tous

a

Over. I am past learning,

Marg. I am bound to that. And therefore leave you to yourselves; remem- Lov. Now break off our conference. Sir Giles !

ber- (To his daughter. Erii OVERREACH. Where is sir Giles ? Lov. You see, fair lady, your father is solici

Enter OVERREACH, GREEDY, ALLWORTI, and

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

Over. My noble lord! and how
Murg. His haste, my lord,

Does your lordship find her? Hoids no power o'er my will.

Lov. Apt, sir Giles, and coming,
Lov. But o'er your
duty-

And I like her the better.
Marg. Which, forced too much, may break. Over. So do I, too.
Loo. Bend, rather, sweetest :

Lov. Yet, should we take forts at the first asThink of your years.

sault, Mary. Too few to match with yours :

'Twere poor in the defendant. I must confirm And choicest fruits, too soon plucked, rot and

her wither.

With a love-letter or two, which I must have · Lov. Do you think I am old?

Delivered by my page, and you give way to it. Murg. I am sure I am too young:

Over. With all my soul. A towardly gentleLoo. I can advance you.

man! Murg To a bill of sorrow;

Your hand, good Mr Allworth; know, my house Where every hour I may expect to fall,

Is ever open to you. But never hope firm footing. You are noble ;

Allu. 'Twas still shut till now, Aside. I of low descent, however rich.

Over. Well done, well done, my honourable O my good lord, I could say more, but that

daughter! I dare not trust these wails.

Thou art so already: know this gentle youth, Lov. Pray you, trust my ear then.

And cherish bim, my honourable daughter.

Niurg. I shall, with my best care.
Enter OVERRFACH listening.

[Noise of a coach. Over. Close at it! whispering ! this is excel- Over. What noise? lent!

Greedy. More stops
And, by their postures, a consent on both parts. Before we go to dinner! O my guts!
Enter GREEDY.

Enter Lady and WELLBORN.
Greedy. Sir Giles ! Sir Giles !

Lady. If I find welcome, Over. The great fiend stop that clapper! You share in it; if not, I'll back again, Greedy. It must ring out, sir, when my belly Now I know your ends; for I come armed for all rings poon.

Can be objected. The baked meats are ran out, the roast turned Lov. How! the lady Allworth? powder.

Over. And thus attended ! Over. Stop your insatiate jaws, or

Mar. No, I am a dolt; I shall powder you.

The spirit of lies bad entered me. Greedy. Beat me to dust, I care not ;

(Lovell salutes the Lady, who salutes MARIn such a cause as this, I'll die a martyr. Over. Disturb my lord, when he is in dis- Over. Peace, patch! course?

'Tis more than wonder, an astonishment Greedy. Is it a time to talk,

That does possess me wholly. When we should be munching?

Lov. Noble lady, Over. Peace, villain ! peace! shall we break a This is a favour to prevent my visit, bargain

The service of my lite can never equal. Almost made up? Vanish, I say.

Ludy. My lord, I laid wait for you, and [Thrusts GREEDY off. much hoped Lov. Lady, I understand you :

You would bave made my poor house your first And rest most happy in your choice. Believe it, inn : I'll be a careful pilot to direct

And, tberefrre, doubting that you might forget me, Your vet uncertain bark to a port of safety. Or too long duell here, having such ample cause, Murg. So shall your honour save two lives, in this unequalled beauty, for your stay; and bind us

And fearing to trust any but myself Your slaves for ever.

With the relation of my service to you, Lov. I am in the act rewarded,

I borroved so much from my long restraint, Since it is good; bowe'er you must put on And took the air in person to invite you. An amorous carriage towards me, tu delude Loc. Your bounties are so great, they rob mę, Your subtle father.

madam,

GARET.

a

with you,

m

Of words to give you thanks.

Mar. In troth, I must: my master, Lady. Good sir Giles Overreach!

