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‹Better GutenbergThe Spanish CurateActus Quintus. Scena Prima · 7 of 7Contents›

The Spanish Curate

by John Fletcher

7 of 7 · Contents · Download EPUB

Actus Quintus. Scena Prima

Enter Violante and Servant.

Ser.

Madam, he’s come. [Chair and stools out.

Viol.

’Tis well, how did he look,

When he knew from whom you were sent? was he not startled?

Or confident? or fearful?

Ser.

As appear’d

Like one that knew his fortune at the worst,

And car’d not what could follow.

Viol.

’Tis the better,

Reach me a Chair: so, bring him in, be careful

That none disturb us: I will try his temper,

And if I find him apt for my employments,

Enter Jamie, Servant.

I’le work him to my ends; if not, I shall

Find other Engines.

Ser.

There’s my Lady.

Viol.

Leave us.

Jam.

You sent for me?

Viol.

I did, and do’s the favour,

Your present state considered and my power,

Deserve no greater Ceremony?

Jam.

Ceremonie?

I use to pay that where I owe a duty,

Not to my Brothers wife: I cannot fawn,

If you expect it from me, you are cozen’d,

And so farewel.

Viol.

He bears up still; I like it.

Pray you a word.

Jam.

Yes, I will give you hearing

On equal terms, and sit by you as a friend,

But not stand as a Sutor: Now your pleasure?

Viol.

You are very bold.

Jam.

’Tis fit: since you are proud,

I was not made to feed that foolish humour,

With flattery and observance.

Viol.

Yet, with your favour,

A little form joyn’d with respect to her,

That can add to your wants, or free you from ’em

(Nay raise you to a fate, beyond your hopes)

Might well become your wisdom.

Jam.

It would rather

Write me a Fool, should I but only think

That any good to me could flow from you,

Whom for so many years I have found and prov’d

My greatest Enemy: I am still the same,

My wants have not transform’d me: I dare tell you,

To your new cerus’d face, what I have spoken

Freely behind your back, what I think of you,

You are the proudest thing, and have the least

Reason to be so that I ever read of.

In stature you are a Giantess: and your Tailor

Takes measure of you with a Jacobs Staff,

Or he can never reach you, this by the way

For your large size: now, in a word or two,

To treat of your Complexion were decorum:

You are so far from fair, I doubt your Mother

Was too familiar with the Moor that serv’d her,

Your Limbs and Features I pass briefly over,

As things not worth description; and come roundly

To your Soul, if you have any; for ’tis doubtful.

Viol. I laugh at this, proceed.

Jam.

This Soul I speak of,

Or rather Salt to keep this heap of flesh

From being a walking stench, like a large Inn,

Stands open for the entertainment of

All impious practices: but there’s no Corner

An honest thought can take up: and as it were not

Sufficient in your self to comprehend

All wicked plots, you have taught the Fool, my Brother,

By your contagion, almost to put off

The nature of the man, and turn’d him Devil,

Because he should be like you, and I hope

Will march to Hell together: I have spoken,

And if the Limning you in your true Colours

Can make the Painter gracious, I stand ready

For my reward, or if my words distaste you,

I weigh it not, for though your Grooms were ready

To cut my Throat for’t, be assur’d I cannot

Use other Language.

Viol.

You think you have said now,

Like a brave fellow: in this Womans War

You ever have been train’d: spoke big, but suffer’d

Like a tame Ass; and when most spur’d and gall’d

Were never Master of the Spleen or Spirit,

That could raise up the anger of a man,

And force it into action.

Jam.

Yes, vile Creature,

Wer’t thou a subject worthy of my Sword,

Or that thy death, this moment, could call home

My banish’d hopes, thou now wer’t dead; dead, woman;

But being as thou art, it is sufficient

I scorn thee, and contemn thee.

Viol.

This shews nobly,

I must confess it: I am taken with it,

For had you kneel’d and whin’d and shew’d a base

And low dejected mind, I had despis’d you.

