me a sufferer in your thoughts I shall become more careful for the future Of busie friendship and a pur-blind zeal And find at present ways to vindicate The truth Hon. That will oblige me to implore your pardon For my unjust suspicion Bug. 'T is confidence I see must bear me out aside Time will make all things plain Hon. The time is riper Sir than you suppose For by appointment I 'me to meet Amante This Night in single Combate Bug. Then I have made fine work and shall no doubt Have my dear Guts carv'd in Italian Cut-works Or my poor Carkass pounded to a Sawsage Hon. If now you please to honour me so far As to appear my Second you 'l thereby approve Your truth and friendship Bug. Second A Pox of all lying it will lie Heavy on my blood one day or other and Yet if I shou'd be hang'd for 't my very body Cou'd not chuse but lie after 't were dead Enter Cicco Furfante Cic. Furfante When we meet Company whisper me Fur. Yonder 's Signior Honorio Sir my young Mistresses Servant Cic. Good day Signior Honorio Hon. How the Devil does he to see me at this Distance that gropes from one Room to another And knows not the way to his Mouth But by custom I joy to see you Sir That I may enquire of my souls chief Happiness my Arabella how fares my life Cic. In perfect health like sad Penelope she Moanes the absence of her Love you make Your self too much a Stranger Hon. She makes m'indeed a Stranger to her heart VVhere I cou'd wish to be more intimate Than Friends appear'd before the World knew fraud But since she 's pleas'd to have it otherwise My duty 's to submit Cic. Talk not to me of duty or submission your flames And flatteries make them proud your terming Them Deities make them forget ther frailty Calling them Mistresses you teach them disobedience Signior Honorio You have my voice if she 's mine she 's mine To dispose Hon. Doubt not her just obedience she 'll comply In ev'ry thing she can but Tyrant love Does so our reason and our will surmount It makes all tyes besides of no account Cic. Allow Girles reason and will that were fine i'faith Bug. I see y' are busie Sir I 'le take my leave Cic. VVho 's that Furfante Hon. Stay but a Minute and I 'le wait upon you In the mean time consider of the business Bug. Shou'd I refuse he 'd fight with me himself Tho' I perform nothing I 'le promise fair Cic. Does he turn this way yet Fur. He does speak aloud for he 's at some distance Cic. Signior Buggio my old acquaintance I protest I saw you not Fur. He may believe him for he has been Blind these five years Bug. Your Age excuses you Cic. I am not wont to make such gross mistakes Fur. Thanks to my Eyes and your Ears Cic. Old as I am these Eyes will serve me without spectacles Fur. As well as with 'em Bug. I 've heard you have that sense so perfect That you can see the point of a Needle At twelve score Cic. Then Signior Buggio you have heard a truth Fur. He neither cares to hear nor speak one Cic. Son Honorio Hon. That Title honours me and revives my hopes Cic. Hopes I 'le have 'em certainties the day Appointed and that quickly too Hon. You speak the Language of the Gods prepare My Arabella for a free consent And Hymen shall soon make us one Cic. Say no more I 'le have 't dispatch'd To morrow the privater the better Fur. For his Purse Cic. Fursante Hon. This suddenness surprizes me But old men do all by fits And I will sooner lose my life Than this blest opportunity Cic. I hope you 'l wait upon your friend to morrow Exeunt Cicco Furfante Bug. I sooner may neglect my self than him Hon. You have consider'd my proposal Bug. I have and with a double joy receive The honour as vindicator both of my same And truth Hon. You 'l approve your self a worthy Gentleman The Place is Pantalonies Grove the hour Six Bug. I understand you Sir If I observe aside Either time or place I 'le be fley'd and Have Vellum made of my Hide for Historians Tâ— write authentick History your Servant Sir Hon. A word you seem'd at first to intimate Somewhat concerning my Arabella Bug. True I did But Hon. Mince not the matter this old mans suddenness Does justly give me cause of jealousie Which we esteem high wisdoms sentinel Cause it alar'ms fear and straight awakes Suspending doubt which actions wisely stay 'Till discreet reason can prepare their way aside Bug. I shall so claw your wisdom Hon. Dear Buggio be particular in what Your hast did make appear of some concern Bug. Yes and have my Throat cut for my labour Sure I shall learn more wit Hon. Nay how you play the Tyrant that Friendship 's Poor which danger can affright And he loves little can't forgive his Friend VVhen 't was not he but 's Passion did offend Bug. The danger which I fear 's to incur your hate Yet that I 'le wave with all the interest Of divine Friendship rather than conceal Ought that may affront your love or honour Hon. Thou wilt oblige me to Eternity Bug. In short I saw your Arabella Signior VVith young Amante on the Grand Canale In a Felucca rowing toward Leghorn Adorn'd with all the Gallantries of Art Harmonious Musick entertain'd her Ear Perfumes her smell which much enrich'd the Air A Banquet and delicious Wines her taste VVhil'st he appear'd the object of her Eye And pleas'd her more than that variety Hon. Hell and Devils Art thou sure 't was he Bug. As sure What Dost thou take me for an Atheist Have I any Faith have I any Eyes Hon. Enough you will not fail at Six Bug. I 'le sooner fail my Grannam on her Death-bed VVhen she 's bestowing Legacies Exit Hon. Were not Constantius injuries sufficient But thou must wound more near and having struck My Honour must destroy my Love and wound A Chastiâ—y my Soul did glory in Thy injuries confound my patience And revenge and make me think Heaven unjust That gave thee so much power to offend And but one life to make me satisfaction But I 'le denounce a War against thy blood And thence proceed to thy affinities Nor shall my vengeance slacken much less end Whil'st thou hast left a Kinsman or a Friend Exit Scena Quinta Riccamare Garbato Ric. Our agreement's this if this Damsel of sixscore And odd be worth the sums you talk off And will marry me I am to procure my Niece Arabella's Company at my house and Make you a Collation if it do not sccceed you forfeit two hundred Crowns Garb. You have an exact memory View now The Fabrick Ric. It looks like an old ruin of Egypt Garb. Or rather like a relique of the Flood Sure it was built in the Inâ—ancy of time Before the World was
a Gypsie to her and Helen a Black Dowdy I 'le outlie him if possible Cic. So fair and rich Bug. Richer than Croesus she spends more in a year Than his Catholick Majesty has been cozen'd of Since the first discovery of America Fur. This is nothing Sir they say that Gold is more Plentiful with her than Mackarel in their Season or Cherryes at a Crania a pound Bug. He 'll outdo me in my own Art Cic. VVhy knew I not this sooner Fur. I thought your VVorships capering days VVere done and that you wou'd not have committed Your grave head to the Matrimonial Noose At these years Cic. At these years Knave do I look so old Bug. Young as a stripling of eighteen Fur. Or a Cherry in May you are green agen Cic. I think I am as fresh and vigorous as VVhen I went to School Bug. Y' are like the year Sir and ev'ry spring renew your youth Fur. As Girles in Rome their Maidenâ—heads But you have a Daughter Sir Cic. VVhat then because she 'll pine away with the Sorrel sickness and die for Love must I not marry Bug. 