And sometimes, with chaste eyes, to look on her.
Lord L. Why, shall I swear?
Allo. Oh, by no means, my lord!
Lord L. Suspend

Your judgment till the trial. How far is it
To Overreach's house?

Allo. At the most, some half hour's riding;
You'll soon be there.

Lord L. And you the sooner freed From your jealous fears.

Alla. Oh that I durst but hope it! [Exeunt.

SCENE II.

A Hall in SIR GILES OVERREACH's House. Enter SIR GILES OVERREACH, JUSTICE GREEDY, and MARRALL.

Sir G. Spare for no cost, let my dressers crack with the weight

Of curious viands.

Just. G. Store indeed's no sore, sir.

Re-enter MARRALL, with MARGARET.
Alone, and let your women wait without,
Margaret. [Exit Marrall.

Marg. Your pleasure, sir?
Sir G. Ha, this is a neat dressing!
These orient pearls, and diamonds well plac'd
too!

The gown affects me not; it should have been
Embroider'd o'er and o'er with flowers of gold;
But these rich jewels and quaint fashion help it.
How like you your new woman, the lady
Downfall'n?

Marg. Well, for a companion:
Not as a servant,

Sir G. Is she humble, Meg?
And careful too, her ladyship forgotten?
Marg. I pity her fortune.

Sir G. Pity her, trample on her.

I took her up in an old tatter'd gown
(E'en starv'd for want of food) to serve thee;
And if I understand she but repines

Sir G. That proverb fits your stomach, Mr. To do thee any duty, though ne'er so servile,

Greedy.

Just. G. It does indeed, sir Giles;

I do not like to see a table ill spread,
Poor, meagre, just sprinkled o'er with sallads
Slic'd beef, giblets, and pig's pettitoes,
But the substantials-Oh! sir Giles, the sub-
stantials!

The state of a fat turkey now,
The decorum, the grandeur he marches in with.
O, I declare, I do much honour a chine of
beef!

O, Lord! I do reverence a loin of veal!
Sir G. And let no plate be seen but what's
pure gold,

I'll pack her to her knight, where I have

lodg'd him,

Into the Counter, and there let them howl
together.
Marg. You know your own ways; but for
me, I blush

When I command her, that was once attended
With persons not inferior to myself
In birth.

Sir G. In birth! Why art thou not my
daughter,

The blest child of my industry and wealth? Part with these humble thoughts, and apt thyself To the noble state I labour to advance thee; Or such whose workmanship exceeds the matter Or, by my hopes to see thee honourable, That it is made of; lay my choicest linen; I will adopt a stranger to my heir, Perfume the room; and when we wash, the And throw thee from my care; do not pro

water

With precious powders mix, to please my lord,
That he may with envy wish to bathe so ever.
Mar. Twill be very chargeable:
Sir G. Avaunt, you drudge.
Now all my labour'd ends are at the stake,
Is't time to think of thrift? Call in my daughter.
[Exit Marrall.
And, master justice, since you love choice
dishes,

And plenty of 'em

Just. G. As I do indeed, sir,

voke me.

Marg. I will not, sir; mould me which way you please.

Re-enter JUSTICE GREEDY.

Sir G. How, interrupted?

Just. G. 'Tis matter of importance.
The cook, sir, is self-will'd, and will not learn
From my experience. There's a fawn brought
in, sir,

And for my life I cannot make him roast it
With a Norfolk dumpling in the belly of it;

Almost as much as to give thanks for 'em-And, sir, we wise men know, without the

Sir G. I do confer that province, with my

power

Of absolute command to have abundance,
To your best care.

Just. G. I'll punctually discharge it,
And give the best directions. [Sir Giles Over-
reach retires] Now am I,
In mine own conceit a monarch, at the least
Arch-president of the boil'd, the roast, the
baked:

I would not change my empire for the great
mogul's.

I will eat often and give thanks,
When my belly's brac'd up like a drum, and
that's pure justice. [Exit.
Sir G. It must be so. Should the foolish
girl prove modest,

She may spoil all; she had it not from me,
Bnt from her mother: I was ever forward,
As she must be, and therefore I'll prepare her.

dumpling

'Tis not worth threepence.

Sir G. Would it were whole in thy helly, To stuff it out; cook it any way, pr'ythee, leave me.

Just. G. Without order for the dumpling?
Sir G. Let it be dumpled

Which way thou wilt; or, tell him I will
scald him

In his own caldron.

