his word.
Belvile
Boy bring something to force the door,
[a great noise within, at the door again.Blunt
So, now must I speak, in my own defence, I’l try what Rhetorick will do—hold—hold what do you mean Gentlemen, what do you mean?
Belvile
Oh Rogue art a live, prithee open the door and convince us.
[within.Blunt
Yes, I am alive Gentlemen,—but at present a little busie.
Belvile
How, Blunt grown a Man of business, come, come, open and let’s see this Miracle.
[within.Blunt
No, no, no, no, Gentlemen ’tis no great business—but —I am—at—my Devotion—d’sheartlikins will you not alow a Man time to Pray.
Belvile
Turn’d Religious! a greater wonder then the first, therefore open quickly, or we shall unhinge, we shall.
[within.Blunt
This won’t do—whe hearkey Col. to tell you the plain truth, I am about a necessary affair of life—I have a wench with me—you apprehend me? the Devils in’t if they be so uncivil as to disturb me now,
Willmore
How a Wench! Nay then we must enter and partake no resistance—unless it be your Lady of Quality, and then we’l keep our distance,
[page 69]Blunt
So, the bus’ness is out.
Willmore
Come, come lends more hands to the Door—now heave altogether—so well done my Boyes—
[breaks open the Door.Enter Belvile, Willmore, Frederick and Pedro. Blunt looks simply, they all laugh at him, he lays his hand on his Sword, and comes up to Wilmore.Blunt.
Hearkey Sir, laugh out your laugh quickly, de ye hear, and begone. I shall spoil your sport else, ‘adsheartlikins Sir, I shall the jeast has been carryed on too long—a plague upon my Tayler.—
[aside.
Willmore
‘Sdeath, how the Whore has drest him, Faith Sir I’m sorry.
Blunt
Are you so Sir, keep’t to your self then Sir, I advise you, de’ye hear, for I can as little endure your pitty as his Mirth.
[lays his hand on’s Sword.Belvile
Indeed Willmore, thou wer’t a little too rough with Ned Blunts Mistress, call a Person of Quality whore? and one so young, so sandsome, and so Eloquent—ha, ha, he.—
Blunt
Harkey Sir, you know me, and know I can be angry, have a care—for adsheartlikins I can fight too—I can Sir,—do you mark me—no more—
Belvile
Why so peevish good Ned, some disappointments I’le warrant—what? did the Jealous Count her Husband return just in the nick?
Blunt
Or the Devil Sir—de’ye laugh— [they laugh. Look ye settle me a good sober countenance, and that quickly too, or you shall know Ned Blunt is not—
Belvile
Not every Body, we know that.
Blunt
Not an Ass to be laught at Sir,
Willmore
Unconscionable sinner, to bring a Lover so neer his happiness, a vigorous passionate Lover, and then not only cheat him of his moveables, but his very desires to.
Belvile
Ah! Sir a Mistress, is a trifle with Blunt. he’l have a duzen the next time he looks abroad, his Eyes have Charms, not to be resisted, there needs no more then to expose that taking Person, to the view of the Fair, and he leads ’em all in Triumph.
Pedro
Sir, tho ‘I’me a stranger to you, I am asham’d at the rudeness of my Nation; and cou’d you learn who did it, wou’d assist you to make an Example of ’em.
[page 70]Blunt
Whe aye, there’s one speaks Sense now, and han’somly; and let me tell you Gentlemen, I shou’d not have shew’d my self like a Jack Puding, thus to have made you Mirth, but that I have revenge within my power, for know, I have got into my possession a Femal, who had better have fallen under any Curse, then the ruine I design her: ‘adsheartlikins she assaulted me here in my own Lodgings, and had doubtless committed a Rape upon me, had not this Sword defended me.
Frederick
I know not that, but O my conscience thou had Ravisht her, had shee not redeem’d her self with a Ring—let’s see’t Blunt.
[Blunt shews the Ring.Belvile
Hah!—the Ring I gave Florinda, when we Exchange our Vows—harkey Blunt,—
[Goes to whisper to him.Willmore
No whispering good Col. there’s a Woman in the case, no whispering.
Belvile
Harkey Fool, be advis’d, and conceal both the Ring and the story for your Reputations sake, do not let people know what despis’d Cullies we English are, to be cheated and abus’d by one Whore, and another rather bribe thee than be kind to thee is an Infamy to our Nation.
