A Digital Anthology of Early Modern English Drama emed.folger.edu

Discover over four hundred early modern English plays that were professionally performed in London between 1576 and 1642. Browse plays written by Shakespeare’s contemporaries; explore the repertoires of London’s professional companies; and download plays for reading and research.

This documentary edition has been edited to provide an accurate and transparent transcription of a single copy of the earliest surviving print edition of this play. Further material, including editorial policy and XML files of the play, is available on the EMED website. EMED texts are edited and encoded by Meaghan Brown, Michael Poston, and Elizabeth Williamson, and build on work done by the EEBO-TCP and the Shakespeare His Contemporaries project. This project is funded by a Humanities Collections and Reference Resources grant from the NEH’s Division of Preservation and Access.

Plays distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. img: 1­a siimg:g [:N 1/­Ab] sig: A2r ln 0001 THE ln 0002 FAIR MAID ln 0003 OF THE WEST. ln 0004 OR, ln 0005 A Girl worth gold. ln 0006 The first part. ln 0007 As it was lately acted before the King and ln 0008 Queen, with approved liking. ln 0009 By the Queen’s Majesty’s Comedians. ln 0010 Written by T. H. ln 0011 LONDON, ln 0012 Printed for Richard Royston, and are to be sold ln 0013 at his Shop in Ivy Lane. 1631. img: 2­a ismigg: :A 22­vb sig: A3r ln 0001 To the much worthy, and my ln 0002 most respected, JOHN OTHOW, ln 0003 Esquire, Counselor at Law, in ln 0004 the noble Society of ln 0005 Gray’s Inn. ln 0006 SIR, ln 0007 EXcuse this my boldness, ln 0008 (I entreat you) and let it ln 0009 pass under the title of my ln 0010 love and respect, long ln 0011 devoted unto you; of ln 0012 which, if I endeavor to ln 0013 present the world with a due acknowledgement ln 0014 without the sordid expectation ln 0015 of reward, or servile imputation of ln 0016 flattery, I hope it will be the rather accepted. ln 0017 I must ingenuously acknowledge, a weightier ln 0018 argument would have better suited with ln 0019 your grave employment; but there are retirements ln 0020 necessarily belonging to all the labors ln 0021 of the body and brain: If in any such cessation, ln 0022 you will deign to cast an eye upon ln 0023 this weak and unpolished Poem, I shall receive ln 0024 it as a courtesy from you, much exceeding img: 3­a sig: A3v ln 0025 any merit in me, (my good meaning ln 0026 only accepted.) Thus wishing ln 0027 you healthful ability in body, untroubled ln 0028 content in mind: with the happy fruition ln 0029 of both the temporal felicities of the ln 0030 world present, and the eternal blessedness ln 0031 of the life future; I still remain as ever, ln 0032 Yours, most affectionately ln 0033 devoted, ln 0034 THOMAS HEYWOOD. img: 3­b sig: A4r ln 0001 To the READER. ln 0002 Courteous Reader, my Plays have not ln 0003 been exposed to the public view of ln 0004 the world in numerous sheets, and ln 0005 a large volume; but singly (as thou ln 0006 seest) with great modesty, and ln 0007 small noise. These Comedies, bearing ln 0008 the title of, The fair Maid ln 0009 of the West: if they prove but as gracious in thy ln 0010 private reading, as they were plausible in the public ln 0011 acting, I shall not much doubt of their success. Nor ln 0012 need they (I hope) much fear a rugged and censorious ln 0013 brow from thee, on whom the greatest and best in the ln 0014 kingdom, have vouchsafed to smile. I hold it no necessity ln 0015 to trouble thee with the Argument of the story, the ln 0016 matter itself lying so plainly before thee in Acts and ln 0017 Scenes, without any deviations, or winding indents. ln 0018 Peruse it through, and thou mayst find in it, ln 0019 Some mirth, some matter, and, perhaps, some wit. linm 0g0:2 40­a He that would study thy lsnig 0:0 A214v content, ln 0022 T. H. ln 0001 Dramatis personae. ln 0002 TWo Sea Captains. A kitchen Maid; by Master ln 0003 Master Carrol, a Gentleman. Anthony Furner. ln 0004 Master Spencer. By Master The Mayor of Foy, an Alderman, ln 0005 Michael Bowyer. and a servant. ln 0006 Captain Goodlack, Spencer’s A Spanish Captain by. C. Goad ln 0007 friend; by Master Richard An English Merchant; by ln 0008 Perkins. Robert Axell. ln 0009 Two Vintner’s boys. Mullisheg, King of Fez, by ln 0010 Bess Bridges, The fair Master William Allen. ln 0011 Maid of the west; by Hugh Bashaw Alcade; by Master ln 0012 Clark. Wilbraham. ln 0013 Master Forset, a Gentleman; Bashaw Joffer. ln 0014 by Christopher Goad. Two Spanish Captains. ln 0015 Master Roughman, a swaggering A French Merchant. ln 0016 Gentleman; by William An Italian Merchant. ln 0017 Shearlock. A Chorus. ln 0018 Clem, a drawer of wine The Earl of Essex going ln 0019 under Bess Bridges; by Mr. to Cales: the Mayor of Plymouth, ln 0020 William Robinson. with Petitioners, ln 0021 Three Sailors. A Surgeon. Mutes, personated. wln 0001 Prologue. wln 0002 AMongst the Grecians there were annual feasts, wln 0003 To which none were invited as chief guests, wln 0004 Save Princes and their Wives. Amongst the men, wln 0005 There was no argument disputed then, wln 0006 But who best governed: And (as’t did appear) wln 0007 He was esteemed sole Sovereign for that year. wln 0008 The Queens and Ladies argued at that time, wln 0009 For Virtue and for beauty which was prime, wln 0010 And she had the high honor. Two here be, wln 0011 For Beauty one, the other Majesty, wln 0012 Most worthy (did that custom still persever) wln 0013 Not for one year, but to be Sovereigns ever. img: 4­b sig: B1r wln 0014 THE FAIR MAID wln 0015 of the West: wln 0016 OR, wln 0017 A Girl worth Gold. wln 0018 Enter two Captains, and Master Carrol. wln 0019 1. Captain wln 0020 When puts my Lord to Sea? wln 0021 2. Captain When the wind’s fair. wln 0022 Carrol Resolve me I entreat, can you not guess wln 0023 The purpose of this voyage? wln 0024 1. Captain Most men think wln 0025 The Fleet’s bound for the Islands. wln 0026 Carrol Nay, ’tis like. wln 0027 The great success at Cales under the conduct wln 0028 Of such a Noble General, hath put heart wln 0029 Into the English: They are all on fire wln 0030 To purchase from the Spaniard. If their Carracks wln 0031 Come deeply laden, we shall tug with them wln 0032 For golden spoil. wln 0033 2. Captain O, were it come to that! wln 0034 1 Captain How Plymouth swells with Gallants! how the streets wln 0035 Glister with gold! You cannot meet a man wln 0036 But tricked in scarf and feather, that it seems wln 0037 As if the pride of England’s Gallantry wln 0038 Were harbored here. It doth appear (methinks) wln 0039 A very Court of Soldiers. wln 0040 Carrol It doth so. img: 5­a sig: B1v wln 0041 Where shall we dine today? wln 0042 2. Captain At the next Tavern by; there’s the best wine, wln 0043 1 Captain And the best wench, Bess Bridges, she’s the flower wln 0044 Of Plymouth held: the Castle needs no bush, wln 0045 Her beauty draws to them more gallant Customers wln 0046 Than all the signs i’ th’ town else. wln 0047 2. Captain A sweet Lass, wln 0048 If I have any judgement. wln 0049 1. Captain Now in troth wln 0050 I think she’s honest. wln 0051 Carrol Honest, and live there? wln 0052 What, in a public Tavern, where’s such confluence wln 0053 Of lusty and brave Gallants? Honest said you? wln 0054 2. Captain I vow she is for me. wln 0055 1. Captain For all, I think. I’m sure she’s wondrous modest. wln 0056 Carrol But withal wln 0057 Exceeding affable. wln 0058 2 Captain An argument that she’s not proud. wln 0059 Carrol No, were she proud, she’d fall. wln 0060 1 Captain Well, she’s a most attractive Adamant, wln 0061 Her very beauty hath upheld that house, wln 0062 And gained her master much. wln 0063 Carrol That Adamant wln 0064 Shall for this time draw me too, we’ll dine there. wln 0065 2. Captain No better motion: Come to the Castle then. wln 0066 Enter Master Spencer, and Captain Goodlack. wln 0067 Goodlack What, to the old house still? wln 0068 Spencer Canst blame me, Captain, wln 0069 Believe me, I was never surprised till now, wln 0070 Or catched upon the sudden. wln 0071 Goodlack Pray resolve me, wln 0072 Why being a Gentleman of fortunes, means, wln 0073 And well revenued, will you adventure thus wln 0074 A doubtful voyage, when only such as I wln 0075 Born to no other fortunes then my sword img: 5­b sig: B2r wln 0076 Should seek abroad for pillage. wln 0077 Spencer Pillage, Captain? wln 0078 No, ’tis for honor; And the brave society wln 0079 Of all these shining Gallants that attend wln 0080 The great Lord General, drew me hither first: wln 0081 No hope of gain or spoil. wln 0082 Goodlack Ay, but what draws you to this house so oft? wln 0083 Spencer As if thou knewst it not. wln 0084 Goodlack What, Bess? wln 0085 Spencer Even she. wln 0086 Goodlack Come, I must tell you, you forget yourself, wln 0087 One of your birth and breeding, thus to dote wln 0088 Upon a Tanner’s daughter: why, her father wln 0089 Sold hides in Somersetshire, and being trade­fallen, wln 0090 Sent her to service. wln 0091 Spencer Prithee speak no more, wln 0092 Thou tell’st me that which I would fain forget, wln 0093 Or wish I had not known. If thou wilt humor me wln 0094 Tell me she’s fair and honest. wln 0095 Goodlack Yes, and loves you. wln 0096 Spencer To forget that, were to exclude the rest: wln 0097 All saving that, were nothing. Come let’s enter. wln 0098 Enter 2. Drawers. wln 0099 1. Drawer You are welcome Gentlemen. Show them into wln 0100 the next room there. wln 0101 2. Drawer Look out a Towel, and some Rolls, a Salt and wln 0102 Trenchers. wln 0103 Spencer No sir, we will not dine. wln 0104 2. Drawer I am sure ye would if ye had my stomach. wln 0105 What wine drink ye, Sack or Claret? wln 0106 Spencer Where’s Bess? wln 0107 2. Drawer Marry above with three or four Gentlemen. wln 0108 Spencer Go call her. wln 0109 2. Drawer I’ll draw you a cup of the neatest wine in Plymouth wln 0110 Spencer I’ll taste none of your drawing. Go call Bess. img: 6­a sig: B2v wln 0111 2 Drawer There’s nothing in the mouths of these Gallants, wln 0112 but Bess, Bess. wln 0113 Spencer What sa’ ye Sir? wln 0114 2. Drawer Nothing sir, but I’ll go call her presently. wln 0115 Spencer Tell her who’s here. wln 0116 2. Drawer The devil rid her out of the house for me. wln 0117 Spencer Sa’ ye sir? wln 0118 2 Drawer Nothing but anon anon sir. wln 0119 Enter Bess Bridges. wln 0120 Spencer See she’s come. wln 0121 Bess Sweet Master Spencer, y’ are a stranger grown, wln 0122 Where have you been these three days? wln 0123 Spencer The last night wln 0124 I sat up late, at game: here take this bag, wln 0125 And lay ’t up till I call for ’t. wln 0126 Bess Sir I shall. wln 0127 Spencer Bring me some wine. wln 0128 Bess I know your taste, wln 0129 And I shall please your palate. wln 0130 Goodlack Troth ’tis a pretty soul. wln 0131 Spencer To thee I will unbosom all my thoughts, wln 0132 Were her low birth but equal with her beauty wln 0133 Here would I fix my thoughts. wln 0134 Goodlack You are not mad sir? wln 0135 You say you love her. wln 0136 Spencer Never question that. wln 0137 Goodlack Then put her to ’t, win Opportunity, wln 0138 She’s the best bawd: If (as you say) she loves you, wln 0139 She can deny you nothing. wln 0140 Spencer I have proved her wln 0141 Unto the utmost test. Examined her. wln 0142 Even to a modest force: but all in vain: wln 0143 She’ll laugh, confer, keep company, discourse, wln 0144 And something more, kiss: but beyond that compass wln 0145 She no way can be drawn. img: 6­b sig: B3r wln 0146 Goodlack ’Tis a virtue, wln 0147 But seldom found in taverns. wln 0148 Enter Bess with wine. wln 0149 Bess. ’Tis of the best Graves wine sir. wln 0150 Spencer Gramercy Girl, come sit. wln 0151 Bess. Pray pardon sir, I dare not. wln 0152 Spencer I’ll ha’ it so. wln 0153 Bess. My fellows love me not, and will complain wln 0154 Of such a saucy boldness. wln 0155 Spencer Pox on your fellows, wln 0156 I’ll try whether their pottle pots or heads wln 0157 Be harder, if I do but hear them grumble. wln 0158 Sit: now Bess drink to me. wln 0159 Bess. To your good voyage. wln 0160 Enter the second Drawer. wln 0161 2 Drawer Did you call sir? wln 0162 Spencer Yes sir, to have your absence. Captain, this health. wln 0163 Goodlack Let it come sir. wln 0164 2 Drawer Must you be set, and we wait, with a — wln 0165 Spencer What say you sir? wln 0166 2 Drawer Anon, anon, I come there. Exit. wln 0167 Spencer What will you venture Bess to sea with me? wln 0168 Bess. What I love best, my heart: for I could wish wln 0169 I had been born to equal you in fortune, wln 0170 Or you so low, to have been ranked with me, wln 0171 I could have then presumed boldly to say, wln 0172 I love none but my Spencer. wln 0173 Spencer Bess I thank thee. wln 0174 Keepe still that hundred pound till my return wln 0175 From th’ Islands with my Lord: if never, wench wln 0176 Take it, it is thine own. wln 0177 Bess. You bind me to you. img: 7­a sig: B3v wln 0178 Enter the first Drawer. wln 0179 1 Drawer Bess, you must fill some wine into the Portcullis, wln 0180 the Gentlemen there will drink none but of your wln 0181 drawing. wln 0182 Spencer She shall not rise sir, go, let your Master snick­up. wln 0183 1 Drawer And that should be cousin­german to the hiccup. wln 0184 Enter the second Drawer. wln 0185 2 Drawer Bess, you must needs come, the gentlemen wln 0186 fling pots, pottles, drawers, and all down stairs. The wln 0187 whole house is in an uproar. wln 0188 Bess. Pray pardon sir, I needs must be gone. wln 0189 2 Drawer The Gentlemen swear if she come not up to them wln 0190 They will come down to her. wln 0191 Spencer If they come in peace, wln 0192 Like civil Gentlemen, they may be welcome: wln 0193 If otherwise, let