'T were pitty on your life else Fur. She grieves poor Lady and sees no body Cic. She 'll be less subject to temptation I must Mind my own affairs first Enter Riccamare Ric. Save you good Brother Cic. Is he come to interrupt us dear Buggio Let 's to th' Window Ric. VVhat have you found your Daughter yet Bug. Now are we lost without a double brazen impudence Cic. Is he mad found my Daughter when was She lost Ric. Not lost Bug. He has certainly a design upon your VVidow And wou'd keep you off with a Tale Of your Daughter Cic. A Tale of a Tub I 'le hear none of 't I must Beg your pardon I 'me engag'd about a business VVhich concerns me nearly Ric. You 'll hear of your Daughter first Cic. I hear of her too much she 's above weeping but I am in haste Exeunt Cicco Furfante Bug. VVhat speedy wings does avarice bestow On creeping age he flyes that scarce cou'd go Exit Ric. VVeeping in her Chamber 't is strange nay 'T is impossible I left her but even now With Garbato plighting amorous Vows His strange behaviour much amazes me I know not what to think less what to do My whole design to supplant Arabella And make my self as next a Kin his heir is lost He 's damn'd in his belief that she 's above I 'me in a mist yet sometimes things appear At a great distance when they 're near at hand So painted Prospects do deceive the Eye And seems remote when on a flat they lie So may my fortune I 'le have th' other pluck If then I fail a plague of all ill luck Exit Scena Quarta Honorio Clara as a Page Constantia Hon. It was a little piece of charity To send thee back to be my Comforter Cla. I wish 't were in my power but for me Who am the very abstract of misfortune To undertake anothers grief wou'd prove Too great a madness and too little love Con. Thou art deceiv'd sorrows find most relief In stories like themselves Hon. Therefore dear Boy Impart this History if it be sad 'T will better suit our thoughts Cla. I am so young you cannot well expect Various adventures from my Childish Love Yet old enough for Loves severity Who quickly found a passage to my heart Which soon ador'd an object much too fair Not to be predispos'd of things of value Are coveted by all and I soon found love Had preingag'd that heart t'another Which my soul languish'd for Con. Alas poor Boy Cla. Yet to this grief there did succeed a joy For that heart being refus'd I thence deriv'd A fresh and lingring hope Hon. Why that was well Cla. That seeming heaven did increase my torment For I by Nature bashful had not then the courage To speak my Love of which they 're ignorant And I by consequence must always pine Unable to assist my own design Hon. Thy fate 's severe but 't is thy folly Boy Which makes it so But cruel Love so crosses my design My Mistress cannot if she wou'd be mine Cla. And 't is as much impossible for me T' express my flame as 't is for her to love But if you 'd please to undertake my cause I know it wou'd succeed Hon. I cannot Boy I 've bound my self by Oath Never to speak of Love to Woman more Cla. As from your self you still may speak for me Con. Dear Brother do I pitty his misfortune Hon. My vow was general concerning Love But you are free Constantia Con. 'T is not a thing for me to undertake That always have in love been so succesless Hon. May we not know her name Cla. 'T is not a Woman that I love Yet we a Man and Wise might prove If that our hearts cou'd but agree As well as Sexes sympathie Hon. This is a kind of a riddle Cla. But easily unfolded Hon. Trust mo th' unriddling will require some time VVhat sayes Constantia Con. My thoughts have been so taken up of late 'Twixt love and grief that I have lost that art Cla. It is unworthy either of your thoughts Hon. The kindness of this Boy does puzle me aside For either I mistake him or he loves me In an extreame that misbecomes his Sex It must be sure some Virgin in disguise Cla. I must confess you have discover'd me But you who know so much of love your self to Constantia Know best to pitty the extremities love has compell'd me to Hon. 'T is evident the riddle does import it She loves no VVoman therefore loves a Man And if a Man who can't divine her Sex I 'le set Constantia to discover all Con. In all I can I will assist your love to Clara. But lest my Brother should unfold too soon Your Oracle divert him with a Song SONG I never shall henceforth approve The Deity of Love Since he cou'd be So far unjust as to wound me And leave my Mistress free As if my flame cou'd leave a Print Vpon a heart of flent Can flesh and stone Be ere converted into one By my poor flame alone Were be a God he 'd neither be Partial to her nor me But by a Dart Directed into eithers heart Make both so feel the smart That being heated with his subtitle fire Our loves might make us feel but one desire Hon. How cravingly he look'd upon me now As if he had a boon he sham'd to ask There 's somewhat hid beneath that borrowed shape I must know more of Exit Honorio Con. So let him chew upon the riddle Till we have ripen'd our design But art thou sure Amante dotes on thee Cla. Am I sure when the Sun shines 't is day Con. Then I 'le renew my hopes since his revolt Is to an object can't return him love Cla. Let 's then assist each other in our loves I 'le use my art to make Amante thine Con.
for that Proverb these twenty Years so that by observation you shou'd be much about your prime Streg And that may very well be Sanc. I believe your Sciatica is nothing but the Rickets And your ach in the Jaws breeding of teeth which your Artificial ones hinder from cutting Streg Then belike I may renew my youth agen I am resolv'd to fling away these rotten Teeth And cut my Gums with munching loaf Sugar Sanc. You wou'd do well to buy a Corral Streg That is not so good but I 'le eat store of Rabbits Brains to make me tooth more easily Cic. I can observe no longer for I discern such Excellence I can't contain my self I must speak to her Fur. If he cou'd find her out but I 'le assist him Cic. Fair Strega and therefore the more fair because Strega do not disdain the humble flame which spouts Bug. Which blazes Cio VVhich blazes from a young Lovers heart Streg I never was addicted much to scorn Bug. Now is the rest of his pen'd speech lost and Our Lover in a brown study how to proceed Cic. If not to scorn I hope to love Bug. VVell urg'd old Man how e'â—e extempore Streg Belike Love is a very comfortable thing But it will require debate if you please We 'll walk in and confer notes Cic. You cannot more oblige me Exeunt Fur. His speech had like to have ruin'd all Bug. He wou'd not be perswaded otherwise Come le ts in and share the mirth Fur. My old Maâ—ter cannot move without me Exeunt Scena Tertia Honorio Constantia Hon. VVith what a strange and yet mysterious art Love has intangled and engag'd each heart Yours to Amante to fair Clara his Hers unto me what a strange Maze is this Mine was intangled too but since got free By a rash vow dislikes that liberty Because it cruelly prevents thy peace And renders me unable to release Amante from his flame by wedding Clara. Con. Ah that you wou'd but so befriend my loveâ— Hon. I dare not think you wish a happiness That I must purchase with so great a Crime Con. I wou'd not have you sin yet I 'de fain be Eas'd of this load of Love and misery But is there no expedient no just art To break a Vow which else must break my heart Not only mine but loving Clara's too And that I 'me confident won't much please you Hon. Not in the least for I at present find Such an indifferency to Arabella That I had rather oblige Clara's love And make Amante capable of thine VVou'd my rash vow permit it Con. It is not better to dispense one Oath Than kill a Mistress and a Sister both VVhen by two Sins you equally are prest It is a Virtue sure to chuse the least Hon. But I perceive no such Dilâ—mma here I may preserve my Vow and you your lives Enter Clara. But Clara comes I date not trust my self Lest my Compassion shou'd destroy my Virtue Exit Honoâ— Scena quarta Cla. I fear your Rhetorick prevails but little To perswade his lover since he avoids my presence Con. 