Willmore
Come, come where’s the Wench, we’l see her, let her be what she will, wee’l see her.
Pedro
Ay, ay, let us see her, I can soon discover whether she be of quality, or for your diversion.
Blunt
She’s in Freds Custody.
Willmore
Come, come the Key,
[To Frederick who gives him the Key, they are going.Belvile
Death, what shall I do—
Stay Gentlemen—yet if I hinder ’em I shall discover all,—hold —lets go one at once—give me the Key.
Willmore
Nay hold there Col. I’le go first.
Frederick
Nay no dispute, Ned and I have the gropriety of her.
Willmore
Damn propriety—then we’l draw cuts, —nay no corruption good Col. come the longest Sword carries her—
Belvile goes to whisper WillmoreThey all draw forgetting Don Pedro being as a Spaniard had the longest.Blunt
I yield up my int’rest to you Gentlemen, and that will be; revenge sufficient.
Willmore
The Wench is yours— [to Pedro.] Pox of his Tolledo, I had forgot that.
[page 71]Frederick
Come Sir, I’le Conduct you to the Lady
[Ex. Frederick & PedroBelvile
To hinder him will certainly discover her—
[Aside.
Do’st know Dull beast what mischief thou hast done?
Willmore walking up and down out of Humour.Willmore
Aye, Aye, to trust our Fortune to Lotts, a Devil on’t, ’twas madness that’s the truth on’t.
Belvile
Oh intollerable Sott—
Enter Florinda running mask’t, Pedro after her: Willmore gazing round her.Florinda
Good Heaven defend me from discovery.
[aside.
Pedro
‘Tis but in vain to fly me, you’re fallen to my Lot.
Belvile
Sure she’s undiscovered yet, but now I fear there is no way to bring her off:
Willmore
Whe what a Pox is not this my woman, the same I follow’d but now?
[Pedro talking to Florinda, who walks up and down.Pedro
As if I did not know yee, and your business here.
Florinda
Good Heaven, I fear he does indeed—
[aside.
Pedro
Come, pray be kind, I know you meant to be so when you enter’d here, for these are proper Gentlemen.
Willmore
But Sir—perhaps the Lady will not be impos’d upon, She’l chuse her Man.
Pedro
I am better bred, then not to leave her choice free.
Enter Valeria, and is surpriz’d at sight of Don Pedro.Valeria
Don Pedro here! there’s no avoiding him.
[aside.
Florina
Valeria! then I’m undone,—
[aside,
Valeria
Oh! have I found you Sir— [To Pedro running to him. —the strangest accident—if I had breath—to tell it.
Pedro
Speak—is Florinda safe? Hellena well?
Valeria
Ay, Ay Sir—Florinda—is safe—from any fears of you.
Pedro
Why where’s Florinda?—speak—
Valeria
Aye, where indeed Sir, I wish I cou’d inform you, —but to hold you no longer in doubt—
Florinda
Oh what will she say—
[Aside.
Valeria
—She’s fled away in the habit—of one of her Pages Sir— but Callis thinks you may retrieve her yet, if you make haste away, she’l tell you, Sir, the rest—if you can find her out.
[Aside.
Pedro
Dishonourable Girle, she has undone my Aime—Sir—you see my necessity of leaving you, and hope you’l Pardon it; my [page 72] Sister I know will make her flight to you; and if she do, I shall Expect she shou’d be render’d back.
Belvile
I shall consult my Love and Honour Sir.
[Ex. PedroFlorinda
My dear Preserver, let me imbrace thee.
[To ValeriaWillmore
What the Devil’s all this?
Blunt
Mysterie by this light.
Valeria
Come, come, make haste and get your selves married quickly, for your Brother will return again.
Belvile
I’m so surpriz’d with fears and joyes, so amaz’d to find you here in safety, I can scarce perswade my heart into a faith of what I see—
Willmore
Harkey Colonel, is this that Mistress who has cost you so many sighs, and me so many quarrels with you?
Belvile
It is—pray give him the honour of your hand.
[To FlorindaWillmore
Thus it must be receiv’d then [Kneels and kisses her hand. And with it give your Pardon too.
Florinda
The Friend to Belvile may command me any thing.
Willmore
Death, wou’d I might, ’tis a surprizing Beauty.
[Aside.
Belvile
Boy, run and fetch a Father instantly.
