Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Jonathan Ingram, Charles M. Bidwell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. BEGGARS BUSH, A COMEDY. Persons Represented in the Play. Wolfort, _an usurper of the Earldom of_ Flanders. Gerrard, _falsely called_ Clause, _King of the Beggars, Father in Law to_ Florez. Hubert, _an honest Lord, a friend to_ Gerrard. Florez, _falsely called_ Goswin, _a rich Merchant of_ Bruges. Hempskirke, _a Captain under_ Wolford. Herman _a Courtier_,} _inhabitants of_ _A_ Merchant, } Flanders. Vandunke, _a drunken Merchant friend to_ Gerrard, _falsely called Father to_ Bertha. Vanlock, _and_ 4 Merchants, _of_ Bruges. Higgen, } Prigg, }_Three Knavish Beggars_. Snapp, } Ferret, }_Two Gentlemen disguised under those Ginkes, } names of_ Gerrard's _party_. Clown. Boores. Servants. Guard. _A_ Sailor. _WOMEN_. Jaculin, _Daughter to_ Gerrard, _beloved of_ Hubert. Bertha _called_ Gertrude, _Daughter to the Duke of_ Brabant, _Mistress to_ Florez. Margaret, _Wife to_ Vandunke. Mrs Frances, _a frow Daughter to_ Vanlock. _The Scene_ Flanders. _ACTUS PRIMUS. SCENA PRIMA_. _Enter a_ Merchant _and_ Herman. _Mer._ Is he then taken? _Her._ And brought back even now, Sir. _Mer_. He was not in disgrace? _Her_. No man more lov'd, Nor more deserv'd it, being the only man That durst be honest in this Court. _Mer_. Indeed We have heard abroad, Sir, that the State hath suffered A great change, since the Countesses death. _Her_. It hath, Sir. _Mer_. My five years absence hath kept me a stranger So much to all the occurents of my Country, As you shall bind me for some short relation To make me understand the present times. _Her_. I must begin then with a War was made And seven years with all cruelty continued Upon our _Flanders_ by the Duke of _Brabant_, The cause grew thus: during our Earls minority, _Wolfort_, (who now usurps) was employed thither To treat about a match between our Earl And the Daughter and Heir of _Brabant_: during which treaty The _Brabander_ pretends, this Daughter was Stoln from his Court, by practice of our State, Though we are all confirm'd, 'twas a sought quarrel To lay an unjust gripe upon this Earldom, It being here believ'd the Duke of _Brabant_ Had no such loss. This War upon't proclaimed, Our Earl, being then a Child, although his Father Good _Gerrard_ liv'd, yet in respect he was Chosen by the Countesses favour, for her Husband, And but a Gentleman, and _Florez_ holding His right unto this Country from his Mother, The State thought fit in this defensive War, _Wolfort_ being then the only man of mark, To make him General. _Mer_. Which place we have heard He did discharge with ho[n]our. _Her_. I, so long, And with so blest successes, that the _Brabander_ Was forc't (his treasures wasted, and the choice Of his best men of Armes tyr'd, or cut off) To leave the field, and sound a base retreat Back to his Country: but so broken both In mind and means, er'e to make head again, That hitherto he sits down by his loss, Not daring, or for honour, or revenge Again to tempt his fortune. But this Victory More broke our State, and made a deeper hurt In _Flanders_, than the greatest overthrow She ever receiv'd: For _Wolfort_, now beholding Himself, and actions, in the flattering glass Of self-deservings, and that cherish't by The strong assurance of his power, for then All Captains of the Army were his creatures, The common Souldier too at his devotion, Made so by full indulgence to their rapines And secret bounties, this strength too well known And what it could effect, soon put in practice, As further'd by the Child-hood of the Earl: And their improvidence, that might have pierc't The heart of his designs, gave him occasion To seize the whole, and in that plight you find it. _Mer_. Sir, I receive the knowledge of thus much, As a choice favour from you. _Her_. Only I must add, _Bruges_ holds out. _Mer_. Whither, Sir, I am going, For there last night I had a ship put in, And my Horse waits me. [_Exit_. _Her_. I wish you a good journey. _Enter_ Wolfort, Hubert. _Wol_. What? _Hubert_ stealing from me? who disarm'd him? It was more than I commanded; take your sword, I am best guarded with it in your hand, I have seen you use it nobly. _Hub_. And will turn it On my own bosom, ere it shall be drawn Unworthily or rudely. _Wol_. Would you leave me Without a farewel, _Hubert_? flie a friend Unwearied in his study to advance you? What have I e're possess'd which was not yours? Or either did not court you to command it? Who ever yet arriv'd to any grace, Reward or trust from me, but his approaches Were by your fair reports of him prefer'd? And what is more I made my self your Servant, In making you the Master of those secrets Which not the rack of Conscience could draw from me, Nor I, when I askt mercy, trust my prayers with; Yet after these assurances of love, These tyes and bonds of friendship, to forsake me? Forsake me as an enemy? come you must Give me a reason. _Hub_. Sir, and so I will, If I may do't in private: and you hear it. _Wol_. All leave the room: you have your will, sit down And use the liberty of our first friendship. _Hub_. Friendship? when you prov'd Traitor first, that vanish'd, Nor do I owe you any thought, but hate, I know my flight hath forfeited my head; And so I may make you first understand What a strange monster you have made your self, I welcome it. _Wol_. To me this is strange language. _Hub_. To you? why what are you? _Wol_. Your Prince and Master, The Earl of _Flanders_. Hub. By