'T is altogether hopeless he 's so constant To that curs'd vow there 's no removing him Cla. We must find some evasion some reservation Con. But where my Clara you still cherish hope Thougâ— you have nought in Prospect but despair Cla. That 's the last passion love shou'd entertain Weigh but discreetly this perplexive vow And the evasion won't seem difficult It was if I remember it but rightly Never to speak of love to Woman more Con. It was what shadow of hope can you derive from thence Cla. A certain joy if nothing else obstruct my happiness Con. Find an evasion for that curst resolve And I 'le assure your marriage Cla. Why let him keep his Vow religiously And never speak of love to me or any I 'le understand his signs if he 'll consent The Priest shall make us one Besides Constantia He may write his love that 's not within his Oath Con. How dull was I not to discern it sooner 'T is evident plain as the light that shines I 'le straight convince him of it Exit As Clara follows Amante Enters takes her by the hand and stops her Scena Quinta Aman. Though y' are still so cruel and deaf to all my vows Yet lend an ear to my sad sufferings Cla. The Lady that went hence suffers much more For you than you can do for me Aman. Alas I pitty her Cla. I pity you But pitty more your base inconstancy Aman. Impute that crime to love and beauty Madam Since they conspir'd to betray my heart To one far more deserving now 't is fixt Cla. Like to an exhalation for a moment Aman. For ever Madam Cla. VVhat hope of constancy can there be found In love of which inconstancy's the ground What truth when both alike must be untrue You in your change and I in loving you Exit Aman. She has struck me dumb yet will not give me time To answer or extenuate my Crime Or if she had I cou'd make small defence Guilt can but ill dispose with innocence But I 'le reform and though I cannot gain Her love her good opinion I 'le obtain Then let her know tho' once I went astray Her brave reproofs has set me in the way Exit Scena Sexta Garbato Arabella Gar. ' â—is a strange solitary house this None But an Old Woman to bid us welcome Ara. I do'nt like my Uncles absence neither Gar. That seems suspicious too But I applaud However the design since it obtain'd me such a happiness Ara. I must applaud it too since 't is my fate Repentance after Marriage comes too late Enter Riccamare Cicco Strega Buggio and Furfante But here my Father comes I fear too soon Gar. Your Uncle with him too nay thâ—n we 're safe Ric. What are you sencelâ—ss Sir she has married a Beggar Cic. And I a Mine 't were a hard case if I cou'd not Afford one Portion set your heart at rest â—'me resolv'd to make this Day a Jubilee And I 'le begin with my Daughter first call her Furfante that I may forgive her Ric. Forgive her is he possest Fur. Wâ—y Sir she 's by you Cic. How strangely I forget my self oh love Love how thou distractest youth Arabella Gar. To him in this humour and get a blessing Ara I hope you are as ready to forgive as you were wont That I disobey'd you in my choice I must confess but 't was not till the choice You made abandon'd me that very Minute You design'd me his VVife Cic. Thou had'st more VVit I see than thy old Father I do forgive thee Girl and hope thy Husband VVill make that out in love he wants in fortune Ric. How riches alters some Mens tempers Oh! I cou'd curse Gar. My love I hope has been unquestionable And by so many Acts confirm'd it needs No farther proof let it suffice I married On a bare promise of your favour Sir for
My Vows to th' first I for the second dye Cla. I cannot apprehend this second love Constantia was his first Aman. But wheresore she she who was so guiltless Of all my Crimes shou'd want a Monument Be lost to all Posterity I apprehend not Cla. All this discourse is still beyond my reach Aman. Yet blessed Clara wherefoe're thou art Thou hast a Noble shrine within this breast he lies doâ—n Cla. The ridle 's now explain'd 't is me he loves For when I took this shape 't was given out By my command that I was dead but how Or where conceal'd yet it seems strange That I shou'd prove the cause of his Revolt VVho ne're was yet belov'd perhaps his Vow 's Directed to some other of my name I wish it were I 'le satisfie how e're my Curiosity ho Signior Amante ho He 's in an Extasie or else asleep Signior Amante Aman. Ha! Thou blest Idea and divinest form Of that fair Maid my soul ador'd Instruct me where to find her Sepulchre Cla. He takes me sure for Deaths Embassadour I understand you not noâ— know I her Aman. Do not disguise your message for I know Y' are sent by Clara on some blest errand Cla. I 'le humour him it may have good effect Sir 't is most true I am by Clara sent VVhose restless soul wanders without content Because your Passion does disturb her peace If that you love her you your flame will cease Else she as cause must suffer in her urn For your inconstancy therefore return To your first love Exit Clara. Aman. Do I deprive my Clara of her bliss VVretch let thy Crimes accumulate thy torments Rather than injure her but both's impossible How can she be concern'd in my Revolt That never knew my change Heaven's too just She can but be an accidental cause And if to cause such bad effects were sin The Gods themselves are scarcely innocent Exit Scena Sexta Strega Sancoâ—Panco Riccamare Garbato Streg Sanco-panco Sanc. VVhat wou'd your worship forsooth Streg Set the Gentlemen some stools Sanco Gar. Does not thy Stomach begin to wamble And Rowl like a Ship in a storm Ric. Thou art too curious she 's rich and I can Digest a few imperfections Gar. As the chattering of her chops like a new beaten Ape which together with the salivation Of her Nose makes her kiss as moist as a Young Girl that licks her Lips after stew'd Prunes Ric. Thou art a sworn enemy to old Women Strega Coughs Gar. Mark that Cough she has had it ever since The cold she got in Nebuchadnezzars days Doing homage to the Golden â—mage Streg Gentlemen be pleas'd to seat your selves Gar. She straines a complement as if she were Costive upon a close stool Ric. Peace Infidel Thy whineling Courtship To Arabella is ten times more ridiculous They all seat themselves and Strega in a â—icker-Chaire Streg Gentlemen the observation of my younger Days has instructed me from time to time In the politick secrets of nuptial conjunction And of seven Husbands heaven be prais'd I 've buryed in my days I found but one That lov'd me for my self Gallants I Mean for my well-favouredness and this Man Was my first the other Six pretended Love But doted on my wealth Now as my first Did love for youth and favour my last must Love for age and comeliness of mind I mean Wisdom and Experience Ric. I am the Man that wou'd so love and from Each antique part of venerable age Make youthful pleasures spring joyes of mind Th' older the Body and the more decay'd The soul 's more youthful still and vigorous For as a Tenement that 's held by time Whose Walls and Roofes are half conâ—um'd by age Enjoyes a freer influence of the Sun Than Towers newly built or modern Caves So you participate the knowledge of Gar. Making May Butter Ric. So you participate the knowledge of Gar. The wonderful use of a dry dogs-turd Ric. Pox on thee peace the knowledge of Gar. Stewing Prunes and Munching Marmalade Ric. A Pox confound thee the knowledg of The superiour Powers Gar. A rare speech in commendation of Arabian Mummy Streg Sir I perceive your affection and how directed The right way to knowledg and experience Your discretion therein I must tell you takes Me much uh uh hu very much uh hu hu Give me a stick of liquorish uh hu uh hu When you have seen my five imperfections Gar. I believe one may see the Devil with less horrour Streg And like me then I sha'n't be hard hearted Ric. I long for tryal like a teeming Wench In an Orchard Your imperfections will at Worst appear like foyles to set off The luster of your soul. Streg You speak bravely and I hope will like me I 'le give you this encouragement above my Other Suitors I like you Gar. Better than Heaven by the haste you make there Streg And as a secret in your ear I am better Worth than twenty thousand Crowns per annum Besides some Bags in a Corner Ric. I value your self only and hope Gar. She 'l dye and make you her sole Executor Streg Sanco fetch my dressing Table and Boxes Gar. Sure she meanes to lay her Carcass out in Parcels and dispose her Limbs in Legacies Or having boxed