All gaping here for legacies; but I, Taking the vantage of his naming you, (Signior Corvino, Signior Corvino) took Paper, and pen, and ink, and there I ask'd him, Should be executor? Corvino. Corvino. And I still interpreted the nods, he made Who Through weakness, for consent; and sent home the others, Corv. O, my dear Mosca! Does he not perceive us? No face of friend, nor name of any servant, Who't was that fed him last, or gave him drink; Not those he hath begotten, or brought up, Can he remember. Corv. Has he children? Mos. Bastards, Some dozen, or more, that he begot on beggars, Gypsies, and Jews, and black-moors, when he was drunk : Knew you not that, sir? "Tis the common fable, The dwarf, the fool, the eunuch, are all his : He's the true father of his family, In all, save me: but he has given 'em nothing. Corv. That's well, that's well. Art sure he does not hear us? Mos. Sure, sir? why look you, credit your own sense. The pox approach, and add to your diseases, If it would send you hence the sooner, sir, For your incontinence, it hath deserv'd it Throughly, and throughly, and the plague to boot. (You may come near, sir) would you would once close Those filthy eyes of yours that flow with slime, Like two frog-pits: and those same hanging cheeks, Cover'd with hide, instead of skin, (nay help, sir) That look like frozen dish-clouts set on end. Corv. Or, like an old smok'd wall, on which the rain Ran down in streaks. Mos. Excellent, sir, speak out; You may be louder yet: a culvering Discharged in his ear, would hardly bore it. Corv. His nose is like a common sewer, still running. Mos. "Tis good; and what his mouth? Corv. A very draught. Mos. O, stop it up Corv. By no means. let me. Mos. Pray you It is your presence makes him last so long. Why should you be thus scrupulous? Pray you, sir. Mos. Well, good sir, be gone. Corv. I will not trouble him now to take my pearl. Mos. Puh, nor your diamond. What a needless care Am not I here, whom you have made your creature, Corv. Grateful Mosca! Thou art my friend, my fellow, my companion, Thou hast to-day out gone thyself. [Exit. [Act i., Sc. 1.] THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE: BEING THE SECOND OF FOUR PLAYS, OR MORAL REPRESENTATIONS, IN ONE. [PUBLISHED 1647: DATING PROBABLY FROM ABOUT 1608]. BY FRANCIS BEAUMONT [1584-1616] Violanta, Daughter to a Nobleman of Milan, is with child by Gerrard, supposed to be of mean descent; an offence, which by the laws of Milan is made capital to both parties. Viol. Why does my Gerrard grieve? It is not life (which by our Milan law My fact hath forfeited) makes me thus pensive; (Being we are not married) your dear blood Falls under the same cruel penalty: And can heaven think fit ye die for me? For Heaven's sake say I ravish'd you; I'll swear it, Viol. Ŏ Gerrard, thou art my life and faculties, It was so far from rape, that heaven doth know, Knew simply in the state of innocence, Viol. Gentle, gentle Gerrard, Be cheer'd, and hope the best. My mother, father, Being the only branch of all their stocks: But neither they, nor he thou would'st not grieve Violanta's tongue reveal, much less accuse I'll rather silent die, that thou may'st live To see thy little offspring grow and thrive. [Sc. 1.1] Violanta is attended in Childbed by her mother Angelina. Viol. Mother, I'd not offend you; might not Gerrard Steal in and see me in the evening? 1[Darley's ed., 1840, vol. ii.] Angel. Well, Bid him do so. Viol. Heaven's blessing on your heart. Viol. It well may be. The bare-foot traveller That's born a prince, and walks his pilgrimage, Whose tender feet kiss the remorseless stones Only, ne'er felt a travel like to it. Alas, dear mother, you groan'd thus for me, And yet how disobedient have I been! Angel. Peace, Violanta: thou hast always been Gentle and good. Viol. Gerrard is better, mother: O if you knew the implicit innocency Dwells in his breast, you'd love him like your prayers. I see no reason but my father might Be told the truth, being pleas'd for Ferdinand To wooe himself: and Gerrard ever was His full comparative; my uncle loves him, Angel. No, not for the world, Since his intent is cross'd: lov'd Ferdinand Thus ruin'd, and a child got out of wedlock, His madness would pursue ye both to death. Viol. As you please, mother. I am now, methinks, Even in the land of ease; I'll sleep. Angel. Draw in The bed nearer the fire: silken rest Tie all thy cares up.1 [Sc. 4.] Violanta describes how her Love for Gerrard began. Viol. Gerrard's and my affection began In infancy: my uncle brought him oft In long coats hither. The little boy would kiss me, being a child, 1 Violanta's prattle is so very pretty and so natural in her situation, that I could not resist giving it a place. Juno Lucina was never invoked with more elegance. Pope has been praised for giving dignity to a game of cards. It required at least as much address to ennoble a lying-in. For sure methought he was a little Love, That then he warm'd my fancy. [Sc. 7.] THE MAID'S TRAGEDY [PUBLISHED 1619: PRODUCED NOT LATER THAN 1611]. BY FRANCIS BEAUMONT AND JOHN FLETCHER [1579-1625] Amintor, a noble Gentleman, promises Marriage to Aspatia, and forsakes her by the king's command to wed Evadne.The grief of Aspatia at being forsaken described. This lady Walks discontented, with her wat❜ry eyes [Act i., Sc. 1.2] The marriage-night of Amintor and Evadne. Evad. Would thou couldst instill (To Dula.) Asp. It were a timeless smile should prove my cheek; [Lamb gives "have".] [Mermaid Series, ed. Strachey, 1887.] [Five lines omitted.] |