a proper title! Rais'd to it by cunning, circumvention, force, Blood, and proscriptions. _Wol_. And in all this wisdom, Had I not reason? when by _Gerrards_ plots I should have first been call'd to a strict accompt How, and which way I had consum'd that mass Of money, as they term it, in the War, Who underhand had by his Ministers Detracted my great action, made my faith And loyalty suspected, in which failing He sought my life by practice. _Hub_. With what fore-head Do you speak this to me? who (as I know't) Must, and will say 'tis false. _Wol_. My Guard there. _Hub_. Sir, you bad me sit, and promis'd you would hear, Which I now say you shall; not a sound more, For I that am contemner of mine own, Am Master of your life; then here's a Sword Between you, and all aids, Sir, though you blind The credulous beast, the multitude, you pass not These gross untruths on me. _Wol_. How? gross untruths? _Hub_. I, and it is favourable language, They had been in a mean man lyes, and foul ones. _Wol_. You take strange Licence. _Hub_. Yes, were not those rumours Of being called unto your answer, spread By your own followers? and weak _Gerrard_ wrought (But by your cunning practice) to believe That you were dangerous; yet not to be Punish'd by any formal course of Law, But first to be made sure, and have your crimes Laid open after, which your quaint train taking You fled unto the Camp, and [there] crav'd humbly Protection for your innocent life, and that, Since you had scap'd the fury of the War, You might not fall by treason: and for proof, You did not for your own ends make this danger; Some that had been before by you suborn'd, Came forth and took their Oaths they had been hir'd By _Gerrard_ to your Murther. This once heard, And easily believ'd, th'inraged Souldier Seeing no further than the outward-man, Snatch'd hastily his Arms, ran to the Court, Kill'd all that made resistance, cut in pieces Such as were Servants, or thought friends to _Gerrard_, Vowing the like to him. _Wol_. Will you yet end? _Hub_. Which he foreseeing, with his Son, the Earl, Forsook the City; and by secret wayes As you give out, and we would gladly have it, Escap'd their fury: though 'tis more than fear'd They fell amongst the rest; Nor stand you there To let us only mourn the impious means By which you got it, but your cruelties since So far transcend your former bloody ills, As if compar'd, they only would appear Essays of mischief; do not stop your ears, More are behind yet. _Wol_. O repeat them not, 'Tis Hell to hear them nam'd. _Hub_. You should have thought, That Hell would be your punishment when you did them, A Prince in nothing but your princely lusts, And boundless rapines. _Wol_. No more I beseech you. _Hub_. Who was the Lord of house or land, that stood Within the prospect of your covetous eye? _Wol_. You are in this to me a greater Tyrant, Than e're I was to any. _Hub_. I end thus The general grief: now to my private wrong; The loss of _Gerrards_ Daughter _Jaqueline_: The hop'd for partner of my lawful Bed, Your cruelty hath frighted from mine arms; And her I now was wandring to recover. Think you that I had reason now to leave you, When you are grown so justly odious, That ev'n my stay here with your grace and favour, Makes my life irksome? here, surely take it, And do me but this fruit of all your friendship, That I may dye by you, and not your Hang-man. _Wol_. Oh _Hubert_, these your words and reasons have As well drawn drops of blood from my griev'd heart, As these tears from mine eyes; Despise them not. By all that's sacred, I am serious, _Hubert_, You now have made me sensible, what furies, Whips, Hangmen, and Tormentors a bad man Do's ever bear about him: let the good That you this day have done, be ever number'd The first of your best actions; Can you think, Where _Goswin_ is or _Gerrard_, or your love, Or any else, or all that are proscrib'd? I will resign, what I usurp, or have Unjustly forc'd; the dayes I have to live Are too too few to make them satisfaction With any penitence: yet I vow to practise All of a man. _Hub_. O that your heart and tongue Did not now differ! _Wol_. By my griefs they do not. Take the good pains to search them out: 'tis worth it, You have made clean a Leper: trust me you have, And made me once more fit for the society, I hope of good men. _Hub_. Sir, do not abuse My aptness to believe. _Wol_. Suspect not you A faith that's built upon so true a sorrow, Make your own safetys: ask them all the ties Humanity can give, _Hemskirk_ too shall Along with you to this so wish'd discovery, And in my name profess all that you promise; And I will give you this help to't: I have Of late receiv'd certain intelligence, That some of them are in or about _Bruges_ To be found out: which I did then interpret, The cause of that Towns standing out against me; But now am glad, it may direct your purpose Of giving them their safety, and me peace. _Hub_. Be constant to your goodness, and you have it. [_Exeunt_. SCENA II. _Enter 3_. Merchants. _1 Mer_. 'Tis much that you deliver of this _Goswin_. _2 Mer_. But short of what I could, yet have the Country Confirm'd it true, and by a general oath, And not a man hazard his credit in it: He bears himself with such a confidence As if he were the Master of the Sea, And not a wind upon the Sailers compass, But from one part or other was his factor, To bring him in the best commodities, Merchant e're ventur'd for. 1. 'Tis strange. 