them severally indorse Them to her loving Kinsmen thrice Removed But her implyments are come Ric. Prithee leave fooling and observe Gar. How she 's set together as if she mov'd By Wires or Clockworks Streg How do you like me now She pulls off her Eye-brows Ric. How shou'd I like you less for want of Such an idle excrement Streg Put them in their right Box Sanco Sanc. I 'le case them most exactly Gar. And send them to France for a Pattern That the Mode may pass into England Streg Giv me your opinion now Pulls out an Eye Ric. VVhere the soul has such a subtile knowledg To discern there needs no corporal light Gar. Now wou'd she look like the figure of Homer scanning of Verses if her Beard VVere but half so venerable Streg VVhere 's my Eye-Box Sanco Gar 'T is but a blind Eye that cannot Hit its own Box how dost like her Ric. As I wou'd like a Treasure on a Dunghill I endure the stench o' th' one for the lucre Of the other pulls out her Teeth Streg Now view my third imperfection Gar. She 'll be sure to kiss soft and thou May'st venter thy Fingers in her Mouth Safely Streg This is my fourth consider 't well pulls off her hair Ric. This will never be seen in a Night-gear Besides 't is a charitable age we frequently Borrow hair of one another Gar. But art in earnest ha Ric. She 's sufficiently ugly but still I pray with The Man that was carried away by the Devil God bless us from worse Gar. On my Conscience he 'l go through stitch And learn by her face to Picture deformity Ric. Now for her last Gar. VVhich he expects with as much curiosity As a
THE Amorous Old-vvoman OR 'T is VVell if it Take A COMEDY ACTED By His MAJESTIES Servants WRITTEN By a Person of Honour LONDON Printed for Simon Neale at the three Pidgeons in Bedford street in Covent-Garden MDCLXXIV PROLOGUE Spoken by Major Mohun POets in Prologues to cajole the Age Have spent such stocks of Wit upon the Stage That 't is become the hardest par to'th' Play They 've said so much there 's little left to say Yet Criticks you new Miracles attend As if Wits Treasurie cou'd know no end Like cruel Landlords who do never weigh Hard times or dammage when 't is Quarter day With eager expectation you destrain For VVits Excise upon our Poets brain And for a Prologue you old custom cite They writ with ease who first began to write All fancies then were fresh all â—heams were new Wit 's ransack'd now from China to Peru. Nay here at home all fancies are as stale Some flatter some intreat and others rail And this last Method we must needs confess Has of all others met the most success But our new Poet dares not take this Course He wou'd intreat but not your likings force For if your Charity don't help him out He does protest he then must turn Bankrupt Not with design as knavish Bankers do For he 'l not break and then compound with you But fairly to you his whole interest quit And give you up the forfeit of his itâ— A second PROLOGVE intended but not spoken HE who comes hither with design to hiss And with a bum revers'd to whisper Miss To kemb a Peruke or to show gay Cloaths Or to vent antique Non-sence with new Oaths Our Poet welcomes as the Muses Friend For he 'll by Irony each Play commend Next him we welcome â—â—ch who briskly dine At Lockets at Giraus or Shattiline Swell'd with Pottage and the Burgundian Grape They hither come to take a kindly Nap In these our Poet don't conceive much harm For they pay well and keep our Benches warm And tho' scarce half awake some Plays they damn They do 't by whole-sale not by Ounce and Dram. But when fierce Criticks get them in their Clutch They 're crueller than the Tyrannick Dutch And with more Art do dislocate each Scene Than in Amboyna they the limbs of Men They rack each line and ev'ry word unknit As if they 'd find a way to cramp all Wit They 're the Terrour of all adventures here The very objects of their hate and fear And like rude Common-wealths they stillare knit 'Gainst English Playes the Monarchies of Wit Th' invade Poetick licence and still rail At Plays to which in duty they shou'd vail Yet still th' infest this Coast to Fâ—â—h for Iests To suppliment their VVits at City Feasts Thus much for Criticks To the more generous Wit Our Poet frankly does cach Scene submit And begs your kind Alliance to engage Those Hogen Interlopers of the Stage Dramatis Personae Honorio in Love with Arabella Mr. Lydal Amante in Love with Clara. Mr. Beeston Garbato in Love with Arabella Mr. Eastland Cicco a blind Senator that pretends to see Mr. Perin Riccamare his Brother in Love with Riches Mr. Coysh â—uggio a Fellow that delights in Romancing Mr. Chapman Furfante Servant to Cicco Mr. Powel Sanco-panco Servant to Strega Mr. Shirly Women Actors Constantia Sister to Honorio Mrs. Cox Arabella Daughter to Cicco Mrs. Iames. Clara in Love with Honorio called also Infortunio Mrs. Boutel Strega an old Rich deformed Lady Mrs. Corey The Scene Pisa. THE Amorous Old-vvoman OR 'T is VVell if it Take ACTUS I. SCENA I. Amante and Honorio meeting Aman. SIgnior Honorio Hon. Signior Amante You are the Man I wish'd to meet Aman. Then we 're both pleas'd I 've worn out my Feet with seeking you Hon. And I my Patience Aman. I thought you better stor'd Hon. You have most reason to believe so Signior Aman. I cannot apprehend you Hon. I shall explain my self I understand You have been a liberal detractor Sir Both of my honour and my Sisters fame And as a Gentleman expect fair satisfaction Aman. Ha ha ha you are dispos'd to droll Italians seldom understand that Language Hon. You speak French Teach your Sword the Dialect And don't mistake my injuries for jests Aman Tho' I have alwayes made it my chief care Neither to offer nor receive a wrong And am as far from injuries to you As English Subjects from oppressive Laws Yet custom does so cruelly impose Upon the Laws of Honour the must give Satisfaction to the Capricio of each jealous brain Hon. I am no common Duellist nor make a living From the price of blood My temper In your refusal of my Sisters Love After such long address was too much shewn But then her tears did conquer my resentments Which fresher injuries have inflam'd a-new And if not false to Honour as to Love You will this Night those injuries repair Or take his Life whose fame you did not spare Aman. 'T were not amiss I knew particulars The why and wherefore I must draw my Sword For I 'me not so in love with the French garb T' expose my skin to pinking for the Mode Hon. You shall Setting a part your late inconstancy which I am Bound to pardon byâ— an Oath receive in short My other injuries y' have given out thereby To justifie your levity my Sister was unchast And that the reason you forsook her Love That I being conscious of my Sisters guilt Durst not confirm 't to th' world by my revenge Aman. Let me but know the inventor of these lyes These Hell-bred lyes that I may punish him For I am more than equally concern'd Hon. You must excuse me Siâ— I swore concealment Aman. Then give me leave to say you are unjust Tho' love which all want Power to resist Compell'd my stubborn heart to feel a second flame â—et â— was ne're so little generous so destitute Of Honour or of Man-hood as to asperse a Lady I once lov'd Hon. Words are no balsom for the wounds of Honour I hope you 'l meet me in Pantalonies Grove Aman. To vindicate her Fame I will but ne're To justifie so black a Calumny Hon. Y' are a Coward then that wants a Soul To own the injuries your malice vents Aman. A Coward Lend me your patience Gods 'T is all too little to allay the flame That word has kindled here Oh how it rages Now y' have given my anger a just Theam You shall soon know to whom the Coward 's due Expect me about Six Hon. I shall attend you with a second Exit Honorio Aman. Tho' he pretends fresh wrongs 't is evident He seeks to punish my inconstancy A cause my Sword wou'd have defended weakly Had not his fury given 't an argument Too warrantable to admit dispute As to the justice of 't a Coward It is a Title of such Infamy Methinks his life is slender satisfaction And yet when I consider him my Friend Methinks that
