British theatre, comprising tragedies, comedies, operas, and farces; with biogr., critical account and notes, by an Englishman [O. Williams].

Lord L. You are a right kind father.
Sir G. You shall have reason

To think me such. How do you like this seat
Of lady Allworth?

It is well wooded, and well water'd; the acres Fertile and rich; would it not serve for change, To entertain your friends in a summer's progress?

What thinks my noble lord?

Lord L. 'Tis a wholesome air,

|Right honourable; and 'tis a powerful charm, Makes me insensible of remorse or pity, Or the least sting of conscience.

Lord L. I admire

The toughness of your nature.
Sir G. 'Tis for you,

My lord, and for my daughter, I am marble;
Nay, more, if you will have my character
In little, I enjoy more true delight
In my arrival to my wealth through dark
And crooked ways, than you shall e'er take
pleasure

In spending what my industry hath compass'd. And well built; and she that's mistress of it My haste commands me hence in one word Worthy the large revenue.

Sir G. She the mistress?

It may be so for a time; but let my lord Say only that he but like it, and would have it, I say ere long 'tis his.

Lord L. Impossible.

Sir G. You do conclude too fast, not knowing_me,

therefore,

Is it a match, my lord?

Lord L. I hope that is past doubt now. Sir G. Then rest secure; not the hate of all mankind here,

Nor fear of what can fall on me bereafter, Shall make me study aught but your advancement One story higher. An earl! if gold can do it Dispute not my religiou, nor my faith,

Nor the engines that I work by. 'Tis not alone
The lady Allworth's lands; for those once Though I am borne thus headlong by my will;
You may make choice of what belief you please,
To me they are equal; so, my lord, good

Wellborn's

(As by her dotage on him I know they will be) Shall soon be mine. But point out any man's In all the shire, and say they lie convenient And useful for your lordship, and once more I say aloud, they are yours.

Lord L. I dare not own

What's by unjust and cruel means extorted:
My fame and credit are more dear to me,
Than to expose 'em to be censur'd by
The public voice.

Sir G. You run, my lord, no hazard;
Your reputation shall still stand as fair
In all good men's opinions as now;
For though I do contemn report myself,
As a mere sound, I still will be so tender
Of what concerns you in all points of honour,
That the immaculate whiteness of your fame
Shall ne'er be sullied with one taint or spot.
All my ambition is to have my daughter
Right honourable; which my lord can make her:
And might I live to dance upon my knee
A young lord Lovell, born by her unto you,
I write nil ultra to my proudest hopes.
As for possessions and annual rents,
Equivalent to maintain you in the port
Your noble birth and present state require,
I do remove that burden from your shoulders,
And take it on mine own; for, though I ruin
The country to supply your riotous waste,
The scourge of prodigals, want, shall never
find you.
Lord L. Are you not moved with the im-
precations

And curses of whole families, made wretched By these practices?

Sir G. Yes as rocks are

When foamy billows split themselves against Their flinty ribs; or as the moon is mov'd, When wolves, with hunger pin'd, howl at her brightness.

I am of a solid temper, and like these

Steer on a constant course:

morrow.

[Exit Lord L. He's gone; I wonder how the earth can bear

Such a portent! I, that have liv'd a soldier,
And stood the enemy's violent charge undaunted, a
To hear this horrid beast, I'm bath'd all over
In a cold sweat; yet like a mountain he
Is no more shaken, than Olympus is
When angry Boreas loads his double head
With sudden drifts of snow.

Enter LADY ALLWORTH.
Lady A. Save you, my lord,
Disturb I not your privacy?

Lord L. No, good madam;
For your own sake I am glad you came a

sooner,

Since this bold, bad man, sir Giles Overreach,
Made such a plain discovery of himself,
And read this morning such devilish mattins
That I should think a sin, next to his,
But to repeat it.