2. And yet This do's in him deserve the least of wonder, Compared with other his peculiar fashions, Which all admire: he's young, and rich, at least Thus far reputed so, that since he liv'd In _Bruges_, there was never brought to harbour So rich a Bottom, but his bill would pass Unquestion'd for her lading. 3 _Mer._ Yet he still Continues a good man. 2 _Mer._ So good, that but To doubt him, would be held an injury Or rather malice, with the best that traffique; But this is nothing, a great stock, and fortune, Crowning his judgement in his undertakings May keep him upright that way: But that wealth Should want the power to make him dote on it, Or youth teach him to wrong it, best commends His constant temper; for his outward habit 'Tis suitable to his present course of life: His table furnish'd well, but not with dainties That please the appetite only for their rareness, Or their dear price: nor given to wine or women, Beyond his health, or warrant of a man, I mean a good one: and so loves his state He will not hazard it at play; nor lend Upon the assurance of a well-pen'd Letter, Although a challenge second the denial From such as make th' opinion of their valour Their means of feeding. 1 _Mer._ These are wayes to thrive, And the means not curs'd. 2 _Mer._ What follows, this Makes many venturers with him, in their wishes, For his prosperity: for when desert Or reason leads him to be liberal, His noble mind and ready hand contend Which can add most to his free courtesies, Or in their worth, or speed to make them so. Is there a Virgin of good fame wants dower? He is a Father to her; or a Souldier That in his Countreys service, from the war Hath brought home only scars, and want? his house Receives him, and relieves him, with that care As if what he possess'd had been laid up For such good uses, and he steward of it. But I should lose my self to speak him further And stale in my relation, the much good You may be witness of, if your remove From _Bruges_ be not speedy. 1 _Mer._ This report I do assure you will not hasten it, Nor would I wish a better man to deal with For what I am to part with. 3 _Mer._ Never doubt it, He is your man and ours, only I wish His too much forwardness to embrace all bargains Sink him not in the end. 2 _Mer._ Have better hopes, For my part I am confident; here he comes. _Enter_ Goswin, _and the fourth_ Merchant. _Gos._ I take it at your own rates, your wine of _Cyprus_, But for your _Candy_ sugars, they have met With such foul weather, and are priz'd so high I cannot save in them. 4 _Mer._ I am unwilling To seek another Chapman: make me offer Of something near price, that may assure me You can deal for them. _Gos._ I both can, and will, But not with too much loss; your bill of lading Speaks of two hundred chests, valued by you At thirty thousand gilders, I will have them At twenty eight; so, in the payment of Three thousand sterling, you fall only in Two hundred pound. 4 _Mer_. You know, they are so cheap.-- _Gos_. Why look you; I'le deal fa[ir]ly, there's in prison, And at your suit, a Pirat, but unable To make you satisfaction, and past hope To live a week, if you should prosecute What you can prove against him: set him free, And you shall have your mony to a Stiver, And present payment. 4 _Mer_. This is above wonder, A Merchant of your rank, that have at Sea So many Bottoms in the danger of These water-Thieves, should be a means to save 'em, It more importing you for your own safety To be at charge to scour the Sea of them Than stay the sword of justice, that is ready To fall on one so conscious of his guilt That he dares not deny it. _Gos_. You mistake me, If you think I would cherish in this Captain The wrong he did to you, or any man; I was lately with him, (having first, from others True testimony been assured a man Of more desert never put from the shore) I read his letters of Mart from this State granted For the recovery of such losses, as He had receiv'd in _Spain_, 'twas that he aim'd at, Not at three tuns of wine, bisket, or beef, Which his necessity made him take from you. If he had pillag'd you near, or sunk your ship, Or thrown your men o'r-board, then he deserv'd The Laws extreamest rigour. But since want Of what he could not live without, compel'd him To that he did (which yet our State calls death) I pity his misfortune; and to work you To some compassion of them, I come up To your own price: save him, the goods are mine; If not, seek else-where, I'le not deal for them. _4 Mer_. Well Sir, for your love, I will once be led To change my purpose. _Gos_. For your profit rather. _4 Mer_. I'le presently make means for his discharge, Till when, I leave you. _2 Mer_. What do you think of this? _1 Mer_. As of a deed of noble pity: guided By a strong judgement. _2 Mer_. Save you Master _Goswin_. _Goswin_. Good day to all. _2 Mer_. We bring you the refusal Of more Commodities. _Gos_. Are you the owners Of the ship that last night put into the Harbour? _1 Mer_. Both of the ship, and lading. _Gos_. What's the fraught? _1 Mer_. _Indico, Cochineel_, choise _Chyna_ stuffs. _3 Mer_. And cloath of Gold brought from _Cambal_. _Gos_. Rich lading, For which I were your Chapman, but I am Already out of cash. _1 Mer_. I'le give you day For the moiety of all. _Gos_. How long? _3 Mer_. Six months. _Gos_. 