them usurp their pleasures. wln 0194 We stand prepared for both. wln 0195 Enter Carrol and two Captains. wln 0196 Carrol Save you gallants, we are somewhat bold to press wln 0197 Into your company. It may be held scarce manners, wln 0198 Therefore fit that we should crave your pardon. wln 0199 Spencer Sir, you are welcome, so are your friends. wln 0200 1 Captain Some wine. wln 0201 Bess. Pray give me leave to fill it. wln 0202 Spencer You shall not stir. So please you we’ll join company. wln 0203 Drawer, more stools. wln 0204 Carrol I take ’t that’s a she drawer. Are you of the house? wln 0205 Bess. I am sir. wln 0206 Carrol. In what place? wln 0207 Bess. I draw. wln 0208 Carrol. Beer, do you not? You are some tapstress. wln 0209 Spencer Sir, the worst character you can bestow wln 0210 Upon the maid is to draw wine. img: 7­b sig: B4r wln 0211 Carrol. She would draw none to us, wln 0212 Perhaps she keeps a Rundlet for your taste, wln 0213 Which none but you must pierce. wln 0214 2 Captain I pray be civil. wln 0215 Spencer I know not, Gentlemen, what your intents be, wln 0216 Nor do I fear or care. This is my room, wln 0217 And if you bear you, as you seem in show, wln 0218 Like Gentlemen, sit and be sociable. wln 0219 Carrol We will. Minx, by your leave: Remove I say. wln 0220 Spencer She shall not stir. wln 0221 Carrol How sir? wln 0222 Spencer No sir: could you outface the devil, wln 0223 We do not fear your roaring. wln 0224 Carrol Though you may be companion with a drudge, wln 0225 It is not fit she should have place by us. wln 0226 About your business, huswife. wln 0227 Spencer She is worthy wln 0228 The place as the best here, and she shall keep ’t. wln 0229 Carrol You lie. They bustle. Carrol slain. wln 0230 Goodlack The Gentleman’s slain, away. wln 0231 Bess. Oh heaven, what have you done? wln 0232 Goodlack Undone thyself and me too. Come away! wln 0233 Bess. Oh sad misfortune, I shall lose him ever. wln 0234 What, are you men or milk sops? Stand you still wln 0235 Senseless as stones, and see your friend in danger wln 0236 To expire his last? wln 0237 1 Captain Tush, all our help’s in vain. wln 0238 2 Captain This is the fruit of whores. wln 0239 This mischief came through thee. wln 0240 Bess. It grew first from your incivility. wln 0241 1 Captain Lend me a hand to lift his body hence. wln 0242 It was a fatal business. Exeunt Captains. wln 0243 Enter the two Drawers. wln 0244 1 Drawer One call my Master, another fetch the constable, wln 0245 Here’s a man killed in the room. img: 8­a sig: B4v wln 0246 2 Drawer How, a man killed sayest thou. Is all paid? wln 0247 1 Drawer How fell they out, canst thou tell? wln 0248 2 Drawer Sure about this bold Bettrice: ’tis not so much for wln 0249 the death of the man, but how shall we come by our wln 0250 reckoning? Exeunt Drawers. wln 0251 Bess. What shall become of me! Of all lost creatures wln 0252 The most infortunate. My innocence wln 0253 Hath been the cause of blood, and I am now wln 0254 Purpled with murder, though not within compass wln 0255 Of the Law’s severe censure: but which most wln 0256 Adds unto my affliction, I by this wln 0257 Have lost so worthy and approved a friend, wln 0258 Whom to redeem from exile, I would give wln 0259 All that’s without and in me. wln 0260 Enter Forset. wln 0261 Forset Your name’s Bess Bridges? wln 0262 Bess. An unfortunate Maid. wln 0263 Known by that name too well in Plymouth here. wln 0264 Your business, sir, with me? wln 0265 Forset Know you this Ring? wln 0266 Bess. I do: it is my Spencer’s. wln 0267 I know withal you are his trusty friend, wln 0268 To whom he would commit it. Speak, how fares he? wln 0269 Is he in freedom, know ye? wln 0270 Forset He’s in health wln 0271 Of body, though in mind somewhat perplexed wln 0272 For this late mischief happened. wln 0273 Bess. Is he fled, and freed from danger? wln 0274 Forset Neither. By this token wln 0275 He lovingly commends him to you Bess, wln 0276 And prays you when ’tis dark meet him o’ th’ Hoe wln 0277 Near to the new­made Fort, where he’ll attend you, wln 0278 Before he flies, to take a kind farewell. wln 0279 There’s only Goodlack in his company, wln 0280 He entreats you not to fail him. img: 8­b sig: C1r wln 0281 Bess Tell him from me, I’ll come, I’ll run, I’ll fly, wln 0282 Stand Death before me: were I sure to die. Exit. wln 0283 Enter Spencer and Goodlack. wln 0284 Goodlack You are too full of passion. wln 0285 Spencer Canst thou blame me, wln 0286 To have the guilt of murder burden me, wln 0287 And next, my life in hazard to a death wln 0288 So ignominious: last, to lose a Love wln 0289 So sweet, so fair, so am’rous, and so chaste, wln 0290 And all these at an instant? Art thou sure wln 0291 Carrol is dead? wln 0292 Goodlack I can believe no less. wln 0293 You hit him in the very speeding place. wln 0294 Spencer Oh but the last of these sits nearest my heart. wln 0295 Goodlack Sir be advised by me. wln 0296 Try her before you trust her. She perchance wln 0297 May take th’advantage of your hopeful fortunes: wln 0298 But when she finds you subject to distress wln 0299 And casualty, her flattering love may die: wln 0300 Your deceased hopes. wln 0301 Spencer Thou counsel’st well. wln 0302 I’ll put her to the test and utmost trial wln 0303 Before I trust her further. Here she comes. wln 0304 Enter Forset, and Bess with a bag. wln 0305 Forset I have done my message sir. wln 0306 Bess Fear not sweet Spencer, we are now alone, wln 0307 And thou art sanctuaried in these mine arms. wln 0308 Goodlack While these confer we’ll sentinel their safety. wln 0309 This place I’ll guard. wln 0310 Forset I this. wln 0311 Bess Are you not hurt? wln 0312 Or your skin razed with his offensive steel? wln 0313 How is it with you? img: 9­a sig: C1v wln 0314 Spencer Bess, all my afflictions wln 0315 Are that I must leave thee: thou know’st withal wln 0316 My extreme necessity, and that the fear wln 0317 Of a most scandalous death doth force me hence. wln 0318 I am not near my Country, and to stay wln 0319 From new supply from thence, might deeply engage me wln 0320 To desperate hazard. wln 0321 Bess. Is it coin you want? wln 0322 Here is the hundred pound you gave me late, wln 0323 Use that, beside what I have stored and saved wln 0324 Which makes it fifty more: were it ten thousand wln 0325 Nay, a whole million, Spencer, all were thine. wln 0326 Spencer No, what thou hast keep still, ’tis all thine own. wln 0327 Here be my keys, my trunks take to thy charge: wln 0328 Such gold fit for transportage as I have, wln 0329 I’ll bear along: the rest are freely thine, wln 0330 Money, apparel, and what else thou findst, wln 0331 Perhaps worth my bequest and thy receiving, wln 0332 I make thee mistress of. wln 0333 Bess. Before I doted, wln 0334 But now you strive to have me ecstasied. wln 0335 What would you have me do, in which t’express wln 0336 My zeal to you? wln 0337 Spencer Which in my chamber hangs, wln 0338 My picture, I enjoin thee to keep ever, wln 0339 For when thou partest with that, thou losest me. wln 0340 Bess. My soul may from my body be divorced, wln 0341 But never that from me. wln 0342 Spencer I have a house in Foy, a tavern called wln 0343 The Windmill, that I freely give thee too, wln 0344 And thither if I live I’ll send to thee. wln 0345 Bess. So soon as I have cast my reckonings up, wln 0346 And made even with my Master, I’ll not fail wln 0347 To visit Foy in Cornwall. Is there else wln 0348 Aught that you will enjoin me? wln 0349 Spencer Thou art fair, img: 9­b sig: C2r wln 0350 Join to thy beauty virtue. Many suitors wln 0351 I know will tempt thee: beauty’s a shrewd bait, wln 0352 But unto that if thou add’st chastity, wln 0353 Thou shalt o’ercome all scandal. Time calls hence, wln 0354 We now must part. wln 0355 Bess. Oh that I had the power to make Time lame, wln 0356 To stay the stars, or make the Moon stand still, wln 0357 That future day might never haste thy flight. wln 0358 I could dwell here forever in thine arms. wln 0359 And wish it always night. wln 0360 Spencer We trifle hours. Farewell. wln 0361 Bess. First take this Ring: wln 0362 ’Twas the first token of my constant love wln 0363 That passed betwixt us. When I see this next, wln 0364 And not my Spencer, I shall think thee dead: wln 0365 For till death part thy body from thy soul wln 0366 I know thou wilt not part with it. wln 0367 Spencer Swear for me Bess: for thou mayst safely do ’t. wln 0368 Once more farewell: at Foy thou shalt hear from me. wln 0369 Bess. There’s not a word that hath a parting sound wln 0370 Which through mine ears shrills not immediate death. wln 0371 I shall not live to lose thee. wln 0372 Forset Best be gone, for hark I hear some tread. wln 0373 Spencer A thousand farewells are in one contracted. wln 0374 Captain away. wln 0375 Exit Spencer, and Goodlack. wln 0376 Bess. Oh, I shall die. wln 0377 Forset What mean you Bess, will you betray your friend, wln 0378 Or call my name in question? Sweet, look up. wln 0379 Bess. Ha, is my Spencer gone? wln 0380 Forset With speed towards Foy, wln 0381 There to take ship for Fayal. wln 0382 Bess. Let me recollect myself, wln 0383 And what he left in charge. Virtue and Chastity. wln 0384 Next, with all sudden expedition img: 10­a sig: C2v wln 0385 Prepare for Foy: all these will I conserve, wln 0386 And keep them strictly, as I would my life. wln 0387 Plymouth farewell: in Cornwall I will prove wln 0388 A second fortune, and forever mourn, wln 0389 Until I see my Spencer’s safe return. wln 0390 Hautboys. wln 0391 A dumb Show. Enter General, Captains, the Mayor: wln 0392 Petitioners the other way with papers: amongst these the wln 0393 Drawers. The General gives them bags of money. All wln 0394 go off saving the two Drawers. wln 0395 1 Drawer ’Tis well yet we have gotten all the money due wln 0396 to my Master. It is the commonest thing that can be for wln 0397 these Captains to score and to score: but when the scores wln 0398 are to be paid, Non est inventus. wln 0399 2 Drawer ’Tis ordinary amongst Gallants nowadays, wln 0400 who had rather swear forty oaths, than only this one wln 0401 oath, God let me never be trusted. wln 0402 1 Drawer But if the Captains would follow the noble wln 0403 mind of the General, before night there would not be wln 0404 one score owing in Plymouth. wln 0405 2 Drawer Little knows Bess that my Master hath got wln 0406 in these desperate debts: but she hath cast up her account: wln 0407 and is gone. wln 0408 1 Drawer Whither canst thou tell? wln 0409 2 Drawer They say to keep a Tavern in Foy, and that wln 0410 Master Spencer hath given her a stock to set up for herself. wln 0411 Well, howsoever, I am glad, though he killed the man we wln 0412 have got our money. wln 0413 Explicit Actus primus. img: 10­b sig: C3r wln 0414 Actus secundus, Scaena prima. wln 0415 Enter Forset and Roughman. wln 0416 Forset. wln 0417 IN your time have you seen a sweeter creature? wln 0418 Roughman Some week or thereabouts. wln 0419 Forset And in that small time she hath almost undone wln 0420 all the other Taverns. The Gallants make no rendezvous wln 0421 now but at the Windmill. wln 0422 Roughman Spite of them I’ll have her. It shall cost me wln 0423 the setting on but I’ll have her. wln 0424 Forset Why, do you think she is so easily won? wln 0425 Roughman Easily or not, I’ll bid as fair and far as any wln 0426 man within twenty miles of my head, but I will put her wln 0427 to the squeak. wln 0428 Forset They say there are Knights’ sons already come wln 0429 as suitors to her. wln 0430 Roughman ’Tis like enough, some younger brothers, and wln 0431 so I intend to make them. wln 0432 Forset If these doings hold, she will grow rich in short wln 0433 time. wln 0434 Roughman There shall be doings that shall make this wln 0435 Windmill my grand seat, my mansion, my palace, and wln 0436 my Constantinople. wln 0437 Enter Bess Bridges like a Mistress, wln 0438 and Clem wln 0439 Forset Here she comes: observe how modestly she bears wln 0440 herself. wln 0441 Roughman I must know of what burden this vessel is, I wln 0442 shall not bear with her till she bear with me, and till wln 0443 then, I cannot report her for a woman of good carriage. img: 11­b sig: C3v wln 0444 Bess. Your old Master that dwelt here before my wln 0445 coming, hath turned over your years to me. wln 0446 Clem Right forsooth: before he was a Vintner, he wln 0447 was a shoemaker, and left two or three turn­overs more wln 0448 besides myself. wln 0449 Bess. How long hast thou to serve. wln 0450 Clem But eleven years next grass, and then I am in wln 0451 hope of my freedom. For by that time I shall be at full age. wln 0452 Bess. How old art thou now? wln 0453 Clem Forsooth newly come into my Teens. I have wln 0454 scraped trenchers this two years, and the next Vintage I wln 0455 hope to be Bar­boy. wln 0456 Bess. What’s thy name? wln 0457 Clem My name is Clem, my father was a Baker, and by wln 0458 the report of his neighbors, as honest a man as ever lived wln 0459 by bread. wln 0460 Bess And where dwelt he? wln 0461 Clem Below here in the next crooked street, at the wln 0462 sign of the Leg. He was nothing so tall as I, but a little wln 0463 wee­man, and somewhat huck­backed. wln 0464 Bess. He was once Constable? wln 0465 Clem He was indeed, and in that one year of his wln 0466 reign, I have heard them say, he bolted and sifted out wln 0467 more business, than others in that office in many years wln 0468 before him. wln 0469 Bess. How long is ’t since he died? wln 0470 Clem Marry the last dear year. For when corn grew wln 0471 to be at an high rate, my father never dowed after. wln 0472 Bess. I think I have heard of him. wln 0473 Clem Then I am sure you have heard he was an honest wln 0474 neighbor, and one that never loved to be meal­mouthed. wln 0475 