The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher

_Ang_. Pray ye to your bed.

_Char_. Why not to yours, dear Mistris? one heart and one bed.

_Ang_. True, Sir, when ’tis lawful: but yet you know–

_Char_. I would not know, forget it; those are but sickly loves that hang on Ceremonies, nurs’d up with doubts and fears; ours high and healthful, full of belief, and fit to teach the Priest: Love shall seal first, then hands confirm the bargain.

_Ang_. I shall be a Heretick if this continue. What would you do a bed? you make me blush, Sir.

_Char_. I’d see you sleep, for sure your sleeps are excellent, you that are waking such a noted wonder, must in your slumber prove an admiration. I would behold your dreams too, if’t were possible; those were rich showes.

_Ang_. I am becoming Traitor.

_Char_. Then like blew _Neptune_ courting of an Island, where all the perfumes and the precious things that wait upon great Nature are laid up, I’d clip it in my arms, and chastly kiss it, dwell in your bosome like your dearest thoughts, and sigh and weep.

_Ang_. I’ve too much woman in me.

_Char_. And those true tears falling on your pure Crystals, should turn to armelets for great Queens t’adore.

_Ang_. I must be gone.

_Char_. Do not, I will not hurt ye; this is to let you know, my worthiest Lady, y’have clear’d my mind, and I can speak of love too: Fear not my manners, though I never knew, before these few hours, what a Beauty was, and such a one that fires all hearts that feel it; yet I have read of virtuous Temperance, and study’d it among my other Secrets; and sooner would I force a separation betwixt this spirit and the case of flesh, than but conceive one rudeness against Chastity.

_Ang_. Then we may walk.

_Char_. And talk of any thing, any fit for your ears, and my language; though I was bred up dull, I was ever civil; ’tis true, I have found it hard to look on you, and not desire, ’twill prove a wise mans task; yet those desires I have so mingled still, and tempered with the quality of honour, that if you should yield, I should hate you for’t. I am no Courtier of a light condition, apt to take fire at every beauteous face; that only serves his will and wantonness, and lets the serious part run by as thin neglected sand. Whiteness of name, you must be mine; why should I rob my self of that that lawfully must make me happy? why should I seek to cuckold my delights, and widow all those sweets I aim at in you? We’ll lose our selves in _Venus_ Groves of Myrtle, where every little Bird shall be a _Cupid_, and sing of love and youth, each wind that blows, and curls the velvet-leaves, shall breed delights, the wanton Springs shall call us to their banks, and on the perfum’d flowers we’ll feast our senses; yet we’ll walk by untainted of their pleasures, and as they were pure Temples we’ll talk in them.

_Ang_. To bed, and pray then, we may have a fair end of our fair loves; would I were worthy of you, or of such parents that might give you thanks: But I am poor in all but in your love. Once more, good night.

_Char_. A good night t’ye, and may the dew of sleep fall gently on you, sweet one, and lock up those fair lights in pleasing slumbers; no dreams but chaste and clear attempt your fancy, and break betimes sweet morn, I’ve lost my light else.

_Ang_. Let it be ever night when I lose you.

_Syl_. This Scholar never went to a Free-School, he’s so simple.

_Enter a_ Servant.

_Serv_. Your Brother, with two Gallants, is at door, Sir, and they’re so violent, they’ll take no denial.

_Ang_. This is no fit time of night.

_Char_. Let ’em in, Mistris.

_Serv_. They stay no leave; shall I raise the house on ’em?

_Char_. Not a man, nor make no murmur oft I charge ye.

_Enter_ Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy.

_Eust_. They’re here, my Uncle absent, stand close to me. How do you, Brother, with your curious story? have you not read her yet sufficiently?

_Char_. No, Brother, no; I stay yet in the Preface: the style’s too hard for you.

_Eust_. I must entreat her; she’s parcel of my goods.

_Char_. She’s all when you have her.

_Ang_. Hold off your hands, unmannerly, rude Sir; nor I, nor what I have depend on you.

_Char_. Do, let her alone, she gives good counsel; do not trouble your self with Ladies, they are too light: Let out your Land, and get a provident Steward.

_Ang_. I cannot love ye, let that satisfie you; such vanities as you, are to be laugh’d at.

_Eust_. Nay, then you must go; I must claim mine own.

_Both_. Away, away with her.

_Char. Let her alone, pray let her alone, [_She strikes off_ and take your Coxcomb up: Let me talk [Eustace’s _hat_. civilly a while with you, Brother. It may be on some terms I may part with her.

_Eust_. O, is your heart come down? what are your terms, Sir? Put up, put up.

_Char_. This is the first and chiefest; [_Snatches away his sword_] let’s walk a turn. Now stand off, fools, I advise ye, stand as far off as you would hope for mercy: this is the first sword yet I ever handled, and a sword’s a beauteous thing to look upon; and if it hold, I shall so hunt your insolence: ’tis sharp, I’m sure, and if I put it home, ’tis ten to one I shall new pink your Sattins; I find I have spirit enough to dispose of it, and will enough to make ye all examples; let me toss it round, I have the full command on’t. Fetch me a native Fencer, I defie him; I feel the fire of ten strong spirits in me. Do you watch me when my Uncle is absent? this is my grief, I shall be flesh’d on Cowards; teach me to fight, I willing am to learn. Are ye all gilded flies, nothing but shew in ye? why stand ye gaping? who now touches her? who calls her his, or who dares name her to me? but name her as his own; who dares look on her? that shall be mortal too; but think, ’tis dangerous. Art thou a fit man to inherit Land, and hast no wit nor spirit to maintain it? Stand still, thou sign of a man, and pray for thy friends, pray heartily, good prayers may restore ye.

_Ang_. But do not kill ’em, Sir.

_Char_. You speak too late, Dear; it is my first fight, and I must do bravely, I must not look with partial eyes on any; I cannot spare a button of these Gentlemen; did life lie in their heel, Achilles like, I’d shoot my anger at those parts, and kill ’em. Who waits within?

_Ser_. Sir.

_Char_. View all these, view ’em well, go round about ’em, and still view their faces; round about yet, see how death waits upon ’em, for thou shalt never view ’em more.

_Eust_. Pray hold, Sir.

_Char_. I cannot hold, you stand so fair before me; I must not hold; ’twill darken all my glories. Go to my Uncle, bid him post to the King, and get my pardon instantly, I have need on’t.

_Eust_. Are you so unnatural?

_Char_. You shall die last, Sir, I’ll take thee dead, thou art no man to fight with. Come, will ye come? Me-thinks I’ve fought whole Battels.

_Cow_. We have no quarrel to you that we know on, Sir.

_Egre_. We’ll quit the house, and ask ye mercy too. Good Lady, let no murther be done here; we came but to parly.

_Char_. How my sword thirsts after them! Stand away, Sweet.

_Eust_. Pray, Sir, take my submission, and I disclaim for ever.

_Char_. Away, ye poor things, ye despicable creatures! do you come poste to fetch a Lady from me? from a poor School-boy that ye scorn’d of late, and grow lame in your hearts when you should execute? Pray take her, take her, I am weary of her: What did you bring to carry her?

_Egre_. A Coach and four Horses.

_Char_. But are they good?

_Egre_. As good as France can shew Sir.

_Char_. Are you willing to leave those, and take your safeties? Speak quickly.

_Eust_. Yes with all our hearts.

_Char_. ‘Tis done then. Many have got one Horse, I’ve got four by th’ bargain.

_Enter_ Miramont.

_Mir_. How now, who’s here?

_Ser_. Nay, now y’are gone without bail.

_Mir_. What, drawn, my Friends? Fetch me my two-hand Sword; I will not leave a head on your shoulders, Wretches.

_Eust_. In troth, Sir, I came but to do my duty.

_Both_. And we to renew our loves.

_Mir_. Bring me a Blanket. What came they for?

_Ang_. To borrow me a while, Sir; but one that never fought yet, has so curri’d, so bastinado’d them with manly carriage, they stand like things _Gorgon_ had turn’d to stone: they watch’d your being absent, and then thought they might do wonders here, and they have done so; for by my troth I wonder at their coldness, the nipping North or Frost never came near them; St _George_ upon a sign would grow more sensible. If the name of Honour were for ever to be lost, these were the most sufficient men to do it in all the world; and yet they are but young, what will they rise to? They’re as full of fire as’ a frozen Glow-worms rattle, and shine as goodly: Nobility and patience are match’d rarely in these three Gentlemen, they have right use on’t; they’ll stand still for an hour and be beaten. These are the Anagrams of three great Worthies.