Sir G. "Tis an honourable man;
A lord, Meg, and commands a regiment
Of soldiers; and what's rare, is one himself;
A bold and understanding one; and to be
A lord and a good leader in one volume,

Is granted unto few, but such as rise up
The kingdom's glory.

Re-enter JUSTICE GREEDY.

Just. G. I'll resign my office If I be not better obey'd.

Sir G. 'Slight, art thou frantic?

Just. G. Frantic! 'twould make me frantic,
and stark mad,

Were I not ajustice of peace and quorum too,
Which this rebellious cook cares not a straw for.
There are a dozen of woodcocks-

Sir G. Make thyself thirteen; the baker's

dozen.

Just. G. For which he has found out
A new device for sauce, and will not dish 'em
With toast and butter.

Sir G. Cook, rogue, obey him.

I have given the word, pray you now move yourself

To a collar of brawn, and trouble me further.

Shrunk up, or wither'd? does there live a man
Of that large list I have encounter'd with,
Can truly say I e'er gave inch of ground,
Not purchas'd with his blood that did oppose me?
Forsake thee! he dares not.

Though all his captains, echoes to his will,
Stood arm'd by his side to justify his wrong,
And he himself in the head of his bold troop,
Spite of his lordship, I will make him render
A bloody and a strict account, and force him,
By marrying thee, to cure thy wounded honour,
I have said it.
Re-enter MARRALL.

Mar. Sir, the man of honour's come,
Newly alighted.

Sir G. In, without reply,
And do as I command, or thou art lost.
[Exit Margare

re- Is the loud music I gave order for,
Ready to receive him?
Mar. 'Tis, sir.
Sir G. Let 'em sound

no

Just. G. I will, and meditate what to eat A princely welcome. [Exit Marrall]—Rough

for dinner.

[Exit.

ness awhile leave me;

Sir G. And, as I said, Meg, when this gull For fawning now, a stranger to my nature, Must make way for me.

disturb'd us,

This honourable lord, this colonel,

I would have thy husband.

Marg. There's too much disparity
Between his quality and mine to hope it.
Sir G. I more than hope, and doubt not to
effect it.

Be thou no enemy to thyself; my wealth
Shall weigh his titles down, and make you
equals,

Now for the means to assure him thine, ob

serve me:

Remember he's a courtier, and a soldier,
And not to be trifled with; and therefore, when
He comes to woo you, see you do not coy it.

[Loud Music
Enter LORD LOVELL, ALLWORTH, and MARRALL-
Lord L. Sir, you meet your trouble.
Sir G. What you are pleas'd to style so is
an honour

Above my worth and fortunes.
Allw. Strange! so humble.

Re-enter JUSTICE GREEDY.

Sir G. A justice of peace, my lord.

[Aside

[Presents Justice Greedy to him

Lord L. Your hand, good sir.

Just. G. This is a lord, and some think

this a favour;

ling.

[Aside

This mincing modesty hath spoil'd many a match But I had rather have my hand in my dump-
By a first refusal, in vain after hop'd for.
Marg. You'll have me, sir, preserve the
distance that

Like Jupiter to Semele, and come off too;
And therefore when he kisses you, kiss close.
Marg. I have heard this is the wanton's
fashion, sir,

Which I must never learn.

Sir G. Learn any thing,

Sir G. Room for my lord.

Lord L. I miss, sir, your fair daughter To crown my welcome.

Sir G. May it please my lord To taste a glass of Greek wine first; and suddenly

She shall attend, my lord.

Lord L. You'll be obey'd, sir.

[Exeunt all but Sir Giles Overreach, Sir G. 'Tis to my wish; as soon as come, ask for her!

Why, Meg! Meg Overreach!
Re-enter MARGARET.
How! tears in your eyes?

Ha! dry 'em quickly, or I'll dig 'em out.

And from any creature, to make thee great; Is this a time to whimper? meet that greatness

From the devil himself.

Stand not on form;

Words are no substances.

Marg. Though you can dispense
With your honour, I must guard my own.
This is not the way to make me his wife.
My maiden honour yielded up so soon;
Nay, prostituted, cannot but assure him,
I that am light to him will not hold weight
When tempted by others; so in judgment,
When to his will I have given up my honour,
He must and will forsake me.

Sir G. How, forsake then?

Do I wear a sword for fashion? or is this arm

A little bashful, my good lord; but you,
I hope, will teach her boldness.