Bess. Well sirrah, prove an honest servant, and you wln 0476 shall find me your good Mistress. What company is in wln 0477 the Marmaid? wln 0478 Clem There be four Sea captains. I believe they be wln 0479 little better than spirats, they are so flush of their ruddocks. img: 11­b sig: C4r wln 0480 Bess No matter, we will take no note of them. wln 0481 Here they vent many brave commodities, wln 0482 By which some gain accrues. Th’ are my good customers, wln 0483 And still return me profit. wln 0484 Clem Wot you what Mistress, how the two Sailors wln 0485 would have served me, that called for the pound and half wln 0486 of Cheese? wln 0487 Bess How was it Clem? wln 0488 Clem When I brought them a reckoning, they would wln 0489 have had me to have scored it up. They took me for a simple wln 0490 gull indeed, that would have had me to have taken wln 0491 Chalk for Cheese: wln 0492 Bess. Well, go wait upon the Captains, see them wln 0493 want no wine. wln 0494 Clem Nor reckoning neither, take my word Mistress. wln 0495 Roughman She’s now at leisure, I’ll to her. wln 0496 Lady, what Gentlemen are those above? wln 0497 Bess. Sir they are such as please to be my guests, wln 0498 And they are kindly welcome. wln 0499 Roughman Give me their names. wln 0500 Bess. You may go search the Church­book where wln 0501 they were christened. wln 0502 There you perhaps may learn them. wln 0503 Roughman Minion, how? wln 0504 Forset Fie, fie, you are too rude with this fair creature, wln 0505 That no way seeks t’ offend you. wln 0506 Bess Pray hands off. wln 0507 Roughman I tell thee maid, wife, or whate’er thou beest, wln 0508 No man shall enter here but by my leave. wln 0509 Come, let’s be more familiar. wln 0510 Bess ’Las goodman. wln 0511 Roughman Why know’st thou whom thou slight’st. I am Roughman, wln 0512 The only approved gallant of these parts, wln 0513 A man of whom the Roarers stand in awe, wln 0514 And must not be put off. wln 0515 Bess I never yet heard man so praise himself, img: 12­a sig: C4v wln 0516 But proved in th’ end a coward. wln 0517 Roughman Coward, Bess? wln 0518 You will offend me, raise in me that fury wln 0519 Your beauty cannot calm. Go to, no more, wln 0520 Your language is too harsh and peremptory. wln 0521 Pray let me hear no more on ’t. I tell thee wln 0522 That quiet day scarce past me these seven years wln 0523 I have not cracked a weapon in some fray, wln 0524 And will you move my spleen? wln 0525 Forset What, threat a woman? wln 0526 Bess Sir, if you thus persist to wrong my house, wln 0527 Disturb my guests, and nightly domineer, wln 0528 To put my friends from patience, I’ll complain, wln 0529 And right myself before the Magistrate. wln 0530 Can we not live in compass of the Law, wln 0531 But must be swaggered out on ’t? wln 0532 Roughman Go to, wench, wln 0533 I wish thee well, think on ’t, there’s good for thee wln 0534 Stored in my breast, and when I come in place wln 0535 I must have no man to offend mine eye: wln 0536 My love can brook no rivals. For this time wln 0537 I am content your Captains shall have peace, wln 0538 But must not be used to ’t. wln 0539 Bess Sir if you come like other free and civil Gentlemen wln 0540 Y’ are welcome, otherwise my doors are barred you. wln 0541 Roughman That’s my good Girl, wln 0542 I have fortunes laid up for thee: what I have wln 0543 Command it as thine own. Go to, be wise. wln 0544 Bess Well, I shall study for ’t. wln 0545 Roughman Consider on ’t. Farewell. Exit. wln 0546 Bess My mind suggests me that this prating fellow wln 0547 Is some notorious Coward. If he persist wln 0548 I have a trick, to try what metal’s in him. wln 0549 Enter Clem wln 0550 What news with you? wln 0551 Clem I am now going to carry the Captains a reckoning. img: 12­b sig: D1r wln 0552 Bess. And what’s the sum? wln 0553 Clem Let me see, eight shillings and six pence. wln 0554 Bess How can you make that good? write them a bill. wln 0555 Clem I’ll watch them for that, ’tis no time of night to wln 0556 use our bills, the Gentlemen are no dwarfs, and with one wln 0557 word of my mouth, I can tell them what is to be­tall. wln 0558 Bess. How comes it to so much? wln 0559 Clem Imprimis, six quarts of wine at seven pence the wln 0560 quart, seven sixpences. wln 0561 Bess. Why dost thou reckon it so? wln 0562 Clem Because as they came in by hab nab, so I will wln 0563 bring them in a reckoning at six and at sevens. wln 0564 Bess Well, wine — 3 s, 6 d. wln 0565 Clem And what wants that of ten groats? wln 0566 Bess. ’Tis two pence over. wln 0567 Clem Then put six pence more to it, and make it 4 s, wln 0568 wine, though you bate it them in their meat. wln 0569 Bess. Why so I prithee? wln 0570 Clem Because of the old proverb, What they want in wln 0571 meat, let them take out in drink. Then for twelve pennyworth wln 0572 of Anchoves, 18 d. wln 0573 Bess. How can that be? wln 0574 Clem Marry very well Mistress, 12 d. Anchoves, and wln 0575 6 d. oil and vinegar. Nay they shall have a saucy reckoning wln 0576 Bess And what for the other half crown? wln 0577 Clem Bread, beer, salt, napkins, trenchers, one thing wln 0578 with another, so the summa totalis is — 8 s, 6 d. wln 0579 Bess Well, take the reckoning from the bar. wln 0580 Clem What needs that forsooth? The Gentlemen seem wln 0581 to be high flown already, send them in but another pottle wln 0582 of Sack, and they will cast up the reckoning of themselves. wln 0583 Yes, I’ll about it. wln 0584 Bess Were I not with so my suitors pestered, wln 0585 And might I enjoy my Spencer, what a sweet wln 0586 Contented life were this? For money flows wln 0587 And my gain’s great. But to my Roughman next: img: 13­a sig: D1v wln 0588 I have a trick to try what spirit’s in him, wln 0589 It shall be my next business: in this passion wln 0590 For my dear Spencer, I propose me this, wln 0591 ’Mongst many sorrows some mirth’s not amiss, wln 0592 Exit. wln 0593 Enter Spencer, and Goodlack. wln 0594 Goodlack What were you thinking sir? wln 0595 Spencer Troth of the world, what any man should see in ’t wln 0596 To be in love with it. wln 0597 Goodlack The reason of your meditation. wln 0598 Spencer To imagine that in the same instant that one forfeits wln 0599 all his estate, another enters upon a rich possession: as wln 0600 one goes to the Church to be married, another is hurried wln 0601 to the gallows to be hanged, the last having no feeling wln 0602 of the first man’s joy, nor the first of the last man’s misery. wln 0603 At the same time that one lies tortured upon the Rack, wln 0604 another lies tumbling with his Mistress over head and wln 0605 ears in down and feathers. This when I truly consider, wln 0606 I cannot but wonder why any fortune should make a man wln 0607 ecstasied. wln 0608 Goodlack You give yourself too much to melancholy. wln 0609 Spencer These are my Maxims, and were they as faithfully wln 0610 practiced by others, as truly apprehended by me, we wln 0611 should have less oppression, and more charity. wln 0612 Enter the two Captains that were before. wln 0613 1 Captain Make good thy words. wln 0614 2 Captain I say thou hast injured me. wln 0615 1 Captain Tell me wherein. wln 0616 2 Captain When we assaulted Fayal, wln 0617 And I had by the General’s command wln 0618 The onset, and with danger of my person wln 0619 Enforced the Spaniard to a swift retreat, wln 0620 And beat them from their Fort, thou when thou saw’st wln 0621 All fear and danger past, mad’st up with me img: 13­b sig: D2r wln 0622 To share that honor which was sole mine own, wln 0623 And never ventured shot for ’t, or e’er came wln 0624 Where bullet grazed. wln 0625 Spencer See Captain a fray towards, wln 0626 Let’s if we can atone this difference. wln 0627 Goodlack Content. wln 0628 1 Captain I’ll prove it with my sword, wln 0629 That though thou hadst the foremost place in field, wln 0630 And I the second, yet my Company wln 0631 Was equal in the entry of the Fort. wln 0632 My sword was that day drawn as soon as thine, wln 0633 And that poor honor which I won that day wln 0634 Was but my merit. wln 0635 2 Captain Wrong me palpably wln 0636 And justify the same? wln 0637 Spencer You shall not fight. wln 0638 1 Captain Why sir, who made you first a Justicer, wln 0639 And taught you that word shall? you are no General, wln 0640 Or if you be, pray show us your Commission. wln 0641 Spencer Sir you have no commission but my counsel, wln 0642 And that I’ll show you freely. wln 0643 2 Captain ’Tis some Chaplain, wln 0644 1 Captain I do not like his text. wln 0645 Goodlack Let’s beat their weapons down. wln 0646 1 Captain I’ll aim at him that offers to divide us! wln 0647 2 Captain Pox of these part­frays, see I am wounded wln 0648 By beating down my weapon. wln 0649 Goodlack How fares my friend? wln 0650 Spencer You sought for blood, and Gentlemen you have it, wln 0651 Let mine appease you, I am hurt to death. wln 0652 1 Captain My rage converts to pity, that this Gentleman wln 0653 Shall suffer for his goodness. wln 0654 Goodlack Noble friend, wln 0655 I will revenge thy death. wln 0656 Spencer He is no friend wln 0657 That murmurs such a thought. Oh Gentlemen. img: 14­a sig: D2v wln 0658 I killed a man in Plymouth, and by you wln 0659 Am slain in Fayal, Carrol fell by me, wln 0660 And I fall by a Spencer. Heaven is just, wln 0661 And will not suffer murder unrevenged, wln 0662 Heaven pardon me, as I forgive you both, wln 0663 Shift for yourselves: away. wln 0664 2 Captain We saw him die, wln 0665 But grieve you should so perish. wln 0666 Spencer Note Heaven’s justice, wln 0667 And henceforth make that use on ’t. I shall faint. wln 0668 1 Captain Short Farewells now must serve. If thou survivest wln 0669 Live to thine honor: but if thou expir’st wln 0670 Heaven take thy soul to mercy. Exeunt. wln 0671 Spencer I bleed much, wln 0672 I must go seek a Surgeon. wln 0673 Goodlack Sir how cheer you? wln 0674 Spencer Like one that’s bound upon a new adventure wln 0675 To th’ other world: yet thus much worthy friend wln 0676 Let me entreat you, since I understand wln 0677 The Fleet is bound for England, take your occasion wln 0678 To ship yourself, and when you come to Foy wln 0679 Kindly commend me to my dearest Bess, wln 0680 Thou shalt receive a Will, in which I have wln 0681 Possessed her of five hundred pounds a year. wln 0682 Goodlack A noble Legacy. wln 0683 Spencer The rest I have bestowed amongst my friends, wln 0684 Only reserving a bare hundred pounds wln 0685 To see me honestly and well interred. wln 0686 Goodlack I shall perform your trust as carefully wln 0687 As to my father, breathed he. wln 0688 Spencer Mark me Captain: wln 0689 Her Legacy I give with this proviso, wln 0690 If at thy arrival where my Bess remains, wln 0691 Thou findst her well reported, free from scandal, wln 0692 My Will stands firm: but if thou hear’st her branded wln 0693 For loose behavior, or immodest life, img: 14­b sig: D3r wln 0694 What she should have, I here bestow on thee, wln 0695 It is thine own: but as thou lov’st thy soul wln 0696 Deal faithfully betwixt my Bess and me. wln 0697 Goodlack Else let me die a prodigy. wln 0698 Spencer This Ring was hers, that, be she loose or chaste, wln 0699 Being her own, restore her, she will know it, wln 0700 And doubtless she deserves it. Oh my memory, wln 0701 What had I quite forgot? She hath my picture, wln 0702 Goodlack And what of that? wln 0703 Spencer If she be ranked amongst the loose and lewd, wln 0704 Take it away, I hold it much undecent, wln 0705 A whore should ha ’t in keeping: but if constant wln 0706 Let her enjoy it: this my Will perform wln 0707 As thou art just and honest. wln 0708 Goodlack Sense else forsake me. wln 0709 Spencer Now lead me to my Chamber, all’s made even, wln 0710 My peace with earth, and my atone with heaven. wln 0711 Enter Bess Bridges like a Page with a sword, wln 0712 and Clem wln 0713 Bess But that I know my mother to be chaste, wln 0714 I’d swear some Soldier got me. wln 0715 Clem It may be many a Soldier’s Buff Jerkin came wln 0716 out of your father’s Tan­fat. wln 0717 Bess. Methinks I have a manly spirit in me wln 0718 In this man’s habit. wln 0719 Clem Now am not I of many men’s minds, for if you wln 0720 should do me wrong, I should not kill you, though I wln 0721 took you pissing against a wall. wln 0722 Bess Methinks I could be valiant on the sudden: wln 0723 And meet a man i’ th’ field. wln 0724 I could do all that I have heard discoursed wln 0725 Of Mary Ambree or Westminster’s Long Meg. wln 0726 Clem What Mary Ambree was I cannot tell, but unless wln 0727 you were taller you will come short of Long Meg. img: 15­a sig: D3v wln 0728 Bess Of all thy fellows thee I only trust, wln 0729 And charge thee to be secret. wln 0730 Clem I am bound in my Indentures to keep my Master’s wln 0731 secrets, and should I find a man in bed with you, I wln 0732 would not tell. wln 0733 Bess Be gone sir, but no words as you esteem my favor. wln 0734 Clem But Mistress, I could wish you to look to your wln 0735 long seams, fights are dangerous. But am not I in a sweet wln 0736 taking think you? wln 0737 Bess. I prithee why? wln 0738 Clem Why, if you should swagger and kill anybody, I wln 0739 being a Vintner should be called to the Bar. wln 0740 Bess. Let none condemn me of immodesty, wln 0741 Because I try the courage of a man wln 0742 Who on my soul’s a Coward: beats my servants, wln 0743 Cuffs them, and as they pass by him kicks my maids, wln 0744 Nay domineers over me, making himself wln 0745 Lord o’er my house and household. Yesternight wln 0746 I heard him make appointment on some business wln 0747 To pass alone this way. I’ll venture fair, wln 0748 But I will try what’s in him. wln 0749 Enter Roughman and Forset. wln 0750 Forset Sir, I can now no further, weighty business wln 0751 Calls me