Aye, that, that.
PYE.
Give me Audience, then: when the old Knight thy Master has raged his fill for the loss of the chain, tell him thou hast a Kinsman in prison, of such exquisite Art, that the devil himself is French Lackey to him, and runs bare-headed by his horse-belly (when he has one) whom he will cause with most Irish Dexterity to fetch his chain, tho twere hid under a mine of sea-coal, and ne"er make Spade or Pickaxe his instruments: tell him but this, with farder instructions thou shalt receive from me, and thou shoust thy self a Kinsman indeed.
CORPORAL.
A dainty Bully.
SKIRMISH.
An honest Book-keeper.
CAPTAIN.
And my three times thrice honey Cousin.
NICHOLAS.
Nay, grace of G.o.d, I"ll rob him on"t suddenly, and hang it in the Rosemary bank; but I bear that mind, Cousin, I would not steal any thing, me thinks, for mine own Father.
SKIRMISH.
He bears a good mind in that, Captain!
PYE.
Why, well said; he begins to be an honest felow, faith.
CORPORAL.
In troth, he does.
NICHOLAS.
You see, Cousin, I am willing to do you any kindness, always saving my self harmless.
[Exit Nicholas.]
CAPTAIN.
Why, I thank thee; fare thee well, I shall requite it.
CORPORAL.
Twill be good for thee, Captain, that thou has such an egregious a.s.s to thy Cousin.
CAPTAIN.
Aye, is he not a fine fool, Corporal? But, George, thou talkst of Art and Conjuring; How shall that be?
PYE.
Puh, be"t not in your care: Leave that to me and my directions.
Well, Captain, doubt not thy delivery now, E"en with the vantage, man, to gain by prison, As my thoughts prompt me: hold on, brain and plot!
I aim at many cunning far events, All which I doubt not but to hit at length.
I"ll to the Widdow with a quaint a.s.sault.
Captain, be merry.
CAPTAIN.
Who, I? Kerrie, merry, Buff-Jerkin.
PYE.
Oh, I am happy in more slights, and one will knit strong in another.--Corporal Oath.
CORPORAL.
Hoh, Bully?
PYE.
And thou, old Peter Skirmish; I have a necessary task for you Both.
SKIRMISH.
Lay"t upon, George Pye-board.
CORPORAL.
What ere it be, we"ll manage it.
PYE.
I would have you two maintain a quarrel before the Lady Widdow"s door, and draw your swords i"th edge of the Evening; clash a little, clash, clash.
CORPORAL.
Fuh!
Let us alone to make our Blades ring noon, Tho it be after Supper.
PYE.
I know you can. And out of that false fire, I doubt not but to raise strange belief--And, Captain, to countenance my device the better, and grace my words to the Widdow, I have a good plain Satin suit, that I had of a young Reveller t"other night: for words pa.s.s not regarded now a days, unless they come from a good suit of clothes, which the Fates and my wits have bestowed upon me. Well, Captain Idle, if I did not highly love thee, I would ne"er be seen within twelve score of a prison, for I protest at this instant, I walk in great danger of small debts; I owe money to several Hostesses, and you know such Jills will quickly be upon a man"s Jack.
CAPTAIN.
True, George.
PYE.
Fare thee well, Captain. Come, Corporal and Ancient! thou Shalt hear more news next time we greet thee.
CORPORAL.
More news! Aye, by yon Bear at Bridge-Foot in heaven shalt thou.
[Exeunt Pye-board, Skirmish, and Oath.]
CAPTAIN.
Enough: my friends, farewell.
This prison shows as if Ghosts did part in h.e.l.l.
ACT II.
SCENE I. A room in the widow"s house.
[Enter Moll youngest Daughter to the Widdow: alone.]
MOLL.
Not Marry? forswear Marriage? why, all women know "tis as honorable a thing as to lie with a man; and I to spite my Sisters vow the more, have entertained a suitor already, a fine gallant Knight of the last Feather: he says he will Coach me too, and well appoint me, allow me money to Dice with-all, and many such pleasing protestations he sticks upon my lips; indeed, his short-winded Father ith" Country is wondrous wealthy, a most abominable Farmer, and therefore he may doote in time: troth, I"ll venture upon him. Women are not without ways enow to help them-selves: if he prove wise and good as his word, why, I shall love him, and use him kindly: and if he prove an a.s.s, why, in a quarter of an hour"s warning I can transform him into an Ox;--there comes in my Relief again.