Lady A. I ne'er press'd, my lord,
On others privacies; yet, against my will,
Walking, for health's sake, in the gallery
Adjoining to our lodgings, I was made
(So loud and vehement he was) partaker
Of his tempting offers. But,

My good lord, if I may use my freedom,
As to an honour'd friend-

Lord L. You lessen else
Your favour to me.

Lady A. I dare then say thus:
However common men

Make sordid wealth the object and sole end
Of their industrious aims, 'twill not agree
With those of noble blood, of fame and honour.
Lord L. Madam, 'tis confessed;
But what infer your from it?

Lady A. This, my lord: I allow The heir of sir Giles Overreach, Margaret, A maid well qualified, and the richest match Our northern part can boast of; yet she cannot, And undone orphans wash with tears my With all that she brings with her, fill their

Nay, when my ears are pierc'd with widow's

cries,

threshold,

mouths,

I only think what 'tis to have my daughter That never will forget who was her father;

Wellborn's

Or that my husband Allworth's lands, and| And then his information could not hurt us: But now he is right worshipful again, (How wrung from both needs no repetition) Who dares but doubt his testimony?

Were real motives, that more work'd your

lordship

To join your families, than her form

And 'tis my resolution ne'er to wed

Tap. Undone, undone; methinks
I see thee, Froth, already in a cart,
and And my hand hissing (if I 'scape the halter)
With the letter R printed upon it.

Froth. Would that were the worst!
That were but nine days wonder: as for credit,
We have none to lose; but we shall lose the
money

With the rich Margaret, Overreach's daughter. He owes us, and his custom; there's the plaLady A. I am glad to hear this.

[Aside.

Why then, my lord, pretend you marriage to her?

Dissimulation but ties false knots

gue on't. the drum,

Tap. He has summon'd all his creditors by

And they swarm about him like so many soldiers

On that straight line, by which you hitherto On the pay-day; and has found out such a Have measur'd all your actions.

Lord L. I make answer,

And aptly, with a question. Wherefore have

Lady A. I am innocent here, and on my life I swear My ends are good.

Lord L. Ou my soul, so are mine To Margaret; but leave both to the event: And since this friendly privacy doth serve But as an offer'd means unto ourselves To search each other further; you have shown Your care of me, I my respect to you. Deny me not, but still in chaste words, madam, An afternoon's discourse.

Lady A. Affected modesty might deny your suit,

But such your honour, I accept it, lord.
My tongue unworthy can't belie my heart.
I shall attend your fordship.

Lord L. My heart thanks you.

[Exeunt.

But now he's his uncle's darling, and has got
Master justice Greedy (since he fill'd his belly),
At his commandment to do any thing;
Woe, woe to us!

Froth. He may prove merciful.
Tap. Troth, we do not deserve it at his hands.
Froth. Then he knew all the passages
our house,

Enter WELLBORN in a rich Habit, GREEDY, MARRALL, AMBLE, ORDER, FURNACE, and three Creditors. TAPWELL. kneeling delivers in his Bill of Debt.

Well. How's this! petitioned too?
But note what miracles the payment of
A little trash, and a rich suit of clothes,
Can work upon these rascals. I shall be,
I think, prince Wellborn.

Mar. When your worship's married, You may be [Aside] I know not what I hope to see you.

Well. Then look thou for advancement.
Mar. To be known

Your worship's bailiff, is the mark I shoot at.
Well. And thou shalt hit it.
Mar. Pray you, sir, dispatch

These needy followers, and for my admittance
[In the interim, Tapwell and Froth flat-
ter and bribe Justice Greedy.
(Provided you'll defend me from sir Giles,
Whose service I am weary of) I'll say something
You shall give thanks for.

Well. Fear him not.

Just. G. Who, Tapwell? I remember thy wife brought me,

Last new year's tide, a couple of fat turkeys. Tap. And shall do every Christmas, let your worship

But stand my friend now.

Just. G. How! with Mr. Wellborn?

I can do any thing with him, on such terms-
See you this horest couple? they are good souls
As ever drew out spigot; have they not
A pair of honest faces?