This bravery (in your adverse fortune) conquers

And do’s command me, and upon the suddain

I feel a kind of pity, growing in me,

For your misfortunes, pity some say’s the Parent,

Of future love, and I repent my part

So far in what you have suffered, that I could

(But you are cold) do something to repair

What your base Brother (such Jamie I think him)

Hath brought to ruine.

Jam.

Ha?

Viol.

Be not amaz’d,

Our injuries are equal in his Bastard,

You are familiar with what I groan for,

And though the name of Husband holds a tye

Beyond a Brother, I, a poor weak Woman,

Am sensible, and tender of a wrong,

And to revenge it would break through all lets,

That durst oppose me.

Jam.

Is it possible?

Viol.

By this kiss: start not: thus much, as a stranger

You may take from me; but, if you were pleas’d,

I should select you as a bosom friend,

I would print ’em thus, and thus.

Jam.

Keep off.

Viol.

Come near,

Near into the Cabinet of my Counsels:

Simplicity and patience dwell with Fools,

And let them bear those burthens, which wise men

Boldly shake off; be mine and joyn with me,

And when that I have rais’d you to a fortune,

(Do not deny your self the happy means)

You’ll look on me with more judicious eyes

And swear I am most fair.

Jam.

What would this Woman?

The purpose of these words? speak not in riddles,

And when I understand, what you would counsel,

My answer shall be suddain.

Viol.

Thus then Jamie,

The objects of our fury are the same,

For young Ascanio, whom you Snake-like hug’d

(Frozen with wants to death) in your warm bosom,

Lives to supplant you in your certain hopes,

And kills in me all comfort.

Jam.

Now ’tis plain,

I apprehend you: and were he remov’d—

Viol.

You, once again, were the undoubted heir.

Jam.

’Tis not to be deny’d; I was ice before,

But now ye have fir’d me.—

Viol.

I’le add fuel to it,

And by a nearer cut, do you but steer

As I direct you, wee’l bring our Bark into

The Port of happiness.

Jam.

How?

Viol.

By Henriques death:

But you’l say he’s your Brother; in great fortunes

(Which are epitomes of States and Kingdoms)

The politick brook no Rivals.

Jam.

Excellent!

For sure I think out of a scrupulous fear,

To feed in expectation, when I may

(Dispensing but a little with my conscience)

Come into full possession, would not argue

One that desir’d to thrive.

Viol.

Now you speak like

A man that knows the World.

Jam.

I needs must learn

That have so good a Tutress: and what think you,

(Don Henrique and Ascanio cut off)

That none may live, that shall desire to trace us

In our black paths, if that Octavio

His foster Father, and the sad Jacinta,

(Faith pitie her, and free her from her Sorrows)

Should fall companions with ’em? When we are red

With murther, let us often bath in blood,

The colour will be scarlet.

Viol.

And that’s glorious,

And will protect the fact.

Jam.

Suppose this done:

(If undiscovered) we may get for mony,

(As that you know buyes any thing in Rome)

A dispensation.

Viol.

And be married?

Jam.

True.

Or if it be known, truss up our Gold and Jewels,

And fly to some free State, and there with scorn—

Viol.

Laugh at the laws of Spain.

’Twere admirable.

Jam.

We shall beget rare children. I am rapt with The meer imagination.—

Viol.

Shall it be done?

Jam.

Shall? ’tis too tedious: furnish me with means

To hire the instruments, and to your self

Say it is done already: I will shew you,

E’re the Sun set, how much you have wrought upon me,

Your province is only to use some means,

To send my Brother to the Grove that’s neighbour

To the west Port of th’ City; leave the rest

To my own practice; I have talk’d too long,

But now will doe: this kiss, with my Confession,

To work a fell revenge: a man’s a fool,

If not instructed in a Womans School.

[Exeunt.

SCENA II.

Enter Bartolus, Algazeirs, and a Paratour.