Title shou'd all quarrells end Exit Scena Secunda Riccamare Garbato Ric. But is she so deform'd Garb. As ugly as heart can wish but rich Beyond the numbers of Arithmetick Ric. She 's a Woman Garb. Her Progeny assures it for she has seen Her great Grand-childs Daughter But still remember she is rich Ric. There 's my Elyzium Garb. But will you marry her Ric. Why did I crave thy aid else for riches I will marry any thing Were she so old That the single hairs upon her Chin Were hard'ned by time to the consistence Of Knitting-needles and grown as long if She had money yet I 'de marry her and Kiss her upon occasion notwithstanding That Porcupin defence Garb. And much good may it do thee Ric. Nay if she be but rich enough I care not Tho' she were a Witch the Devil had suck'd Nine lives but thou art sure that I shall Meet no Rival Garb. Except Don Satan shou'd in meer spight Animate an hang'd Carcass to court her Never fear one Ric. How happy 's Riccamare since glorious Gold Gives form to Youth deform'd Beauty to th' old Garb. How he 's exalted like a Beggar that had Drunk himself into a Prince and keeps State in a dream Ric. Dear Garbato let 's instantly to this India Garb. Weigh the adventure There 's more pleasure To sleep in a Trench tho' in a deep Snow When Bullets dance about your ears and Less danger than in kissing her she Has a breath more noisom than a Jakes Able to belch a Pestilence but Gold is a Rich Restorative and she 's as mellow as An Angelot Châ—ese that has been mortifi'd Fifteen Months in Horse-dung But still To your great comfort she 's exceeding rich Ric. That 's my Paradise has she many Heirs Garb. None but an overgrown Gib-cat she has Out-liv'd her kindred by nine Generations And they say remembers ever since Eve Gave suck and for her Religion she 's a Pre-adamite Ric. Then are my fortunes made for ever Garb. And you shall make mine before we part aside Ric. How am I bound to fortune Rich and Old Two blessings I wou'd hardly change for Heaven Might it succeed Garb. The refusal must be on your part Signior Ric. What and be worth ten thousand Duckets yearly Gar. Yes and ten times that in money Ric. If I wed her not may I marry a poor Beauty and undo my Parish with getting Beggars Why should'st thou scruple it Prithee let 's lose no time Garb. A word first about my own concerns Ric. Delay me not I 'le reward thee to thy wish Gar. I am no Slave to coin Sir Ric. How shall I otherwise deserve thy Love Gar. As we walk I shall inform you Ric. Well you shall govern me now to my Mine Nought's so deform'd but Gold can make divine Exeunt Scena Tertia Constantia Clara Arabella Con. Dispute no more you may as well compare An Atome to a Mountain as balance Your miseries with mine Cla. Let each impart her grief and then the Scale Will not perhaps appear so much unequal Ara. Let me begin happily hearing mine You 'l blush and think your own not worth Relating The man I love is banisht from my sight And him I hate usurps a Lovers right Such Magick is there in a Parents will As does destroy my Love my Lover kill If I obey I must espouse my hate And disobedience is a harder fate For so I lose my love who does pursue Me with such Virtue he 'd then shun me too As lost to duty judging I might prove As to my Father falser to his love Con. Your fate 's severe yet Madam you possess In 's Virtue still a kind of happiness Whil'st I have lost in mine being so untrue Not only a Lover but his virtue too Cla. Yet both your fates my happiness outgo You were belov'd but I was never so Con. My having been belov'd my griefs encrease War racks them most that have been us'd to peace Ara. And those true vowes my Lover does impart Serve but as Torches to inflame my heart Which otherwise by silence might abate In Love and reconcile me to my hate Cla. All these are trifles to poor Clara's grief Whose Love ne're had nor e're can hope relief Con. What e're they seem sure those griefs deepest grow Which feel th' effects of love and hatred too Ara. If to discern you'd contraries compare For great hope lost begets the worst despair You 'd find my grief all others far excel So joyes privation is the worst of Hell And darkness seems more horrid to the sight When Bodies intervene 'twixt us and light And rob us of the glory of the Day Than when by course Night drives the Sun away So does my Fathers will t' our Love appear Much more prodigious than were Love severe Or either of us false that grief destroys Which cruelly separates uniting joyes Con. Disputes are vain we never shall decide Which shou'd precede 'mongst griefs so near ally'd Cla. Thou' rt in the right for mine must never yield Ara. Nor mine adieu I must retire to the Cypress Grove Cla. So dark a shade will best become my Love I 'le bear thee company where we will feed Sorrow with silence As wounds inward bleed When least apparent yet then best surprize The fort of life so griefs which dwell on Eyes Cannot so dextrously life o'ercome As silent sorrows which live nearer home Exeunt Clara and Arabella Con. If Love alone be difficult to bear And that Loves torments are encreas'd by fear Tho' fear denote some hope Love paid with scorn Being void of hope 's much harder to be born How have I fin'd that I 'me compell'd to prove The utmost rigours both of scorn and love Great Deity forgive and next abate My love like his as one teach both to hate Or if I still must dote by your decree Yet mitigate my cruel destiny And make Amante feel a scornful hate May equalize the rigour of my fate That so Wearied with scorns his penitence may prove More advantageous than his feigned Love Exit Scena Quarta Buggio Honorio Bug. Where dost think I met thy Mistress Hon. My Mistress Bug. Make it not so strange the Lady of your Publick address the Lady Arabella Hon. The Lady Arabella Where Bug. See if your countenance speaks not truth for you Be Master of a better temper Or hang me if I tell you a Syllable Hon. I 'le tell you more without a Covenant Amante does with solemn Oaths deny Those base aspersions which you swore he lay'd Upon my Sisters Fame And tho'he be A Vagabond in Love yet I believe him A Man of Honour that wou'd not eat his words Besides the Oath of silence you impos'd Begets suspicion Bug. This comes by telling lyes damnable lyes To please my fancy I expose my throat aside And with a Pox must be Romantick still Hon. Signior I expect your answer Bug. Sir since my zeal and over-fond affection Has rendred
acquainted with proportion Or Architectuâ—e Ric. Knock I long to survey the Inhabitants Of this Monument if she be rich enough 'T will make amends Garb. Nay you must expect nothing but antiquity Her Parlour will appear like a Brokers shop Every Stool of a several Parish Enter Sanco-panco But here comes her general Officer I must Dispatch him Embassadour to his Lady Before I can proceed with my description Ric. This is some Egyptian Mummy preserv'd By a petrifying Vapour he moves as if he Had no Soul Exit Sanco-panco VVhat strange African Monster 's that Garb. A moveable suitable to her other appurtenances But to my description The Cushions in her VVindows look by the Anti que Embroidery Like Reliques sav'd at the Sack of Ierusalem And the Velvet of the Couch like an High Priests Cope that had lay'n buried nine Ages Ric. If she be parallel to these I shall be VViv'd Garb. I fear she 'll prove the greater antiquity Ric. Good Gold fortifie my Stomach strongly Garb. But she 's rich that 's all thou car'st for Ric. True in being so she 's all All I can wish Enter Sanco-panco Garb. And here returns our Sanco-panco Porter Usher Steward Butler Coach-man or what You please to conduct you to your Indies Sanc. After my Mistresses hearty commendations Presented unto you Ric. ' Slife he 's her Secretary too and is directing A Letter of thanks for a Country Cake Sanc. My Mistress bid me notifie her intentions Are to see you Ric. She can see yet that 's some comfort Good