Well. I o'erheard you, And the bribe he promis'd; you are cozen'd in 'em;

For of all the scum that grew rich by my riots, of This for a most unthankful knave, and this For a base woman, have the worst deserv'd; And therefore speak not for them. By your place, When he was rogue Wellborn, no man would You are rather to do me justice; lend me

As the receiving of stolen goods.

believe him;

your ear,

Forget his turkeys, and call in his license, And, at the next fair, I'll give you a yoke of oxen Worth all his poultry.

Just. G. I am changed on the sudden In my opinion-Mum! my passion is great! I fry like a burnt marrowbone. [Aside] Come nearer, rascal,

And now I view him better, did you e'er see One look so like an arch knave? his very countenance,

Should an understanding judge but look on him, Would hang him, though he were innocent. Tap. Froth. Worshipful sir.

Just. G. No; though the great Turk came instead of turkeys.

To beg my favour, I am inexorable :

As he grows in heat (as I am sure he will),
Be you but rough, and say he's in your debt
Ten times the sum, upon sale of your land:
I had a hand in't (I speak it to my shame)
When you were defeated of it.
Well. That's forgiven.

Mar. I shall deserve then-urge him to produce

The deed in which you pass'd it over to him, Which I know he'll have about him, to deliver

Thou hast an ill name; I here do damn thy To the lord Lovell, with many other writings,

licence,

Forbidding thee ever to tap or draw;
For instantly I will, in mine own person,
Command the constable to pull down thy sign;
And do it before I eat.

And therefore, sir

Well. Thou art an honest fellow:
I'll set thee up again; see this bill paid.
What are you?

2 Cred. A tailor once, but now mere botcher. I gave you credit for a suit of clothes, Which was all my stock; but you failing in payment,

I was remov'd from the shop-board, and confined Under a stall.

Well. See him paid; and botch no more. 2 Cred. I ask no interest, sir. Well, Such tailors need not;

If their bills are paid in one-and-twenty years, They are seldom losers-See these men discharg'd;

And since old debts are clear'd by a new way, A little bounty will not misbecome me; There's something, honest cook, for thy good breakfasts,

And this for your respect; take't, 'tis good gold, And I am able to spare it.

Order. You are too munificent.

Fur. He was ever so.

Well. Pray you on before,

I'll attend you at dinner.

And present monies. I'll instruct you further,
As I wait on your worship; ifI play not my part
To your full content, and your uncle's much
vexation,
Hang up Jack Marrall.
Well. I rely upon thee.

[Exeunt

SCENE III-A Chamber in SIR GILES OVERREACH'S House.

Enter ALLWORTH and MARGARET. Allo. Whether to yield the first praise to my lord's

Unequall'd temperance, or your constant

sweetness,

yet rest doubtful.

Marg. Give it to lord Lovell; For what in him was bounty, in me's duty. I make but payment of a debt, to which My vows, in that high office register'd, Are faithful witnesses.

Allw. 'Tis true, my dearest; Yet when I call to mind, how many fair ones Make wilful shipwreck of their faiths and oaths To God and man, to fill the arms of greatness; And you, with matchless virtue, thus to hold out Against the stern authority of a father, And spurn at honour when it comes to court you; am so tender of your good, that I can hardly Wish myself that right you are pleas'd to do me. Marg. To me what's title, when content is wanting? And wealth

Of a pleas'd sire, that slaves me to his will? And so his ravenous humour may be feasted By my obedience, and he see me great, Leaves to my soul nor faculties nor power To make her own election.

Allw. But the dangers That follow the repulse.

Marg. To me they are nothing: Let Allworth love, I cannot be unhappy, Suppose the worst, that in his rage he kill me, A tear or two by you dropp'd on my hearse, In sorrow for my fate, will call back life So far as but to say, that I die yours; I then shall rest in peace.

Allw. Heaven avert

Such trials of your true affection to me!

Just. G. For heav'n's sake don't stay long; Nor will it unto you, that are all mercy,

It is almost ready.