Knowing you are his good friend, makes bold

Salutes him. How dost thou, Marrall? Liked you my meat so ill, And does intreat you, more guests being come in You'll dine no more with me?

Than he expected, especially his nephew, Greedy. I will when you please,

The table being too full

, you would excuse him, And it like your ladyship.

And sup with him on the cold meat. Lady. When you please, Mr Greedy;

Greedy. How! no dinner If meat can do it, you shall be satisfied:

After all my care? And now, my lord, pray take into your know- Mar. 'Tis but a penance for ledge

A meal; besides, you have broke your fast. This gentleman; howe'er his outside's coarse, Greedy. That was

[Presents WELLBORN. But a bit to stay my stomach. A man in comHis inward linings are as tine and fair

mission
As any man's. Wonder not I speak at large : Give place to a tatterdemallion !
And howsoe'er his humour carries him

Mar. No big words, sir ;
To be thus accoutred; or what taint soe'er Should his worship hear you
For his wild life have struck upon his fame; Greedy. Lose my dumpling too?
He may, ere long, with boldness, rank himself And buttered toasts and woodcocks?
With sone that have condemned him. Sir Giles Mar. Come, have patience;
Overreach,

If you will dispense a little with your justiceship, If I am welcome, bid him so.

And sit with the waiting-women, you'll have Over. My nephew!

dumpling, He hath been too long a stranger : 'faith you Woodcock, and buttered toasts, too. have.

Greedy. This revives me : Pray, let it be mended.

I will gorge there sufficiently. [LOVELL conferring with WELLBORN. Mar. This is the way, sir. (Exeunt. Mar. Why, sir, what do you mean? This is rogue Wellborn, monster, prodigy,

Enter OVERREACH, as from dinner. That should hang, or drown himself, no man of Over. She's caught ! O woman! she neglects

worship, Much less your nephew.

And all her compliments apply to Wellborn! Orer. Well, sirrah, we shall reckon

The garments of her widowhood laid by, For this hereafter.

She now appears as glorious as the spring. Mar. I'll not lose my jeer,

Her eyes fixed on hiin; in the wine she drinks, Though I be beaten dead for it.

He being her pledge, she sends him burning Well. Let my silence plead

kisses, In my excuse, my lord, till better leisure

And sits on thorns till she be private with him. Offer itself to hear a full relation

She leaves 'my meat to feed upon his looks; Of my poor fortunes.

And, if in our discourse he be but named, Loo. I would hear and help them.

From her a deep siyh follows. But why grieve I

[Bell rings. At this? It makes for me; if she prove his, Oter. Your dinner waits you.

All that is hers is inine, as I will work him. Lov. Pray you lead, we follow.

Enter MARRALL. Lady. Nay, you are my guest; come, dear Mr

Well-born. [ Freunt. Manet GREEDY. Mar. Sir, the whole board is troubled at your Greedy. Dear Mr Wellborn! so she said ; rising. lieaven! Heaven!

Over. No matter, I'll excuse it; prithee, MarIf my belly would give me leave, I could rumi- rall, nate

Watch an occasion to invite my nephew
All day on this: I have granted warrants To speak with me in private.
To have him committed, from all prisons in the

Mur. Who? the rogue,
shire,

The lady scorned to look on? To Nottingham jail ! and now, dear Mr Well

Over. You are a wag. born!

Enter Lady and WELLBORN. And my good nephew! But I play the fvol To stand here prating, and forget my dinner. Mar. See, sir, she comes, and cannot be with

out him. Enter MarraLL.

Lady. With your favour, sir,
Are they set, Marrall?

I shall make bold to walk a turn or two
Mar. Long since; pray, you a word, sir, In your rare garden.
Greedy. No wording now.

Over. There's another arbour, too,

my lord,

a

men

a

If your ladyship please to use it.

Well. So I do, sir; Lady. Come, Mr Wellborn.