'Tis a fair offer: which (if we agree About the prices) I, with thanks accept of, And will make present payment of the rest; Some two hours hence I'le come aboard. _1 Mer_. The Gunner shall speak you welcom. _Gos_. I'le not fail. _3 Mer_. Good morrow. [_Ex_. Merch. _Gos_. Heaven grant my Ships a safe return, before The day of this great payment: as they are Expected three months sooner: and my credit Stands good with all the world. _Enter_ Gerrard. _Ger_. Bless my good Master, The prayers of your poor Beads-man ever shall Be sent up for you. _Gos_. God o' mercy _Clause_, There's something to put thee in mind hereafter To think of me. _Ger_. May he that gave it you Reward you for it, with encrease, good Master. _Gos_. I thrive the better for thy prayers. _Ger_. I hope so. This three years have I fed upon your bounties, And by the fire of your blest charity warm'd me, And yet, good Master, pardon me, that must, Though I have now receiv'd your alms, presume To make one sute more to you. _Gos_. What is't _Clause_? _Ger_. Yet do not think me impudent I beseech you, Since hitherto your charity hath prevented My begging your relief, 'tis not for mony Nor cloaths (good Master) but your good word for me. _Gos_. That thou shalt have, _Clause_, for I think thee honest. _Ger_. To morrow then (dear M'r.) take the trouble Of walking early unto _Beggars Bush_, And as you see me, among others (Brethren In my affliction) when you are demanded Which you like best among us, point out me, And then pass by, as if you knew me not. _Gos_. But what will that advantage thee? _Ger_. O much Sir, 'Twill give me the preheminence of the rest, Make me a King among 'em, and protect me From all abuse, such as are stronger, might Offer my age; Sir, at your better leisure I will inform you further of the good It may do to me. _Gos_. 'Troth thou mak'st me wonder; Have you a King and common-wealth among you? _Ger_. We have, and there are States are govern'd worse. _Gos_. Ambition among Beggars? _Ger_. Many great ones Would part with half their states, to have the place, And credit to beg in the first file, Master: But shall I be so much bound to your furtherance In my Petition? _Gos._ That thou shalt not miss of, Nor any worldly care make me forget it, I will be early there. _Ger._ Heaven bless my Master. [_Exeunt_. _ACTUS SECUNDUS. SCENA PRIMA._ _Enter_ Higgen, Ferret, Prig, Clause, Jaculine, Snap, Ginks, _and other beggars_. _Hig._ Come Princes of the ragged regiment, You o' the blood, _Prig_ my most upright Lord, And these (what name or title, e're they bear) _Jarkman_, or _Patrico_, _Cranke_, or _Clapperdudgeon_, _Frater_, or _Abram-man_; I speak to all That stand in fair Election for the title Of King of _Beggars_, with the command adjoyning, _Higgen_, your Orator, in this Inter-regnum, That whilom was your Dommerer, doth beseech you All to stand fair, and put your selves in rank, That the first Comer, may at his first view Make a free choice, to say up the question. _Fer. Pr._ 'Tis done Lord _Higgen_. _Hig._ Thanks to Prince _Prig_, Prince _Ferret_. _Fer._ Well, pray my Masters all, _Ferret_ be chosen, Y'are like to have a mercifull mild Prince of me. _Prig._ A very tyrant, I, an arrant tyrant, If e're I come to reign; therefore look to't, Except you do provide me hum enough And Lour to bouze with: I must have my Capons And Turkeys brought me in, with my green Geese, And Ducklings i'th' season: fine fat chickens, Or if you chance where an eye of tame Phesants Or Partridges are kept, see they be mine, Or straight I seize on all your priviledge, Places, revenues, offices, as forfeit, Call in your crutches, wooden legs, false bellyes, Forc'd eyes and teeth, with your dead arms; not leave you A durty clout to beg with o' your heads, Or an old rag with Butter, Frankincense, Brimston and Rozen, birdlime, blood, and cream, To make you an old sore; not so much soap As you may fome with i'th' Falling-sickness; The very bag you bear, and the brown dish Shall be escheated. All your daintiest Dells too I will deflower, and take your dearest Doxyes From your warm sides; and then some one cold night I'le watch you what old barn you go to roost in, And there I'le smother you all i'th' musty hay. _Hig._ This is tyrant-like indeed: But what would _Ginks_ Or _Clause_ be here, if either of them should raign? _Clau._ Best ask an Ass, if he were made a Camel, What he would be; or a dog, and he were a Lyon. _Ginks._ I care not what you are, Sirs, I shall be A Beggar still I am sure, I find my self there. _Enter_ Goswin. _Snap._ O here a Judge comes. _Hig._ Cry, a Judge, a Judge. _Gos._ What ail you Sirs? what means this outcry? _Hig._ Master, A sort of poor souls met: Gods fools, good Master, Have had some little variance amongst our selves Who should be honestest of us, and which lives Uprightest in his calling: Now, 'cause we thought We ne're should 'gree on't our selves, because Indeed 'tis hard to say: we all dissolv'd, to put it To him that should come next, and that's your Master-ship, Who, I hope, will 'termine it as your mind serves you, Right, and no otherwise we ask it: which? Which does your worship think is he? sweet Master Look over us all, and tell us; we are seven of us, Like to the seven wise Masters, or the Planets. _Gos._ I should judge this the man with the grave beard, And if he be not-- _Clau._ Bless you, good Master, bless you. _Gos._ I would he were: there's something too amongst you To keep you all honest. [_Exit._ _Snap._ King of Heaven go with you. _Omn._ Now good reward him, May he never want it, to comfort still the poor, in a good hour. _Fer._ What is't? see: _Snap_ has got it. _Snap._ A good crown, marry. _Prig._ A crown of gold. _Fer._ For our new King: good luck. _Ginks._ To the common treasury with it; if't be gold, Thither