Sir Lancelot do your Office and Marshal us Sanc. I shall shew you up to my Mistresses Chamber Ric. Now if I can but obtain her Garb. Fear nothing pray for a good Stomach Say Grace and fall too Exeunt Scena Sexta Buggio and Constantia Bug. Unless you call upon your Apron-strings For some device that may confine him home You 'l loose a Brother and a Servant Lady Con. Are you to be his Second Bug. Madam I ever us'd to appear first In these Encounters but my respect to you Con. I shall ever own the Obligation Bug. Y' are most obliging 't is a pious work You will prevent the direst Massacre Con. I doubt not but I shall perswade my Brother Bug. I wish you may for your fair sake I wish it Else ne're expect to see a Brother more For my own part I think that I can die As decently as another And sell my life too at as dear a rate As any flesh alive for all their Guns Petars Granadoes and Demy culverings Con. Heaven bless us Bug. Madam you are fore-warn'd I must prepare I mean for mischief and to broâ—ch new lies aside Exit Con. His words are terrible shou'd this be true I lose at once a Lover and a Brother 'T is safe to fear the worst some way â—'le prove To save their lives ' altho I lose their Love Exit Actus Secundus Arabella Clara in Boyes Apparel Ara. TEll me thy Name and Parentage Cla. My name is Infortunio for my Birth I claim an honest but no high discent A Shepherds Son in Sicily Ara. Infortunio Cla. A Name which answers my misfortunes Madam Ara. Alas thy face does shew the petty griefs Thy Age has undergone the Sun did broil Or the cold Air did sometimes make thee quake Or hunger tyranniz'd for want of break fast Upon thy empty Stomach can'st thou sing Inf. According to our Rural way I can Ara. Pretty Boy Prithee be not so bashful But begin Song 1 If love enjoy'd's the greatest bliâ—e A mortal â—an sustain The greatest pain Must be the contrary to this Cruel disdain No Passion 's harder to be born Than Love when 't is repay'd with scorn 2 I 'de rather have my Love untrue And giv'n to flattery Then shou'd I be So happy as to have him sue For Love to me And if his falâ—hood prove too great At pleasure sound the first retreat 3 But when men the advantage have To shew the first disdain They thereby gain The Priviledg to kill or save Encrease our pain And make us Perish by their scorn Or live by smiles like â—assals born Ara. How happy is this Boy who sings his Aires And makes his pastime out of others cares Ah that I were as ignorant as he He knows no love therefore no misery But Women are too apt heav'n knows to learn To wish to blush and next to have concern Enter Cicco Furfante Fur. Yonder 's my young Mistress Sir Cic. Lead me to her what Company Fur. Only a Page a little Youth Cic. A very pretty Youth Fur. Of a black as e're you saw Cic. Yes yes I see that a pretty Moor. Cla. Is he mad or blind or both Fur. He 's blind and mad and both Cic. These are but shifts Apron-string policies No more 't is my command shew your obedience You have not seen Garbato lately Ara. You did command the contrary and I obey'd Cic. It well became your duty He 'll be so wise I hope t' absent himself His entertainment shan't incite him hither Let Beggars marry in their Tribe and so Maintain their race I must have you prepare To be the rich Honorio's Bride Ara. Dear Sir Cic. Nay no reply your warning's short I 'le see You married my self to morrow Morning Fur. He talks of seeing still where are his Eyes Cla. Can'st not perceive they 're alwayes in his Mouth Fur. You mistake his sight 's there his eyes Are in his head Cic. Here take this Purse and see you fit your self Exit Cicco Ara. What for a Sepulcher Cla. A Bridal Bed dear Madam Ara. 'T were less injurious to wish a Tomb. Cla. I 'me glad she hates him yet there 's some hope leâ—t If my poor stars prove kind however I 'le Aid them Madam so strange a sadness clouds your Soul As wou'd move pitty in a senseless Statue Therefore impute it not to impudence If in compassion of your miseries I proffer my poor service to perswade Honorio to forsake your Love and leave you To your choice Ara. Thou speak'st a blessing rather to be wish'd Than hop'd for or obtain'd Cla. Be not distrustful You know not how my innocence can plead Arm'd with your cause if he has any pity I 'le use such soft and tender language to him As shall dissolve his soul into compassion Ara. Thou hast indeed a moving language Boy And thy looks with me have power to perswade Beyond the Charms and Tropes of Rhetorick May they with him find equal grace and Power Tell him my heart and love was pre-dispos'd That 't is not Pride but Love refuses him Bid him not take it ill that I am constant For Death to me is welcomer than change That if he ceases to prosecute my fate He will deserve my pitty and such Love As gratitude and honour can dispense But if he will persist my dreadful'st hate That from my Love he 'll at such distance be He scarcely will be worth my
mine and I 'de have her Banish my Rival and my Love prefer Cla. It rests in you to mitigate her Crime Her Father too with duty mâ—y dispense But there are none when mutual vows are knit Can cancel Love till death determine it Is she contracted then Cla. Less cou'd not disingage her from her duty Hon. Tell her I shall not discompose her peace Nor long I fear survive her cruelty Cla. Oh that he had but this concern for me Hon. Having deliver'd this short message to her Obtain her leave to visit me again Methinks your Faces have such sweet resemblance I cou'd delude my Passion and adore In thee my Arabella Cla. I will not fail to visit you Hon. Do my kind Boy and then we 'll weep together And sigh and sing grief to a Lethargy Shall we not Boy Cla. You shall command me any thing Exeunt severally Scena Secunda Enter Furfante Fur. So thanks to my happy fate he 's fast again And thinks it wants three hours yet of day What a Rogue was I t' abuse a poor blind Man Thus by making him believe 't Night and that His Daugâ—ter's return'd when she 's as far from Being visible as the Motion of time on a Dial. Enter Buggio Bug. Where 's thy Master Fur. Measuring his length upon a Feather-bed a sleep Bug. This Fellow has got my faculty and lyes extempore The Sun is mounted in the Meridian Fur. But I perswaded my Master it was not full East Bug. Delicate Varlet I cou'd kiss thee did he lend faith Fur. Like a young Mercer who had never been deceiv'd By a Court Customer he believ'd most religiously Bug. As many do by an implicite faith But how goes the Wedding forward Fur. As honest Men thrive and Crabs crawl backwards Backwards the Bride 's fled Sir Bug. Escap'd Fur. Like a Canary Bird fled to her Country Bug. What Province is that Fur. A Place most Virgins delight in their Lovers bosom Bug. Thou' rt a rare Rogue does the old Man Know it Fur. He dreams as little of it as a Thief of the Gallows whil'st he 's committing Burglary Bug. Does he not miss her Fur. Yesternight he did but now thinks her safe At home between flaxen Bug. Thou mean'st a Bed did'st tell him so Fur. I did a little impose upon his faith Bug. Sweet Rascal let me hug thee thou May'st in time grow up a Mr. Fur. In the Art of lying Bug. The Noble Science Varler Fur. But now to make this good when he wakes Wou'd be a Master-piece Bug. Trust to these brains and I 'le secure thee We 'll perswade him he slept two days And dream't a third Fur. And I have such a quickning Mornings draught Bug. Will it exalt the Genius Fur. To the fift Region Bug. Let 's in and taste it Boy may it inspire Our Sculls with fancy and our Noses fire Exeunt Scena Tertia Riccamare Garbato Arabella Ric. I 'le neither meddle nor make with you that 's flat I cannot answer 't to my Brother Gar. Prithee change humours As he pretends to see And sees not seem you blind tho' you see Ric. I 've been blind too long when she came she Wou'd but speak a Word and straight return Ara. But having weigh'd my Fathers temper since VVhich as you know is highly passionaâ—e I dare not tempt his fury by my presence