_Mir_. They will infect my house with cowardize, if they breath longer in it; my roof covers no baffl’d Monsieurs, walk and air your selves; as I live they stay not here. White-liver’d wretches, without one word to ask a reason why. Vanish, ’tis the last warning, and with speed; for if I take ye in hand, I shall dissect you, and read upon your flegmatick dull Carcases. My Horse again there: I have other business, which you shall hear hereafter, and laugh at it. Good-night _Charles_, fair goodness to your dear Lady; ’tis late, ’tis late.

_Ang_. Pray, Sir, be careful of us.

_Mir_. It is enough, my best care shall attend ye. [_Exeunt_.

ACTUS IV. SCENA IV.

_Enter_ Andrew.

_And_. Are you come, old Master? Very good, your Horse is well set up; but ere you part, I’ll ride you, and spur your Reverend Justiceship such a question, as I shall make the sides of your Reputation bleed, truly I will. Now must I play at Bo-peep–A Banquet–well, Potatoes and Eringoes, and, as I take it, Cantharides–Excellent, a Priapism follows, and as I’ll handle it, it shall, old Lecherous Goat in Authority. Now they begin to Bill; how he slavers her! Gramercy _Lilly_, she spits his kisses out, and now he offers to fumble, she falls off, (that’s a good Wench) and cries fair play above board. Who are they in the corner? As I live, a covy of Fidlers; I shall have some Musick yet at my making free o’th’ Company of _Horners_; there’s the comfort, and a Song too! He beckons for one–Sure ’tis no Anthem, nor no borrow’d Rhymes out of the School of Vertue; I will listen– [_A Song_.
This was never penn’d at _Geneva_, the Note’s too sprightly. So, so, the Musick’s paid for, and now what follows? O that Monsieur _Miramont_ would but keep his word; here were a Feast to make him fat with laughter; at the most ’tis not six minutes riding from his house, nor will he break, I hope–O are you come, Sir? the prey is in the Net, and will break in upon occasion.

_Mir_. Thou shalt rule me, Andrew. O th’infinite fright that will assail this Gentleman! the Quartans, Tertians, and Quotidians that will hang like Serjeants on his Worships shoulders? the humiliation of the flesh of this man, this grave, austere man will be wondred at. How will those solemn looks appear to me; and that severe face, that speaks chains and shackles? Now I take him in the nick, e’re I have done with him, he had better have stood between two panes of Wainscot, and made his recantation in the Market, than hear me conjure him.

_And_. He must pass this way to th’ only Bed I have; he comes, stand close.

_Bri_. Well done, well done, give me my night-cap. So. Quick, quick, untruss me; I will truss and trounce thee. Come, Wench, a kiss between each point; kiss close, it is a sweet Parenthesis.

_Lil._ Y’are merry, Sir.

_Bri._ Merry I will be anon, and thou shalt feel it, thou shalt, my _Lilly_.

_Lil._ Shall I air your Bed, Sir?

_Bri._ No, no; I’ll use no Warming-pan but thine, Girl, that’s all. Come kiss me again.

_Lil._ Ha’ye done yet?

_Bri._ No; but I will do, and do wonders, _Lilly_. Shew me the way.

_Lil._ You cannot miss it, Sir; you shall have a Cawdle in the morning for your Worship’s breakfast.

_Bri._ How, i’th’ morning, _Lilly_? th’art such a witty thing to draw me on. Leave fooling, _Lilly_, I am hungry now, and th’hast another Kickshaw, I must taste it.

_Lil._ ‘Twill make you surfeit, I am tender of you: y’have all y’are like to have.

_And._ And can this be earnest?

_Mir._ It seems so, and she honest.

_Bri._ Have I not thy promise, _Lilly_?

_Lil._ Yes, and I have performed enough to a man of your years, this is truth; and you shall find, Sir, you have kiss’d and tous’d me, handl’d my leg and foot; what would you more, Sir? As for the rest, it requires youth and strength, and the labour in an old man would breed Agues, Sciatica’s, and Cramps: You shall not curse me for taking from you what you cannot spare, Sir. Be good unto your self, y’have ta’ne already all you can take with ease; you are past threshing, it is a work too boisterous for you, leave such drudgery to _Andrew_.

_Mir._ How she jeers him!

_Lil._ Let _Andrew_ alone with his own tillage, he’s tough, and can manure it.

_Bri._ Y’are a quean, a scoffing, jeering quean.

_Lil._ It may be so, but I’m sure I’ll ne’r be yours.

_Bri._ Do not provoke me, if thou do’st I’ll have my Farm again, and turn thee out a begging.

_Lil._ Though you have the will, and want of honesty to deny your deed, Sir; yet I hope _Andrew_ has got so much learning from my young Master, as to keep his own; at the worst I’ll tell a short tale to the Judges, for what grave ends you sign’d your Lease, and on what terms you would revoke it.

_Bri_. Whore, thou dar’st not. Yield, or I’ll have thee whipt: how my Bloud boils, as if’t were o’re a Furnace!

_Mir_. I shall cool it.

_Bri_. Yet, gentle _Lilly_, pity and forgive me, I’ll be a friend t’ye, such a loving bountiful friend–

_Lil_. To avoid Suits in Law, I would grant a little; but should fierce _Andrew_ know it, what would become of me?

_And_. A Whore, a Whore!

_Bri_. Nothing but well Wench, I shall put such a strong Bit in his mouth, as thou shall ride him how thou wilt, my _Lilly_; nay, he shall hold the door, as I will work him, and thank thee for the Office.

_Mir_. Take heed, _Andrew_, these are shrewd temptations.

_And_. Pray you know your Cue, and second me, Sir. By your Worship’s favour.

_Bri_. _Andrew_!

_And_. I come in time to take possession of th’Office you assign me; hold the door! alas, ’tis nothing for a simple man to stay without, when a deep understanding holds conference within, say with his Wife: a trifle, Sir. I know I hold my Farm by Cuckolds Tenure; you are Lord o’th’ Soil, Sir. _Lilly_ is a Weft, a stray, she’s yours to use, Sir, I claim no interest in her.

_Bri_. Art thou serious? speak, honest _Andrew_, since thou hast o’erheard us, and wink at small faults, man; I’m but a pidlar, a little will serve my turn; thou’lt find enough when I’ve my belly full: Wilt thou be private and silent?

_And_. By all means, I’ll only have a Ballad made of’t, sung to some lewd Tune, and the name of it shall be _Justice Trap_; it will sell rarely with your Worships name, and _Lilly_’s on the top.

_Bri_. Seek not the ruine o’ my reputation, _Andrew_.

_And_. ‘Tis for your credit, Monsieur _Brisac_, printed in Capital Letters, then pasted upon all the posts in _Paris_.

_Bri_. No mercy, _Andrew_?

_And_. O, it will proclaim you from the City to the Court, and prove Sport Royal.

_Bri_. Thou shalt keep thy Farm.

_Mir_. He does afflict him rarely.

_And_. You trouble me. Then his intent arriving, the vizard of his hypocrisie pull’d of[f] to the Judge criminal.

_Bri_. O I am undone.

_And_. He’s put out of Commission with disgrace, and held uncapable of bearing Office ever hereafter. This is my revenge, and this I’ll put in practice.

_Bri_. Do but hear me.

_And_. To bring me back from my Grammar to my Hornbook, it is unpardonable.

_Bri_. Do not play the Tyrant; accept of composition.

_Lil_. Hear him, _Andrew_.

_And_. What composition?

_Bri_. I’ll confirm thy Farm, and add unto it a hundred Acres more, adjoyning to it.

_And_. Umb, this mollifies; but y’are so fickle, and will again deny this, there being no witness by.

_Bri_. Call any witness, I’ll presently assure it.

_And_. Say you so? troth there’s a friend of mine, Sir, within hearing, that’s familiar with all that’s past, his testimony will be authentical.

_Bri_. Will he be secret?

_And_. You may tie his tongue up, as you would do your purse-strings.

_Bri_. _Miramont_!

_Mir_. Ha-ha-ha!

_And_. This is my witness. Lord how you are troubled! sure you have an Ag[u]e, you shake so with choler: Here’s your loving Brother, Sir, and will tell no body but all he meets, that you have eat a Snake, and are grown young, gamesome, and rampant.