away. wln 0752 Roughman Why at your pleasure then, wln 0753 Yet I could wish that ere I passed this field, wln 0754 That I could meet some Hector, so your eyes wln 0755 Might witness what myself have oft repeated, wln 0756 Namely that I am valiant. wln 0757 Forset Sir no doubt. But now I am in haste. Farewell, wln 0758 Roughman How many times brave words bear out a man? wln 0759 For if he can but make a noise, he’s feared. wln 0760 To talk of frays, although he ne’er had heart wln 0761 To face a man in field, that’s a brave fellow, wln 0762 I have been valiant I must needs confess, img: 15­b sig: D4r wln 0763 In street and Tavern, where there have been men wln 0764 Ready to part the fray: but for the fields wln 0765 They are too cold to fight in. wln 0766 Bess. You are a villain, a Coward, and you lie. wln 0767 Roughman You wrong me I protest. Sweet courteous Gentleman wln 0768 I never did you wrong. wln 0769 Bess. Wilt tell me that? wln 0770 Draw forth thy coward sword, and suddenly, wln 0771 Or as I am a man I’ll run thee through, wln 0772 And leave thee dead i’ th’ field. wln 0773 Roughman Hold as you are a Gentleman. I have ta’en an oath wln 0774 I will not fight today. wln 0775 Bess. Th’ast took a blow already and the lie, wln 0776 Will not both these enrage thee? wln 0777 Roughman No, would you give the bastinado too, wln 0778 I will not break mine oath. wln 0779 Bess. Oh, your name’s Roughman. wln 0780 No day doth pass you but you hurt or kill. wln 0781 Is this out of your calendar? wln 0782 Roughman Ay, you are deceived, wln 0783 I ne’er drew sword in anger I protest, wln 0784 Unless it were upon some poor weak fellow wln 0785 That ne’er wore steel about him. wln 0786 Bess. Throw your Sword. wln 0787 Roughman Here sweet young sir, but as you are a gentleman, wln 0788 Do not impair mine honor. wln 0789 Bess. Tie that shoe. wln 0790 Roughman I shall sir. wln 0791 Bess. Untruss that point. wln 0792 Roughman Any thing this day to save mine oath. wln 0793 Bess. Enough: yet not enough, lie down wln 0794 Till I stride o’er thee. wln 0795 Roughman Sweet sir any thing. wln 0796 Bess. Rise, thou hast leave. Now Roughman thou art blest wln 0797 This day thy life is saved, look to the rest. wln 0798 Take back thy sword. img: 16­a sig: D4v wln 0799 Roughman Oh you are generous: honor me so much wln 0800 As let me know to whom I owe my life. wln 0801 Bess. I am Bess Bridges’. brother, wln 0802 Roughman Still methought that you were something like her. wln 0803 Bess. And I have heard, wln 0804 You domineer and revel in her house, wln 0805 Control her servants, and abuse her guests, wln 0806 Which if I ever shall hereafter hear, wln 0807 Thou art but a dead man. wln 0808 Roughman She never told me of a brother living, wln 0809 But you have power to sway me. wln 0810 Bess But for I see you are a Gentleman, wln 0811 I am content this once to let you pass, wln 0812 But if I find you fall into relapse, wln 0813 The second’s far more dangerous. wln 0814 Roughman I shall fear it. Sir will you take the wine? wln 0815 Bess I am for London. wln 0816 And for these two terms cannot make return: wln 0817 But if you see my sister, you may say wln 0818 I was in health. wln 0819 Roughman Too well, the devil take you. wln 0820 Bess Pray use her well, and at my coming back wln 0821 I’ll ask for your acquaintance. Now farewell. wln 0822 Roughman None saw ’t: he’s gone for London: I am unhurt, wln 0823 Then who shall publish this disgrace abroad? wln 0824 One man’s no slander, should he speak his worst, wln 0825 My tongue’s as loud as his, but in this country wln 0826 Both of more fame and credit. Should we contest wln 0827 I can outface the proudest. This is then wln 0828 My comfort: Roughman, thou art still the same, wln 0829 For a disgrace not seen, is held no shame. wln 0830 Enter two Sailors. wln 0831 1 Sailor Aboard, aboard, the wind stands fair for England, wln 0832 The ships have all weighed anchor. wln 0833 2 Sailor A stiff gale blows from the shore. img: 16­b sig: E1r wln 0834 Enter Captain Goodlack. wln 0835 Goodlack The Sailors call aboard, and I am forced wln 0836 To leave my friend now at the point of death, wln 0837 And cannot close his eyes. Here is the Will, wln 0838 Now may I find yon Tanner’s daughter turned wln 0839 Unchaste or wanton, I shall gain by it wln 0840 Five hundred pounds a year: here is good evidence. wln 0841 1 Sailor. Sir will you take the long boat and aboard? wln 0842 Enter a third Sailor. wln 0843 Goodlack With all my heart. wln 0844 3 Sailor What are you ready Mates? wln 0845 1 Sailor We stayed for you. Thou canst not tell who’s dead? wln 0846 The great bell rung out now. wln 0847 3 Sailor. They say ’twas for one Spencer, who this night wln 0848 Died of a mortal wound. wln 0849 Goodlack My worthy friend. wln 0850 Unhappy man that cannot stay behind wln 0851 To do him his last rights. Was his name Spencer? wln 0852 3 Sailor Yes sir, a Gentleman of good account wln 0853 And well known in the navy. wln 0854 Goodlack This is the end of all mortality: wln 0855 It will be news unpleasing to his Bess. wln 0856 I cannot fair amiss, but long to see wln 0857 Whether these Lands belong to her or me. wln 0858 Enter Spencer, and his Surgeon. wln 0859 Surgeon Nay fear not sir, now you have scaped this dressing wln 0860 My life for yours. wln 0861 Spencer I thank thee honest Friend. wln 0862 Surgeon Sir I can tell you news. wln 0863 Spencer What is ’t I prithee? wln 0864 Surgeon There is a Gentleman one of your name, wln 0865 That died within this hour. wln 0866 Spencer My name? what was he, of what sickness died he? img: 17­a sig: E1v wln 0867 Surgeon No sickness, but a slight hurt in the body, wln 0868 Which showed at first no danger, but being searched, wln 0869 He died at the third dressing. wln 0870 Spencer At my third search I am in hope of life. wln 0871 The heavens are merciful. wln 0872 Surgeon Sir doubt not your recovery. wln 0873 Spencer That hundred pound I had prepared t’ expend wln 0874 Upon mine own expected Funeral wln 0875 I for namesake will now bestow on his. wln 0876 Surgeon A noble resolution. wln 0877 Spencer What ships are bound for England, I would gladly wln 0878 Venture to sea, though weak. wln 0879 Surgeon All bound that way are under sail already. wln 0880 Spencer Here’s no security, wln 0881 For when the beaten Spaniards shall return, wln 0882 They’ll spoil whom they can find. wln 0883 Surgeon We have a ship, wln 0884 Of which I am Surgeon, that belongs unto wln 0885 A London merchant, now bound for Mamorah wln 0886 A town in Barbary, please you to use that, wln 0887 You shall command free passage: ten months hence wln 0888 We hope to visit England. wln 0889 Spencer Friend I thank thee. wln 0890 Surgeon I’ll bring you to the Master, who I know wln 0891 Will entertain you gladly. wln 0892 Spencer When I have seen the funeral rights performed wln 0893 To the dead body of my Country man wln 0894 And kinsman, I will take your courteous offer. wln 0895 England no doubt will hear news of my death, wln 0896 How Bess will take it is to me unknown: wln 0897 On her behavior I will build my fate, wln 0898 There raise my love, or thence erect my hate. wln 0899 Explicit Actus secundus. img: 17­b sig: E2r wln 0900 Actus tertius. Scaena prima. wln 0901 Enter Roughman and Forset. wln 0902 Forset. wln 0903 OH y’ are well met, just as I prophesied wln 0904 So it fell out. wln 0905 Forset As how I pray? wln 0906 Roughman Had you but stayed the crossing of one field, wln 0907 You had beheld a Hector, the boldest Trojan wln 0908 That ever Roughman met with. wln 0909 Forset Pray what was he? wln 0910 Roughman You talk of Little Davy, Cutting Dick, wln 0911 And divers such, but tush, this hath no fellow. wln 0912 Forset Of what stature and years was he? wln 0913 Roughman Indeed I must confess he was no giant, wln 0914 Nor above fifty, but he did bestir him, wln 0915 Was here and there, and everywhere at once, wln 0916 That I was ne’er so put to ’t since the Midwife wln 0917 First wrapped my head in linen. Let’s to Bess. wln 0918 I’ll tell her the whole project. wln 0919 Forset Here’s the house, we’ll enter if you please. wln 0920 Roughman Where be these Drawers, Rascals I should say? wln 0921 That will give no attendance. wln 0922 Enter Clem wln 0923 Clem. Anon, anon sir, please you see a room. What you wln 0924 here again? Now we shall have such roaring. wln 0925 Roughman You sirrah call your Mistress. wln 0926 Clem Yes sir, I know it is my duty to call her Mistress. wln 0927 Roughman See and the slave will stir. wln 0928 Clem Yes I do stir. wln 0929 Roughman Shall we have humors, sauce­box, you have ears wln 0930 I’ll teach you pricksong. img: 18­a sig: E2v wln 0931 Clem But you have now a wrong Sow by the ear. I wln 0932 will call her, wln 0933 Roughman Do sir, you had best. wln 0934 Clem If you were twenty Roughmans, if you lug me by wln 0935 the ears again, I’ll draw. wln 0936 Roughman Ha, what will you draw? wln 0937 Clem The best wine in the house for your worship: and wln 0938 I would call her, but I can assure you she is either not stirring, wln 0939 or else not in case. wln 0940 Roughman How not in case? wln 0941 Clem I think she hath not her smock on, for I think wln 0942 I saw it lie at her bed’s head. wln 0943 Roughman What, Drawers grow capricious? wln 0944 Clem Help, help. wln 0945 Enter Bess Bridges. wln 0946 Bess. What uproar’s this? shall we be never rid wln 0947 From these disturbances? wln 0948 Roughman Why how now Bess? Is this your huswifry? wln 0949 When you are mine I’ll have you rise as early as the Lark, wln 0950 Look to the Bar yourself: these lazy rascals wln 0951 Will bring your state behind hand. wln 0952 Clem You lie sir? wln 0953 Roughman How? lie? wln 0954 Clem Yes sir at the Raven in the high­street, I was at wln 0955 your lodging this morning for a pottle pot. wln 0956 Roughman You will about your business, must you here wln 0957 Stand gaping and idle? wln 0958 Bess You wrong me sir, wln 0959 And tyrannize too much over my servants. wln 0960 I will have no man touch them but myself. wln 0961 Clem If I do not put Ratsbane into his wine instead wln 0962 of Sugar, say I am no true Baker. wln 0963 Roughman What, rise at noon? wln 0964 A man may fight a tall fray in a morning, wln 0965 And one of your best friends too be hacked and mangled, img: 18­b sig: E3r wln 0966 And almost cut to pieces, and you fast wln 0967 Close in your bed, ne’er dream on ’t. wln 0968 Bess. Fought you this day? wln 0969 Roughman And ne’er was better put to ’t in my days. wln 0970 Bess. I pray, how was’t? wln 0971 Roughman Thus: as I passed yon fields: wln 0972 Enter the Kitchen­maid. wln 0973 Maid. I pray forsooth, what shall I reckon for the Jowl wln 0974 of Ling in the Portcullis. wln 0975 Roughman A pox upon your Jowls, you kitchen­stuff, wln 0976 Go scour your skillets, pots, and dripping­pans, wln 0977 And interrupt not us. wln 0978 Maid. The Devil take your Oxheels, you foul wln 0979 Codshead, must you be kicking? wln 0980 Roughman Minion dare you scold? wln 0981 Maid. Yes sir, and lay my ladle over your coxcomb. wln 0982 Bess. I do not think that thou dar’st strike a man, wln 0983 That swagger’st thus o’er women. wln 0984 Roughman How now Bess? wln 0985 Bess. Shall we be never quiet? wln 0986 Forset You are too rude. wln 0987 Roughman Now I profess all patience. wln 0988 Bess Then proceed. wln 0989 Roughman Rising up early, Minion whilst you slept, wln 0990 To cross yon field, I had but newly parted wln 0991 With this my friend, but that I soon espied wln 0992 A gallant fellow, and most strongly armed. wln 0993 In the mid­field we met, and both being resolute, wln 0994 We justled for the wall. wln 0995 Bess Why, did there stand a wall in the mid­field? wln 0996 Roughman I meant strove for the way. wln 0997 Two such brave spirits meeting, straight both drew. wln 0998 Enter Clem wln 0999 Clem The Maid forsooth sent me to know whether wln 1000 you would have the shoulder of mutton roasted or sod. wln 1001 Roughman A mischief on your shoulders. img: 19­a sig: E3v wln 1002 Clem That’s the way to make me never prove good porter wln 1003 Bess. You still heap wrongs on wrongs. wln 1004 Roughman I was in fury wln 1005 To think upon the violence of that fight, wln 1006 And could not stay my rage. wln 1007 Forset Once more proceed. wln 1008 Roughman Oh had you seen two tilting meteors justle wln 1009 In the mid Region, with like fear and fury wln 1010 We two encountered. Not Briareus wln 1011 Could with his hundred hands have struck more thick. wln 1012 Blows came about my head, I took them still. wln 1013 Thrusts by my sides twixt body and my arms, wln 1014 Yet still I put them by. wln 1015 Bess. When they were past he put them by. Go on. wln 1016 But in this fury what became of him? wln 1017 Roughman I think I paid him home, he’s soundly mauled, wln 1018 I bosomed him at every second thrust. wln 1019 Bess ’Scaped he with life? wln 1020 Roughman Ay, that’s my fear: if he recover this, wln 1021 I’ll never trust my sword more. wln 1022 Bess. Why fly you not if he be in such danger? wln 1023 Roughman Because a witch once told me wln 1024 I ne’er should die for murder. wln 1025 Bess. I believe thee, wln 1026 But tell me pray, was not this gallant fellow, wln 1027 A pretty fair young youth about my years? wln 1028 Roughman Even thereabouts. wln 1029 Clem He was not fifty then. wln 1030 Bess. Much of my stature? wln 1031 Roughman Much about your pitch. wln 1032 Clem He was no giant then. wln 1033 Bess. And wore a suit like this? wln 1034 Roughman I half suspect. wln 1035 Bess. That gallant fellow, wln 1036 So wounded and so mangled, was myself, wln 1037 You base white­livered slave, it was this shoe img: 19­b sig: E4r wln 1038 That thou stooped to untie: untrussed those points: wln 