[Ex. Boy.Frederick
So, now do I stand like a Dog, and have not a syllable to plead my own Cause with: by this hand, Madam, I was never throughly confounded before, nor shall I ever more dare look up with confidence, till you are pleas’d to Pardon me.
Florinda
Sir, I’le be reconcil’d to you on one condition, that you’l follow the Example of your Friend, in Marrying a Maid that does not hate you, and whose fortune (I believe) will not be unwelcome to you.
Frederick
Madam, had I no Inclinations that way, I shou’d obey your kind Commands.
Belvile
Who Frederick marry, he has so few inclinations for Woman kind, that had he been possest of Paradice, he might have continu’d there to this day, if no Crime but Love cou’d have dis-inherited him.
Frederick
Oh, I do not use to boast of my intregues.
Belvile
Boast, when thou dost nothing but boast; and I dare swear, wer’t thou as Innocent from the sin of the Grape, as thou art from the Apple, thou might’st yet claim that right in Eden which our first Parents lost by too much Loving.
Frederick
I wish this Lady would think me so modest a man.
Valeria
She wou’d be sorry then, and not like you half so well, and [page 73] I should be loath to break my word with you, which was, That if your Friend and mine agreed, it shou’d be a Match between you and I.
[She gives him her hand.Frederick
Bear witness, Colonel, ’tis a Bargain.
[Kisses her hand.Blunt
I have a Pardon to beg too, but adsheartlikins I am so out of Countenance, that I’m a Dog if I can say any thing to Purpose.
[To FlorindaFlorinda
Sir, I heartily forgive you all.
Blunt
That’s nobly said, sweet Lady,—Belvile, prithee present her her Ring again; for I find I have not Courage to approach her my self.
[Gives him the Ring he gives to Florinda.Enter Boy.Boy.
Sir, I have brought the Father that you sent for.
Belvile
‘Tis well, and now my dear Florinda, let’s fly to compleat that mighty joy we have so long wish’t and sigh’d for: —Come Fred.—you’l follow?
Frederick
Your Example Sir, ’twas ever my ambition in War, and must be so in Love.
Willmore
And must not I see this juggling knot ty’d?
Belvile
No, thou shalt do us better service, and be our guard, least Don Pedro‘s suddain return interrupt the Ceremony.
Willmore
Content—I’ll secure this pass.
[Ex. Belvile Florinda Frederick and ValeriaEnter Boy.Boy.
Sir, there’s a Lady without wou’d speak to you.
[To WillmoreWillmore
Conduct her in, I dare not quit my Post.
Boy
And Sir, your Taylor waits you in your Chamber.
Blunt.
Some comfort yet, I shall not dance naked at the Wedding.
[Ex. Blunt and Boy.Enter again the Boy, conducting in Angellica in a Masquing Habit and a Vizard. Willmore runs to her.Willmore
This can be none but my pretty Gipsie—Oh, I see you can follow as well as fly—Come, confess thy self the most malicious Devil in Nature, you think you have done my bus’ness with Angellica.—
Angellica
Stand off, base Villain—
[She draws a Pistol, and holds to his Brest.[page 74]Willmore
Hah, ’tis not she, who art thou? and what’s thy business?
Angellica
One thou hast injur’d, and who comes to kill thee for’t.
Willmore
What the Devil canst thou mean?
Angellica
By all my hopes to kill thee—
[Holds still the Pistol to his Brest, he going back, she following still.Willmore
Prithee on, what acquaintance? for I know thee not.
Angellica
Behold this face!—so lost to thy remembrance,
And then call all thy sins about thy Soul,
[Pulls off her Vizard.
And let ’em dye with thee.
Willmore
Angellica!
Angellica
Yes, Taylor,
Does not thy guilty blood run shivering through thy Veins?
Hast thou no horrour at this sight, that tells thee,
Thou hast not long to boast thy shameful Conquest?
Willmore
Faith, no Child, my blood keeps its old Ebbs and Flows still, and that usual heat too, that cou’d oblige thee with a kindness, had I but opportunity.
Angellica
Devil! dost wanton with my pain—have at thy heart.
Willmore
Hold, dear Virago! hold thy hand a little,
I am not now at leasure to be kill’d—hold and hear me—
—Death, I think she’s in earnest.
[aside.
Angellica
Oh if I take not heed,
My coward heart will leave me to his mercy.
[Aside, turning from him.
—What have you, Sir, to say?—but shou’d I hear thee,
Thoud’st talk away all that is brave about me:
[Follows him with the Pistol to his Brest.