_Bri_. Caught thus?

_And_. If he were one that would make jests of you, or plague ye, with making your Religious gravity ridiculous to your Neighbours, then you had some cause to be perplex’d.

_Bri_. I shall become discourse for Clowns and Tapsters.

_And_. Quick, _Lilly_, quick, he’s now past kissing, between point and point. He swounds, fetch him some Cordial–Now put in, Sir.

_Mir_. Who may this be? sure this is some mistake: let me see his face, wears he not a false beard? it cannot be _Brisac_ that worthy Gentleman, the Pillar and the Patron of his Country; he is too prudent, and too cautelous, experience hath taught him t’avoid these fooleries, he is the punisher, and not the doer; besides he’s old and cold, unfit for Woman: This is some counterfeit, he shall be whipt for’t, some base abuser of my worthy Brother.

_Bri_. Open the doors; will ye imprison me? are ye my Judges?

_Mir_. The man raves! this is not judicious _Brisac_: yet now I think on’t, h’has a kind of Dog look like my Brother, a guilty hanging face.

_Bri_. I’ll suffer bravely, do your worst, do, do.

_Mir_. Why, it’s manly in you.

_Bri_. Nor will I rail nor curse, you slave, you whore, I will not meddle with you; but all the torments that e’re fell on men, that fed on mischief, fall heavily on you all. [_Exit_.

_Lil_. You have given him a heat, Sir.

_Mir_. He will ride you the better, _Lilly_.

_And_. We’ll teach him to meddle with Scholars.

_Mir_. He shall make good his promise t’increase thy Farm, _Andrew_, or I’ll jeer him to death. Fear nothing, _Lilly_, I am thy Champion. This jeast goes to _Charles_, and then I’ll hunt him out, and Monsieur _Eustace_ the gallant Courtier, and laugh heartily to see ’em mourn together.

_And_. ‘Twill be rare, Sir. [_Exeunt_.

_ACTUS QUINTUS. SCENA PRIMA._

_Enter_ Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy.

_Eust_. Turn’d out of doors and baffled!

_Egre_. We share with you in the affront.

_Cow_. Yet bear it not like you with such dejection.

_Eust_. My Coach and Horses made the ransom of our Cowardize!

_Cow_. Pish, that’s nothing, ’tis _damnum reparabile_, and soon recover’d.

_Egre_. It is but feeding a Suitor with false hopes, and after squeeze him with a dozen of Oaths, You are new rigg’d, and this no more remembred.

_Eust_. And does the Court, that should be the Example and Oracle of the Kingdom, read to us no other Doctrine?

_Egre_. None that thrives so well as that, within my knowledge.

_Cow_. Flattery rubs out; but since great men learn to admire themselves, ’tis something crest-faln.

_Egre_. To be of no Religion, argues a subtle, moral understanding, and it is often cherish’d.

_Eust_. Piety then, and valour, nor to do and suffer wrong, are they no virtues?

_Egre_. Rather vices, _Eustace_; Fighting! what’s fighting? it may be in fashion among provant swords, and Buff-jerkin men: But w’us that swim in choice of Silks and Tissues; though in defence of that word Reputation, which is indeed a kind of glorious nothing, to lose a dram of blood must needs appear as coarse as to be honest.

_Eust_. And all this you seriously believe?

_Cow_. It is a faith that we will die in, since from the black Guard to the grim Sir in Office, there are few hold other Tenets.

_Eust_. Now my eyes are open, and I behold a strong necessity that keeps me knave and coward.

_Cow_. Y’are the wiser.

_Eust_. Nor can I change my copy, if I purpose to be of your society.

_Egre_. By no means.

_Eust_. Honour is nothing with you?

_Cow_. A meer bubble; for what’s grown common, is no more regarded.

_Eust_. My sword forc’d from me too, and still detain’d, you think ’tis no blemish.

_Egre_. Get me a Batton, ’tis twenty times more Court-like, and less trouble.

_Eust_. And yet you wear a sword.

_Cow. Yes, and a good one, a _Milan_ hilt, and a _Damasco_ blade for ornament, not use, the Court allows it.

_Eust_. Will’t not fight of it self?

_Cow_. I ne’er tri’d this, yet I have worn as fair as any man; I’m sure I’ve made my Cutler rich, and paid for several weapons, _Turkish_ and _Toledo’s_, two thousand Crowns, and yet could never light upon a fighting one.

_Eust_. I’le borrow this, I like it well.

_Cow_. ‘Tis at your service, Sir, a Lath in a Velvet Scabbard will serve my turn.

_Eust_. And now I have it, leave me; y’are infectious, the plague and leprosie of your baseness spreading on all that do come near you; such as you render the Throne of Majesty, the Court, suspected and contemptible; you are Scarabee’s that batten in her dung, and have no palats to taste her curious Viands; and like Owles, can only see her night deformities, but with the glorious splendor of her beauties, you are struck blind as Moles, that undermine the sumptuous Building that allow’d you shelter: you stick like running ulcers on her face, and taint the pureness of her native candor, and being bad Servants, cause your Masters goodness to be disputed of; you make the Court, that is the abstract of all Academies, to teach and practise noble undertakings, (where courage sits triumphant crown’d with Lawrel, and wisdom loaded with the weight of honour) a School of Vices.

_Egre_. What sudden rapture’s this?

_Eust_. A heavenly one, that raising me from sloth and ignorance, (in which your conversation long hath charm’d me) carries me up into the air of action, and knowledge of my self; even now I feel, but pleading only in the Court’s defence (though far short of her merits and bright lustre) a happy alteration, and full strength to stand her Champion against all the world, that throw aspersions on her.

_Cow_. Sure he’ll beat us, I see it in his eyes.

_Egre_. A second _Charles_; pray look not, Sir, so furiously.

_Eust_. Recant what you have said, ye Mungrils, and lick up the vomit ye have cast upon the Court, where you unworthily have had warmth and breeding, and swear that you, like Spiders, have made poison of that which was a saving Antidote.

_Egre_. We will swear any thing.

_Cow_. We honour the Court as a most sacred place.

_Egre_. And will make oath, if you enjoyn us to’t, nor knave, nor fool, nor coward living in it.

_Eust_. Except you two, you Rascals.

_Cow_. Yes, we are all these, and more, if you will have it so.

_Eust_. And that until you are again reform’d and grown new men, you ne’ere presume to name the Court, or press into the Porter’s Lodge but for a penance, to be disciplin’d for your roguery, and this done with true contrition.

_Both_. Yes, Sir.

_Eust_. You again may eat scraps, and be thankful.

_Cow_. Here’s a cold breakfast after a sharp nights walking.

_Eust_. Keep your oaths, and without grumbling vanish.

_Both_. We are gone, Sir. [_Exeunt_.

_Eust_. May all the poorness of my spirit go with you: the fetters of my thraldom are fil’d off, and I at liberty to right my self; and though my hope in _Angellina’s_ little, my honour (unto which compar’d she’s nothing) shall, like the Sun, disperse those lowring Clouds that yet obscure and dim it; not the name of Brother shall divert me, but from him, that in the world’s opinion ruin’d me, I will seek reparation, and call him unto a strict accompt. Ha! ’tis near day, and if the Muses friend, Rose-cheek’d _Aurora_, invite him to this solitary Grove, as I much hope she will, he seldome missing to pay his vows here to her, I shall hazard to hinder his devotions–The door opens, ’tis he most certain, and by’s side my Sword. Blest Opportunity.

_Enter_ Charles.

_Char_. I have o’er-slept my self, and lost part of the morn, but I’le recover it: Before I went to bed, I wrote some Notes within my Table-book, which I will now consider. Ha! what means this? What do I with a Sword? Learn’d _Mercury_ needs not th’ aid of _Mars_, and innocence is to it self a guard; yet since Arms ever protect Arts, I may justly wear and use it; for since ’twas made my prize, I know not how I’m grown in love with’t, and cannot eat nor study, and much less walk without it. But I trifle, matters of more weight ask my judgment.

_Eust_. Now, Sir, treat of no other Theme, I’le keep you to it, and see y’expound it well.

_Char_. _Eustace_!

_Eust_. The same, Sir, your younger Brother, who, as duty binds him, hath all this night (turn’d out of door) attended, to bid Good-morrow t’ye.

_Char_. This not in scorn, commands me to return it. Would you ought else?