it must. _Prig._ Spoke like a Patriot, _Ferret_-- King _Clause_, I bid God save thee first, first, _Clause_, After this golden token of a crown; Where's oratour _Higgen_ with his gratuling speech now In all our names? _Fer._ Here he is pumping for it. _Gin._ H'has cough'd the second time, 'tis but once more And then it comes. _Fer._ So, out with all: expect now-- _Hig._ That thou art chosen, venerable _Clause_, Our King and Soveraign; Monarch o'th'Maunders, Thus we throw up our Nab-cheats, first for joy, And then our filches; last, we clap our fambles, Three subject signs, we do it without envy: For who is he here did not wish thee chosen, Now thou art chosen? ask 'em: all will say so, Nay swear't: 'tis for the King, but let that pass. When last in conference at the bouzing ken This other day we sat about our dead Prince Of famous memory: (rest go with his rags:) And that I saw thee at the tables end, Rise mov'd, and gravely leaning on one Crutch, Lift the other like a Scepter at my head, I then presag'd thou shortly wouldst be King, And now thou art so: but what need presage To us, that might have read it in thy beard As well, as he that chose thee? by that beard Thou wert found out, and mark'd for Soveraignty. O happy beard! but happier Prince, whose beard Was so remark'd, as marked out our Prince, Not bating us a hair. Long may it grow, And thick, and fair, that who lives under it, May live as safe, as under _Beggars Bush_, Of which this is the thing, that but the type. _Om._ Excellent, excellent orator, forward good _Higgen_, Give him leave to spit: the fine, well-spoken _Higgen_. _Hig._ This is the beard, the bush, or bushy-beard, Under whose gold and silver raign 'twas said So many ages since, we all should smile On impositions, taxes, grievances, Knots in a State, and whips unto a Subject, Lye lurking in this beard, but all kemb'd out: If now, the Beard be such, what is the Prince That owes the Beard? a Father; no, a Grand-father; Nay the great Grand-father of you his people. He will not force away your hens, your bacon, When you have ventur'd hard for't, nor take from you The fattest of your puddings: under him Each man shall eat his own stolen eggs, and butter, In his own shade, or sun-shine, and enjoy His own dear Dell, Doxy, or Mort, at night In his own straw, with his own shirt, or sheet, That he hath filch'd that day, I, and possess What he can purchase, back, or belly-cheats To his own prop: he will have no purveyers For Pigs, and poultry. _Clau._ That we must have, my learned oratour, It is our will, and every man to keep In his own path and circuit. _Hig._ Do you hear? You must hereafter maund on your own pads he saies. _Clau._ And what they get there, is their own, besides To give good words. _Hig._ Do you mark? to cut been whids, That is the second Law. _Clau._ And keep a-foot The humble, and the common phrase of begging, Lest men discover us. _Hig._ Yes; and cry sometimes, To move compassion: Sir, there is a table, That doth command all these things, and enjoyns 'em, Be perfect in their crutches, their feign'd plaisters, And their torn pass-ports, with the ways to stammer, And to be dumb, and deaf, and blind, and lame, There, all the halting paces are set down, I'th' learned language. _Clau._ Thither I refer them, Those, you at leisure shall interpret to them. We love no heaps of laws, where few will serve. _Om._ O gracious Prince, 'save, 'save the good King _Clause_. _Hig._ A Song to crown him. _Fer._ Set a Centinel out first. _Snap._ The word? _Hig._ A Cove comes, and fumbumbis to it.-- _Strike._ _The SONG. Cast our Caps and cares away: this is Beggars Holy-day, At the Crowning of our King, thus we ever dance and sing. In the world look out and see: where's so happy a Prince as he? Where the Nation live so free, and so merry as do we? Be it peace, or be it war, here at liberty we are, And enjoy our ease and rest; To the field we are not prest; Nor are call'd into the Town, to be troubled with the Gown. Hang all Officers we cry, and the Magistrate too, by; When the Subsidie's encreast, we are not a penny Sest. Nor will any go to Law, with the Beggar for a straw. All which happiness he brags, he doth owe unto his rags._ _Enter_ Snap, Hubert, _and_ Hemskirke. _Snap._ A Cove comes: Fumbumbis. _Prig._ To your postures; arm. _Hub._ Yonder's the Town: I see it. _Hemsk._ There's our danger Indeed afore us, if our shadows save not. _Hig._ Bless your good Worships. _Fer._ One small piece of mony. _Prig._ Amongst us all poor wretches. _Clau._ Blind, and lame. _Ginks._ For his sake that gives all. _Hig._ Pitifull Worships. _Snap._ One little doyt. _Enter_ Jaculin. _Jac._ King, by your leave, where are you? _Fer._ To buy a little bread. _Hig._ To feed so many Mouths, as will ever pray for you. _Prig._ Here be seven of us. _Hig._ Seven, good Master, O remember seven, Seven blessings. _Fer._ Remember, gentle Worship. _Hig._ 'Gainst seven deadly sins. _Prig._ And seven sleepers. _Hig._ If they be hard of heart, and will give nothing-- Alas, we had not a charity this three dayes. _Hub._ There's amongst you all. _Fer._ Heaven reward you. _Prig._ Lord reward you. _Hig._ The Prince of pity bless thee. _Hub._ Do I see? or is't my fancy that would have it so? Ha? 