Tis strange to me. [Erit Lady and WELLBORN. Over. But I'll make it no wonder; Over. Grosser and grosser ! My good lord, And, what is more, unfold my nature to you. Excuse my manners.

We worldly men, when we see friends and kinsEnter Lovell, MARGARET and Allwortu.

Past hope, sunk in their fortunes, lend no hand Lov. There needs none, Sir Giles;

To lift them up, but rather set our feet I may, ere long, say father, when it please Upon their heads, to press them to the bottom ; My dearest mistress to give warrant to it. As, I must yield, with you I practised it : Over. She shall seal to it, my lord, and inake But now I see you in a way to rise, me happy.

I can and will assist you. This rich lady Marg. My lady is returned.

(And I am glad of it, is enamoured of you.

Well. No such thing :
Enter WELLBORN and LADY.

Compassion rather, sir.
Lady. Provide my coach,

Over. Well, in a word, I'll instantly away: my thanks, sir Giles, Because your stay is short, I'll have you seen For my entertainment.

No more in this base shape; nor shall she say, Over. 'Tis your nobleness

She married you like a beggar, or in debt. To think it such.

Well. He'll run into the noose, and save my Lady. I must do you a farther wrong,

Jabour,

[Aside. In taking away your honourable guest.

Over. You have a trunk of rich clothes, not far Loo. I wait on you, madam : fare vell, good hence, sir Giles.

In pawn; I will redeem them: and, that no claLady. Nay, come, Mr Wellborn, I must not leave you behind, in sooth, I must not May taint your credit for your debts, Over. Rob me not, madam, of all joys at You shall have a thousand pounds to cut them off,

And go a freeman to the wealthy lady. Let my nephew stay behind; he shall have my Well. This done, sir, out of love, and no ends coach,

elseAnd, after some small conference between us, Over. As it is, nephew. Soon overtake your ladyship.

Well. Binds me still your servant. Lady. Stay not long, sir.

Over. No compliments: you are staid for :Lov. This parting kiss. You shall every day ere you've supped, hear from me,

You shall bear from me. My coach, knaves, for By my faithful page.

[To MARGARET. my nephew! Allw. 'Tis a service I am proud of.

To-morrow I will visit you. [Ereunt Lovell, Lady, Allworth, and Well. Here's an uncle MARRALL.

In a man's extremes! how much do they belie Over. Daughter, to your chamber.

you,

[Exit MARGARET. That say you are hard-hearted ! You may wonder, nephew,

Over. My deeds, nephew, After so long an enmity between us,

Shall speak' my love; what men report, I weigh I shall desire your friendship.

[Exeunt.

mour

once.

:

not,

ACT IV.

house.

SCENE I.-A chamber in Lady Allworth's | Of joy, for your much goodness, can supply

My tongue's defects, I could

Lov. Nay, do not melt:
Lovell and ALLWORTH discovered.

This ceremonial of thanks to me is superfluous. Lov. 'Tis well. Give me my hat: I now dis Ooer. [Within.] Is my lord stirring? charge you

Lov. "T'is he! Oh, here's your letter! let him From farther service. Mind your own affairs ;

in. I hope they will prove successful. Allw. What is blest

Enter Overreach, Greedy, and MarraLL. With your good wish, my lord, cannot but pros- Over. A good day to my lord. per.

Loo. You are an early riser, Let after-times report, and to your honour, Sir Giles. How much I stand engaged; for I want language Over. And reason, to attend your lordship. To speak my debt : yet if a tear or two

Lov. And you too, Mr Greedy, up so soon?

me,

Greedy. In troth, my lord, after the sun is up With her, my lord, comes to you; nor shall you I cannot sleep; for I have a foolish stomach,

have That croaks for breakfast. With your lordship's One motive to induce you to believe favour,

I live too long, since every year I'll add I have a serious question to demand

Something unto the heap, which shall be yours Of my worthy friend, sir Giles.

too, Loc. Pray you, use your pleasure.