1039 And like a beastly coward lay along, wln 1040 Till I strid over thee. Speak, was’t not so? wln 1041 Roughman It cannot be denied. wln 1042 Bess. Hare­hearted fellow, Milksop, dost not blush? wln 1043 Give me that Rapier: I will make thee swear, wln 1044 Thou shalt redeem this scorn thou hast incurred, wln 1045 Or in this woman shape I’ll cudgel thee, wln 1046 And beat thee through the streets. As I am Bess, I’ll do ’t. wln 1047 Roughman Hold, hold; I swear. wln 1048 Bess Dare not to enter at my door till then. wln 1049 Roughman Shame confounds me quite. wln 1050 Bess That shame redeem: perhaps we’ll do thee grace wln 1051 I love the valiant, but despise the base. Exit. wln 1052 Clem Will you be kicked sir? wln 1053 Roughman She hath wakened me, wln 1054 And kindled that dead fire of courage in me, wln 1055 Which all this while hath slept: To spare my flesh wln 1056 And wound my fame, what is ’t? I will not rest wln 1057 Till by some valiant deed I have made good wln 1058 All my disgraces past. I’ll cross the street, wln 1059 And strike the next brave fellow that I meet. wln 1060 Forset I am bound to see the end on ’t. wln 1061 Roughman Are you sir? wln 1062 Beats off Forset. wln 1063 Enter Mayor of Foy, an Alderman; and Servant. wln 1064 Mayor. Believe me sir, she bears herself so well, wln 1065 No man can justly blame her: and I wonder wln 1066 Being a single woman as she is, wln 1067 And living in an house of such resort, wln 1068 She is no more distasted. wln 1069 Alderman The best Gentlemen wln 1070 The Country yields, become her daily guests. wln 1071 Sure sir I think she’s rich. img: 20­a sig: E4v wln 1072 Mayor. Thus much I know, would I could buy her state wln 1073 Were ’t for a brace of thousands. A shot. wln 1074 Alderman ’Twas said a ship is now put into harbor, wln 1075 Know whence she is. wln 1076 Servant I’ll bring news from the quay. wln 1077 Mayor. To tell you true sir, I could wish a match wln 1078 Betwixt her and mine own and only son, wln 1079 And stretch my purse too upon that condition. wln 1080 Alderman Please you I’ll motion it. wln 1081 Enter the Servant. wln 1082 Servant One of the ships is new come from the Islands, wln 1083 The greatest man of note’s one Captain Goodlack. wln 1084 It is but a small Vessel. wln 1085 Enter Goodlack and Sailors. wln 1086 Goodlack I’ll meet you straight at th’ Windmill. wln 1087 Not one word of my name. wln 1088 1 Sailor We understand you. wln 1089 Mayor. Sir ’tis told us you came late from th’ Islands: wln 1090 Goodlack I did so: wln 1091 Mayor. Pray sir the news from thence. wln 1092 Goodlack The best is, that the General is in health, wln 1093 And Fayal won from th’ Spaniards: but the Fleet wln 1094 By reason of so many dangerous tempests wln 1095 Extremely weather­beaten. You sir I take it, wln 1096 Are Mayor o’ th’ town. wln 1097 Mayor. I am the King’s Lieutenant. wln 1098 Goodlack I have some Letters of import from one wln 1099 A Gentleman of very good account, wln 1100 That died late in the Islands, to a Maid wln 1101 That keeps a Tavern here. wln 1102 Mayor. Her name Bess Bridges? wln 1103 Goodlack The same. I was desired to make inquiry wln 1104 What fame she bears, and what report she’s of. wln 1105 Now you sir being here chief Magistrate, wln 1106 Can best resolve me. img: 20­b sig: F1r wln 1107 Mayor. To our understanding, wln 1108 She’s without stain or blemish well reputed, wln 1109 And by her modesty and fair demeanor, wln 1110 Hath won the love of all. wln 1111 Goodlack The worse for me. wln 1112 Alderman I can assure you many narrow eyes wln 1113 Have looked on her and her condition, wln 1114 But those that with most envy have endeavored wln 1115 T’ entrap her, have returned won by her virtues. wln 1116 Goodlack So all that I inquire of make report. wln 1117 I am glad to hear ’t. Sir I have now some business, wln 1118 And I of force must leave you. wln 1119 Mayor. I entreat you to sup with me tonight. wln 1120 Goodlack Sir I may trouble you. wln 1121 Five hundred pound a year out of my way. wln 1122 Is there no flaw that I can tax her with, wln 1123 To forfeit this revenue? Is she such a Saint, wln 1124 None can missay her? why then I myself wln 1125 Will undertake it. If in her demeanor wln 1126 I can but find one blemish, stain or spot, wln 1127 It is five hundred pound a year well got. Exit. wln 1128 Enter Clem and the Sailors on the one side, at the other wln 1129 Roughman, who draws upon them, and beats them wln 1130 off. wln 1131 Enter Bess, Clem, and the Sailors. wln 1132 Bess But did he fight it bravely? wln 1133 Clem I assure you mistress most dissolutely: he hath wln 1134 run this Sailer three times through the body, and yet wln 1135 never touched his skin. wln 1136 Bess. How can that be? wln 1137 Clem Through the body of his doublet I meant. wln 1138 Bess, How shame, base imputation, and disgrace wln 1139 Can make a coward valiant: Sirrah you wln 1140 Look to the bar. img: 21­a sig: F1v wln 1141 Clem I’ll hold up my hand there presently. wln 1142 Bess I understand, you came now from the Islands, wln 1143 1 Sailor We did so. wln 1144 Bess If you can tell me tidings of one Gentleman wln 1145 I shall requite you largely. wln 1146 1 Sailor. Of what name? wln 1147 Bess One Spencer. wln 1148 1 Sailor. We both saw and knew the man. wln 1149 Bess. Only for that call for what wine you please. wln 1150 Pray tell me where you left him. wln 1151 2 Sailor. In Fayal. wln 1152 Bess Was he in health? how did he fare? wln 1153 2 Sailor Why well. wln 1154 Bess For that good news, spend, revel, and carouse, wln 1155 Your reckoning’s paid beforehand. I’m ecstasied, wln 1156 And my delights unbounded. wln 1157 1 Sailor Did you love him? wln 1158 Bess Next to my hopes in heaven. wln 1159 1 Sailor Then change your mirth. wln 1160 Bess. Why, as I take it, you told me he was well, wln 1161 And shall I not rejoice? wln 1162 1 Sailor He’s well in heaven, For Mistress, he is dead, wln 1163 Bess Ha, dead! was’t so you said? Th’ast given me, friend wln 1164 But one wound yet, speak but that word again, wln 1165 And kill me outright. wln 1166 2 Sailor He lives not. wln 1167 Bess And shall I? Wilt thou not break heart? wln 1168 Are these my ribs wrought out of brass or steel, wln 1169 Thou canst not craze their bars? wln 1170 1 Sailor Mistress use patience, which conquers all despair. wln 1171 Bess. You advise well: wln 1172 I did but jest with sorrow: you may see wln 1173 I am now in gentle temper. wln 1174 2 Sailor True, we see ’t. wln 1175 Bess Pray take the best room in the house, and there wln 1176 Call for what wine best tastes you: at my leisure img: 21­b sig: F2r wln 1177 I’ll visit you myself. wln 1178 1 Sailor I’ll use your kindness. Exeunt. wln 1179 Bess. That it should be my fate. Poor poor sweetheart wln 1180 I do but think how thou becomest thy grave, wln 1181 In which would I lay by thee: what’s my wealth wln 1182 To enjoy ’t without my Spencer. I will now wln 1183 Study to die, that I may live with him. wln 1184 Enter Goodlack. wln 1185 Goodlack The further I inquire, the more I hear wln 1186 To my discomfort. If my discontinuance wln 1187 And change at Sea disguise me from her knowledge wln 1188 I shall have scope enough to prove her fully. wln 1189 This sadness argues she hath heard some news wln 1190 Of my Friend’s death. wln 1191 Bess. It cannot sure be true wln 1192 That he is dead, Death could not be so envious wln 1193 To snatch him in his prime. I study to forget wln 1194 That e’er was such a man. wln 1195 Goodlack If not impeach her, wln 1196 My purpose is to seek to marry her. wln 1197 If she deny me, I’ll conceal the Will, wln 1198 Or at the least make her compound for half. wln 1199 Save you fair Gentlewoman. wln 1200 Bess You are welcome sir. wln 1201 Goodlack I hear say there’s a whore here that draws wine, wln 1202 I am sharp set, and newly come from sea, wln 1203 And I would see the trash. wln 1204 Bess Sure you mistake sir. wln 1205 If you desire attendance and some wine wln 1206 I can command you both. Where be these boys? wln 1207 Goodlack Are you the Mistress? wln 1208 Bess. I command the house. wln 1209 Goodlack Of what birth are you, pray? wln 1210 Bess. A Tanner’s daughter. wln 1211 Goodlack Where born? img: 22­a sig: F2v wln 1212 Bess. In Somersetshire. wln 1213 Goodlack A trade­fallen Tanner’s daughter go so brave: wln 1214 Oh you have tricks to compass these gay clothes. wln 1215 Bess. None sir, but what are honest. wln 1216 Goodlack What’s your name? wln 1217 Bess. Bess Bridges most men call me. wln 1218 Goodlack Y’ are a whore. wln 1219 Bess. Sir, I will fetch you wine to wash your mouth, wln 1220 It is so foul, I fear ’t may fester else. wln 1221 There may be danger in ’t. wln 1222 Goodlack Not all this move her patience. wln 1223 Bess. Good sir, at this time I am scarce myself wln 1224 By reason of a great and weighty loss wln 1225 That troubles me: but I should know that Ring. wln 1226 Goodlack How, this, you baggage? It was never made wln 1227 To grace a strumpet’s finger. wln 1228 Bess. Pardon sir, I both must and will leave you. Exit. wln 1229 Goodlack Did not this well? This will stick in my stomach wln 1230 I could repent my wrongs done to this maid: wln 1231 But I’ll not leave her thus: if she still love him. wln 1232 I’ll break her heartstrings with some false report wln 1233 Of his unkindness. wln 1234 Enter Clem wln 1235 Clem You are welcome Gentleman: what wine will wln 1236 you drink? Claret, Metheglin, or Muscadine, Cider or wln 1237 Perry, to make you merry, Aragoosa, or Peter­see­me, wln 1238 Canary or Charnico? But by your nose sir you should love wln 1239 a cup of Malmsey: you shall have a cup of the best in Cornwall. wln 1241 Goodlack Here’s a brave drawer will quarrel with his wine. wln 1242 Clem But if you prefer the Frenchman before the wln 1243 Spaniard, you shall have either here of the deep red grape wln 1244 or the pallid white. You are a pretty tall Gentleman, you wln 1245 should love High­Country wine: none but Clerks and wln 1246 Sextons love Graves wine. Or are you a married man, I’ll img: 22­b sig: F3r wln 1247 furnish you with bastard, white or brown, according to wln 1248 the complexion of your bedfellow. wln 1249 Goodlack You rogue, how many years of your prenticeship wln 1250 Have you spent in studying this set speech? wln 1251 Clem The first line of my part was, Anon anon, sir: and wln 1252 the first question I answered to, was loggerhead, or blockhead, wln 1253 I know not whether. wln 1254 Goodlack Speak, where’s your Mistress? wln 1255 Clem Gone up to her chamber. wln 1256 Goodlack Set a pottle of Sack in th’ fire, and carry it into wln 1257 the next room. Exit. wln 1258 Clem Score a pottle of Sack in the Crown, and see at wln 1259 the bar for some rotten eggs to burn it: we must have wln 1260 one trick or other to vent away our bad commodities. wln 1261 Exit. wln 1262 Enter Bess with Spencer’s Picture. wln 1263 Bess. To die, and not vouchsafe some few commends wln 1264 Before his death, was most unkindly done. wln 1265 This Picture is more courteous: ’twill not shrink wln 1266 For twenty thousand kisses: no nor blush: wln 1267 Then thou shalt be my husband, and I vow wln 1268 Never to marry other. Enter Goodlack. wln 1269 Goodlack Where’s this harlot? wln 1270 Bess. You are immodest sir to press thus rudely wln 1271 Into my private chamber. wln 1272 Goodlack Pox of modesty wln 1273 When punks must have it mincing in their mouths. wln 1274 And have I found thee? then shalt hence with me. wln 1275 Bess. Rob me not of the chiefest wealth I have: wln 1276 Search all my trunks, take the best Jewels there: wln 1277 Deprive me not that treasure, I’ll redeem it wln 1278 With plate, and all the little coin I have, wln 1279 So I make keep that still. wln 1280 Goodlack Thinkst thou that bribes wln 1281 Can make me leave my friend’s Will unperformed? img: 23­a sig: F3v wln 1282 Bess. What was that Friend? wln 1283 Goodlack One Spencer, dead i’ th’ Islands, wln 1284 Whose very last words uttered at his death wln 1285 Were these, If ever thou shalt come to Foy, wln 1286 Take thence my picture, and deface it quite: wln 1287 For let it not be said, my portraiture wln 1288 Shall grace a strumpet’s chamber. wln 1289 Bess ’Twas not so: wln 1290 You lie, you are a villain: ’twas not so. wln 1291 ’Tis more than sin thus to belie the dead: wln 1292 He knew if ever I would have transgressed, wln 1293 ’T had been with him: he dared have sworn me chaste, wln 1294 And died in that belief. wln 1295 Goodlack Are you so brief? wln 1296 Nay, I’ll not trouble you: God b’ wi’ you. wln 1297 Bess. Yet leave me still that Picture, and I’ll swear wln 1298 You are a Gentleman, and cannot lie. wln 1299 Goodlack I am inexorable. wln 1300 Bess. Are you a Christian, have you any name wln 1301 That ever good man gave you? wln 1302 ’Twas no Saint you were called after. What’s thy name? wln 1303 Goodlack My name is Captain Thomas Good — wln 1304 Bess I can see no good in thee. Race that syllable wln 1305 Out of thy name. wln 1306 Goodlack Goodlack’s my name. wln 1307 Bess. I cry you mercy sir: I now remember you, wln 1308 You were my Spencer’s friend, and I am sorry, wln 1309 Because he loved you, I have been so harsh: wln 1310 For whose sake, I entreat ere you take ’t hence, wln 1311 I may but take my leave on ’t. wln 1312 Goodlack You’ll return it? wln 1313 Bess. As I am chaste I will. wln 1314 Goodlack For once I’ll trust you. wln 1315 Bess. Oh thou the perfect semblance of my Love, wln 1316 And all that’s left of him, take one sweet kiss, wln 1317 As my last farewell. Thou resemblest him img: 23­b sig: F4r wln 1318 For whose sweet safety I was every morning wln 1319 Down on my knees, and with the Larks’ sweet tunes wln 1320 I did begin my prayers: and when sad sleep wln 1321 Had charmed