The Table set out and stools.

Bar.

You are well enough disguiz’d, furnish the Table,

Make no shew what ye are, till I discover:

Not a soul knows ye here: be quick and diligent,

These youths I have invited to a Breakfast,

But what the Sawce will be, I am of opinion

I shall take off the edges of their Appetites,

And grease their gums for eating heartily

This month or two, they have plaid their prizes with me,

And with their several flurts they have lighted dangerously,

But sure I shall be quit: I hear ’em coming.

Go off and wait the bringing in your service,

And do it handsomely: you know where to have it.

Enter Milanes, Arsenio, Lopez, Diego.

Welcom i’ Faith.

Ars.

That’s well said, honest Lawyer.

Lop.

Said like a neighbour.

Bar.

Welcom all: all over,

And let’s be merry.

Mil.

To that end we came Sir,

An hour of freedome’s worth an age of juglings.

Die.

I am come too Sir, to specifie my Stomach

A poor reteiner to your worships bountie.

Bar.

And thou shalt have it fill’d my merry Diego,

My liberal, and my bonny bounteous Diego,

Even fill’d till it groan again.

Die.

Let it have fair play,

And if it founder then.—

Bar.

I’le tell ye neighbours,

Though I were angry yesterday with ye all,

And very angry, for methought ye bob’d me.

Lop.

No, no, by no means.

Bar.

No, when I considered

It was a jest, and carried off so quaintly,

It made me merry: very merry, Gentlemen,

I do confess I could not sleep to think on’t,

The mirth so tickled me, I could not slumber.

Lop.

Good mirth do’s work so: honest mirth,

Now, should we have meant in earnest—

Bar.

You say true neighbour.

Lop.

It might have bred such a distast and sowrness,

Such fond imaginations in your Brains, Sir,

For things thrust home in earnest.—

Bar.

Very certain,

But I know ye all for merry waggs, and ere long

You shall know me too in another fashion,

Though y’are pamper’d, ye shall bear part o’th’ burthen.

Enter Amaranta, and Leandro.

Come wife; Come bid ’em welcom; Come my Jewel:

And Pupil, you shall come too; ne’re hang backward,

Come, come the woman’s pleas’d, her anger’s over,

Come, be not bashfull.

Am.

What do’s he prepare here?

Sure there’s no meat i’th’ house, at least not drest,

Do’s he mean to mock ’em? or some new bred crotchet

Come o’re his brains; I do not like his kindness:

But silence best becomes me: if he mean foul play,

Sure they are enough to right themselves, and let ’em,

I’le sit by, so they beat him not to powder.

Bar.

Bring in the meat there, ha? Sit down dear neighbour,

A little meat needs little Complement,

Sit down I say.

Am.

What do you mean by this Sir?

Bar.

Convey away their weapons handsomely.

Am.

You know there’s none i’th’ house to answer ye,

But the poor Girle; you know there’s no meat neither.

Bar.

Peace and be quiet; I shall make you smoak else,

There’s men and meat enough, set it down formally.

Enter Algazeirs, with dishes.

Am.

I fear some lewd trick, yet I dare not speak on’t.

Bar.

I have no dainties for ye Gentlemen,

Nor loads of meat, to make the room smell of ’em.

Only a dish to every man I have dedicated,

And if I have pleas’d his appetite.

Lop.

O, a Capon,

A Bird of grace, and be thy will, I honour it.

Die.

For me some fortie pound of lovely Beef,

Plac’d in a mediterranean sea of Brewis.

Bar.

Fall to, fall to, that we may drink and laugh after,

Wait diligently knaves.

Mil.

What rare bit’s this?

An execution! bless me!

Bar.

Nay take it to ye,

There’s no avoiding it, ’tis somewhat tough Sir,

But a good stomach will endure it easily,

The sum is but a thousand duckets Sir.

Ars.

A Capias from my Surgeon, and my Silk-man!

Bar.