_Eust_. O much, Sir, here I end not, but begin; I must speak to you in another strain than yet I ever us’d; and if the language appear in the delivery rough and harsh, you (being my Tutor) must condemn your self, from whom I learn’d it.

_Char_. When I understand (be’t in what style you please) what’s your demand, I shall endeavour, in the self-same phrase, to make an answer to the point.

_Eust_. I come not to lay claim to your birth-right, ’tis your own, and ’tis fit you enjoy it; nor ask I from you your learning and deep knowledge; (though I am not a Scholar as you are) I know them Diamonds by your sole industry, patience and labour, forc’d from steep Rocks, and with much toil attended, and but to few that prize their value granted, and therefore without Rival freely wear them.

_Char_. These not repin’d at (as you seem t’inform me) the motion must be of a strange condition, if I refuse to yield to’t; therefore, _Eustace_, without this tempest in your looks, propound it, and fear not a denial.

_Eust_. I require then (as from an Enemy, and not a Brother) the reputation of a man, the honour, not by a fair War won when I was waking, but in my sleep of folly ravish’d from me; with these, the restitution of my Sword, with large acknowledgment of satisfaction, my Coach, my Horses; I will part with life, ere lose one hair of them; and, what concludes all, my Mistris _Angellina_, as she was before the musical Magick of thy tongue inchanted and seduc’d her. These perform’d, and with submission, and done publickly, at my Father’s and my Uncle’s intercession, (that I put in too) I perhaps may listen to terms of reconcilement; but if these, in every circumstance, are not subscrib’d to, to the last gasp I defie thee.

_Char_. These are strict conditions to a Brother.

_Eust_. My rest is up, nor will I give less.

_Char_. I’m no Gamester, _Eustace_, yet I can ghess your resolution stands to win or lose all; I rejoyce to find ye thus tender of your honour, and that at length you understand what a wretched thing you were, how deeply wounded by your self, and made almost incurable in your own hopes, the dead flesh of pale cowardise growing over your festred reputation, which no Balm or gentle Unguent could ever make way to; and I am happy that I was the Surgeon that did apply those burning corrosives, that render you already sensible o’th’ danger you were plung’d in, in teaching you, and by a fair gradation, how far, and with what curious respect and care the peace and credit of a man within, (which you ne’er thought till now) should be preferr’d before a gawdy outside; pray you fix here, for so far I go with you.

_Eust_. This discourse is from the subject.

_Char_. I’le come to it, Brother; but if you think to build upon my ruines, you’ll find a false foundation: your high offers, taught by the Masters of dependencies, that by compounding differences ‘tween others, supply their own necessities, with me will never carry’t: as you are my Brother, I will dispense a little, but no more than honour can give way to; nor must I destroy that in my self I love in you; and therefore let not hopes or threats persuade you I will descend to any composition for which I may be censur’d.

_Eust_. You shall fight then.

_Char_. With much unwillingness with you; but if there’s no evasion–

_Eust_. None.

_Char_. Hear yet a word; as for the Sword and other fripperies, in a fair way send for them, you shall have ’em. But rather than surrender _Angellina_, or hear it again mention’d, I oppose my breast unto loud thunder, cast behind me all tyes of Nature.

_Eust_. She detain’d, I’m deaf to all persuasion.

_Char_. Guard thy self then. _Eustace_; I use no other Rhetorick.

_Enter_ Miram.

_Mir_. Clashing of swords so near my house! Brother oppos’d to Brother! here’s no fencing at half sword; hold, hold, _Charles, Eustace_.

_Eust_. Second him, or call in more help. Come not between us, I’le not know nor spare you; D’ye fight by th’ book?

_Char_. ‘Tis you that wrong me, off Sir, and suddenly, I’le conjure down the Spirit that I have rais’d in him.

_Eust_. Never, _Charles_, ’tis thine, and in thy death, be doubled in me.

_Mir_. I’m out of breath, yet trust not too much to’t, Boys; for if you pause not suddenly, and hear reason, do, kill your Uncle, do; but that I’m patient, and not a cholerick old teasty fool, like your Father, I’d dance a matachin with you, should make you sweat your best bloud for’t; I would, and it may be I will. _Charles_, I command thee, and _Eustace_, I entreat thee, th’art a brave Spark, a true tough-metall’d blade, and I begin to love thee heartily; give me a fighting Courtier, I’le cherish him for example; in our Age they’re not born every day.

_Char_. You of late, Sir, in me lov’d learning.

_Mir_. True, but take me w’ye, _Charles_; ’twas when young _Eustace_ wore his heart in’s breeches, and fought his Battels in Complements and Cringes, when’s understanding wav’d in a flanting Feather, and his best contemplation look’d no further than a new fashion’d doublet; I confess then, the lofty noise your Greek made, only pleas’d me; but now he’s turn’d an _Oliver_ and a _Rowland_, nay, the whole dozen of Peers are bound up in him: Let me remember, when I was of his years, I did look very like him; and did you see my Picture as I was then, you would swear that gallant _Eustace_ (I mean, now he dares fight) was the true substance, and the perfect figure. Nay, nay, no anger, you shall have enough, _Charles_.

_Char_. Sure, Sir, I shall not need addition from him.

_Eust_. Nor I from any, this shall decide my interest; though I am lost to all deserving men, to all that men call good, for suffering tamely insufferable wrongs, and justly slighted by yielding to a minute of delay in my revenge, and from that made a stranger unto my Father’s house and favour, o’erwhelm’d with all disgraces; yet I will mount upward, and force my self a fortune, though my birth and breeding do deny it.

_Char_. Seek not, _Eustace_, by violence, what will be offer’d to you on easier composition; though I was not alli’d unto your weakness, you shall find me a Brother to your bravery of spirit, and one that, not compell’d to’t by your sword, (which I must never fear) will share with you in all but _Angellina_.

_Mir_. Nobly said, _Charles_, and learn from my experience, you may hear reason, and never maim your fighting; for your credit, which you think you have lost, spare _Charles_, and swinge me, and soundly; three or four walking velvet Cloaks, that wear no swords to guard ’em, yet deserve it, thou art made up again.

_Eust_. All this is Lip-salve.

_Mir_. It shall be Hearts-ease, _Eustace_, ere I have done; as for thy Father’s anger, now thou dar’st fight, ne’er fear it, for I’ve the dowcets of his gravity fast in a string, I will so pinch and wring him, that, spight of his authority, thou shalt make thine own conditions with him.

_Eust_. I’le take leave a little to consider.

_Char_. Here comes _Andrew_.

_Mir_. But without his comical and learned face; what sad disaster, _Andrew_?

_And_. You m[a]y read, Sir, a Tragedy in my face.

_Mir_. Art thou in earnest?

_And_. Yes, by my life, Sir; and if now you help not, and speedily, by force, or by persuasion, my good old Master (for now I pity him) is ruin’d for ever.

_Char_. Ha, my Father!

_And_. He, Sir.

_Mir_. By what means? speak.

_And_. At the suit of Monsieur _Lewis_; his house is seiz’d upon, and he in person is under guard, (I saw it with these eyes, Sir) to be convey’d to _Paris_, and there Sentenc’d.

_Mir_. Nay, then there is no jesting.

_Char_. Do I live, and know my Father injur’d?

_And_. And what’s worse, Sir, my Ladie _Angellina_–

_Eust_. What of her?

_And_. She’s carri’d away too.

_Mir_. How?

_And_. While you were absent, a crew of Monsieur _Lewis_ friends and kinsmen, by force, brake in at th’ back part of the house, and took her away by violence; faithful _Andrew_ (as this can witness for him) did his best in her defence, but ‘twould not do.

_Mir_. Away, and see our Horses sadled, ’tis no time to talk, but do. _Eustace_, you now are offer’d a spatious field, and in a pious War to exercise your valour; here’s a cause, and such a one, in which to fall is honourable, your dutie and reverence due to a fathers name commanding it; but these unnatural jars arising between Brothers (should you prosper) would shame your victory.

_Eust_. I would do much, Sir, but still my rep[u]tation!

_Mir. Charles_ shall give you all decent satisfaction; nay, joyn hands, and heartily, why, this is done like Brothers; and as old as I am, in this cause that concerns the honour of our Family, Monsieur _Lewis_ (if reason cannot work) shall find and feel there’s hot blood in this arm, I’le lead you bravely.

_Eust_. And if I follow not, a cowards name be branded on my forehead.

_Char_. This spirit makes you a sharer in my fortunes.