all eyes, when none save the bright stars wln 1322 Were up and waking, I remembered thee, wln 1323 But all, all to no purpose. wln 1324 Goodlack Sure, most sure, this cannot be dissembled. wln 1325 Bess. To thee I have been constant in thine absence, wln 1326 And when I looked upon this painted piece wln 1327 Remembered thy last rules and principles: wln 1328 For thee I have given alms, visited prisons, wln 1329 To Gentlemen and passengers lent coin, wln 1330 That if they ever had ability wln 1331 They might repay ’t to Spencer: yet for this, wln 1332 All this, and more, I cannot have so much wln 1333 As this poor table. wln 1334 Goodlack I should question truth, if I should wrong this creature. wln 1335 Bess. I am resolved. wln 1336 See sir, this Picture I restore you back, wln 1337 Which since it was his will you should take hence, wln 1338 I will not wrong the dead. wln 1339 Goodlack God be w’ you. wln 1340 Bess. One word more. wln 1341 Spencer you say was so unkind in death: wln 1342 Goodlack I tell you true. wln 1343 Bess. I do entreat you even for goodness’ sake wln 1344 Since you were one that he entirely loved, wln 1345 If you some few days hence hear me expired, wln 1346 You will ’mongst other good men, and poor people wln 1347 That haply may miss Bess, grace me so much wln 1348 As follow me to th’ grave. This if you promise, wln 1349 You shall not be the least of all my friends wln 1350 Remembered in my will. Now fare you well. wln 1351 Goodlack Had I a heart of flint or adamant wln 1352 It would relent at this. My Mistress Bess, wln 1353 I have better tidings for you. img: 24­a sig: F4v wln 1354 Bess. You will restore my Picture? will you? wln 1355 Goodlack Yes, and more than that, wln 1356 This Ring from my friend’s finger sent to you, wln 1357 With infinite commends. wln 1358 Bess. You change my blood. wln 1359 Goodlack These writings are the evidence of Lands, wln 1360 Five hundred pound a year’s bequeathed to you, wln 1361 Of which I here possess you: all is yours. wln 1362 Bess. This surplusage of love, hath made my loss wln 1363 That was but great before: now infinite. wln 1364 It may be compassed: there’s in this my purpose wln 1365 No impossibility. wln 1366 Goodlack What study you? wln 1367 Bess. Four thousand pound besides this Legacy, wln 1368 In Jewels, gold, and silver I can make, wln 1369 And every man discharged. I am resolved wln 1370 To be a pattern to all Maids hereafter wln 1371 Of constancy in love. wln 1372 Goodlack Sweet Mistress Bess, will you command my service, wln 1373 If to succeed your Spencer in his Love, wln 1374 I would expose me wholly to your wishes. wln 1375 Bess. Alas my love sleeps with him in his grave, wln 1376 And cannot thence be wakened: yet for his sake wln 1377 I will impart a secret to your trust, wln 1378 Which, saving you, no mortal should partake. wln 1379 Goodlack Both for his love and yours, command my service. wln 1380 Bess. There’s a prize wln 1381 Brought into Falmouth Road, a good tight Vessel, wln 1382 The Bottom will but cost eight hundred pound, wln 1383 You shall have money: buy it. wln 1384 Goodlack To what end? wln 1385 Bess. That you shall know hereafter. Furnish her wln 1386 With all provision needful: spare no cost: wln 1387 And join with you a ging of lusty lads, wln 1388 Such as will bravely man her: all the charge wln 1389 I will commit to you: and when she’s fitted, img: 24­b sig: G1r wln 1390 Captain she is thine own. wln 1391 Goodlack I sound it not. wln 1392 Bess. Spare me the rest. This voyage I intend, wln 1393 Though some may blame, all Lovers will commend. wln 1394 Exeunt. wln 1395 Explicit Actus tertius. wln 1396 Actus quartus. Scaena prima. wln 1397 After an Alarum, Enter a Spanish Captain, with Sailors, wln 1398 bringing in a Merchant, Spencer, and the Surgeon prisoners. wln 1399 Spaniard. wln 1400 FOr Fayal’s loss, and spoil by th’ English done, wln 1401 We are in part revenged. There’s not a Vessel wln 1402 That bears upon her top Saint George’s Cross, wln 1403 But for that act shall suffer. wln 1404 Merchant. Insult not Spaniard, wln 1405 Nor be too proud, that thou by odds of Ships, wln 1406 Provision, men, and powder mad’st us yield. wln 1407 Had you come one to one, or made assault wln 1408 With reasonable advantage; we by this wln 1409 Had made the carcase of your ship your graves, wln 1410 Low sunk to the Sea’s bottom. wln 1411 Spaniard Englishman, thy ship shall yield us pillage, wln 1412 These prisoners we will keep in strongest Hold, wln 1413 To pay no other ransom than their lives. wln 1414 Spencer Degenerate Spaniard, there’s no noblesse in thee wln 1415 To threaten men unarmed and miserable, wln 1416 Thou mightst as well tread o’er a field of slaughter, wln 1417 And kill them o’er, that are already slain, wln 1418 And brag thy manhood. wln 1419 Spaniard Sirrah, what are you? wln 1420 Spencer Thy equal as I am a prisoner, wln 1421 But once to stay a better man than thou, img: 25­a sig: G1v wln 1422 A Gentleman in my Country. wln 1423 Spaniard Wert thou not so, we have strappado, bolts, wln 1424 And engines to the Main­mast fastened, wln 1425 Can make you gentle. wln 1426 Spencer Spaniard do thy worst, thou canst not act wln 1427 More tortures than my courage is able to endure. wln 1428 Spaniard These Englishmen wln 1429 Nothing can daunt them: Even in misery wln 1430 They’ll not regard their masters. wln 1431 Spencer Masters! Insulting bragging Thrasoes. wln 1432 Spaniard His sauciness we’ll punish ’bove the rest. wln 1433 About their censures we will next devise, Flourish wln 1434 And now towards Spain with our brave English prize. wln 1435 Exeunt. wln 1436 Enter Bess, Mayor, Alderman, Clem. wln 1437 A table set out, and stools. wln 1438 Bess. A Table and some stools. wln 1439 Clem I shall give you occasion to ease your tails presently. wln 1440 Bess Will ’t please you sit? wln 1441 Mayor. With all our hearts, and thank you. wln 1442 Bess. Fetch me that parchment in my Closet window. wln 1443 Clem The three sheepskins with the wrong side outward wln 1444 Bess. That with the seal. wln 1445 Clem I hope it is my Indenture, and now she means wln 1446 to give me my time. wln 1447 Alderman And now you are alone, fair Mistress Elizabeth wln 1448 I think it good to taste you with a motion. wln 1449 That no way can displease you. wln 1450 Bess. Pray speak on. wln 1451 Alderman ’T hath pleased here Master Mayor so far to look wln 1452 Into your fair demeanor that he thinks you wln 1453 A fit match for his Son. wln 1454 Enter Clem with the parchment. wln 1455 Clem Here’s the parchment, but if it be the lease of wln 1456 your house, I can assure you ’tis out. img: 25­b sig: G2r wln 1457 Bess. The years are not expired. wln 1458 Clem No, but it is out of your Closet. wln 1459 Bess. About your business. wln 1460 Clem Here’s even Susanna betwixt the two wicked elders. wln 1461 Alderman What think you Mistress Elzabeth? wln 1462 Bess. Sir I thank you. wln 1463 And how much I esteem this goodness from you wln 1464 The trust I shall commit unto your charge wln 1465 Will truly witness. Marry, gentle Sir! wln 1466 ’Las I have sadder business now in hand, wln 1467 Than sprightly marriage, witness these my tears. wln 1468 Pray read there. wln 1469 Mayor. The last Will and Testament of Elzabeth Bridges wln 1470 to be committed to the trust of the Mayor and Aldermen wln 1471 of Foy, and their Successors forever. wln 1472 To set up young beginners in their trade, a thousand pound wln 1473 To relieve such as have had loss by Sea, 500 pound. wln 1474 To every Maid that’s married out of Foy, wln 1475 Whose name’s Elzabeth ten pound. wln 1476 To relieve maimed Soldiers, by the year ten pound. wln 1477 To Captain Goodlack, if he shall perform wln 1478 The business he’s employed in, five hundred pound. wln 1479 The Legacies for Spencer thus to stand, wln 1480 To number all the poorest of his kin, wln 1481 And to bestow on them. Item to — wln 1482 Bess. Enough: you see sir I am now too poor wln 1483 To bring a dowry with me fit for your son. wln 1484 Mayor. You want a precedent, you so abound wln 1485 In charity and goodness. wln 1486 Bess. All my servants wln 1487 I leave at your discretions to dispose wln 1488 Not one but I have left some legacy. wln 1489 What shall become of me, or what I purpose wln 1490 Spare further to inquire. wln 1491 Mayor. We’ll take our leaves. wln 1492 And prove to you faithful Executors. img: 26­a sig: G2v wln 1493 In this bequest. wln 1494 Alderman Let never such despair, wln 1495 As dying rich, shall make the poor their heir. Exit. wln 1496 Bess. Why what is all the wealth the world contains. wln 1497 Without my Spencer? wln 1498 Enter Roughman and Forset. wln 1499 Roughman where’s my sweet Bess? wln 1500 Shall I become a welcome suitor now? wln 1501 That I have changed my Copy? wln 1502 Bess. I joy to hear it. wln 1503 I’ll find employment for you. wln 1504 Enter Goodlack, Sailors, and Clem wln 1505 Goodlack A gallant ship, and wondrous proudly trimmed, wln 1506 Well calked, well tackled, every way prepared. wln 1507 Bess. Here then our mourning for a season end. wln 1508 Roughman Bess, shall I strike that Captain? say the word, wln 1509 I’ll have him by the ears. wln 1510 Bess. Not for the world. wln 1511 Goodlack What saith that fellow? wln 1512 Bess. He desires your love, good, Captain let him ha’ it. wln 1513 Goodlack Then change a hand. wln 1514 Bess. Resolve me all. I am bound upon a voyage, wln 1515 Will you in this adventure take such part, wln 1516 As I myself shall do? wln 1517 Roughman With my fair Bess, to the world’s end. wln 1518 Bess. Then Captain and Lieutenant both, join hands, wln 1519 Such are your places now. wln 1520 Goodlack We two are friends. wln 1521 Bess I next must swear you two, with all your ging wln 1522 True to some articles you must observe, wln 1523 Reserving to myself a prime command, wln 1524 Whilst I enjoin nothing unreasonable. wln 1525 Goodlack All this is granted. wln 1526 Bess Then first, you said your ship was trim and gay, img: 26­b sig: G3r wln 1527 I’ll have her pitched all o’er, no spot of white, wln 1528 No color to be seen, no Sail but black, wln 1529 No Flag but sable. wln 1530 Goodlack ’Twill be ominous, and bode disaster fortune. wln 1531 Bess. I’ll ha’ it so. wln 1532 Goodlack Why then she shall be pitched black as the devil, wln 1533 Bess. She shall be called The Negro, when you know wln 1534 My conceit, Captain, you will thank for ’t. wln 1535 Roughman But whither are we bound? wln 1536 Bess. Pardon me that. wln 1537 When we are out at sea I’ll tell you all. wln 1538 For mine own wearing I have rich apparel, wln 1539 For man or woman as occasion serves. wln 1540 Clem But Mistress, if you be going to sea, what shall wln 1541 become of me aland. wln 1542 Bess. I’ll give thee thy full time. wln 1543 Clem And shall I take time, when time is, and let my wln 1544 Mistress slip away. No, it shall be seen that my teeth are wln 1545 as strong to grind biscuit as the best sailor of them all, and wln 1546 my stomach as able to digest powdered beef and Poor­john. wln 1547 Shall I stay here to score a pudding in the Half­moon, wln 1548 and see my Mistress at the Main yard with her wln 1549 sails up, and spread. No it shall be seen that I who have wln 1550 been brought up to draw wine, will see what water the wln 1551 ship draws, or I’ll bewray the Voyage. wln 1552 Bess. If thou hast so much courage, the Captain shall wln 1553 accept thee. wln 1554 Clem If I have so much courage? When did you see wln 1555 a black beard with a white liver, or a little fellow without wln 1556 a tall stomach. I doubt not but to prove an honor wln 1557 to all the Drawers in Cornwall. wln 1558 Goodlack What now reimains? wln 1559 Forset To make myself associate in this bold enterprise. wln 1560 Goodlack Most gladly sir. wln 1561 And now our number’s full, what’s to be done. wln 1562 Bess. First, at my charge I’ll feast the town of Foy, img: 27­a sig: G3v wln 1563 Then set the Cellars ope, that these my Mates wln 1564 May quaff unto the health of our boon voyage, wln 1565 Our needful things being once conveyed aboard, wln 1566 Then casting up our caps in sign of joy. wln 1567 Our purpose is to bid farewell to Foy. wln 1568 Hautboys long. wln 1569 Enter Mullisheg Bashaw Alcade, and Joffer: wln 1570 with other Attendants. wln 1571 Mullisheg Out of these bloody and intestine broils wln 1572 We have at length attained a fort’nate peace, wln 1573 And now at last established in the Throne wln 1574 Of our great Ancestors, and reign King wln 1575 Of Fez and great Morocco. wln 1576 Alcade. Mighty Mullisheg, wln 1577 Pride of our age, and glory of the Moors, wln 1578 By whose victorious hand all Barbary wln 1579 Is conquered, awed, and swayed: behold thy vassals wln 1580 With loud applauses greet thy victory. shout. flourish. wln 1581 Mullisheg Upon the slaughtered bodies of our foes, wln 1582 We mount our high Tribunal, and being sole wln 1583 Without competitor, we now have leisure wln 1584 To ’stablish laws first for our Kingdom’s safety, wln 1585 The enriching of our public Treasury, wln 1586 And last our state and pleasure: then give order wln 1587 That all such Christian Merchants as have traffic wln 1588 And freedom in our Country, that conceal wln 1589 The least part of our Custom due to us, wln 1590 Shall forfeit ship and goods. wln 1591 Joffer There are appointed wln 1592 Unto that purpose careful officers. wln 1593 Mullisheg Those forfeitures must help to furnish up wln 1594 Th’ exhausted treasure that our wars consumed, wln 1595 Part of such profits as accrue that way wln 1596 We have already tasted. img: 27­b sig: G4r wln 1597 Alcade ’Tis most fit, wln 1598 Those Christians that reap profit by our Land wln 1599 Should contribute unto so great a loss. wln 1600 