Your carefull makers, but they have mar’d your diet.

Stir not, your Swords are gone: there’s no avoiding me,

And these are Algazeirs, do you hear that passing bell?

Lop.

A strong Citation, bless me!

Bar.

Out with your Beads, Curate,

The Devil’s in your dish: bell, book, and Candle.

Lop.

A warrant to appear before the Judges!

I must needs rise, and turn to th’ wall.

Bar.

Ye need not,

Your fear I hope will make ye find your Breeches.

All.

We are betrai’d.

Bar.

Invited do not wrong me,

Fall to, good Guests, you have diligent men about ye,

Ye shall want nothing that may persecute ye,

These will not see ye start; Have I now found ye?

Have I requited ye? You fool’d the Lawyer,

And thought it meritorious to abuse him,

A thick ram-headed knave: you rid, you spur’d him,

And glorified your wits, the more ye wronged him;

Within this hour ye shall have all your Creditours,

A second dish of new debts, come upon ye,

And new invitements to the whip, Don Diego,

And Excommunications for the learned Curate,

A Masque of all your furies shall dance to ye.

Ars.

You dare not use us thus?

Bar.

You shall be bob’d, Gentlemen,

Stir, and as I have a life, ye goe to prison,

To prison, without pitie instantly,

Before ye speak another word to prison.

I have a better Guard without, that waits;

Do you see this man, Don Curate? ’tis a Paratour

That comes to tell ye a delightfull story

Of an old whore ye have, and then to teach ye

What is the penaltie; Laugh at me now Sir,

What Legacie would ye bequeath me now,

(And pay it on the nail?) to fly my fury?

Lop.

O gentle Sir.

Bar.

Do’st thou hope I will be gentle,

Thou foolish unconsiderate Curate?

Lop.

Let me goe Sir.

Bar.

I’le see thee hang first.

Lop.

And as I am a true Vicar,

Hark in your ear, hark softly—

Bar.

No, no bribery.

I’le have my swindge upon thee; Sirra? Rascal?

You Lenten Chaps, you that lay sick, and mockt me,

Mockt me abominably, abused me lewdly,

I’le make thee sick at heart, before I leave thee,

And groan, and dye indeed, and be worth nothing,

Not worth a blessing, nor a Bell to knell for thee,

A sheet to cover thee, but that thou Stealest,

Stealest from the Merchant, and the Ring he was buried with Stealest from his Grave, do you smell me now?

Die.

Have mercy on me!

Bar.

No Psalm of mercy shall hold me from hanging thee.

How do ye like your Breakfast? ’tis but short, Gentlemen,

But sweet and healthfull; Your punishment, and yours, Sir,

For some near reasons that concern my Credit,

I will take to my self.

Am.

Doe Sir, and spare not:

I have been too good a wife, and too obedient,

But since ye dare provoke me to be foolish—

Lea.

She has, yes, and too worthie of your usage,

Before the world I justifie her goodness,

And turn that man, that dares but taint her vertues,

To my Swords point; that lying man, that base man,

Turn him, but face to face, that I may know him.

Bar.

What have I here?

Lea.

A Gentleman, a free man,

One that made trial of this Ladies constancie,

And found it strong as fate; leave off your fooling,

For if you follow this course, you will be Chronicled.

Enter Jamy and Assistant.

For a devil, whilst a Saint she is mentioned,

You know my name indeed; I am now no Lawyer.

Die.

Some comfort now, I hope, or else would I were hanged up.

And yet the Judge, he makes me sweat.

Bar.

What news now?

Jam.

I will justifie upon my life and credit

What you have heard, for truth, and will make proof of.

Assist.

I will be ready at the appointed hour there,

And so I leave ye.

Bar.

Stay I beseech your worship,

And do but hear me.

Jam.

Good Sir, intend this business,

And let this bawling fool, no more words lawyer,

And no more angers, for I guess your reasons,

This Gentleman, I’le justifie in all places,

And that fair Ladies worth; let who dare cross it.