Till by some Friend I mediate my peace Gar. Nor can I think it safe she ought to be Of some concern to you you are her Uncle Ric. I can't go with her now were she my Mother You know my concern Gar. Let her 〈◊〉 here till our return Ric. Not I carry her where you please I won't be Known I ever saw her Gar. Then I must wait her home all places else VVill be injurious to her â—ame Ric. You promis'd to attend me to the VVidow Gar. And you to me a Treat of which your Niece was to partake Ric. And will perform it Gar. Very like and grutch your Niece a poor Days habitation Ric. VVell Signior you shall â—ee the contrary â—'le hazard for your sakes my Brothers love Niece you shall stay a week and welcom Gar. This favour will oblige me still to serve you Ric. But since I hazard for your sakes a Brother's Love I hope you 'l spare my Purse In th' entertainment Gar. Most willingly and if our stay be long Pay for our Diets too at your own rate Ric. We shall not disagree so here 's profit My Widow and my Niece are at distance With her Father all makes for me our time Draws near Exit Riccamare Gar. I 'le wait upon you Though we have gain'd a breathing time For love And fortune seems t' applaud our enterview Yet still my timerous concerns for thee Grow strong upon me and allay my Joyes Ara. Let 's not destroy our present happiness With fears of what may happen leav 't To time Let Fathers rage and fate denounce our ruin Yet-whil'st we Love and can thus breath Our Vowes Into each others breasts what can impair Our real happiness Gar. Whil'st you continue thus fortune may show Her teeth but never bite us But I forget Your Uncle like of my soul farewel Exit Ara. So dying Bodies with their Spirits part So Virgins to their Ravishers do yield Their honours up with such a dying smart Does wounded honour oft forsake the Field As I Garbato's sight till whose return My heart seems dead my body as its urn Scena Quarta Furfante drest like a VVoman on one side and like himself on the other and Buggio Fur. And how do I become the Petticoat Bug. As a Thief the Gallows admirably well Fur. If I can but counterfeit a Voice between Laughing and crying a right Womans voice I am past discovery to a blind Man Bug. Study Pythagoras and transform thy self to A Parsons Pig that squeak will do it Fur. No I will speak like a Bakers Widow Kneading of Cake-bread for her Husbands Funeral Bug. Either will serve with the help of my faculty Enter Clara. But what Dandiprat's this Fur. A Pillow Querister that sings my Lady a sleep Bug. And after plays with her Lips to make Her Dream of kisses Fur. Kisses are loves earnest before they seal The bargain but if we don't feal his Lips Our design will be reduc'd to its first principle Nothing Bug. Fear not we 'll make him as silent as a Chamber Maid in her Lords bed when her Lady lyes over her Fur. Or she under him the Simile will hold both ways Cla. Where 's my Lady ha ha ha I cannot forbear Laughing whilst I look on him Fur. You might show better manners Sirrah Cla. What to a Fool Bug. To your Lady 'sdeath are you blind Cla. I were blind indeed to mistake a Baboon For a Phenix Bug. I wonder Madam you 'l keep such a Jack-sawce Fur. I must have him corrected Cla. This is rare fooling Bug. He 's beyond drunk mad or bewitch'd Cla. These impudent
The readiest way 's to wed thee to Honorio For when in thee his amorous hopes are dead He 'll soon return to th' Love from whence he fled Exeunt Scena Quinta Enter Honorio Hon. It shou'd be Clara yet she 's too discreet To trust her modesty to that disguise Yet she 's a Woman and moreover loves And few are known Lovers and wise at once It must be she and I the easie fool That gave her credir she might feign the message And make false use of Arabella's Name If so I 'me lost to her and to her Father My honour and my love destroy'd at once One I may yet reprieve Enter Amante But see Amante that wound of fame gives No Precedency to lesser quarrells then whil'st draws I prefer my honour Love take thou a Sepulcher Aman. Sure he intends some mischief to himself Tho' I wou'd dye I 'le lend a helping Arm To save his life hold brave Honorio hold Let that reason which I want vanquish Thy Passion kill not thy self Hon. I do not find an inclination to it Tho' life before was irksom since I discern A fitter subject for my Enmity Aman. I scarcely understand you Hon. I shall explain my self I drew to make your yield me satisfaction For that dear honour which my Sisters fears Compell'd me lose when I fail'd meeting you To justifie the injurious words I gave you Aman. Those Injuries Honorio are forgot Hon. I can't forgive my Honour such a blot In you 't is noble to forgive in me Shou'd I accept as great an Infamy Honour takes nothing when she 's in arrear Lest what 's meant kindness be miscall'd a fear Therefore Amante if you can afford Me any favour let it be your Sword Aman. As a Present take it I dare rely Your honour 's too great security For me to doubt or shou'd you take this life ' Twou'd ease my grief and finish all my strife Hon. My hand is furnish'd Sir but if you 'll part More nobly with it present it to my heart Aman. I 'de rather wound my own and by one blow Destroy that Friend whom you wou'd make your foe Hon. If Friend unto my same you must confess What I affirm'd was true and ask my pardon Aman. If nothing less Sir can appease your rage Than owning my self Coward Honorio Must excuse me tho' I promis'd Constantia To bear an injury beyond mans patience Fame never shall report a VVomans tears Destroy'd Amante's honour I 'de give my life if live wou'd satisfie But dare not Friendship with dishonour buy Hon. Then draw Aman. I do and in as just a cause draws As Power when she Executes by Laws Hon. Stay to shew I don't delight in blood I 'le only urge my Sister might Return her love and make but good her claim I 'le own you by a Friends and Brothers name Aman. I can't alas consent in Clara's grave Where e're it is I have intomb'd my heart Hon. But what if she be still alive Aman. I 'le love her till she be dispos'd of to another Hon. It must be Clara wandring for my sake aside In that disguise if so it lyes in me To marrry her and that may set him free But then my Arabella she may prove Still undispos'd my first and dearest Love I 'le never hazard thee I am resolv'd Aman. To fight Hon. Or basely be deny'd Aman. You sha'not find a Coward they fight Hon. I believe It Come on Aman. So you have drawn the first blood Hon. I see I have shall we put up Aman. No Sir I can as little put up this As you your Sisters injury the Coward Sticks here still they â—ight So we 're on even terms what say you now Hon. My Sister 's unreveng'd Aman. I do renounce that quarrel as unjust And will at any time implore her pardon As I have often done Sir you shall see I can be noble in inconstancy As for The other slanders I pronounce them And their Author false Hon. These are but words Aman. You shall have deeds to testifie I am no Coward Nor asperser of a Ladies fame fight Enter Clara Constantia and run between them Cla. Hold oh hold your hands Con. Imploy your Swords on us for that wou'd be A greater kindness than severitie It wou'd destroy our grief as well as lives Which in your dangers cruelly survives Hon. Good Sister give us way pushes her away Cla. Madam be resolute we 'll rather fall As Martyrs to prevent their Funeral Con. They shan't constrain us to a misery If they will fight let us agree to dye Cla. I am content Con. Prepare thy Ponyard then And in our courage let us vie with them they hold their daggers ready to strike Aman. Hold you have unarm'd me quite Hon. And conquer'd me Cla. Then we may triumph in our Victory Con. Triumph alas what comfort can we find Preserving Lovers to be still unkind Cla. Preserv'd them no Constantia they bleed and faint away Con. 