_Mir_. And in mine, of which (_Brisac_ once freed, and _Angellina_ again in our possession) you shall know, my heart speaks in my tongue.

_Eust_. I dare not doubt it, Sir. [_Exeunt_.

ACTUS V. SCENA II.

_Enter_ Lewis, Brisac, Angelli[n]a, Sylvia, _Officers_.

_Lew_. I’m deaf to all perswasions.

_Bri_. I use none, nor doubt I, though a while my innocence suffers, but when the King shall understand how false your malice hath inform’d him, he in justice must set me right again.

_Ang_. Sir, let not passion so far transport you, as to think in reason, this violent course repairs, but ruins it; that honour you would build up, you destroy; what you would seem to nourish, if respect of my preferment or my pattern may challenge your paternal love and care, why do you, now good fortune has provided a better Husband for me than your hopes could ever fancy, strive to rob me of him? In what is my Lord _Charles_ defective, Sir? unless deep Learning be a blemish in him, or well proportion’d limbs be mulcts in nature, or, what you only aim’d at, large Revenues, are, on the sudden, grown distasteful to you. Of what can you accuse him?

_Lew_. Of a Rape done to Honour, which thy ravenous lust made thee consent to.

_Syl_. Her lust! you are her Father.

_Lew_. And you her Bawd.

_Syl_. Were you ten Lords, ’tis false; the pureness of her chaste thoughts entertains not such spotted instruments.

_Ang_. As I have a Soul, Sir.

_Lew_. I am not to be alter’d; to sit down with this disgrace, would argue me a Peasant, and not born Noble: all rigour that the Law, and that increase of power by favour yields, shall be with all severity inflicted; you have the King’s hand for’t, no Bail will serve, and therefore at your perils, Officers, away with ’em.

_Bri_. This is madness.

_Lew_. Tell me so in open Court, and there I’le answer you.

_Enter_ Miramont, Charles, Eustace, Andrew.

_Mir_. Well overtaken.

_Char_. Ill if they dare resist.

_Eust_. He that advances but one step forward dies.

_Lew_. Shew the King’s Writ.

_Mir_. Shew your discretion, ’twill become you better.

_Char_. Y’are once more in my power, and if again I part with you, let me for ever lose thee.

_Eust_. Force will not do’t, nor threats; accept this service from your despair’d of _Eustace_.

_And_. And beware your Reverend Worship never more attempt to search my _Lilly pot_, you see what follows.

_Lew_. Is the King’s power contemn’d?

_Mir_. No, but the torrent o’ your wilful folly stopp’d. And for you, good Sir, if you would but be sensible, what can you wish, but the satisfaction of an obstinate will, that is not endear’d to you? rather than be cross’d in what you purpos’d, you’ll undo your Daughter’s fame, the credit of your judgment, and your old foolish Neighbour; make your Estates, and in a Suit not worth a Cardecue, a prey to Advocates, and their buckram Scribes, and after they have plum’d ye, return home like a couple of naked Fowles without a feather.

_Char_. This is a most strong truth, Sir.

_Mir_. No, no, Monsieur, let us be right Frenchmen, violent to charge; but when our follies are repell’d by reason, ’tis fit that we retreat, and ne’er come on more: Observe my learned _Charles_, he’ll get thee a Nephew on _Angellina_ shall dispute in her belly, and suck the Nurse by Logick: and here’s _Eustace_, he was an Ass, but now is grown an _Amadis_; nor shall he want a Wife, if all my Land, for a Joynture, can effect: Y’are a good Lord, and of a gentle nature, in your looks I see a kind consent, and it shews lovely: and do you hear, old Fool? but I’le not chide, hereafter, like me, ever doat on Learning, the meer belief is excellent, ’twill save you; and next love Valour, though you dare not fight your self, or fright a foolish Officer, young _Eustace_ can do it to a hair. And, to conclude, let _Andrew_’s farm b’ encreas’d, that is your penance, you know for what, and see you rut no more; you understand me. So embrace on all sides.

_I’le pay those Bilmen, and make large amends, Provided we preserve you still our Friends_– [Exeunt.

* * * * *

Prologue.

_But that it would take from our modesty To praise the Writer, or the Comedy,
Till your fair suffrage crown it, I should say, Y’are all most welcome to no vulgar Play; And so far w’are confident: And if he
That made it, still lives in your memorie, You will expect what we present to night, Should be judged worthy of your ears and sight. You shall hear_ Fletcher _in it, his true strain, And neat expressions; living he did gain Your good opinions; but now dead commends This Orphan to the care of Noble Friends; And may it raise in you content and mirth, And be received for a legitimate birth.
Your grace erects new Trophies to his fame, And shall, to after-times, preserve his name._

Epilogue.

_’Tis not the hands, or smiles, or common way Of approbation to a well lik’d Play,
We only hope; but that you freely would To th’ Author’s memory so far unfold,
And shew your loves and liking to his Wit, Not in your praise, but often seeing it; That being the grand assurance that can give The Poet and the Player means to live._

APPENDIX.

_In the following references to the text the lines are numbered from the top of the page, including titles, acts, stage directions, &c., but not, of course, the headline. Where, as in the lists of Persons Represented, there are double columns, the right-hand column is numbered after the left._

It has not been thought necessary to record the correction of every turned letter nor the substitution of marks of interrogation for marks of exclamation and _vice versa_. Full-stops have been silently inserted at the ends of speeches and each fresh speaker has been given the dignity of a fresh line: in the double-columned folio the speeches are frequently run on. Only misprints of interest in the Quartos and the First Folio are recorded.

THE ELDER BROTHER: VARIANTS IN THE QUARTOS.

(This Edition was published the year before the publication of the Second Folio. I have not had an opportunity of examining it, but an American correspondent, who kindly collated my proof-sheets with the copy in the Boston Public Library, has sent me his notes. The text is practically that of the Second Folio.)

APPENDIX

p. 1,
l. 5. A-D] The Speakers of the Play. l. 29. A-D _omit_ here and in similar cases at the beginning of a scene] Enter. A-D _omit_] and.

p. 2,
l. 14. A-D] others hands.
l. 15. C] Coach.
l. 20. 2nd Folio _misprints_] Frow. C] of body and of. l. 24. B and C] vertues.

p. 3,
l. 8. A-D] pleasure.
l. 14. A-D] state.
l. 18. C] the publique.
l. 31. A-C] kings.
l. 32. A-C] in the Country.

p. 4,
l. 14. C] up a.
l. 19. A-C] such one.
l. 30. C] pleasure.
l. 33. A-D _omit_] and.

p. 5,
l. 9. C _omits_] quite,
l. 38. A, B and D] Would ‘ee.
l. 39. C] as my M’r.

p. 6,
l. 16. A-D _add_] Ex.
l. 20. B and C] put in.
l. 27. 2nd Folio _misprints_] my.

p. 7,
l. 5. A] to buttry.
l. 11. C] Hoe, Lackey.
l. 18. D] and to.
l. 21. A-D _print the stage direction after_ adorer. l. 29. B and C] loves.
l. 30. C] with service.

p. 8,
l. 10. B and C] the palm of.
l. 28. B and C] and Bucolicks.
l. 29. B and C] guard.
l. 32. B and C] pleasures.

p. 9,
l. 2. 2nd Folio] Husband.
l. 26. 2nd Folio _misprints_] Compaions. l. 40. A] Hee’s indeed.

p. 10,
l. 12. B and C] nor your.
l. 17. A-C] Trumpe.
l. 33. D] promise.

p. 11,
l. 2. C] much each ease.
l. 3. C] for a shelfe of.
ll. 14 and 17. D] travail…travailes. l. 19. A] _Eust_. If take.
B] _Eust_. If this take. D also prints _Eust_. here. C] _Bri_. If this take.
l. 32. A-D _add_] Finis Actus primi. l. 33. 2nd Folio _misprints_] Seundus.

p. 12,
l. 1. C] But know to.
l. 8. C] entail’d to ye.
l. 20. C] spirit and the.
l. 25. C] tedious speech.
l. 29. A-D] spake.
l. 36. C] a Jesuite.
l. 40. B and C] fat and feesible. A-D] then you sit.

p. 13,
l. 9. A] on’t.
l. 27. A] pox of Venice.
l. 36. B and C] girles and.