And I have vow’d thy death, by all that’s Sacred.
Willmore
Whe then there’s an end of a proper handsome Fellow,
That might a liv’d to have done good service yet;
—That’s all I can say to’t.
Angellica
yet—I wou’d give thee—time for—penitence.
[Pausingly.Willmore
Faith Child, I thank God, I have ever took
Care to lead a good sober, hopeful Life, and am of a Religion
That teaches me to believe, I shall depart in peace.
Angellica
So will the Devil! tell me,
How many poor believing Fools thou hast undone?
How many hearts thou hast betray’d to ruin?
—Yet these are little mischiefs to the Ills
[page 75] Thoust taught mine to commit▪ thoust taught it Love?
Willmore
Egad ’twas shrewdly hurt the while.
Angellica
—Love, that has rob’d it of its unconcern
Of all that Pride that taught me how to value it.
And in its room
A mean submissive Passion was convey’d,
That made me humbly bow, which I nere did
To any thing but Heaven.
—Thou, Perjur’d Man, didst this, and with thy Oaths,
Which on thy Knees, thou didst devoutly make,
Soften’d my yielding heart—And then, I was a slave—
—Yet still had been content to’ve worn my Chains:
Worn ’em with vanity and joy for ever,
Hadst thou not broke those Vows that put them on.
—’Twas then I was undone.
[All this while follows him with the Pistol to his Breast.Willmore
Broke my Vows! whe where hast thou liv’d?
Amongst the Gods? for I never heard of mortal Man,
That has not broke a thousand Vows.
Angellica
Oh Impudence!
Willmore
Angellica! that Beauty has been too long tempting,
Not to have made a thousand Lovers languish,
Who in the Amorous Favour, no doubt have sworn
Like me: did they all dye in that Faith? still Adoring?
I do not think they did.
Angellica
No, faithless Man: had I repaid their Vows, as I did thine, I wou’d have kill’d the ingrateful that had abandon’d me.
Willmore
This Old General has quite spoil’d thee, nothing makes a Woman so vain, as being flatter’d; your old Lover ever supplies the defects of Age, with intollerable Dotage, vast Charge, and that which you call Constancy; and attributing all this to your own Merits, you domineer, and throw your Favours in’s Teeth, upbraiding him still with the defects of Age, and Cuckold him as often as he deceives your Expectations. But the Gay, Young, Brisk Lover, that brings his equal Fires, and can give you dart for dart, you’l will be as nice as you sometimes.
Angellica
All this thou’st made me know, for which I hate thee.
Had I remain’d in innocent security,
I shou’d have thought all men were born my slaves,
[page 76] And worn my pow’r like lightening in my Eyes,
To have destroy’d at pleasure when offended:
—But when Love held the Mirror, the undeceiving Glass
Reflected all the weakness of my Soul, and made me know
My richest treasure being lost, my Honour,
All the remaining spoil cou’d not be worth
The Conqueror’s Care or Value.
—Oh how I fell like a long worship’t Idol
Discovering all the Cheat.
Wou’d not the Insence and rich Sacrifice,
Which blind Devotion offer’d at my Alters,
Have fall’n to thee?
Why wou’dst thou then destroy my fancy’d pow’r.
Willmore
By Heaven thou’rt brave, and I admire thee strangely
I wish I were that dull, that constant thing
Which thou wou’dst have, and Nature never meant me:
I must, like cheerful Birds, sing in all Groves,
And perch on every Bough,
Billing the next kind she that flies to meet me;
Yet after all cou’d build my Nest with thee,
Thither repairing when I’d lov’d my round,
And still reserve a tributary Flame.
—To gain your credit, I’l pay you back your Charity,
And be oblig’d for nothing but for Love.
[Offers her a Purse of Gold.Angellica
Oh that thou wert in earnest!
So mean a thought of me,
Wou’d turn my rage to scorn, and I shou’d pity thee,
And give thee leave to live;
Which for the publick safety of our Sex,
And my own private Injuries, I dare not do▪
Prepare
[Follows still, as before.
—I will no more be tempted with replies.
Willmore
Sure—
Angellica
Another word will damn thee! I’ve heard thee talk too long.
Antonio
Hah! Angellica!
[She follows him with the Pistol ready to shoot; he retires still amaz’d. Enter Don Antonio, his Arm in a Scarf, and layes hold on the Pistol.[page 77]Angellica
Antonio! what Devil brought thee hither?