The Plot was cast by me, to make thee jealous,

But not to wrong your wife, she is fair and vertuous.

Die.

Take us to mercy too, we beseech your honour,

We shall be justified the way of all flesh else.

Jam.

No more talk, nor no more dissention lawyer,

I know your anger, ’tis a vain and slight one,

For if you doe, I’le lay your whole life open,

A life that all the world shall—I’le bring witness,

And rip before a Judge the ulcerous villanies,

You know I know ye, and I can bring witness.

Bar.

Nay good Sir, noble Sir.

Jam.

Be at peace then presently,

Immediatley take honest and fair truce

With your good wife, and shake hands with that Gentleman;

H’as honour’d ye too much, and doe it cheerfully.

Lop.

Take us along, for Heaven sake too.

Bar.

I am friends,

There is no remedie, I must put up all,

And like my neighbours rub it out by th’ shoulders,

And perfect friends; Leandro now I thank ye,

And there’s my hand, I have no more grudge to ye,

But I am too mean henceforward for your Companie.

Lea.

I shall not trouble ye.

Ars.

We will be friends too.

Mil.

Nay Lawyer, you shall not fright us farther,

For all your devils we will bolt.

Bar.

I grant ye,

The Gentleman’s your Bail, and thank his coming,

Did not he know me too well, you should smart for’t;

Goe all in peace, but when ye fool next, Gentlemen,

Come not to me to Breakfast.

Die.

I’le be bak’d first.

Bar.

And pray ye remember, when ye are bold and merry,

The Lawyers Banquet, and the Sawce he gave ye.

Jam.

Come: goe along; I have employment for ye,

Employment for your lewd brains too, to cool ye,

For all, for every one.

All.

We are all your Servants.

Die.

All, all for any thing, from this day forward

I’le hate all Breakfasts, and depend on dinners.

Jam.

I am glad you come off fair.

Lea.

The fair has blest me.

[Exeunt.

SCENA III.

Enter Octavi[o], Jacinta, [Ascanio].

Oct.

This is the place, but why we are appointed

By Don Jamie to stay here, is a depth

I cannot sound.

Asc.

Believ’t he is too noble

To purpose any thing but for our good.

Had I assurance of a thousand lives,

And with them perpetuitie of pleasure,

And should lose all, if he prov’d only false,

Yet I durst run the hazard.

Jac.

’Tis our comfort,

We cannot be more wretched than we are,

And death concludes all misery.

Oct.

Undiscovered

Enter Henrique, Jamie.

We must attend him.

Asc.

Our stay is not long.

With him Don Henrique?

Jac.

Now I fear;

Be silent.

Hen.

Why dost thou follow me?

Jam.

To save your life,

A plot is laid for’t, all my wrongs forgot,

I have a Brothers Love.

Hen.

But thy false self

I fear no enemy.

Jam.

You have no friend,

But what breathes in me: If you move a step

Beyond this ground you tread on, you are lost.

Hen.

’Tis by thy practice then: I am sent hither

To meet her, that prefers my life and safetie

Before her own.

Jam.

That you should be abus’d thus

With weak credulitie! She for whose sake

You have forgot we had one noble Father,

Or that one Mother bare us, for whose love

You brake a contract to which heaven was witness,

To satisfie whose pride and wilfull humour

You have expos’d a sweet and hopefull Son

To all the miseries that want can bring him,

And such a Son, though you are most obdurate,

To give whom entertainment Savages

Would quit their Caves themselves, to keep him from Bleak cold and hunger: This dissembling woman,

This Idol, whom you worship, all your love

And service trod under her feet, designs you

To fill a grave, or dead to lye a prey

For Wolves and Vulturs.

Hen.

’Tis false; I defie thee,

And stand upon my Guard.

Enter Leandro, Milanes, Arsenio, Bart, Lopez, Diego,

Octavio, Jacinta, Ascanio, and Servants.