p. 14,
l. 6. A-D] vent.
l. 16. A] Libratyan Almanack. B-D] Library an. l. 20. B and C] o’er the ears.
ll. 24 and 25. A] the art.
l. 26. A-D] snowes.

p. 15,
l. 2. A-D] state.
l. 9. C _omits_] shall.
l. 12. A and C] land too, to.
l. 16. A-D] state.
l. 31. A-D omit] these.
l. 34. B and C] auras.
l. 36. A-D] nor do not weigh.

p. 16,
l. 1. B and C] your brains.
l. 4. A-D] University Lovaine.
l. 8. B and C _add_] Exit.
l. 11. B and C] to my.
l. 18. B and D] nor behaviour.
ll. 18 and 19. C _omits_] no gentle…in ’em. l. 30. C] a fine.
l. 33. A-D] state.

p. 17,
l. 3. B-D] in mine.
l. 28. A-D] Is at’s.
l. 34. A-C] spirits.
l. 38. A-D _with variations of_ Ex, _and_ Ex’] _Ex_. Lent.

p. 18,
l. 2. B and C] Males and.
l. 12. A-C] metamaticall.
l. 25. C] bread for.

p. 19,
l. 2. A and D] younger. B and C _omit_] to. l. 3. A-D] the heir will do.
l. 8. B] fame.
l. 28. A-C] and her lodging.
l. 34. B and C] stie.

p. 20,
l. 1. B and C] Crown’s awry.
l. 2. 2nd Folio] slip.
l. 6. B] your bookes. C] I have not swept your. l. 16. C] ages.
l. 20. B] nere have marryed. C] nere have warmed. l. 23. C] I not regarded them.
l. 31. A–D] as daintily.
l. 39. A] Gammer.

p. 21,
l. 3. B–D] do find.
l. 7. C] the happy day that.
l. 9. B–D] my great care.
l. 15. A–D] state. B and C _omit_] a. l. 19. A–D] on our.
l. 28. A, B and D read _Not._ for _Lew._ C _omits_] Lew. l. 29. A–D _print for Not.] Lewis, and make Not.’s speech begin_ If it had been etc.

p. 22,
l. 6. C] he may make.
l. 18. C] an annual.
l. 33. C] set it ready.
l. 36. 2nd Folio _misprints_] clook.

p. 23,
l. 2. C] to make.
l. 23. B _omits_] a. C] What noise is this, my. l. 37. C] squeaking’s.

p. 24,
l. 2. C] angry Sir.
l. 15. C] And there’s.
l. 27. C] today.
l. 36. A–C] O you’ld.
l. 37. C and D] book.

p. 25,
l. 2. C] elder.
l. 15. C] very wide.
l. 18. A–D] book.
l. 25. C] I come not for.
l. 32. C] I’le assure you.
l. 36. C] Thee, thou art.

p. 26,
l. 4. A–D] Gincracke.
l. 11. C] venter.
l. 12. A] t’ee.
l. 38. C] sensible when the. C _omits_] when it.

p. 27,
l. 11. A and D] speak. B and C] spake.

p. 28,
l. 4. B and C] the care.
l. 11. B and C] women.
l. 13. C _adds after_ prethee] ’twill be tenne times better. l. 22. A–D _omit_] and.
l. 24. C _omits_] Is your’s ready.
l. 25. C _omits all the Priest’s speech_. l. 27. C _omits_] Do…exactly.
l. 29. C] fault Sir.

p. 29,
l. 5. A–D] nor he.
l. 7. B and C _omit_] Faith.
l. 9. B and C] so think I too.
l. 15. D _omits_] and.
l. 29. C _omits_] but.
l. 32. C] Will you set too your hand brother. l. 38. C _omits_] only.

p. 30,
l. 10. A–C _omit_] to.
l. 17. C] want man.
l. 20. B and C] Lampes.

p. 31,
l. 22. A and C] want present.
l. 31. C] fingred morn.
l. 33. C] till your.

p. 32,
l. 7. C] and stop.
l. 11. B–D] Has.
l. 12. B–D] Has.
ll. 12 and 13. C _omits_] I hope…an Ass. l. 21. C] are gay and.
l. 24. C] Can you love.
l. 36. A] failling.
ll. 36 and 37. A–D] all elements.

p. 33,
l. 2. C] shall close.
l. 12. A and B] our inside.
l. 28. 2nd Folio _misprints_] your. l. 29. C] your fingers.
l. 37. B and C] hand too.

p. 34,
l. 1. C] He shall Coxcombe. C _omits_] Jew, thou…asses Coxcomb. l. 11. C] friends.
l. 12. C] Land, pox on’t has got the wench too.

p. 35,
l. 5. C] sots.
l. 11. B and C] thy owne.
l. 21. A–D] cowardliness.
l. 29. 2nd Folio] house I’ll,
l. 34. B and C] their Country.
l. 40. A and D] and cover.

p. 37,
l. 3. E and 2nd Folio] chafer.
l. 24. B and C] travelling language. l. 27. B and C] but those.
l. 29. A–D _omit_] And.
l. 30. D and 2nd Folio _omit_] they. l. 32. B and C] pruning and dressing up. l. 39. B and C] and a little.

p. 38,
l. 10. A–D _omit_] Enter. 2nd Folio] Angellia. l. 13. C] a strange set.
l. 22. C] in bed.
l. 31. A and D] fie.
l. 36. B _omits] Ang., making it a continuation of Char’s previous speech._ B and C _omit_] Sir.

p. 39,
l. 5. C] blushes too, men.
l. 14. A–C] Ceremony.
l. 16. B and C] should seal. C] hand. l. 17. B–D] an Heretick.
ll. 17 and 18. C] would do.
l. 20. C] slumbers.
l. 21. C] see your.
l. 26. C] clip ye. C] kiss ye.
l. 31. C] Queens to wear.

p. 40,
l. 2. A–C] anything, anything fit. ll. 5 and 6. C] mingled, Mistris, and.
ll. 6 and 7. C] should consent now, I. C _omits_] fo’rt. l. 8. C] beauteous sparkle.
l. 9. B and C] part of life run.
l. 11. C] that which.
ll. 17 and 18. C] flowers woe us to tumble; yet. ll. 22 and 23. C] but your affections.
l. 24. C _omits_] A good night t’ye, and. ll. 24 and 25. C] fall on you, and lock. l. 33. C] they’l not be kept out.
l. 34. A–D _omit_] fit.

p. 41,
l. 4. C] her ore sufficiently.
l. 16. C] my.
l. 21. D _omits_] may.
ll. 24 and 25. E and 2nd Folio print stage direction after Eustace’s speech.
l. 39. C] too; to think is.

p. 42,
l. 2. A, B and D] sign of man.
l. 20. B and D] I’ll talke thee.
l. 30. C] poore slight despicable thing.

p. 43,
l. 9. B] In truth, Sir.
l. 12. C] one who.
l. 13. C] so frighted ‘um, so.
l. 17. A and C] frosts.
l. 22. B and C] Glo-wormes taile.
l. 30. C] the reason.
l. 35. A–D] to you.

p. 44,
ll. 8 and 9. C] and shall to as Ile handle it, it shall. l. 30. C and D] spake.
l. 31. A–C] ere I done.

p. 46,
l. 1. C, _after_ his own, _inserts_] _And._ I warrant thee Wench. l. 9. C] _after_ grant a little, _inserts line 11 here instead of below_. l. 12. A–C] will put.
l. 23. C] with his wife within.
l. 24. A–D] Farm in Cuckolds.

p. 47,
l. 4. A] poll’d off.
l. 15. A and D] an hundred.
l. 29. 2nd Folio _misprints_] Agne. A–D] Hee’s.

p. 48,
l. 6. B and C] women.
l. 12. A–D] a’ has a.
l. 22. C] us Scholars.
l. 36. A _adds_] _Lew_ before _Cow_.

p. 49,
l. 12. A–C] do nor suffer.
l. 13. B and C] are there.
l. 33. A–C] thinke’s no.
l. 38. A, B and D] no use.

p. 50,
ll. 17 and 18. B and C] make you the Court.

p. 51,
ll. 24–26. A–D _place the stage direction after_ opens _instead of after_ opportunity.
l. 37. C] None Sir.

p. 52,
l. 2. B and C] doores.

p. 53,
l. 4. A and B] ever could.
l. 7. B and C] plung’d in, teaching. l. 8. A] how fare.
l. 9. B and C] you were thought.
l. 17. A–D] would dispense.

p. 54,
l. 3. B and C] till thine.

p. 55,
l. 12. B and C] and will.
l. 19. 2nd Folio _misprints_] my.

p. 56,
l. 3. A] you valour.
l. 8. 2nd Folio _misprints_] reptation. l. 11. C] and old as.
l. 22. 2nd Folio] Angellia.
l. 23. C] perswasion.
l. 25. B and C] falsly.
l. 27. A] so fare.
ll. 28 and 29. C] repairs, but rather ruines that honour…up; you destroy what.
l. 30. C] or my reputation.
l. 31. C _omits_] good.
l. 34. C] Love Charles.
l. 35. C] limbs held.

p. 57,
l. 1. C] thy honour.
l. 4. C] thou.
l. 6. B and C] entertain.
l. 18. C] Kill if.
l. 35. A–D] states. C _omits_] and.

p. 58,
l. 8. A–D] affect it.
l. 10. _After_ old Fool C _inserts_] _Bri._ Your brother Sir. l. 18. C] we continue still good.
C _adds_] Finis.
l. 22. A and D] Till you.
l. 25. C] live.

p. 59,
A, B and D _add_] Finis.