[Exit. Show so much rigour. But since we must run Such desperate hazards, let us do our best

Mar. At four o'clock, the rest know where

to meet me.

To steer between 'em.

[Exeunt all but Wellborn and Marrall. Marg. Lord Lovell is your friend; Well. Now, Mr. Marrall, what's the weighty And though but a young actor, second me [secret In doing to the life what he has plotted.

You promis'd to impart?

anger.

Marg. I could be contented

Enter SIR GILES OVERREACH. The end may yet prove happy. Now, my Were you but by to do a father's part, Allworth. And give me in the church. [Apart to Allworth, Sir G. So my lord have you, Allo. To your letter, and put on a seeming What do I care who gives you? since my lord [Apart. Does propose to be private, I'll not cross him. Marg. I'll pay my lord all debts due to his title; I know not, Mr. Allworth, how my lord And when with terms not taking from his honour, May be provided, and therefore there's a purse He does solicit me, I shall gladly hear him; Of gold; 'twill serve this night's expense; toBut in this peremptory, nay, commanding way, To fix a time and place without my knowledge; A priest to tie the knot can ne'er be undone Till death unloose it, is a confidence In his lordship that will deceive him.

Allw. I hope better, good lady.

Marg. Hope, sir, what you please; for me, I must take a safe and secure course; I have A father, and without his full consent,

morrow

I'll furnish him with any sums. In the mean time,
Use my ring to my chaplain; he is benefic'd
At my manor of Gotham, and call'd parson
Welldo;

'Tis no matter for a licence, I'll bear him out

in't.

Marg. With your favour, sir, what warrant is your ring?

Though all lords of the land kneel'd for my He may suppose I got that twenty ways

favour,

I can grant nothing.

Sir G. I like this obedience.

But whatsoever my lord writes, must and shall

Accepted and embrac'd. [Aside]-Sweet Mr.
Allworth,

You show yourself a true and faithful servant
To your good lord, he has a jewel of you.
How! frowning, Meg? are these looks to receive
A messenger from my lord? What's this?
give me it.

Marg. A piece of arrogant paper, like th'
inscriptions.

[Sir Giles reads the Letter. Fair mistress, from your servant learn, all joys

That we can hope for, if deferr'd, prove
toys;

Therefore this instant, and in private meet
A husband, that will gladly at your feet
Lay down his honours, tend'ring them
to you

With all content, the church being paid

her due.

Is this the arrogant piece of paper? fool! Will you still be one? In the name of mad-| ness, what

Could his good honour write more to con-
tent you?

Is there aught else to be wish'd after these two
That are already offered? Marriage first,
And lawful pleasure after: what would you
more?

Marg. Why, sir, I would be married like
your daughter,

Not hurried away i'th night kuow not whither,
Without all ceremony; no friends invited,
To honour the solemnity.
honour

Allo. An't please your
(For so before to-morrow I must style you),
My lord desires this privacy in respect
His honourable kinsmen are far off,
And his desires to have it done, brook not
So long delay as to expect their coming;
And yet he stands resolv'd, with all due pomp
To have his marriage at court celebrated,
When he has brought your honour up to
London.

Sir G. He tells you true; 'tis the fashion,
on my knowledge;

Yet the good lord, to please your peevishness,
Must put it off, forsooth.

Without your knowledge; and then to be

refus'd
Were such a stain upon me·
sir,
Your presence would do better.
Sir G. Still perverse?

-if you please,

I say again, I will not cross my lord;
Yet I'll prevent you too-Paper and ink there.
Allw. Sir, it's ready here.

Sir G. I thank you; I can write then.

[Writes. Allw. You may, if you please, leave out the name of my lord, In respect he would be private, and only write, Marry her to this gentleman.

Sir G. Well advis'd; [Margaret kneels.
'Tis done; away-my blessing, girl? thou hast it.
Nay, no reply-Be gone, good Mr. Allworth;
This shall be the best night's work ever made.
Allw. I hope so, sir.