Lord L. I am happy

In such a scholar; but

Sir G. I am past learning,

And therefore leave you to yourselves; remember

[Apart to Margaret, and exit. Lord L. You see, fair lady, your father is solicitous

To bave you change the barren name of virgin
Into a hopeful wife.

Marg. His haste, my lord,
Holds no pow'r o'er my will.

Lord L. But o'er your duty

Marg. Which, forc'd too much, may break.
Lord L. Bend rather, sweetest;

Think of your years.

Marg. Too few to match with yours.
Lord L. I can advance you.

Marg. To a hill of sorrow;
Where every hour I may expect to fall;
But never hope firm footing. You are noble;
I of low descent, however rich.

O my good lord, I could say more, but that
I dare not trust these walls.

Lord L. Pray you trust my ear then.
Re-enter SIR GILES OVERREACH, listening
Sir G. Close at it! whispering! this is ex-
cellent!

And, by their postures, a consent on both parts.

Re-enter JUSTICE GREEDY.

Just. G. Sir Giles! Sir Giles!
Sir G. The great fiend stop that clapper!
[Apart to Justice Greedy.
Just. G. It must ring out, sir, when my
belly rings noor.

The bak'd meats are run out, the roast turn'd

powder.

Sir G. Stop your insatiate jaws, or

I shall powder you.

Just. G. Beat me to dust, I care In such a cause as this I'll die a

Sir G. Disturb my lord when he course?

Just. G. Is't a time to talk

When we should be munching? Sir G. Peace, villain, peace! shall a bargain

Almost made up? Vanish, I say.

[Apart.

Does your lordship find her?

Lord L. Apt, sir Giles, and coming;
And I like her the better.
Sir G. So do I too.

Lord L. Yet, should we take forts at the
first assault,

Twere poor in the defendant. I must confirm her
With a love-letter or two, which I must have
Deliver'd by my page, and you give way to't.
Sir G. With all my soul. A towardly
gentleman!

Your hand, good Mr. Allworth; know, my house
Is ever open to you.

Allw. Twas shut till now.

[Aside. Sir G. Well done, well done, my honourable daughter;

Thou'rt so already; know this gentle youth,
And cherish him, my honourable daughter.
Marg. I shall, with my best care.

Sir G. What noise?

Just G. More stops

[Noise of a Coach

Before we go to dinner! O my guts!

Enter LADY ALLWORTH and WELLBORN.
Lady A. If I find welcome,
You share in it; if not, I'll back again;
For I come arm'd for all
Cau be objected.

Lord L. How! the lady Allworth?
Sir G. And thus attended!
Mar. No, I am a dolt;

The spirit of lies hath enter'd me.
[Lord Lovell salutes Lady Allworth, who
salutes Margaret.

Sir G. Peace, patch;

Tis more than wonder, an astonishment
That does possess me wholly.

Lord L. Noble lady,

This is a favour, to prevent my visit,
The service of my life can never equal.
Lady A. My lord, I laid wait for you, and
much hop'd
You would have made my poor house
first inn:

me,

your

[Apart.
not;
martyr.
[Apart. And therefore, doubting that you might forget
is in dis-
[Apart. Or too long dwell here, having such ample cause
In this unequall'd beauty for your stay;
[Apart. And fearing to trust any but myself
we break With the relation of my service to you,
I borrow'd so much from my long restraint,
And took the air in person to invite you.
Lord A. Your bounties are so great, they
rob me, madam,
Of words to give you thanks.
Lady A. Good sir Giles Overreach,

[Apart, and thrusts him off.
Lord L. Lady, I understand you;
And rest most happy in your choice. Believe it,
I'll be a careful pilot to direct

Your yet uncertain bark to a port of safety.
Marg. So shall your honour save two lives,
and bind us

Your slaves for ever.

Lord L. I am in the act rewarded,
Since it is good; howe'er you must put on
An amorous carriage towards me, to delude
Your subtle father.

Marg. I am bound to that.

You'll dine no more with me?

[To Justice Greedy. Just. G. I will when you please,

And it like your ladyship.

Lady A. When you please, Mr. Greedy: If meat can do it, you shall be satisfied.

Lord L. Now break we off our conference. And now, my lord, pray take into your

-Sir Giles!

Where is sir Giles?