Lov. You are a right kind father. Greedy. How far, sir Giles—and, pray you, an

Over. You shall have reason swer ine

To think me such. How do you like this seat? Upon your credit—hold you it to be

It is well wooded and well watered, the acres From your manor-house to this of my lady Alle Fertile and rich; would it serve for change worth's?

To entertain your friends in a summer's progress! Over. Why, some four miles.

What thinks my noble lord ? Greedy. How! four miles, good Sir Giles ? Loo. 'Tis a wholesome air, Upon your reputation think better;

And well built; and she, that's mistress of it, For four miles riding

Worthy the large revenue. Could not have raised so huge an appetite

Over. She the mistress?
As I feel gnawing on me.

It
inay

be so for a time; but let my lord Jar. Whether you ride,

Say only, that he but like it, and would have it, Or go a-foot, you are that way still provided, I say, ere long 'tis his. And it please your worship.

Lov. Impossible. Oter. flow now, sirrah! prating

Over. You do conclude too fast, not knowing Before my lord? no deterence? Go to my nephew; See all his debts discharged, and help his worship Nor the engines that I work by. 'Tis not alone To fit on his rich suit.

The lady Allworth's lands; for those, once WellMar. I may fit you, too. [Erit MarrALL. born's, Loo. I have writ this morning

(As, by her dotage on him, I know they will be) A few lines to my inistress, your fair daughter.

Shall soon be mine. But point out any man's Over. 'Twill fire her, for she's wholly yours al- In all the shire, and say they lie convenient ready.

Avd useful for your lordship, and once more Sweet Mr Allworth, take my ring; 'twill carry I say aloud, they are yours. To her presence, I dare warrant you; and there Lov. I dare not own plead

What's by unjust and cruel means extorted: For my good lord, if you shall find occasion. My fame and credit are more dear to me, That done, pray ride to Nottingham; get a li- Than to expose them to be censured by cence,

The public voice.
Still by th s token. I'll have it dispatched, Over. You run, my lord, no hazard;
And suddenly, my lord : that I may say

Your reputation shall stand as fair,
My honourable, nay, right honourable daughter. In all good mens' opinions, as now:
Greedy. Take my advice, young gentleman; Nor can my actions, though condemned for ill,
get your breakfast.

Cast any foul aspersion upon yours. 'Tis unwholesome to ride fasting. I'll eat with For though I do contemn report myself, you,

As a mere sound, I still will be so tender And that abundantly.

Of what concerns you in all points of honour, Orer. Soine fury's in that gut:

That the immaculate whiteness of your fame, Hungry again? Did you not devour, this morning, Nor your unquestioned integrity, A shield of brawn, and a barrel of Colchester Shall ere be sullied with one taint or spot, oysters?

That may take from your innocence and candour. Greedy. Why, that was, sir, only to scour my All my ambition is, to have my daughter stomach,

Right honourable; which my lord can make her : A kind of preparative. Come, gentlemen, And might I live to dance upon my knee I will not have you feed alone, while I am here. A young lord Lovell, born by her unto you, Lov. Haste your return.

I write nil ultra to my proudest hopes. Allo. I will not fail, my lord.

As for possessions, and annual rents, Greedy. Nor I, to line

Equivalent to maintain you in the port My Christmas coffer.

Your noble birth and present state require, (Ereunt Greedy and Allworth. I do remove that burden froin your shoulders, Over. To my wish, we're private.

And take it on mine own; for though I ruin I come not to make otřer with iny daughter The country, to supply your riotous waste, A certain portion ; that were poor and trivial : The scourge of prodigals, want, shall never find In one word, I pronounce all that is mine,

you. In lands, or leases, ready coin, or goods,

Lor. Are you not moved with the imprecations

a

And curses of whole families, made wretched For your own sake I am glad you came no sooner, By these practices ?