Jam.

Alas, ’tis weak:

Come on, since you will teach me to be cruel,

By having no faith in me, take your fortune,

Bring the rest forth, and bind them fast.

Oct.

My Lord.

Asc.

In what have we offended?

Jam.

I am deaf,

And following my will, I do not stand

Accomptable to reason: See her Ring

(The first pledge of your love, and service to her)

Deliver’d as a Warrant for your death:

These Bags of gold you gave up to her trust,

(The use of which you did deny your self)

Bestow’d on me, and with a prodigal hand,

Whom she pick’d forth to be the Architect

Of her most bloudy building; and to fee

These Instruments, to bring Materials

To raise it up, she bad me spare no cost,

And (as a surplusage) offer’d her self

To be at my devotion.

Hen.

O accurs’d!

Jam.

But be incredulous still; think this my plot;

Fashion excuses to your self, and swear

That she is innocent, that she doats on ye;

Believe this, as a fearfull Dream, and that You lie not at my mercy, which in this

I will shew only: She her self shall give

The dreadfull Sentence, to remove all scruple

Who ’tis that sends you to the other world.

Enter Violante.

Appears my Violante? speak (my dearest)

Do’s not the object please you?

Viol.

More than if

All treasure that’s above the earth, with that,

That lyes conceal’d in both the Indian Mines,

Were laid down at my feet: O bold Jamy,

Thou only canst deserve me.

Jam.

I am forward,

And (as you easily may perceive,) I sleep not

On your commands.

Enter Assistant, and Officers.

Viol.

But yet they live: I look’d

To find them dead.

Jam.

That was deferr’d, that you

Might triumph in their misery, and have the power

To say they are not.

Viol.

’Twas well thought upon:

This kiss, and all the pleasures of my Bed

This night, shall thank thee.

Hen.

Monster!

Viol.

You Sir, that

Would have me Mother Bastards, being unable

To honour me with one Child of mine own,

That underneath my roof, kept your cast-Strumpet,

And out of my Revenues would maintain

Her riotous issue: now you find what ’tis

To tempt a woman: with as little feeling

As I turn off a slave, that is unfit

To doe me service; or a horse, or dog

That have out-liv’d their use, I shake thee off,

To make thy peace with heaven.

Hen.

I do deserve this,

And never truly felt before, what sorrow

Attends on wilfull dotage.

Viol.

For you, Mistris,

That had the pleasure of his youth before me,

And triumph’d in the fruit that you had by him,

But that I think, to have the Bastard strangled

Before thy face, and thou with speed to follow

The way he leads thee, is sufficient torture,

I would cut off thy nose, put out thine eyes,

And set my foot on these bewitching lips,

That had the start of mine: but as thou art,

Goe to the grave unpitied.

Assist.

Who would believe

Such rage could be in woman?

Viol.

For this fellow,

He is not worth my knowledge.

Jam.

Let him live then,

Since you esteem him innocent.

Viol.

No Jamy,

He shall make up the mess: now strike together,

And let them fall so.

Assist.

Unheard of crueltie!

I can endure no longer: seise on her.

Viol.

Am I betrai’d?

Is this thy faith, Jamy?

Jam.

Could your desires

Challenge performance of a deed so horrid?

Or, though that you had sold your self to hell,

I should make up the bargain? Live (dear Brother)

Live long, and happy: I forgive you freely;

To have done you this service, is to me

A fair Inheritance: and how e’re harsh language

(Call’d on by your rough usage) pass’d my lips,

In my heart I ever lov’d you: all my labours

Were but to shew, how much your love was cozen’d,

When it beheld it self in this false Glass,

That did abuse you; and I am so far

From envying young Ascanio his good fortune,

That if your State were mine, I would adopt him,

These are the Murtherers my noble friends,

Which (to make trial of her bloudy purpose)

I won, to come disguis’d thus.

Hen.