Re-enter SIR GILES OVERREACH, JUSTICE
GREEDY, ALLWORTH, and MARRALL.
Sir G. My noble lord; and how

knowledge

This gentleman: howe'er his outside's coarse,
[Presents Wellborn.
His inward linings are as fine and fair
As any man's. Wonder not I speak at large:

And howsoe'er his humour carries him
To be thus accoutred, or what taint soe'er
For his wild life have stuck upon his fame,
He may ere long with boldness rank himself
With some that have contemn'd him.
Giles Overreach,

If I am welcome, bid him so.
Sir G. My nephew!

Sir

He hath been too long a stranger; 'faith, you have.

Pray let it be mended.

[Lord L. confers with Wellborn.
Mar. Why, sir, what do you mean?
This is rogue Wellborn, monster, prodigy,
That should hang or drown himself, no man
of worship,

Much less your nephew. [Apart to Sir Giles.
Sir G. Well, sirrah, we shall reckon
For this hereafter.

Mar. I'll not lose my jeer,

Though I be beaten dead for it.

Well. Let my silence plead

Sir G. She's caught! O woman! she neg-
lects my lord,

And all her compliments apply to Wellborn!
The garments of her widowhood laid by,
She now appears as glorious as the spring.
Her eye's fix'd on him; in the wine she drinks,
He being her pledge, she sends him burning
kisses,

And sits on thorns till she be private with him.
She leaves my meat to feed upon his looks;
And if in our discourse he be but nam'd,
From her a deep sigh follows. But why grievel
At this? It makes for me; if she prove his,
[Aside. All that is hers is mine, as I will work him.

[Apart.

In my excuse, my lord, till better leisure
Offer itself to hear a full relation

Of

my poor fortunes.

Lord L. I would hear and help 'em.

[Bell rings.

Sir G. Your dinner waits you.
Lord L. Pray you lead; we follow.
Lady A. Nay, you are my guest.-Come,
dear Mr. Wellborn.
[Exeunt all but Justice Greedy.
Just. G. Dear Mr. Wellborn! so she said;
heav'n! heaven!

If my belly would give me leave, I could

ruminate

I

I

My good lord, excuse my manners.
Lord L. There needs none, sir Giles;
may ere long say father, when it pleases
My dearest mistress to give warrant to it.
Sir G. She shall seal to it, my lord, and
make me happy.

Mar. See, see, she comes, and cannot be
without him.

Sir G. Grosser and grosser.

Re-enter WELLBORN and LADY ALLWORTE
Lady A. Provide my coach;
I'll instantly away. My thanks, sir Giles,
For my entertainment.

Sir G. Tis your nobleness
To think it such.

Lady A. I must do you a further wrong,
In taking away your honourable guest.
Lord L. I wait on you, madam. Farewell,
good sir Giles.

Lady A. Nay, come Mr. Wellborn, must not leave you behind, in sooth, I must not Sir G. Rob me not, madam, of all joys

And, what is more, unfold my nature to you. I cannot sleep; for I have a foolish stomach We worldly men, when we see friends and

Upon your credit, hold you it to be
From your manor-house to this of my lady
Allworth's?

Sir G. Why, some four miles.
Just. G. How! four miles, good sir Giles?
Upen your reputation think better;
For four miles riding

Could not have rais'd so huge an appetite
As I feel gnawing on me.
[Aside. Mar. Whether you ride

In a man's extremes! how much they do be- For my good lord, if you shall find occasion.

Still by this token. I'll have it dispatch'd, report, IAnd suddenly, my lord: that I may say [Exeunt. My honourable, nay, right honourable daughter. Just. G. Take my advice, young gentleman; get your breakfast.

SCENE I.-A Chamber in LADY ALLWORTH'S 'Tis unwholesome to ride fasting. I'll eat

with you; And that abundantly.

Sir G. Some fury's in that gut: Hungry again? Did you not devour, this morning,

A shield of brawn, and a barrel of Colchester oysters?

Just, G. Why that was, sir, only to scour my stomach,

A kind of preparative.

Lord L. Haste your return.

Of joy, for your much goodness, can supply My Christmas coffer.
My tongue's defects, I could-
[Exeunt Just. G. and Allworth.
Lord L. Nay, do not melt:
Sir G. To my wish, we're private.
This ceremonial of thanks to me's superfluous. I come not to make offer with my daughter
Sir G. [Within] Is my lord stirring? A certain portion; that were poor and trivial:
Lord L. Tis he! Oh, here's your letter! Let In one word, I pronounce all that is mine,
In lands, or leases, ready coin, or goods,
Enter SIR GILES OVERREACH, JUSTICE GREEDY, With her, my lord, comes to you; nor shall

you have
One motive to induce you to believe