'T is too true what 's to be done they fall down Each drop Amante sheds draws from my heart A flood nor is my soul much less concern'd For my dear Brother oh my misery Nature and Love do equally contend VVhom shall I save my Brother or my Friend Cla. Madam be comforted this sacred stone Has a choice Virtue to stop bleeding wounds And send the blood back to th' distressed heart I 'le try it on Honorio she applys it Hon. Oh ho. Cla. See he revives Con. But poor Amante labours still beneath the Pangs of death oh lend it here Cla. Then will your Brother faint Con. Why let him perish rather than Amante Cla. Honorio perish ah how can you be So cruel in your foolish charity To save a Man so false and let a Brother Dye so good as my Honorio Con. Not thine but Arabella's Clara. Hon. That sound was most Divine Dear Arabella Aman. What Angels voice pronounc'd fair Clara's name Con. A Wretch you once did love Open your Eyes and you at once may see Your cruel Clara and kind Constancy Aman. That beauteous form is she then in disguise Cla. Believe her not she only us'd this art To make your blood return into your heart I 'me but her Brother Sir Aman. Then tell me where She lives if dead shew me her Sepulc're Cla. Within a day I 'le shew her you ailve Aman. I 'le strive to live upon that hope Con. They begin both to give good signs of a Recovery Cla. This wound seems almost clos'd Apply the Stone to him there can't be found In Art or Natures Treasury so good A stenching Medicine for a stream of blood Hon. It seems to me miraculous I find It strengthens both the body and the mind How fares Amante Aman. Better to see my Friend so near his health Hon. I am now in Amity with all the World and find I praise the Gods a sweet recess from love Aman. My thanks kind Youth thou dost not only give Me life but
Charity Cla. When he knows this he 'll surely blame his Love And straight endeavour to suppress his flame But I wrong your service by deserring it Exit Ara. Whil'st he employes his richest eloquence In mitigation of Honorio's Love I must make use of my own diligence To find Garbato and discover to him The hasty rigour of my Fathers Will I am inform'd he often does frequent My Uncles House but upon what design I can't surmise unless he hope from thence To reap advantage to our love However boldly I 'le adventure there She shou'd fear nought ' has every thing to fear Exit Scena Secunda Riccamare Garbato Ric. As she 's set together she appears Reasonably handsome Garb. Like the grave Governess of a Roman Bawdy-house But when she 's disjoynted like a new dissected Anatomy then tell me thy opinion Ric. I warrant you a gilded Pill will down But did'st observe her Conscience how 't was spiced Garb. Like a Wassal bowl or a pepper posset it bit agen She 's not like our Shop-keepers that vent their Wares by a false light she 'll have you survey The Commodity well that you may not repent The bargain Ric. Blame her not she 's honest and kind Garb. As Cats when they first grow proud all her Caresses will consist in scratching and like The Russian Lasses she must be basted to be Made sensible of thy kindness Ric. The Woman 's well considering her Wealth Garb. I fear thou'lt scarce like her when thou Hast seen her imperfections Ric. Why are they so horrid Gar. Faith I know not but the Ceremonie gives Much of Terrour she 's made of several Loose Parcells that 's certain and to have an Arm taken off turn into a Cats paw her Nose convert to a Swines Snout her Periwig To Hares and her Legs to Grey-hounds to course Them wou'd it not startle thee Ric. Thou art as whimsical as a Court Lady Studying of new fashions I cannot imagine Half these deformities Garb. May she prove the Figure of Helen or rather May her wealth make her appear so Enter Amante My dear Amante 't is above an Age Since I had last the happiness to see you Aman. Perhaps you 'll wish you had not seen me now Garb. You wrong our Friendship much your reason Sir Aman. Dismiss that Gentleman and I 'le inform you Ric. I shall see you at my lodging Garb. In time to wait upon you to the party Garbato Whispers Riccamare Exit Riccamare Ric. Be sure you don't forget Garb. You know my forfeit Now Friend I am yours Aman. You knew my Love once to Constantia Garb. And have lamented oft the change Aman. That Crime must be imputed Sir to Love Or beauty which commands it however now I am summon'd to answer it with my Sword Garb. I thought Constantia had prevail'd upon Her Brothers rage to let it sleep Aman. 'T was so believ'd and that she had consin'd His fury by an Oath I must avow Her pity therein did affect me much For I was loth to justifie a Crime Love made me so unwillingly commit Garb. What 's the occasion then of this new quarrel Aman. I know not well but he seems to charge me With fresh injuries which I averring false He call'd me Coward thy Friend Amante Coward Garb. Just Gods and when d' you Combate him Aman. Immediately if you but honour me so far As to appear my second Garb. You know you may command me Aman. 'T is time we did attend him Garb. Away this Arm unto my Sword shall lend A double vigour to revenge my Friend Exeunt Scena Tertia Constantia Con. Now that my Brother 's safe my next design Must be how to secure his same for honour To a Cavaleer of his Complexion Is of more dear concern by far than life 'T is an hard Task yet what I want in Art My Courage shall supply for I 'me all heart I heard some tread I will obscure a while She hides behind a Tree Enter Buggio Bug. The Coast is clear and I 've time to invent Some delicate Romance a fine-spun lie To please my fancy and to save my bones Shou'd fair Constantia miss of her design To stay Honorio Con. He speaks of me I 'le listen nearer Bug. If he come first Amante's very sick And sent a Messenger to make excuse But if Amante on Honorio's behalf I 'le make submission Con. Base Slave Bug. And beg a pardon for the injuries He did him oh delicate dainty lyes How you tickle and delate my Genius There is no Paradise but in Romance Con. What a strange Fellow 's this yet to me I fear his Story was too true for see Amante comes Enter Amante Garbato Bug. Now for a dainty fancy to make Fools Aman. We are in time I see here 's only Buggio And without a Sword Gar. Oh he 's a Man of peace Bug. He shou'd be a Conjurer by his Guess Con. 'T is time I shew my self Bug. Noble Gallants Signior Honorio Con. Honorio If any here have ought To say against him I appear his Champion And in the just defence of his true Honour Oppose my Innocence to your rude Swords Bug. She has spoyl'd the rarest Fable brain e're Gave being to Cursed Woman Exit Gar. Is not this Constantia Aman. The same Con. Yes 't is â—he same the same Constantia I wou'd you were the same Amante too But wherefore shou'd I wish you so much ill No prosper in your Love and set in me A period to your hate Aman. How much I prize your life the Gods bear witness Con. How little you esteem my love this heart Can witness yet tell me false and cruel How many new vexations you design me Y 'ave rob'd my heart of Love my life of peace And now pursue my sole surviving comfort My Brothers life Aman. Alas I pitty your misfortunes Madam And own my self unworthy of your Love Vil'd and inconstant But for your Brother as he made the strife 'T is justice he shou'd answer 't with his life Con. His life can nothing else obtain his peace Aman. Ballance my injuries and be you Judg He has reproach'd me with a Cowards name And with much baseness urg'd me to the Field Himself not daring as a Gentleman to meet Me here or give me satisfaction Con. Suspend your sentence till you understand By what necessity he is detain'd I 've lock'd him up and am come here my self To make you Friends or else supply his Room If we must fight come on She draws her Swordâ— Yet sure you 'l gain But small repute to kill a Maid 〈◊〉 slain By Love before whose valour will appear More in her tongue than hand most in a Tear Aman. My heart dissolves I shall forget my wrongâ— Gar. Friend let me intercede who can deny A Lady pleading with a weeping Eye 'T was for her sake Honorio did forgive Your change in Love for her sake let him live Aman. I am content we 're on an