Mullisheg Alcade, They shall. But what’s the style of King, wln 1601 Without his pleasure? Find us concubines, wln 1602 The fairest Christian Damsels you can hire, wln 1603 Or buy for gold: the loveliest of the Moors wln 1604 We can command, and Negroes everywhere: wln 1605 Italians, French, and Dutch, choice Turkish Girls wln 1606 Must fill our Alkedavy, the great Palace, wln 1607 Where Mullisheg now deigns to keep his Court. wln 1608 Joffer Who else are worthy to be Libertines, wln 1609 But such as bear the Sword? wln 1610 Mullisheg Joffer, Thou pleasest us. wln 1611 If Kings on earth be termed Demigods. wln 1612 Why should we not make here terrestrial heaven? wln 1613 We can, we will, our God shall be our pleasure, wln 1614 For so our Meccan Prophet warrants us. wln 1615 And now the music of the Drums surcease, wln 1616 We’ll learn to dance to the soft tunes of peace. wln 1617 Hautboys. wln 1618 Enter Bess like a Sea­captain, Goodlack, Roughman, wln 1619 Forset, and Clem. wln 1620 Bess Good morrow Captain. Oh this last Sea­fight wln 1621 Was gallantly performed. It did me good wln 1622 To see the Spanish Carvel veil her top wln 1623 Unto my Maiden Flag. Where ride we now? wln 1624 Goodlack Among the Islands. wln 1625 Bess. What coast is this we now descry from far. wln 1626 Goodlack Yon Fort’s called Fayal. wln 1627 Bess Is that the place where Spencer’s body lies? wln 1628 Goodlack Yes, in yon Church he’s buried. wln 1629 Bess. Then know, to this place was my voyage bound wln 1630 To fetch the body of my Spencer thence. img: 28­a sig: G4v wln 1631 In his own Country to erect a tomb, wln 1632 And lasting monument, where when I die wln 1633 In the same bed of earth my bones may lie wln 1634 Then all that love me, arm and make for shore, wln 1635 Yours be the spoil, he mine, I crave no more. wln 1636 Roughman May that man die derided and accurst wln 1637 That will not follow where a woman leads. wln 1638 Goodlack Roughman, you are too rash, and counsel ill, wln 1639 Have not the Spaniards fortified the town? wln 1640 In all our Ging we are but sixty five. wln 1641 Roughman Come, I’ll make one. wln 1642 Goodlack Attend me good Lieutenant. wln 1643 And sweet Bess, listen what I have devised, wln 1644 With ten tall Fellows I have manned our Boat, wln 1645 To see what straggling Spaniards they can take. wln 1646 And see where Forset is returned with prisoners. wln 1647 Enter Forset with two Spaniards. wln 1648 Forset These Spaniards we by break of day surprised, wln 1649 As they were ready to take boat for Fishing. wln 1650 Goodlack Spaniards, upon your lives resolve us truly wln 1651 How strong’s the Town and Fort. wln 1652 Spaniard Since English Raleigh won and spoiled it first, wln 1653 The Town’s re­edified and Fort new built, wln 1654 And four Field­pieces in the Block­house lie wln 1655 To keep the Harbor’s mouth. wln 1656 Goodlack And what’s one ship to these? wln 1657 Bess. Was there not in the time of their abode wln 1658 A Gentleman called Spencer buried there wln 1659 Within the Church, whom some report was slain, wln 1660 Or perished by a wound? wln 1661 Spaniard Indeed there was, wln 1662 And o’er him raised a goodly monument, wln 1663 But when the English Navy were sailed thence, wln 1664 And that the Spaniards did possess the Town. wln 1665 Because they held him for an Heretic, wln 1666 They straight removed his body from the Church. img: 28­b sig: H1r wln 1667 Bess And would the tyrants be so uncharitable wln 1668 To wrong the dead? where did they then bestow him? wln 1669 Spaniard They buried him i’ th’ fields. wln 1670 Bess. Oh still more cruel. wln 1671 Spaniard The man that ought the field, doubtful his corn wln 1672 Would never prosper whilst an heretic’s body wln 1673 Lay there, he made petition to the Church wln 1674 To ha’ it digged up and burnt, and so it was. wln 1675 Bess. What’s he that loves me would persuade me live. wln 1676 Not rather leap o’er hatches into th’ Sea: wln 1677 Yet ere I die I hope to be revenged wln 1678 Upon some Spaniards for my Spencer’s wrong. wln 1679 Roughman Let’s first begin with these. wln 1680 Bess ’Las these poor slaves! besides their pardoned lives wln 1681 One give them money. And Spaniards where you come, wln 1682 Pray for Bess Bridges, and speak well o’ th’ English. wln 1683 Spaniard We shall. wln 1684 Bess Our mourning we will turn into revenge, wln 1685 And since the Church hath censured so my Spencer, wln 1686 Bestow upon the Church some few cast Pieces, wln 1687 Command the Gunner do ’t. wln 1688 Goodlack And if he can to batter it to the earth. A Piece. wln 1689 Enter Clem falling for haste. wln 1690 Clem A Sail, a Sail. wln 1691 Bess. From whence? wln 1692 Clem A pox upon yon Gunner, could he not give warning wln 1693 before he had shot? wln 1694 Roughman Why I prithee? wln 1695 Clem Why? I was sent to the topmast to watch, and wln 1696 there I fell fast asleep. Bounce quoth the guns, down wln 1697 tumbles Clem, and if by chance my feet had not hung in wln 1698 the tackles, you must have sent to England for a bonesetter, wln 1699 for my neck had been in a pitiful taking, wln 1700 Roughman Thou toldst us of a Sail. img: 29­a sig: H1v wln 1701 Enter Sailor above. wln 1702 Sailor. Arm Gentlemen, a gallant ship of war wln 1703 Makes with her full sails this way: who it seems wln 1704 Hath took a Bark of England. wln 1705 Bess. Which we’ll rescue. wln 1706 Or perish in th’adventure. You have sworn wln 1707 That howsoe’er we conquer or miscarry wln 1708 Not to reveal my sex. wln 1709 All. We have. wln 1710 Bess Then for your Country’s honor, my revenge, wln 1711 For your own fame, and hope of golden spoil, wln 1712 Stand bravely to ’t. The manage of the fight wln 1713 We leave to you. wln 1714 Goodlack Then now up with your fights, and let your ensigns wln 1715 Blest with Saint George’s Cross, play with the winds. wln 1716 Fair Bess, keep you your cabin. wln 1717 Bess. Captain you wrong me, I will face the fight, wln 1718 And where the bullets sing loudest ’bout mine ears, wln 1719 There shall you find me cheering up my men. wln 1720 Roughman This wench would of a coward make an Hercules. wln 1721 Bess. Trumpets a charge, and with your whistles shrill wln 1722 Sound boatswains an alarum to your mates. wln 1723 With music cheer up their astonished souls, wln 1724 The whilst the thundering Ordnance bear the Base. wln 1725 Goodlack To fight against the Spaniards we desire, wln 1726 Alarm Trumpets. Alarm. wln 1727 Roughman Gunners straight give fire. Shot. wln 1728 Enter Goodlack hurt. Bess, Roughman, wln 1729 Forset, Clem wln 1730 Goodlack I am shot and can no longer man the Deck, wln 1731 Yet let not my wound daunt your courage mates. wln 1732 Bess. For every drop of blood that thou hast shed, wln 1733 I’ll have a Spaniard’s life. Advance your Targets, wln 1734 And now cry all, Board, board, amain for England. wln 1735 Alarm. img: 29­b sig: H2r wln 1736 Enter with victory Bess, Roughman, Forset, Clem etc. wln 1737 The Spaniards Prisoners. wln 1738 Bess. How is it with the Captain? wln 1739 Roughman Nothing dangerous, wln 1740 But being shot i’ th’ thigh he keeps his Cabin, wln 1741 And cannot rise to greet your victory. wln 1742 Bess. He stood it bravely out whilst he could stand. wln 1743 Clem But for these Spaniards, now you Don Diegos, wln 1744 You that made Paul’s to stink. wln 1745 Roughman Before we further censure them, let’s know wln 1746 What English prisoners they have here aboard. wln 1747 Spaniard You may command them all. We that were now wln 1748 Lords over them, Fortune hath made your slaves, wln 1749 Release our prisoners. wln 1750 Bess. Had my captain died wln 1751 Not one proud Spaniard had escaped with life, wln 1752 Your ship is forfeit to us, and your goods. wln 1753 So live. Give him his long Boat: him and his wln 1754 Set safe ashore; and pray for English Bess. wln 1755 Spaniard I know not whom you mean, but be ’t your Queen wln 1756 Famous Elizabeth, I shall report wln 1757 She and her subjects both are merciful. Exeunt. wln 1758 Enter Roughman, with the Merchant and Spencer. wln 1759 Bess Whence are you sir? and whither were you bound? wln 1760 Merchant I am a London bound for Barbary, wln 1761 But by this Spanish Man­of­war surprised, wln 1762 Pillaged and captived. wln 1763 Bess. We much pity you, wln 1764 What loss you have sustained, this Spanish prey wln 1765 Shall make good to you to the utmost farthing. wln 1766 Merchant Our lives, and all our fortunes whatsoever wln 1767 Are wholly at your service. wln 1768 Bess. These Gentlemen have been dejected long, wln 1769 Let me peruse them all, and give them money img: 30­a sig: H2v wln 1770 To drink our health, and pray forget not Sirs, wln 1771 To pray for — Hold, support me, or I faint. wln 1772 Roughman What sudden unexpected ecstasy wln 1773 Disturbs your conquest. wln 1774 Bess. Interrupt me not, wln 1775 But give me way for Heaven’s sake. wln 1776 Spencer. I have seen a face ere now like that young Gentleman, wln 1777 But not remember where. wln 1778 Bess. But he was slain, wln 1779 Lay buried in yon Church, and thence removed, wln 1780 Denied all Christian rights, and like an Infidel wln 1781 Confined unto the fields, and thence digged up, wln 1782 His body after death had martyrdom: wln 1783 All these assure me ’tis his shadow dogs me, wln 1784 For some most just revenge thus far to Sea. wln 1785 Is it because the Spaniards ’scaped with life, wln 1786 That were to thee so cruel after death wln 1787 Thou hauntest me thus? Sweet ghost thy rage forbear, wln 1788 I will revenge thee on the next we seize. wln 1789 I am amazed, this sight I’ll not endure. wln 1790 Sleep, sleep, fair ghost, for thy revenge is sure. wln 1791 Roughman Forset, convey the owner to his cabin. wln 1792 Spencer. I pray sir what young Gentleman is that? wln 1793 Roughman He’s both the owner of the ship and goods, wln 1794 That for some reasons hath his name concealed. wln 1795 Spencer. Methink he looks like Bess, for in his eyes wln 1796 Lives the first love that did my heart surprise. wln 1797 Roughman Come Gentlemen, first make your losses good wln 1798 Out of this Spanish prize. Let’s then divide wln 1799 Both several ways, and heavens be our guide. wln 1800 Merchant We towards Mamorrah. wln 1801 Roughman We where the Fate’s do please, wln 1802 Till we have tracked a wilderness of Seas. wln 1803 Flourish. img: 30­b sig: H3r wln 1804 Enter Chorus. wln 1805 Our Stage so lamely can express a Sea, wln 1806 That we are forced by Chorus to discourse wln 1807 What should have been in action. Now imagine wln 1808 Her passion o’er, and Goodlack well recovered, wln 1809 Who had he not been wounded and seen Spencer, wln 1810 Had sure descried him. Much prize they have ta’en, wln 1811 The French and Dutch she spares, only makes spoil wln 1812 Of the rich Spaniard, and the barbarous Turk. wln 1813 And now her fame grows great in all these seas. wln 1814 Suppose her rich, and forced for want of water wln 1815 To put into Mamorrah in Barbary, wln 1816 Where wearied with the habit of a man, wln 1817 She was discovered by the Moors aboard, wln 1818 Which told it to the amorous King of Fez, wln 1819 That ne’er before had English Lady seen. wln 1820 He sends for her on shore, how he receives her, wln 1821 How she and Spencer meet, must next succeed. wln 1822 Sit patient then, when these are fully told, wln 1823 Some may hap say, Ay, there’s a Girl worth gold. wln 1824 Act long. Exeunt. wln 1825 Explicit Actus quartus. wln 1826 Actus quintus. Scaena prima. wln 1827 Enter Mullisheg, Alcade, Joffer, and Attendants, etc. wln 1828 Mullisheg. wln 1829 But was she of such presence? wln 1830 Alcade To describe her were to make eloquence dumb wln 1831 Mullisheg Well habited? wln 1832 Alcade I ne’er beheld a beauty more complete. wln 1833 Mullisheg Thou hast inflamed our spirits. In England born? img: 31­a sig: H3v wln 1834 Alcade The Captain so reported. wln 1835 Mullisheg How her ship? wln 1836 Alcade I never saw a braver Vessel sail, wln 1837 And she is called The Negro. wln 1838 Mullisheg Ominous wln 1839 Perhaps to our good fate, She in a Negro wln 1840 Hath sailed thus far to bosom with a Moor. wln 1841 But for the motion made to come ashore, wln 1842 How did she relish that? wln 1843 Alcade I promised to the Captain large reward wln 1844 To win him to it, and this day he hath promised wln 1845 To bring me her free answer. wln 1846 Mullisheg When he comes wln 1847 Give him the entertainment of a Prince. wln 1848 Enter a Moor. wln 1849 The news with thee? wln 1850 Moor. The Captain of The Negro craves admittance wln 1851 Unto your Highness’ presence. wln 1852 Mullisheg A Guard attend him, and our noblest Bashaws wln 1853 Conduct him safe where we will parley him. Flourish. wln 1854 Enter Goodlack, and Roughman. wln 1855 Goodlack Long live the high and mighty King of Fez. wln 1856 Mullisheg If thou bringst her then dost thou bring me life. wln 1857 Say, will she come? wln 1858 Goodlack She will my Lord, but yet conditionally wln 1859 She may be free from violence. wln 1860 Mullisheg Now by the mighty Prophet we adore, wln 1861 She shall live Lady of her free desires, wln 1862 ’Tis love, not force, must quench our amorous fires. wln 1863 Roughman We will conduct her to your presence straight. wln 1864 Mullisheg We will have banquets, revels. and what not wln 1865 To entertain this stranger. Hautboys. wln 1866 Enter Bess Bridges veiled, Goodlack, Roughman, Forset, wln 1867 and Moors. wln 1868 A goodly presence! why’s that beauty veiled? img: 31­b sig: H4r wln 1869 Bess. Long live the King of Fez. wln 1870 Mullisheg I am amazed, wln 1871 This is no mortal creature I behold, wln 1872 But some bright Angel that is dropped from heaven, wln 1873 Sent by our prophet. Captain, let me thus wln 1874 Embrace