Antonio
Love and Curiosity, seeing your Coach at door.
Let me disarm you of this unbecoming instrument of death—amongst the Number of your slaves, was there not one, worthy the Honour to have fought your quarrel?
Takes away the Pistol.
—Who are you Sir, that are so very wretched
To merit death from her?
Willmore
One Sir, that cou’d have made a better End of an Amorous quarrel without you, than with you.
Antonio
Sure ’tis some Rival,—hah—the very Man took down her Picture yesterday—the very same that set on me last night —blest opportunity—
[Offers to shoot him.Angellica
Hold, you’re mistaken Sir.
Antonio
By Heaven the very same!
—Sir, what pretensions have you to this Lady?
Willmore
Sir, I do not use to be Examin’d, and am Ill at all disputes but this—
[Draws: Antonio offers to shoot.Angellica
Oh hold! you see he’s Arm’d with certain death;
[To Willmore
—And you Antonio, I command you hold,
By all the Passion you’ve so lately vow’d me.
Enter Don Pedro, sees Antonio, and stays.Pedro
Hah, Antonio! and Angellica!
[Aside.
Antonio
When I refuse obedience to your Will,
May you destroy me with your Mortal hate.
By all that’s Holy I Adore you so,
That even my Rival, who has Charms enough
To make him fall a Victim to my jealousie
Shall live, nay and have leave to love on still.
Pedro
What’s this I hear?
[aside.
Angellica
Ah thus! twas thus! he talkt, and I believ’d.
[Pointing to Willmore
—(Antonio,) yesterday,
I’d not have sold my Intrest in his heart,
For all the Sword has won and lost in Battail.
—But now to show my utmost of contempt,
I give thee Life—which if thou wou’dst preserve,
Live where my Eyes may never see thee more,
Live to undo some one, whose Soul may prove,
[page 78]So bravely constant to revenge my Love.
[Goes out, Antonio follows, but Ped. pulls him back.Pedro
Antonio—stay.
Antonio
Don Pedro—
Pedro
What Coward fear was that prevented thee
From meeting me this morning on the Molo?
Antonio
Meet thee?
Pedro
Yes me; I was the Man that dar’d thee to’t.
Antonio
Hast thou so often seen me fight in War,
To find no better Cause to excuse my absence?
—I sent my Sword and one to do thee right,
Finding my self uncapable to use a Sword.
Pedro
But ’twas Florinda‘s Quarrel that we fought,
And you to shew how little you esteem’d her,
Sent me your Rival, giving him your Intrest.
—But I have found the cause of this affront,
And when I meet you fit for the dispute,
—I’l tell you my resentment.
Antonio
I shall be ready, Sir, e’re long to do you reason.
[Ex. Antonio
Pedro
If I cou’d find Florinda, now whilst my angers high,
I think I shou’d be kind, and give her to Belvile in revenge.
Willmore
Faith, Sir, I know not what you wou’d do, but I believe the Priest within has been so kind.
Pedro
How! my Sister Married?
Willmore
I hope by this time he is, and bedded too, or he has not
My longings about him.
Pedro
Dares he do this! does he not fear my Pow’r?
Willmore
Faith not at all, if you will ‘go in, and thank him for the favour he has done your Sister, so, if not, Sir, my Pow’rs greater in this house than yours, I have a damn’d surly Crew here, that will keep you till the next Tide, and then clap you on bord for Prise; my Ship lies but a League off the Molo, and we shall show your Donship a damn’d Tramontana Rovers Trick.
EnterBelvileBelvile
This Rogue’s in some new Mischief—hah Pedro return’d!
Pedro
Colonel Belvile, I hear you have Married my Sister?
Belvile.
You have heard truth then, Sir.
Pedro
Have I so; then, Sir, I wish you Joy.
Belvile
How!
[page 79]Pedro
By this imbrace I do, and I am glad on’t.
Belvile
Are you in earnest?
Pedro
By our long Friendship and my obligations to thee, I am,
The sudain change, I’le give you reasons for anon,
Come lead me to my Sister,
That she may know, I now approve her choice.
[Ex. Belvile with PedroWillmore goes to follow them. Enter Hellena as before in Boys Clothes, and pulls him back.Willmore
Ha! my Gipsie:—now a thousand blessings on thee for this kindness, Egad Child I was e’en in dispair of ever seeing thee again; my Friends are all provided for within, each Man his kind Woman.