'tis her face: come hither maid. _Jac._ What ha' you, Bells for my squirrel? I ha' giv'n bun meat, You do not love me, do you? catch me a butterfly, And I'le love you again; when? can you tell? Peace, we go a birding: I shall have a fine thing. [_Exit._ _Hub._ Her voyce too sayes the same; but for my head I would not that her manners were so chang'd. Hear me thou honest fellow; what's this maiden, That lives amongst you here? _Gin._ Ao, ao, ao, ao. _Hub._ How? nothing but signs? _Gin._ Ao, ao, ao, ao. _Hub._ This is strange, I would fain have it her, but not her thus. _Hig._ He is de-de-de-de-de-de-deaf, and du-du-dude-dumb Sir. _Hub._ Slid they did all speak plain ev'n now me thought. Do'st thou know this same maid? _Snap._ Why, why, why, why, which, gu, gu, gu, gu, Gods fool She was bo-bo-bo-bo-born at the barn yonder, By-be-be-be-be-Beggars Bush-bo-bo-Bush Her name is, My-my-my-my-my-match: so was her Mo-mo-mo-Mothers too-too. _Hub._ I understand no word he says; how long Has she been here? _Snap._ Lo-lo-long enough to be ni-ni-nigled, and she ha' go-go-go-good luck. _Hub._ I must be better inform'd, than by this way. Here was another face too, that I mark'd Of the old mans: but they are vanish'd all Most suddenly: I will come here again, O, that I were so happy, as to find it, What I yet hope: it is put on. _Hem._ What mean you Sir, To stay there with that stammerer? _Hub._ Farewell friend,-- It will be worth return, to search: Come, Protect us our disguise now, pre'thee _Hemskirk_ If we be taken, how do'st thou imagine This town will use us, that hath stood so long Out against _Wolfort_? _Hem._ Ev'n to hang us forth Upon their walls a sunning, to make Crows meat, If I were not assur'd o' the _Burgomaster_, And had a pretty excuse to see a niece there, I should scarce venture. _Hub._ Come 'tis now too late To look back at the ports: good luck, and enter. [_Exeunt._ SCENA II. _Enter_ Goswin. _Gos._ Still blow'st thou there? and from all other parts, Do all my agents sleep, that nothing comes? There's a conspiracy of windes, and servants, If not of Elements, to ha' me break; What should I think unless the Seas, and Sands Had swallow'd up my ships? or fire had spoil'd My ware-houses? or death devour'd my Factors? I must ha' had some returns. _Enter_ Merchants. _1 Mer._ 'Save you Sir. _Gos._ 'Save you. _1 Mer._ No news yet o' your Ships? _Gos._ Not any yet Sir. _1 Mer._ 'Tis strange. [_Exit._ _Gos._ 'Tis true Sir: what a voyce was here now? This was one passing bell, a thousand ravens Sung in that man now, to presage my ruins. _2 Mer._ _Goswin_, good day, these winds are very constant. _Gos._ They are so Sir; to hurt-- _2 Mer._ Ha' you had no letters Lately from _England_, nor from _Denmark_? _Gos._ Neither. _2 Mer._ This wind brings them; nor no news over land, Through _Spain_, from the _Straights_? _Gos._ Not any. _2 Mer._ I am sorry Sir. [_Exit._ _Gos._ They talk me down: and as 'tis said of Vulturs They scent a field fought, and do smell the carkasses By many hundred miles: So do these, my wracks At greater distances. Why, thy will Heaven Come on, and be: yet if thou please, preserve me; But in my own adventure, here at home, Of my chast love, to keep me worthy of her, It shall be put in scale 'gainst all ill fortunes: I am not broken yet: nor should I fall, Me thinks with less than that, that ruins all. [_Exit._ SCENA III. _Enter_ Van-dunck, Hubert, Hemskirk, _and_ Margaret, Boors. _Van._ Captain, you are welcom; so is this your friend Most safely welcom, though our Town stand out Against your Master, you shall find good quarter: The troth is, we not love him: _Margaret_ some wine, Let's talk a little treason, if we can Talk treason, 'gainst the traitors; by your leave, Gentlemen, We, here in _Bruges_, think he do's usurp, And therefore I am bold with him. _Hub._ Sir, your boldness Happily becomes your mouth, but not our ears, While we are his servants; And as we come here, Not to ask questions, walk forth on your walls, Visit your courts of guard, view your munition, Ask of your corn-provisions, nor enquire Into the least, as spies upon your strengths, So let's entreat, we may receive from you Nothing in passage or discourse, but what We may with gladness, and our honesties here, And that shall seal our welcom. _Van._ Good: let's drink then, Fill out, I keep mine old pearl still Captain. _Marg._ I hang fast man. _Hen._ Old Jewels commend their keeper, Sir. _Van._ Here's to you with a heart, my Captains friend, With a good heart, and if this make us speak Bold words, anon, 'tis all under the Rose Forgotten: drown all memory, when we drink. _Hub._ 'Tis freely spoken noble _Burgomaster_, I'le do you right. _Hem._ Nay Sir mine heer _Van-dunck_ Is a true Statesman. _Van._ Fill my Captains cup there, O that your Master _Wolfort_ Had been an honest man. _Hub._ Sir? _Van._ Under the Rose. _Hem._ Here's to you _Marget_. _Marg._ Welcome, welcome Captain. _Van._ Well said my pearl still. _Hem._ And how does my Niece? Almost a Woman, I think? This friend of mine, I drew along w[i]th me, through so much hazard, Only to see her: she was my errand. _Van._ I, a kind Uncle you are (fill him his glass) That in seven years, could not find leisure-- _Hem._ No, It's not so much. _Van_. I'le bate you ne'r an hour on't, It was before the _Brabander_ 'gan his War, For moon-shine, i'the water there, his Daughter That never was lost: yet you could not find time To see a Kinswoman; but she is worth the seeing, Sir, Now you are come, you ask if she were a Woman? She is a Woman, Sir, fetch her forth _Marget_. [_Exit_ Marg. And a fine Woman, and has Suitors. _Hem_. How? What Suitors are they? _Van_. Bachellors; young Burgers: And one, a Gallant, the young Prince of Merchants We call him here in _Bruges_. _Hem_. How? a