[Exeunt Allworth and Margaret.
Sir G. Now all's cock-sure.
Methinks I hear already knights and ladies
Say, sir Giles Overreach, how is it with
Your honourable daughter?

My ends, my ends are compass'd!—Then for
Wellborn

And the lands; were he once married to the
widow-

I have him here-I can scarce contain myself,
I am so full of joy; nay, joy all over. [Exit.

Than their years can promise; and for their desires,

On my knowledge, they are equal.
Lady A. Though my wishes
Are with yours, my lord, yet give me leave to fear
The building, though well grounded. To deceive
Sir Giles (that's both a lion and a fox
In his proceedings) were a work beyond
The strongest undertakers; not the trial
Of two weak innocents.

Lord L. Despair not, madam;

Hard things are compass'd oft by easy means.
The cunning statesman, that believes he fathoms
The counsels of all kingdoms on the earth,
Is by simplicity oft overreach'd.

Lady A. May he be so.

The young ones have my warmest wishes. Lord L. O, gentle lady, let 'em prove kind

to me;

Lady A. I were blind to my own good, Should I refuse it; yet, my lord, receive me As such a one, the study of whose whole life Shall know no other object but to please you. Lord L. If I return not, with all tenderness, Equal respect to you, may I die wretched! Lady A. There needs no protestation, my lord, To her that cannot doubt.-You are welcome, sir.

Enter WELLBORN. Now you look like yourself.

Well. And will continue

Such in my free acknowledgment, that I am Your creature, madam, and will never hold My life mine own, when you please to demand it. Lord L. It is a thankfulness that well becomes you.

Lady A. For me, I am happy, That my endeavours prosper'd. Saw you of late Sir Giles, your uncle?

Well. I heard of him, madam, By his minister, Marrall: he's grown into strange passions

About his daughter. This last night he look'd for
Your lordship at his house; but missing you,
And she not yet appearing, his wise head
Is much perplex'd and troubled.

Lord L. I hope my project took.
Lady A. I strongly hope.

Sir G. [Without] Ha! find her, booby! thou huge lump of nothing!

I'll bore thine eyes out else.

Well. May it please your lordship, For some ends of mine own, but to withdraw A little out of sight, though not of hearing, You may perhaps have sport.

Lord L. You shall direct me. [Steps aside.

Enter SIR GILES OVERREACH, with distracted looks, driving in MARRALL.

Sir G. Idiot! booby! Mar. Sir, for what cause Do you use me thus?

Sir G. Cause, slave? why I am angry, And thou a subject only fit for beating; And so to cool my choler. Look to the writing;

Let but the seal be broke upon the box, That has slept in my cabinet these three years, I'll rack thy soul for't.

Mar. I may yet cry quittance, Though now I suffer, and dare not resist. [Aside.

Sir G. Lady, by your leave, did you see my daughter, lady?

And the lord her husband? Are they in your house?

If they are, discover, that I may bid 'em joy; And, as an entrance to her place of honour, See your ladyship on her left hand, and make

court'sies

When she nods on you; which you must receive As a special favour.

Lady A. When I know, sir Giles, Her state requires such ceremony, I shall pay it; But in the mean time

give you to understand, I neither know Nor care where her honour is.

Sir G. When you once see her Supported, and led by the lord her husband, You'll be taught better.-Nephew! Well. Well!

Sir G. No more?

Well. 'Tis all I owe you. Sir G. Have your redeemed rags Made you thus insolent? Well. Insolent to you! [In Scorn Why, what are you, sir, more than myself Sir G. His fortune swells him; 'Tis rank; he's married.

Aside [Aside.

Lady A. This is excellent. Sir G. Sir, in calm language (though I sel dom use it),

I am familiar with the cause that makes you Bear up thus bravely; there's a certain buz Of a stol'n marriage; do you hear? of a stoln marriage;

In which 'tis said there's somebody hath been cozen'd.

Iname no parties. [Lady Allworth turns away Well. Well, sir, what follows?

Sir G. Marry, this: since you are peremp tory, remember,

Upon mere hope of your great match, I len

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