Hellena
Hah! I thought they had serv’d me some such trick!
Willmore
And I was e’en resolv’d to go aboard, and condemn my self to my lone Cabin, and the thoughts of thee.
Hellena
And cou’d you have left me behind, wou’d you have been so ill natur’d?
Willmore
Whe twou’d have broke my Heart Child:—but since we are met again, I defie foul weather to part us.
Hellena
And wou’d you be a Faithful Friend, now if a Maid shou’d trust you?
Willmore
For a Friend I cannot promise, thou art of a form so Excellent a Face and Humour, too good for cold dull Friendship; I am parlously afraid of being in Love Child, and you have not forgot how severely you have us’d me?
Hellena
That’s all one, such usage you must still look for, to find out all your Haunts, to raile at you to all that Love you, till I have made you love only me in your own defence, because no body else will love.
Willmore
But hast thou no better quality, to recommend thy self by.
Hellena
Faith none Captain:—whe ’twill be the greater Charity to take me for thy Mistress. I am alone Child, a kind of Orphan Lover, and why I shou’d dye a Maid, and in a Captains hands too, I do not understand,
Willmore
Egad, I was never claw’d away with Broad-sides from any Female before, thou hast one Vertue I Adore, good Nature; I hate a Coy demure Mistress, she’s as troublesome as a Colt, I’l break none; no give me a mad Mistress when Mew’d, and in [page 80] flying on I dare trust upon the wing, that whil’st she’s kind will come to the Lure.
Hellena
Nay as kind as you will good Capt. whil’st it lasts, but let’s lose no time,
Willmore
My time’s as precious to me, as thine can be, therefore dear creature, since we are so well agreed, let’s retire to my Chamber, and if ever thou wert treated with such Savory Love!— come—my beds prepar’d for such a guest all clean and Sweet as thy fair self, I love to steal a Dish and a Bottle with a Friend, and hate long Graces—come let’s retire and fall too.
Hellena
‘Tis but getting my consent, and the bus’ness is soon done, let but old GafferHimen and his Priest, say amen to’t, and I dare lay my Mothers daughter by as proper a Fellow as your Father’s Son, without fear or blushing,
Willmore
Hold, hold, no Bugg words Child, Priest and Hymen, prithee add a Hang-man to ’em to make up the consort,—no, no, we’l have no Vows but Love, Child, nor witness but the Lover, the kind Deity injoyn naught but Love! and injoy! Himen and Priest wait still upon Portion, and Joynture; Love and Beauty have their own Ceremonies; Marriage is as certain a bane to Love, as lending Money is to Friendship: I’l neither ask nor give a Vow,—tho’ I cou’d be content to turn Gipsie, and become a left-handed bride-groom, to have the pleasure of working that great Miracle of making a Maid a Mother, if you durst venture; ’tis upse Gipsie that, and if I miss, I’l lose my Labour.
Hellena
And if you do not lose, what shall I get? a cradle full of noise and mischief, with a pack of repentance at my back? can you teach me to weave Incle to pass my time with? ’tis upse Gipsie that too.
Willmore
I can teach thee to Weave a true loves knot better.
Hellena
So can my dog.
Willmore
Well, I see we are both upon our Guards, and I see there’s no way to conquer good Nature, but by yielding,—here— give me thy hand—one kiss and I am thine—
Hellena
One kiss! how like my Page he speaks; I am resolv’d you shall have none, for asking such a sneaking sum,—he that will be satisfied with one kiss, will never dye of that longing; good Friend, single kiss, is all your t5alking come to this?—a kiss, a caudle! farewel Captain, single kiss.
[Going out he stays her.
Willmore
Nay if we part so, let me dye like a bird upon a bough, [page 81] at the Sheriffs charge, by Heaven both the Indies, shall not buy thee from me. I adore thy Humour and will marry thee, and we are so of one Humour, it must be a bargain—give me thy hand.— [Kisses her Hand. And now let the blind ones (Love and Fortune) do their worst.
Hellena
Whe God-a-mercy Captain!
Willmore
But harkey—the bargain is now made; but is it not fit we shou’d know each others Names? that when we have reason to curse one another hereafter (and People ask me who ’tis I give to the Devil) I may at least be able to tell, what Family you came of.
Hellena
Good reason, Captain; and where I have cause, (as I doubt not but I shall have plentiful) that I may know at whom to throw my—blessings—I beseech ye your Name.