Merchant? I thought, _Vandunke_, you had understood me better, And my Niece too, so trusted to you by me, Than t'admit of such in name of Suitors. _Van_. Such? he is such a such, as were she mine I'd give him thirty thousand crowns with her. _Hem_. But the same things, Sir, fit not you and me. [_Ex_. _Van_. Why, give's some wine, then; this will fit us all: Here's to you still, my Captains friend: All out: And still, would _Wolfort_ were an honest man, Under the Rose, I speak it: but this Merchant Is a brave boy: he lives so, i'the Town here, We know not what to think on him: at some times We fear he will be Bankrupt; he do's stretch Tenter his credit so; embraces all, And to't, the winds have been contrary long. But then, if he should have all his returns, We think he would be a King, and are half sure on't. Your Master is a Traitor, for all this, Under the Rose: Here's to you; and usurps The Earldom from a better man. _Hub_. I marry, Sir, Where is that man? _Van_. Nay soft: and I could tell you 'Tis ten to one I would not: here's my hand, I love not _Wolfort_: sit you still, with that: Here comes my Captain again, and his fine Niece, And there's my Merchant; view him well: fill wine here. _Enter_ Hemskirk, Gertrude, _and_ Goswin. _Hem_. You must not only know me for your Uncle Now, but obey me: you, go cast your self Away, upon a Dunghil here? a Merchant? A petty fellow? one that makes his Trade With Oaths and perjuries? _Gos_. What is that you say, Sir? If it be me you speak of, as your eye Seems to direct, I wish you would speak to me, Sir. _Hem_. Sir, I do say, she is no Merchandize, Will that suffice you? _Gos_. Merchandize good Sir? Though ye be Kinsman to her, take no leave thence To use me with contempt: I ever thought Your Niece above all price. _Hem_. And do so still, Sir, I assure you, her rates are more than you are worth. _Gos_. You do not know, what a Gentleman's worth, Sir, Nor can you value him. _H[u]b_. Well said Merchant. _Van_. Nay, Let him alone, and ply your matter. _Hem_. A Gentleman? What o'the Wool-pack? or the Sugar-chest? Or lists of Velvet? which is't pound, or yard, You vent your Gentry by? _Hub_. O _Hemskirk_, fye. _Van_. Come, do not mind 'em, drink, he is no _Wolfort_, Captain, I advise you. _Hem_. Alas, my pretty man, I think't be angry, by its look: Come hither, Turn this way, a little: if it were the blood Of _Charlemaine_, as't may (for ought I know) Be some good Botchers issue, here in _Bruges_. _Gos_. How? _Hem_. Nay: I'me not certain of that; of this I am, If it once buy, and sell, its Gentry is gone. _Gos_. Ha, ha. _Hem._ You are angry, though ye laugh. _Gos._ No, now 'tis pity Of your poor argument. Do not you, the Lords Of Land (if you be any) sell the grass, The Corn, the Straw, the Milk, the Cheese? _Van._ And Butter: Remember Butter; do not leave out Butter. _Gos._ The Beefs and Muttons that your grounds are stor'd with? Swine, with the very mast, beside the Woods? _Hem._ No, for those sordid uses we have Tenants, Or else our Bailiffs. _Gos._ Have not we, Sir, Chap-men, And Factors, then to answer these? your honour Fetch'd from the Heralds _ABC_, and said over With your Court faces, once an hour, shall never Make me mistake my self. Do not your Lawyers Sell all their practice, as your Priests their prayers? What is not bought, and sold? The company That you had last, what had you for't, i'faith? _Hem._ You now grow sawcy. _Gos._ Sure I have been bred Still, with my honest liberty, and must use it. _Hem._ Upon your equals then. _Gos._ Sir, he that will Provoke me first, doth make himself my equal. _Hem._ Do ye hear? no more. _Gos._ Yes, Sir, this little, I pray you, And't shall be aside, then after, as you please. You appear the Uncle, Sir, to her I love More than mine eyes; and I have heard your scorns With so much scoffing, and so much shame, As each strive which is greater: But, believe me, I suck'd not in this patience with my milk. Do not presume, because you see me young, Or cast despights on my profession For the civility and tameness of it. A good man bears a contumely worse Than he would do an injury. Proceed not To my offence: wrong is not still successful, Indeed it is not: I would approach your Kins-woman With all respect, done to your self and her. _Hem._ Away Companion: handling her? take that. [_Strikes him._ _Gos._ Nay, I do love no blows, Sir, there's exchange. _Hub._ Hold, Sir. (_He gets_ Hemskirks _sword and cuts him on the head._ _Mar._ O murther. _Ger._ Help my _Goswin_. _Mar._ Man. _Van._ Let 'em alone; my life for one. _Gos._ Nay come, If you have will. _Hub._ None to offend you, I, Sir. _Gos._ He that had, thank himself: not hand her? yes Sir, And clasp her, and embrace her; and (would she Now go with me) bear her through all her Race, Her Father, Brethren, and her Uncles, arm'd, And all their Nephews, though they stood a wood Of Pikes, and wall of Canon: kiss me _Gertrude_, Quake not, but kiss me. _Van._ Kiss him, Girl, I bid you; My Merchant Royal; fear no Uncles: hang 'em, Hang up all Uncles: Are not we in _Bruges_? Under the Rose here? _Gos._ In this circle, Love, Thou art as safe, as in a Tower of Brass; Let such as do wrong, fear. _Van._ I, that's good, Let _Wolfort_ look to that. _Gos._ Sir, here she stands, Your Niece, and my beloved. One of these titles She must apply to; if unto the last, Not all the anger can be sent unto her, In frown, or voyce, or other art, shall force her, Had _Hercules_ a hand in't: Come, my Joy, Say thou art mine, aloud Love, and