Hereafter like me, ever doate on learning, The meere beleefe is excellent, ’twill save you; And next love valour, though you dare not fight Your selfe, or fright a foolish Officer, ‘young _Eustace_ Can doe it to a haire. And to conclude,
Let _Andrew’s_ Farm b’encreas’d, that is your penance, You know for what, and see you rut no more, You understand me, So embrace on all sides; Ile pay those Billmen, and make large amends; Provided we preserve you still our friends.– _Exeunt._

[_A few misprints in the above have been corrected in square brackets to agree with _B.]

THE ELDER BROTHER: VARIANTS IN THE EGERTON MS.

There is a manuscript version of this play in the Egerton collection, British Museum (No. 1994). It is, presumably, a transcript of one of the early copies. It differs frequently from the Folio and the Quartos in single words and, occasionally, in lines but, as its authority is of doubtful value, it has seemed best to give a collation of it here, apart from the collations of the Quartos.

_Begins_ Actus Primus. Scaena I.

p. 1,
l. 29. _Omits_ and.

p. 2,
l. 7. foolish idle.
l. 14. others hands.
l. 24. vertues.

p. 3,
l. 9. kinde.
l. 13. purposed.
l. 14. state.
l. 30. great mans.
l. 31. kings.

p. 4,
l. 28. Merry wenches.

p. 5,
l. 9. Cellar dry.
l. 14. knowing pallat.
l. 39. ever should ask.

p. 6,
l. 6. how ere.
l. 20. put in act.
l. 24. was addicted to.
l. 31. blest with.
l. 39. _Omits_ what yet …Flatter
l. 40. _Omits_ without.
_Also gives stage direction in margin_:–Trampling.

p. 7,
l. 15. _Omits_ _Chas._ Your blessing, Sir. l. 18. Countries garb.
l. 25. _Stage direction_:–plucks out a booke and reades. l. 29. loves.
l. 30. with service.
l. 31. And report.
l. 32. Pray you first make use of it. l. 37. Exit cum sociis.

p. 8,
l. 4. lay it.
l. 5. and the.
l. 6. leads to.
l. 10. the palme of.
l. 13. ore worne.
l. 25. _Omits_ and there …bring me. l. 29. guard.

p. 9,
l. 11. from thee.
l. 16. Quiddits from this time to Adam. l. 19. estates.
l. 22. that bends not.
ll. 23 and 24. fix their.
l. 37. any sense.
l. 38. my yonger Eustace.

p. 10,
l. 12. nor your.
l. 14. shall never.
l. 16. _Omits_ and but … that I.
l. 32. I did sir … a word. He’s.

p. 11,
l. 18. would resist.
l. 19. _Apportions thus_:–_Egre._ If this take now we are made for ever. _Cowsy._ And will rebell it. Exeunt all but Andrew. l. 21. my Master.
ll. 24 and 25. out their.
l. 29. blade he was wont to be.
l. 30. heele ring ’em…as will shake.

p. 12,
l. 1. But know to.
l. 5. a fool, an.
l. 8. to yee.
ll. 24 and 25. new Congees.
l. 28. _Omits_ therefore.
l. 30. _Omits_ Sir.
l. 32. Do you know what learning is brother?

p. 13,
l. 15. _Omits_ Brother.
l. 36. foolish girles & puppets.

p. 14,
l. 5. to my best.
l. 6. vent.
l. 13. You.
l. 16. library an Almanacke.
l. 26. Snowes.
l. 36. to build up.
l. 39. Charles shall set.

p. 15,
l. 12. Land too to your.
l. 13. he is no heir.
l. 16. my state.
l. 19. staies pulling.
l. 31. know things.
l. 36. nor do not weigh.

p. 16,
l. 4. University Lovaine.
l. 11. look now to my.
l. 22. spit fire, snow.
l. 23. that we call.
l. 30. a fine youth.
l. 33. his state … Did you see my Mistris.

p. 17,
l. 9. that ride.
l. 11. that have … and speake.
l. 23. I shall kisse.
l. 27. thy master.
l. 34. no spirits a’th.
l. 36. Shall we have.

p. 18,
l. 2. males and.
l. 4. Red Sea early a question.
l. 12. Metamatical.
ll. 19 and 20. are above.
l. 22. ravish with.
l. 25. thy bread.
l. 26. wouldst blanch an Almond. _Omits_ the Sect…invented that. l. 27. the trenchers.
l. 33. scraps.
l. 36. the drink.
l. 38. not he.

p. 19,
ll. 2 and 3. bowle, my yonger Mr. that must be now the heire will do all these.
l. 28. and her lodging.
l. 34. sty growne.

p. 20,
l. 1. Crowne’s awry, two.
l. 6. swept your books.
l. 9. has pleased.
l. 10. I beleeve her Constellation bee loose. ll. 15 and 16. and bound up in monstrous [sic] smooth. l. 25. you one Sir.
l. 31. goes as daintily.

p. 21,
l. 2. a secret out.
l. 3. I doe find.
l. 6. _Adds_ and Servants.
ll. 7 and 8. the happy day that.
l. 9. my great care.
l. 15. state…in Joynter.
l. 19. drawn of our.
l. 28. _Not._ [character]. land.
ll. 29 and 30. _Lew._ T’was not conditional. _Not._ If it had been found, twas but a fault in the writing &c.

p. 22,
l. 1. seeks, kills.
l. 5. as in others.
l. 6. yet hee may.
l. 8. that’s been.
l. 14. Cook, Butler, Lillie.
ll. 25–28. and bee serviceable…see your Sauces bee all poynant and sharpe in…looke to yor roast and bakt meates made things–Is the. l. 31. the roome cleare…open for all.
l. 34. Cordes they be not.
l. 35. _Omits_ abroad.
l. 38. cannot slip.

p. 23,
l. 6. wee shall see.
l. 10. not trouble.
l. 11. Sweet-heart.
l. 12. Exeunt. Andrew stayes.
l. 13. ripe? make but my farme as much more and kisse her. l. 16. pleasure; he can do her no harme, and if it were. l. 22. _Adds stage direction_ A noyse.
l. 23. What noyse.
l. 24. Note. The words “within a Parenthesis” are omitted in the MS. but (“my head is broken”) is in parentheses in MS. It is obvious that these words were intended as a direction to the printer and have got into the text in error.
l. 25. Collicke.
l. 29. tis faithful.
l. 37. squeaking is that.

p. 24,
ll. 1 and 2. Geese and Turkeys for the spit Sir…are angry too that makes the medley.
l. 3. thus every.
l. 4. _Omits_ yet.
l. 9. foul.
l. 16. make ’em drink.
l. 25. I never have.
l. 26. that’s a small.
l. 27. married Sir this day.
l. 33. _Omits_ young, sweet, and modest. ll. 36 and 37. with his booke.
l. 38. for him.

p. 25,
l. 2. elder.
l. 4. shoulders now Sir.
l. 10. Notary, Servants.
ll. 16 and 17. Cherub’s … with wings of modest. l. 18. booke.
l. 24. I come not for.
l. 28. and a sharp to reprehend.
l. 32. Ile assure.

p. 26,
l. 4. he can get.
l. 27. is here too.