Willmore
I am call’d Robert the Constant.
Hellena
A very fine name; pray was it your Faulkner or Butler that Chisten’d you? do they not use to Whistle when they call you?
Willmore
I hope you have a better, that a man may name without crossing himself, you are so merry with mine.
Hellena
I am call’d Hellena the Inconstant.
Enter Pedro, Belvile, Florinda, Frederick Valeria.Pedro
Hah! Hellena!
Florinda
Hellenah!
Hellena
The very same—hah my Brother! now Captain shew your Love and Courage; stand to your Arms, and defend me bravely, or I am lost for Ever.
Pedro
What’s this I hear! false Girle, how came you hither, and what’s your bus’ness? Speak.
[Goes roughly to her.
Willmore
Hold off Sir, you have leave to parly only.
Puts himself between.
Hellena
I had e’en as good tell it, as you guess it; Faith Brother my bus’ness, is the same with all living Creatures of my Age, to love, and be beloved, and here’s the Man.
Pedro
Perfidious Maid, hast thou deceiv’d me too, deceiv’d thy self and Heaven;
Hellena
‘Tis time enough to make my peace with that,
Be you but kind let me alone with Heaven,
Pedro
Belvile, I did not expect this false play from you; was’t [page 82] not enough you’d gain Florinda (which I pardon’d) but your lewd Friends too must be inricht with the spoyls of a Noble Family?
Belvile
Faith Sir, I am as much surpriz’d at this as you can be: Yet Sir, my Friends are Gentlemen, and ought to be Esteem’d for their Misfortunes, since they have the Glory to suffer with the best of Men and Kings; ’tis true, he’s a Rover of Fortune, Yet a Prince, aboard his little wooden World.
Pedro
What’s this to the maintenance of a Woman of her Birth and Quality.
Willmore
Faith Sir, I can boast of nothing but a Sword which does me right where e’re I come, and has defended a worse Cause then a Womans; and since I lov’d her before I either knew her Birth or Name, I must pursue my resolution, and marry her.
Pedro
And is all your holy intent of becoming a Nun, debauch’t into a desire of Man?
Hellena
Whe—I have consider’d the matter Brother, and find, the Three hundred thousand Crowns my Uncle left me (and you cannot keep from me) will be better laid out in Love than in Religion, and turn to as good an account,—let most voyces carry it, for Heaven or the Captain?
All cry, a Captain? a Captain?
Hellena
Look yee Sir, ’tis a clear case.
Pedro
Oh I am mad—if I refuse, my lifes in danger— [aside. —Come—there’s one motive induces me—take her— I shall now be free from fears of her Honour, guard it you now, if you can, I have been a slave to’t long enough,
[gives her to him.
Willmore
Faith Sir, I am of a Nation, that are of opinion a womans Honour is not worth guarding when she has a mind to part with it.
Hellena
Well said Captain.
Pedro
This was your Plot Mistress, but I hope you have married one that will revenge my quarrel to you—
[To Valeria.Valeria
There’s no altering Destinie, Sir.
Pedro
Sooner than a Womans Will, therefore I forgive you all—and wish you may get my Father’s Pardon as Easily; which I fear.
Enter Blunt drest in a Spanish Habit, looking very ridiculously; his Man a justing his Band.Man
‘Tis very well Sir—
Blunt
Well Sir, ‘dshearlikins I tell you ’tis damnable Ill Sir, —a Spanish habit good Lord! Cou’d the Devil and my Taylor [page 83] devise no other punishment for me, but the Mode of a Nation I abominate?
Belvile
What’s the matter Ned?
Blunt
Pray view me round, and judge,—
[Turns round.Belvile
I must confess thou art a kind of an odd Figure.
Blunt
In a Spanish habit with a Vengeance! I had rather be in the Inquisition for Judaisme, than in this Doublet and Breeches, a Pillory were an easie Coller, to this three handfuls high; and these Shoes too, are worse, then the stocks with the sole an Inch shorter than my Foot: In fine, Gentlemen, methinks I look altogether like a Bag of Bayes stufft full of Fooles flesh.
Belvile
Methinks ’tis well, and makes thee look e’n Cavalier: Come Sir, settle your face, and salute our Friends, Lady—
Blunt
Hah!—say’st thou so my Little Rover— [To Hell. Lady—(if you be one) give me leave to kiss your hand, and tell you adshearlikins for all I look so, I am your humble Servant,— a Pox of my Spanish habit.