I am too full

Of grief, and shame to speak: but what I’le doe,

Shall to the world proclaim my penitence;

And howsoever I have liv’d, I’le die

A much chang’d man.

Jam.

Were it but possible

You could make satisfaction to this woman,

Our joyes were perfect.

Hen.

That’s my only comfort,

That it is in my power: I ne’re was married

To this bad woman, though I doted on her,

But daily did defer it, still expecting

When grief would kill Jacintha.

Assist.

All is come out,

And finds a fair success: take her Don Henrique,

And once again embrace your Son.

Hen.

Most gladly.

Assist.

Your Brother hath deserv’d all.

Hen.

And shall share

The moitie of my State.

Assist.

I have heard, advocate,

What an ill Instrument you have been to him,

From this time strengthen him with honest counsels,

As you’le deserve my pardon.

Bar.

I’le change my Copy:

But I am punish’d, for I fear I have had

A smart blow, though unseen.

Assist.

Curate, and Sexton,

I have heard of you too, let me hear no more,

And what’s past, is forgotten; For this woman,

Though her intent were bloody, yet our Law

Calls it not death: yet that her punishment

May deter others from such bad attempts,

The dowry she brought with her, shall be emploi’d

To build a Nunnery, where she shall spend

The remnant of her life.

Viol.

Since I have miss’d my ends,

I scorn what can fall on me.

Assist.

The strict discipline

Of the Church, will teach you better thoughts. And Signiors,

You that are Batchelours, if you ever marry,

In Bartolus you may behold the issue

Of Covetousness and Jealousie; and of dotage,

And falshood in Don Henrique: keep a mean then;

For be assured, that weak man meets all ill,
That gives himself up to a womans will.

[Exeunt.


Prologue.

To tell ye (Gentlemen,) we have a Play,
A new one too, and that ’tis launch’d to day,
The Name ye know, that’s nothing to my Story;
To tell ye, ’tis familiar, void of Glory,
Of State, of Bitterness: of wit you’ll say,
For that is now held wit, that tends that way,
Which we avoid: To tell ye too ’tis merry,
And meant to make ye pleasant, and not weary:
The Stream that guides ye, easie to attend:
To tell ye that ’tis good, is to no end,
If you believe not. Nay, to goe thus far,
To swear it, if you swear against, is war.
To assure you any thing, unless you see,
And so conceive, is vanity in me;
Therefore I leave it to it self, and pray
Like a good Bark, it may work out to day,
And stem all doubts; ’twas built for such a proof,
And we hope highly: if she lye aloof
For her own vantage, to give wind at will,
Why let her work, only be you but still,
And sweet opinion’d, and we are bound to say,
You are worthy Judges, and you crown the Play.


Epilogue.

The Play is done, yet our Suit never ends,
Still when you part, you would still part our friends,
Our noblest friends; if ought have faln amiss,
O let it be sufficient, that it is,
And you have pardon’d it. In Buildings great
All the whole Body cannot be so neat,
But something may be mended; Those are fair,
And worthy love, that may destroy, but spare.


APPENDIX

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 are not 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 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,

l. 2. A] Or modestie.

l. 18. B misprints] whow.

l. 31. A] wish that it.

p. 65,

l. 17. A] By this example.

l. 25. A] or of my.

p. 66,

l. 8. A] of mine own.

l. 26. A] Mirth, and Seek.

p. 68,

l. 2. A] have you.

p. 70,

l. 28. A] provoking it call.

p. 73,

l. 13. A] To me, of, that misery against my will.

p. 74,

l. 33. A omits] as.

p. 75,

l. 18. A gives this line to Lean.

l. 31. A adds] exit lea. and gives ll. 32 and 33 to Ars.

l. 34. A omits] Exeunt Mil. Ars.

p. 76,

l. 29. A comma has been substituted for a full-stop
after weathers.

p. 77,

l. 25. A] look out it.

l. 39. A] has.

p. 79,

l. 3. A] often-times.