p. 27,
l. 1. book, when it fell on your head, Sir. l. 6. but new string.
l. 12. Must my.
l. 19. stubbornst willfullest.
l. 21. provide a wife for you.
l. 27. How dost thou Charles what still still at. l. 38. I have boy, unto.

p. 28,
l. 4. yo’ur care.
l. 12. _Omits_ and wish my Brother fortune. l. 13. _Adds_ it will bee ten times better. l. 22. _Omits_ and.
l. 24. _Gives this line to Eustace_. l. 29. fault Sir.
l. 32. thy owne.
l. 35. kickses.

p. 29,
ll. 1 and 2. dark secret.
l. 4. admirable.
l. 5. nor he.
l. 7. _Omits_ Faith.
l. 9. think I to.
l. 29. Man was my argument.
l. 32. Will yo’u sett to your hand brother. l. 35. I say Son you trifle time.
l. 38. if you had shewed me land only.

p. 30,
l. 17. though.
l. 20. with Dim Lamps.
l. 32. and blush.
l. 38. than life.
l. 39. me love.

p. 31,
l. 5. yours still and your glory.
l. 6. I your.
l. 31. rosy morn.
l. 35. those lights.

p. 32,
l. 1. there be lesse.
l. 12. into feaver,
l. 24. can you love with.
l. 30. I confesse.
l. 31. but yee shall.
ll. 36 and 37. all Elements.

p. 33,
l. 5. _Omits_ one stay.
l. 17. nor horses.
l. 30. art thou in.

p. 34,
l. 1. Many asses.
l. 13. Pox could he not.
l. 20. take up.
l. 24. No, no, no.

p. 35,
l. 1. mettle.
l. 11. thy own.
l. 12. my own.
l. 21. Cowardlines…upon.
ll. 33 and 34. seene but their owne Country smoak, would grow.

p. 36,
l. 10. a meer.
l. 21. on ’em.
l. 31. in my armes.

p. 37,
l. 13. his two noble warlike.
l. 16. as they came newly from.
l. 23. to fall into a greene.
l. 24. travailing language.
l. 29. _Omits_ And.
ll. 30 and 31. to distinguish between a. l. 32. pruning and dressing up.
l. 36. _Omits_ Sir.
l. 39. and a little.

p. 38,
l. 1. fit Sir.
l. 13. strang.
ll. 36-38. _gives these lines as continuation of Charles’s speech_.

p. 39,
l. 5. too men.
l. 15. ours healthful.
l. 21. see.
l. 26. _Omits_ Nature.
l. 26. clip yee.
ll. 26 and 27. kiss yee.
l. 37. have need.
l. 38. studied among.

p. 40,
l. 2. anything, anything fit.
l. 8. beauties favour.
l. 9. part of life run.
ll. 17 and 18. flowers woe us to’t; yet … these pleasures. l. 24. _Omits_ A good night t’ye, and. _Begins_ May the dew etc. l. 32. are at.
l. 38. I command.

p. 41,
l. 1. _Omits the line_ Enter Eustace &c. l. 16. my own.
l. 24. Snatches out his.
l. 38. _Omits_ to me.

p. 42,
l. 1. neither wit.
l. 2. of man.
l. 13. on ’em.
l. 20. lie talke.
l. 24. your mercy.
l. 30. _Omits_ ye despicable creatures. l. 34. _Omits_ What did you bring to carry her?

p. 43,
l. 3. _Omits_ Enter Miramont.
l. 5. _Eust_ (char.).
l. 6. by friends.
l. 9. In truth, I … duty Sir.
l. 11. Bring in a.
l. 17. nor frost.
l. 21. but yong neither.
l. 22. tayle.
l. 24. have the right.
l. 25. are Anagrams.
l. 34. hear and hereafter laugh at. l. 35. you dear.

p. 44,
l. 5. such question.
l. 9. old goate.
l. 10. _Omits_ her.
l. 12. _Omits_ that’s a.
l. 21. a feast for him to make him fat. ll. 23 and 24. and we’le breake.
l. 27. like servants.
l. 31. take them.

p. 45,
l. 16. I must needs tast of.
ll. 17 and 18. tender of you, and for your healths and credlts sake must tell you, you have all you are like to have. l. 19. _Omits_ And.
l. 23. is truth Sir…find it, you. l. 26. of an.
l. 35. scoffing cheating queane.

p. 46,
l. 3. his lease.
l. 8. loving and.
l. 12. will put.
l. 14. marke hlm.
l. 15. thank you for thy office.
l. 17. Cue Sir, and second me. By.
l. 21. _Omits_ me.
l. 21. alas nothing.
l. 24. Cockold Tenure.
l. 30. Andrew wilt thou.
l. 32. be the Justice.
l. 34. in thee.

p. 47,
l. 3. arizing.
l. 5. _Omits_ O.
l. 15. the farme…to it.
l. 20. troth Sir there is…mine, (_omits_ Sir). l. 29. have got an ague that you shake…he’s.

p. 48,
l. 6. women.
l. 8. of my brother.
l. 21. ride the better.
ll. 23 and 24. _Puts_ Andrew _after_ promise. _Omits_ Andrew _after_ Farm. ll. 36 and 37. reparable a losse and easily recoverd.

p. 49,
l. 2. dozen or 2 of oaths.
l. 6. so well, that on my.
l. 8. rules out.
l. 12. nor suffer.
l. 13. are there no.
l. 16. with us.
l. 38. no use.

p. 50,
ll. 10–12. _Omits_ that batten…no palats. ll. 17 and 18. make you the.
l. 36. Antidote, or–.

p. 51,
l. 4. are reformd.
l. 28. Ere I went.
ll. 31–34. is in itself a guard and yet since…may weare…nor can eat or study.
l. 37. None Sir.

p. 52,
l. 4. not done in scorn.
l. 11. what you.
l. 14. ask from.
l. 17. toil ascended.
l. 22. what this tempest.
l. 37. I goe lesse.

p. 53,
l. 4. ever could.
l. 7. plung’d in teachlng.
l. 9. you were.
l. 20. nor threats.
l. 25. Noe, Noe.
l. 26. and the other.
l. 33. _Adds_ They fight.

p. 54,
l. 2. in time.
l. 3. till thine.
l. 8. as your father is.
l. 15. late in me Sir.
ll. 22 and 23. _Omits_ nay, the…are bound. l. 25. that Eustace.
l. 26. and that the perfect.
l. 27. Nay, no.
l. 28. Sure I shall not need, Sir.
ll. 30, 31. _Omits_ to all that men call good. l. 33. to.

P. 55,
l. 7. and so deserve it.
l. 12. gravity in…and will.
l. 13. him, if he rebel, that.
l. 19. read a tragedy in my face, Sir.

p. 56,
l. 4. _Omits_ and such a one.
l. 10. why, so, this is.
l. 11. and old.
l. 23. Death…perswasion.
l. 25. falsely.
l. 26. let me.
l. 28. but ruins rather that.
l. 30. reputation.
l. 34. love Charles.
l. 35. held mulcts.
l. 36. in the.

p. 57,
l. 1. to mine honour.
l. 11. _Omits_ yields.
l. 15. _Adds_ Will you doe what you are sworne too. l. 23. loose you.
l. 32. in that.
l. 35. states.

p. 58,
l. 6. but is an Amadis.
l. 8. effect it.
l. 9. kind of consent.
l. 14. Andrew have his farme increasd. l. 15. and rut no.
l. 17. the Billmen.

_The MS. gives the_ Epilogue _but not the_ Prologue.

It also adds the following verses:–

Epigram:

A freemans life is like a pilgrimage
Whats his life then that lives in mariage Tis Sisiphus his toyle that with a stone Doth doe what surely for ease must be done His laboures Journey’s endles, tis no Riddle Since he’s but halfe on’s way that stands in th’middle.

_Ad Janum_.

Take Comfort Janus, never feare thy head Which to the quick belongs, not to the dead Thy wife did lye with one, thou being dead drunke Thou art no Cuckold though shee bee a Punke.

Tis not the state nor soveraintie of Jove could draw thy pure affections from my love nor is there any Venus in the Skyes
could from thy looks with draw my greedy eyes.

THE SPANISH CURATE

A = First Folio; B = Second Folio.

p. 60,
ll. 3-41. Omitted in A.
l. 42. A _omits_] and.
l. 46. A] heirs.

p. 61,
l. 38. A] Encreasing by.
l. 39. B _misprints_] Vialante.

p. 63,
l. 17. A] base and abject.

p. 64,

The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (page 2)