profess it. _Van._ Doe: and I drink to it. _Gos._ Prethee say so, Love. _Ger._ 'Twould take away the honour from my blushes: Do not you play the tyrant, sweet: they speak it. _Hem._ I thank you niece. _Gos._ Sir, thank her for your life, And fetch your sword within. _Hem._ You insult too much With your good fortune, Sir. [_Exeunt_ Gos. _and_ Ger. _Hub._ A brave clear Spirit; _Hemskirk_, you were to blame: a civil habit Oft covers a good man: and you may meet In person of a Merchant, with a soul As resolute, and free, and all wayes worthy, As else in any file of man-kind: pray you, What meant you so to slight him? _Hem._ 'Tis done now, Ask no more of it; I must suffer. [_Exit_ Hemskirk. _Hub._ This Is still the punishment of rashness, sorrow. Well; I must to the woods, for nothing here Will be got out. There, I may chance to learn Somewhat to help my enquiries further. _Van._ Ha? A Looking-glass? _Hub._ How now, brave _Burgomaster_? _Van._ I love no _Wolforts_, and my name's _Vandunk_, _Hub._ _Van drunk_ it's rather: come, go sleep within. _Van._ Earl _Florez_ is right heir, and this same _Wolfort_ Under the Rose I speak it-- _Hub._ Very hardly. _Van-d._ Usurps: and a rank Traitor, as ever breath'd, And all that do uphold him. Let me goe, No man shall hold me, that upholds him; Do you uphold him? _Hub._ No. _Van._ Then hold me up. [_Exeunt._ _Enter_ Goswin, _and_ Hemskirk. _Hem._ Sir, I presume, you have a sword of your own, That can so handle anothers. _Gos._ Faith you may Sir. _Hem._ And ye have made me have so much better thoughts of you As I am bound to call you forth. _Gos._ For what Sir? _Hem._ To the repairing of mine honour, and hurt here. _Gos._ Express your way. _Hem._ By fight, and speedily. _Gos._ You have your will: Require you any more? _Hem._ That you be secret: and come single. _Gos._ I will. _Hem._ As you are the Gentleman you would be thought. _Gos._ Without the Conjuration: and I'le bring Only my sword, which I will fit to yours, I'le take his length within. _Hem._ Your place now Sir? _Gos._ By the Sand-hills. _Hem._ Sir, nearer to the woods, If you thought so, were fitter. _Gos._ There, then. _Hem._ Good. Your time? _Gos._ 'Twixt seven and eight. _Hem._ You'l give me Sir Cause to report you worthy of my Niece, If you come, like your promise. _Gos._ If I do not, Let no man think to call me unworthy first, I'le do't my self, and justly wish to want her.-- [_Exeunt._ _ACTUS TERTIUS. SCENA PRIMA._ _Enter three or four_ Boors. _1 B._ Come, _English_ beer Hostess, _English_ beer by th' belly. _2 B._ Stark beer boy, stout and strong beer: so, sit down Lads, And drink me upsey-Dutch: Frolick, and fear not. _Enter_ Higgen _like a Sow-gelder, singing._ Hig. _Have ye any work for the Sow-gelder, hoa, My horn goes too high too low, too high too low. Have ye any Piggs, Calves, or Colts, Have ye any Lambs in your holts To cut for the Stone, Here comes a cunning one. Have ye any braches to spade, Or e're a fair maid That would be a Nun, Come kiss me, 'tis done. Hark how my merry horn doth blow, Too high too low, too high too low._ _1 B._ O excellent! two-pence a piece boyes, two-pence a piece. Give the boys some drink there. Piper, wet your whistle, Canst tell me a way now, how to cut off my wifes Concupiscence? _Hig._ I'le sing ye a Song for't. _The_ SONG. _Take her, and hug her, And turn her and tug her, And turn her again boy, again, Then if she mumble, Or if her tail tumble, Kiss her amain hoy, amain. Do thy endeavour, To take off her feaver, Then her disease no longer will raign. If nothing will serve her, Then thus to preserve her, Swinge her amain boy amain. Give her cold jelly To take up her belly, And once a day swinge her again, If she stand all these pains, Then knock out her brains, Her disease no longer will reign._ _1 Bo._ More excellent, more excellent, sweet Sow-gelder. _2 Bo._ Three-pence a piece, three-pence a piece. _Hig._ Will you hear a Song how the Devil was gelded? _3 Bo._ I, I, let's hear the Devil roar, Sow-gelder. SONG. 1. _He ran at me first in the shape of a Ram, And over and over the Sow-Gelder came; I rise and I halter'd him fast by the horn, I pluckt out his Stones as you'd pick out a Corn. Baa, quoth the Devil, and forth he slunk, And left us a Carcase of Mutton that stunk. 2. The next time I rode a good mile and a half, Where I heard he did live in disguise of a Calf, I bound and I gelt him, ere he did any evil; He was here at his best, but a sucking Devil. Maa, yet he cry'd, and forth he did steal, And this was sold after, for excellent Veal. 3. Some half a year after in the form of a Pig, I met with the Rogue, and he look'd very big; I catch'd at his leg, laid him down on a log, Ere a man could fart twice, I had made him a Hog. Owgh, quoth the Devil, and forth gave a Jerk, That a Jew was converted, and eat of the Perk._ _1 Bo._ Groats apiece, Groats apiece, Groats apiece, There sweet Sow-Gelder. _Enter_ Prig _and_ Ferret. _Prig._ Will ye see any feats of activity, Some Sleight of hand, Legerdemain? hey pass, Presto, be gone there? _2 Bo._ Sit down Jugler. _Prig._ Sirrah, play you your art well; draw near Piper: Look you, my honest friends, you see my hands; Plain dealing is no Devil: lend me some Money, Twelve-pence a piece will serve. _1. 2. B._ There, there. _Prig._ I thank you, Thank ye heartily: when shall I pay ye? _All B._ Ha, ha, ha,
{'title': 'Beggars Bush: A Comedy by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher', 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}