l. 15. B prints] Dig.

l. 28. A omits] to.

ll. 33 and 34. A gives these lines to Lea.

p. 80,

l. 22. B misprints] yesterdy.

p. 82,

l. 9. A] still and the.

l. 16. A] jealousies.

p. 83,

l. 3. B] More.

p. 84,

l. 15. A] Gentleman.

p. 86,

l. 8. A] be a kin.

l. 10. A] ’long.

p. 87,

l. 19. A] am both to.

l. 23. A] ‘Faith.

p. 88,

l. 6. A] Y’faith.

l. 26. A] ye might.

p. 89,

l. 4. A adds] Enter Amaranta.

l. 18. B misprints] woman.

ll. 21-34. Omitted in A.

p. 90,

l. 22. A] lock upon me.

p. 92,

l. 25. A adds stage direction] Two chaires set out.

l. 28. A omits] are.p. 93, l. 10. A] porrage.

l. 23. A] gymitrie.

p. 94,

l. 27. A] abed.

l. 34. A] I will.

pp. 95 and 96.

l. 11 A omits the Song.

p. 96,

l. 11. A adds stage direction] The Bar & Book ready on a Table.

l. 18. A omits] Exeunt Parishioners.

l. 26. A] may he some.

p. 98,

l. 6. A omits] and.

l. 22. B misprints] Tough.

p. 99,

l. 4. A] proaguing.

p. 100,

l. 9. A] ’Tis Sessions.

l. 16. A] hunch, hunch.

p. 101,

l. 8. A] at her.

l. 21. A] Had winck’d.

p. 102,

l. 29. A adds stage direction] Chess-boord and men set ready.

p. 104,

l. 10. A omits] Exit.

l. 27. A] That rakes.

l. 35. A] Jam. (char.).

l. 37. A omits stage direction.

l. 40. A omits stage direction.

p. 105,

l. 18. A gives this line to Lean.

p. 106,

l. 11. A] ‘Pre.

l. 13. A omits stage direction.

l. 16. A] ‘Would.

p. 107,

l. 32. A] and I thank.

p. 109,

l. 1. A] anger.

l. 2. A] Why none, Sir.

p. 110,

l. 3. B misprints] Hne.

l. 17. B misprints] barrneness.

l. 34. A] hath blasted.

p. 111,

l. 12. A] pontafles.

p. 113,

l. 5. A adds stage direction] Bed ready wine, table Standish & Paper.

p. 114,

l. 9. A] If ye.

p. 115,

l. 29. A and B] Ars.

p. 116,

l. 25. A omits] for.

p. 117,

l. 3. A adds stage direction] Diego ready in Bed, wine, cup.

p. 118,

l. 14. A adds stage direction] Bed thrust out.

p. 120,

l. 1. A] Nor preach not Abstinence.

l. 2. A] budge.

p. 122,

l. 15. A prints Doe you deserve as
the beginning of Die’s speech.

p. 123,

l. 16. A. prints stage direction] Pewter ready for noyse.

l. 19. B misprints] joyn’d.

p. 124,

l. 10. A] ‘pre’thee.

p. 125,

l. 9. A] brussels.

l. 34. A] fleere.

p. 126,

l. 39. A] has.

p. 129,

l. 3. A] I doe owe dutie.

l. 19. A adds stage direction] A Table ready covered with Cloath Napkins Salt Trenchers and Bread.

l. 27. A] cerviz’d.

p. 132,

l. 7. A omits] wee’l.

l. 12. A adds stage direction] Dishes covered with papers in each ready.

p. 134,

l. 11. A has Bar written in the margin, not
printed, in the copy collated.

l. 36. A] least none drest.

p. 137,

l. 9. A] concernes.

l. 27. A] gives this line to Lea.

p. 138,

l. 16. A] Has.

p. 139,

l. 5. B misprints] Octavia... Arsenio.

p. 143,

l. 24. A] deserv’d well.

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