Since this bold, bad man, sir Giles Overreach, Orer. Yes, as rocks are,

Made such a plain discovery of himself, When foamy billows split themselves against And read this morning such devilish matins, Their fiinty ribs; or as the moon is moved, That I should think a sin, next to his, When wolves, with hunger pined, howl at her | But to repeat itbrightness.

Lady. I ne'er pressed, my lord,
I am of a solid temper, and, like these,

On other's privacies; yet, against my will,
Steer on a constant course: with mine own sword, Walking, for health's sake, in the gallery
If called into the field, I can make that right, Adjoining to our lodgings, I was made
Which fearful enemies murinured at as wrong. (so loud and vehement be was) partaker
Now, for those other piddling complaints, Of his tempting offers. But,
Breathed out in bitterness; as when they call me My good lord, if I may use my freedom,
Extortioner, tyrant, cormorant, or intruder As to an honoured friend-
On my poor neighbour's right, or grand incloser, Lov. You lessen else
Of what was common, to my private use;

Your favour to me.
Nay, when my ears are pierced with widows' Ludy. I dare, then, say thus :
cries,

(However common men And undone orphans wash with tears my thres- Make sordid weaith the object and sole end hold,

Of their industrious aims) 'twill not agree I only think what 'tis to have my daughter With those of moble blood, of fame and honour. Right honourable; and 'tis a powerful charm! Love. Madam, 'tis confessed; Makes me insensible of remorse, or pity,

But what infer you from it? Or the least sting of conscience,

Lady. This, my lord: I allow Lov. I admire

The heir of sir Giles Overreach, Margaret, The toughness of your nature.

A maid well qualitied, and the richest match Over. 'Tis for you,

Our north part can boast of'; yet she cannot,
My lord, and for my daughter, I am marble ; With all that she brings with her, fill their mouths,
Nav, more, if

you
will have my character

That never will forget who was her father; In little, I enjoy more true delight

Or that my husband Allworth's lands, and WellIn my arrival to my wealth these dark

bori's, And crooked ways, than you shall e'er take plea- (How wrung trom both needs no repetition)

Were real motives, that more worked your lordIn spending what my industry hath compassed.

ship My baste commauds me hence: in one word, To join your families, than her form and virtues, therefore,

You may conceive the rest. Is it a match, my lord ?

Low. I do, sweet madam; Lov. I hope that is past doubt, now.

And long since have considered it. Oier. Then rest secure; not the hate of all And this my resolution, mark me, madam; mankind here,

Were Overreach's states thrice centupled, his Not fear of what can fall on me hereafter,

daughter
Shall make me study aught but your advancement Millions of degrees much fairer than she is,
One story higher. An earl! It gold can do it. I would not so adultcrate my blood,
Dispute not my religion, nor my faith,

By marrying Varyaret. In my own tomb
Though I ain borne thus headlong hy my will; I will inter my name first.
You may make choice of what beliet you please ; Lady. I am glad to hear this.

Aside. To me they are equal. So, my lord, good mor- Why, then, my lord, pretend you marriage to

[Erit.

her? Lov. He's gone; I wonder how the earth can Dissimulation but ties false knots bear

On that straight line, by which you hitherto Such a portent ! I, that have lived a goldier, Hlave measured all your actions. And stood the enemy's violent charge undaunted, Lov. I make answer, To hear this horrid beast, I'm bathed all over And aptly, with a question. Wherefore have you, In a cold sweat; yet, like a mountain, he That, since your husband's death, have lived a Is no more shaken, than Olympus is,

strict When angry Boreas loads his double head And chaste nuu's life, on the sudden given yourWith sudden drifts of snow.

To visits and entertainments? Think you, madam, Enter Lady.

'Tis not grown public conference? or the favours, Lady. Save you, my lord !

Which you too prodigally have thrown on WellDisturb I not your privacy?

born, Lov. No, good madam;

Incur not censore?

sure

row.

a

self