Willmore
Hark—what’s this?
[Musick is heard to play.
Enter Boy.Boy
Sir, as the Custome is, the gay people in Masquerade who make every mans House their own, are coming up:
Enter several Men and Women in Masquing Habits with Musick, they put themselves in order and Dance.Blunt
Adsheartlikins, wou’d twere lawful to pull off their false faces, That I might see if my Doxie were not amongst e’m.
Belvile
Ladies and Gentlemen, since you are come so apropo, you must take a small Collation with us.
[To the Masquero’s.
Willmore
Whilst we’le to the Good Man within, who stayes to give us a Cast of his Office. [To Hellena —Have you no trembling at the near approach?
Hellena
No more than you have in an Engagement or a Tempest.
Willmore
Egad thou’rt a brave Girle, and I admire thy Love and Courage.
Lead on, no other Dangers they can dread,
Who Venture in the Storms o’th’ Marriage Bed.
[Exeunt.THE END.[page ]EPILOGUE.
THe Banisht Cavaliers! a Roving Blade!
A Popish Carnival! a Masquerade!
The Devel’s in’t if this will please the Nation,
In these our blessed times of Reformation,
When Conventickling is so much in fashon.
And yet—
That Mutinous Tribe less Factions do beget,
Than your continual differing in Wit;
Your Judgment’s (as your Passion’s) a disease:
Nor Muse nor Miss your Appetite can please;
Your grown as Nice as queasie Consciences,
Who’s each Convulsion, when the Spirit moves,
Damns every thing, that Maggot disapproves.
With Canting Rule you wou’d the Stage refine,
And to Dull Method all our Sense confine.
With th’ Insolence of Common Wealths you rule,
Where each gay Fop, and Politick grave Fool
On Monarch Wit impose, without controul.
As for the last, who seldom sees a Play,
Unless it be the old Black Fryers way,
Shaking his empty Noddle o’re Bamboo,
He Crys,—Good Faith, these Playes will never do.
—Ah, Sir, in my young days, what lofty Wit,
What high strain’d Scenes of Fighting there were Writ:
These are slight airy Toys. But tell me, pray,
What has the House of Commons done to day?
Then shews his Politicks, to let you see,
Of State Affairs he’l judge as notably,
As he can do of Wit and Poetry.
The younger Sparks, who hither do resort,
Cry,—
Pox o’ your gentile things, give us more Sport;
—Damn me, I’m sure ’twill never please the Court.
Such Fops are never pleas’d unless the Play
Be stufft with Fools, as brisk and dull as they:
[page ] Such might the Half-Crown spare, and in a Glass
At home, behold a more Accomplisht Ass,
Where they may set their Cravats, Wigs and Faces,
And Practice all their Buffonry Grimasses:
See how this—Huff becomes,—this Damny,—stare,—
Which they at home may act, because they dare,
But—must with prudent caution do elsewhere.
Oh that our Nokes, or Tony Lee cou’d show
A Fop but half so much to th’ life as you.
Post-script.
This Play had been sooner in Print, but for a Report about the Town (made by some either very Malitious or very Ignorant) that ’twas Thomaso alter’d; which made the Book-sellers fear some trouble from the Proprietor of that Admirable Play, which indeed has Wit enough to stock a Poet, and is not to be peec’t or mended by any but the Excellent Author himself; That I have stoln some hints from it, may be a proof, that I valu’d it more than to pretend to alter it; had I had the Dexterity of some Poets, who are not more Expert in stealing than in the Art of Concealing, and who even that way out-do the Spartan-Boyes. I might have appropriated all to my self, but I, vainly proud of my Iudgment, hang out the Sign of Angellica, (the only stoln Object) to give Notice where a great part of the Wit dwelt; tho if the Play of the Novella were as well worth remembring as Thomaso, they might (bating the Name) have as well said, I took it from thence: I will only say the Plot and Bus’ness (not to boast on’t) is my own: as for the Words and Characters, I leave the Reader to judge and compare ’em with Thomaso, to whom I recommend the great Entertainment of reading it, tho had this succeeded ill, I shou’d have had no need of imploring that Justice from the Criticks, who are naturally so kind to any that pretend to usurp their Dominion, they wou’d doubtless have given me the whole Honour on’t. Therefore I will only say in English what the famous Virgil does in Latin; I make Verses, and others have the Fame.
FINIS.
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