thee in my arms. Load him with gold wln 1875 For this great favor. wln 1876 Bess Captain, touch it not. wln 1877 Know King of Fez my followers want no gold, wln 1878 I only came to see thee for my pleasure, wln 1879 And show thee, what these say thou never saw’st, wln 1880 A woman born in England. wln 1881 Mullisheg That English earth may well be termed a heaven, wln 1882 That breeds such divine beauties. Make me sure wln 1883 That thou art mortal, by one friendly touch. wln 1884 Bess. Keep off: for till thou swearest to my demands wln 1885 I will have no commerce with Mullisheg, wln 1886 But leave thee as I came. wln 1887 Mullisheg Were ’t half my Kingdom, wln 1888 That, beauteous English Virgin, thou shalt have. wln 1889 Bess. Captain read. wln 1890 Goodlack First, liberty for her and hers to leave the Land wln 1891 at her pleasure. wln 1892 Next, safe conduct to and from her ship at her own wln 1893 discretion. wln 1894 Thirdly, to be free from all violence, either by the King wln 1895 or any of his people. wln 1896 Fourthly, to allow her mariners fresh victuals aboard. wln 1897 Fifthly, to offer no further violence to her person, than wln 1898 what he seeks by kingly usage, and free entreaty. wln 1899 Mullisheg To these I vow and seal. wln 1900 Bess. These being assured wln 1901 Your courtship’s free, and henceforth we secured. wln 1902 Mullisheg Say Gentlemen of England, what’s your fashion wln 1903 And garb of entertainment? wln 1904 Goodlack Our first greeting img: 32­a sig: H4v wln 1905 Begins still on the lips. wln 1906 Mullisheg Fair creature, shall I be immortalized wln 1907 With that high favor? wln 1908 Bess. ’Tis no immodest thing wln 1909 You ask, nor shame, for Bess to kiss a King. wln 1910 Mullisheg This kiss hath all my vitals ecstasied. wln 1911 Roughman Captain this king is mightily in love. Well let her wln 1912 Do as she list, I’ll make use of his bounty. wln 1913 Goodlack We should be mad men else. wln 1914 Mullisheg Grace me so much as take your seat by me. wln 1915 Bess. I’ll be so far commanded. wln 1916 Mullisheg Sweet, your age? wln 1917 Bess. Not fully yet seventeen. wln 1918 Mullisheg But how your birth? how came you to this wealth, wln 1919 To have such Gentlemen at your command? wln 1920 And what your cause of travel? wln 1921 Bess. Mighty Prince, wln 1922 If you desire to see me beat my breast, wln 1923 Pour forth a river of increasing tears, wln 1924 Than you may urge me to that sad discourse. wln 1925 Mullisheg Not for Mamorrah’s wealth, nor all the gold wln 1926 Coined in rich Barbary. Nay sweet arise, wln 1927 And ask of me be it half this kingdom’s treasure, wln 1928 And thou art Lady on ’t. wln 1929 Bess. If I shall ask, ’t must be, you will not give. wln 1930 Our country breeds no beggars, for our hearts wln 1931 Are of more noble temper. wln 1932 Mullisheg Sweet, your name? wln 1933 Bess. Elizabeth. wln 1934 Mullisheg There’s virtue in that name. wln 1935 The Virgin Queen so famous through the world, wln 1936 The mighty Empress of the maiden­Isle, wln 1937 Whose predecessors have o’errun great France, wln 1938 Whose powerful hand doth still support the Dutch, wln 1939 And keeps the potent King of Spain in awe, wln 1940 Is not she titled so? img: 32­b sig: I1r wln 1941 Bess. She is. wln 1942 Mullisheg Hath she herself a face so fair as yours wln 1943 When she appears for wonder. wln 1944 Bess. Mighty Fez, wln 1945 You cast a blush upon my maiden cheek, wln 1946 To pattern me with her. Why England’s Queen wln 1947 She is the only Phoenix of her age, wln 1948 The pride and glory of the Western Isles: wln 1949 Had I a thousand tongues they all would tire wln 1950 And fail me in her true description. wln 1951 Mullisheg Grant me this, wln 1952 Tomorrow we supply our Judgement­seat, wln 1953 And sentence causes, sit with us in state, wln 1954 And let your presence beautify our Throne. wln 1955 Bess In that I am your servant. wln 1956 Mullisheg And we thine. wln 1957 Set on in state, attendants, and full train: wln 1958 But find to ask, we vow thou shalt obtain. wln 1959 Enter Clem, manet Goodlack. wln 1960 Clem It is not now as when Andrea lived, wln 1961 Or rather Andrew our elder Journeyman: what, Drawers wln 1962 become Courtiers? Now may I speak with the old ghost wln 1963 in Jeronimo; wln 1964 When this eternal substance of my soul wln 1965 Did live imprisoned in this wanton flesh, wln 1966 I was a Courtier in the Court of Fez. wln 1967 Goodlack Oh well done Clem. It is your Mistress’ pleasure wln 1968 None come ashore that’s not well habited. wln 1969 Clem Nay for mine own part, I hold myself as good wln 1970 a Christian in these clothes, as the proudest Infidel of wln 1971 them all. wln 1972 Enter Alcade and Joffer wln 1973 Alcade. Sir, by your leave, y’ are of the English train? wln 1974 Clem I am so thou great Monarch of the Mauritanians. wln 1975 Joffer Then ’tis the King’s command we give you all attendance img: 33­a sig: I1v wln 1976 Clem Great Signior of the Sarazens I thank thee. wln 1977 Alcade Will you walk in to banquet? wln 1978 Clem I will make bold to march in towards your banquet, wln 1979 and there comfit myself, and cast all caraways wln 1980 down my throat, the best way I have to conserve myself wln 1981 in health: and for your country’s sake which is called wln 1982 Barbery, I will love all Barbers and Barberies the better: wln 1983 And for you Moors, thus much I mean to say, wln 1984 I’ll see if More I eat the More I may. wln 1985 Enter two Merchants. wln 1986 1. Merchant I pray sir are you of the English train? wln 1987 Clem Why what art thou my friend? wln 1988 1 Merchant Sir, a French merchant run into relapse, wln 1989 And forfeit of the Law: here’s for you sir wln 1990 Forty good Barbery pieces to deliver wln 1991 Your Lady this petition, who I hear wln 1992 Can all things with the King. wln 1993 Clem Your gold doth bind me to you: you may see wln 1994 what it is to be a sudden Courtier. I no sooner put my nose wln 1995 into the Court, but my hand itches for a bribe already. wln 1996 What’s your business my friend? wln 1997 2 Merchant Some me of my men for a little outrage done wln 1998 Are sentenced to the Galleys. wln 1999 Clem To the Gallows? wln 2000 2 Merchant No, to the Galleys: now could your Lady purchase wln 2001 Their pardon from the King, here’s twenty angels? wln 2002 Clem What are you sir? wln 2003 2 Merchant A Florentine Merchant. wln 2004 Clem Then you are, as they say, a Christian? wln 2005 2 Merchant Heaven forbid else. wln 2006 Clem I should not have the faith to take your gold else. wln 2007 Attend on me, I’ll speak in your behalf. wln 2008 Where be my Bashaws? usher us in state, Flourish. wln 2009 And when we sit to banquet see you wait. Exit. wln 2010 Enter Spencer solus. wln 2011 Spencer This day the king ascends his royal throne, img: 33­b sig: I2r wln 2012 The honest Merchant in whose ship I came, wln 2013 Hath by a cunning quiddit in the Law wln 2014 Both ship and goods made forfeit to the king, wln 2015 To whom I will petition. But no more, wln 2016 He’s now upon his entrance. Hautboys. wln 2017 Enter the King, Bess, Goodlack, Roughman, Alcade, Joffer, wln 2018 with all the other Train. wln 2019 Mullisheg Here seat thee Maid of England like a Queen, wln 2020 The style we’ll give thee, wilt thou deign us love. wln 2021 Bess. Bless me you holy Angels. wln 2022 Mullisheg What is ’t offends you Sweet? wln 2023 Spencer I am amazed, and know not what to think on ’t. wln 2024 Bess. Captain, dost not see? Is not that Spencer’s ghost? wln 2025 Goodlack I see, and like you I am ecstasied. wln 2026 Spencer If mine eyes mistake not, wln 2027 That should be Captain Goodlack, and that Bess. wln 2028 But o, I cannot be so happy. wln 2029 Goodlack ’Tis he, and I’ll salute him. wln 2030 Bess. Captain stay, wln 2031 You shall be swayed by me. wln 2032 Spencer Him I well know, but how should she come hither wln 2033 Mullisheg What is ’t that troubles you? wln 2034 Bess. Most mighty king, wln 2035 Spare me no longer time, but to bestow wln 2036 My Captain on a message. wln 2037 Mullisheg Thou shalt command my silence, and his ear. wln 2038 Bess. Go wind about, and when you see least eyes wln 2039 Are fixed on you, single him out and see wln 2040 If we mistake not. If he be the man, wln 2041 Give me some private note. wln 2042 Goodlack This. wln 2043 Bess Enough. What said you highness? wln 2044 Mullisheg Hark what I proffer thee, Continue here, wln 2045 And grant me full fruition of thy love. img: 34­a sig: I2v wln 2046 Bess Good. wln 2047 Mullisheg Thou shalt have all my Peers to honor thee wln 2048 Next our great prophet. wln 2049 Bess. Well. wln 2050 Mullisheg And when th’ art weary of our Sunburnt clime, wln 2051 Thy Negro shall be ballast home with gold. wln 2052 Bess I am eternized ever. wln 2053 Now all you sad disasters dare your worst, wln 2054 I neither care nor fear: my Spencer lives. wln 2055 Mullisheg You mind me not sweet Virgin. wln 2056 Bess. You talk of love. wln 2057 My Lord, I’ll tell you more of that hereafter. wln 2058 But now to your State­business: bid him do thus wln 2059 No more, and not be seen till then. wln 2060 Goodlack Enough: come sir, you must along with me. wln 2061 Bess Now stood a thousand deaths before my face, wln 2062 I would not change my cheer, since Spencer’s safe. wln 2063 Enter Clem and the Merchants. wln 2064 Clem By your leave my Masters: room for Generosity. wln 2065 1 Merchant Pray sir remember me. wln 2066 2 Merchant Good sir, my suit. wln 2067 Clem I am perfect in both your parts without prompting. wln 2068 Mistress, here are two christen friends of mine have forfeited wln 2069 ships and men to the black a Morrian king. Now one wln 2070 sweet word from your lips might get their release. I have wln 2071 had a feeling of the business already. wln 2072 Mullisheg For dealing in commodities forbid wln 2073 Y’ are fined a thousand ducats. wln 2074 Bess. Cast off the burden of your heavy doom, wln 2075 A follower of my train petitions for him. wln 2076 Mullisheg One of thy train, sweet Bess? wln 2077 Clem And no worse man than myself sir. wln 2078 Mullisheg Well sirrah, for your Lady’s sake, wln 2079 His ship and goods shall be restored again. wln 2080 1 Merchant Long live the King of Fez. img: 34­b sig: I3r wln 2081 Clem Mayst thou never want sweet water to wash thy wln 2082 black face in, most mighty Monarch of Morocco. wln 2083 Mistress, another friend, Ay, and paid before hand. wln 2084 Mullisheg Sirrah, your men for outrage and contempt wln 2085 Are doomed unto the Galleys. wln 2086 Bess A censure too severe for Christians. wln 2087 Great King, I’ll pay their ransom. wln 2088 Mullisheg Thou my Bess? wln 2089 Thy word shall be their ransom, th’ are discharged. wln 2090 What grave old man is that? wln 2091 Joffer A Christian Preacher, one that would convert wln 2092 Your Moors, and turn them to a new belief. wln 2093 Mullisheg Then he shall die, as we are king of Fez. wln 2094 Bess For these I only spake, for him I kneel, wln 2095 If I have any grace with mighty Fez. wln 2096 Mullisheg We can deny thee nothing beauteous maid, wln 2097 A kiss shall be his pardon. wln 2098 Bess Thus I pay ’t. wln 2099 Clem Must your black face be smooching my Mistress’s wln 2100 white lips with a moorian. I would you had kissed her a — wln 2101 Alcade Ha, how is that sir? wln 2102 Clem I know what I say sir, I would he had kissed her a — wln 2103 Alcade. A— what? wln 2104 Clem A thousand times to have done him a pleasure. wln 2105 Enter Spencer and Goodlacke. wln 2106 Mullisheg That kiss was worth the ransom of a King. wln 2107 What’s he of that brave presence? wln 2108 Bess. A Gentleman of England, and my friend, wln 2109 do him some grace for my sake. wln 2110 Mullisheg For thy sake what would not I perform? wln 2111 He shall have grace and honor. Joffer, go wln 2112 And see him gelded to attend on us, wln 2113 He shall be our chief Eunuch. wln 2114 Bess. Not for ten worlds. Behold great king I stand wln 2115 Betwixt him and all danger. Have I found thee? wln 2116 Seize what I have, take both my ship and goods, img: 35­a sig: I3v wln 2117 Leave naught that’s mine unrifled: spare me him. wln 2118 And have I found my Spencer! wln 2119 Clem Please your Majesty, I see all men are not capable wln 2120 of honor, what he refuseth, may it please you to bestow wln 2121 on me. wln 2122 Mullisheg With all my heart. Go bear him hence Alcade, wln 2123 Into our Alkedavy, honor him, wln 2124 And let him taste the razor. wln 2125 Clem There’s honor for me. wln 2126 Alcade Come follow. wln 2127 Clem No sir, I’ll go before you for mine honor. Exit. wln 2128 Spencer Oh show yourself renowned king the same wln 2129 Fame blazons you: bestow this Maid on me, wln 2130 ’Tis such a gift as kingdoms cannot buy: wln 2131 She is a precedent of all true love, wln 2132 And shall be registered to after times, wln 2133 That ne’er shall pattern her. wln 2134 Goodlack Heard you the story of their constant love. wln 2135 ’Twould move in you compassion. wln 2136 Roughman Let not intemperate love sway you ’bove pity, wln 2137 That foreign nation that ne’er heard your name, wln 2138 May chronicle your virtues. wln 2139 Mullisheg You have wakened in me an heroic spirit: wln 2140 Lust shall not conquer virtue. Till this hour wln 2141 We graced thee for thy beauty English woman, wln 2142 But now we wonder at thy constancy. wln 2143 Bess Oh were you of our faith, I’d swear great Mullisheg wln 2144 To be a god on earth. And lives my Spencer? wln 2145 In troth I thought thee dead. wln 2146 Spencer In hope of thee wln 2147 I lived to gain both life and liberty. wln 2148 Enter Clem running. wln 2149 Clem No more of your honor if you love me. Is this wln 2150 your Moorish preferment to rob a man of his best jewels? wln 2151 Mullisheg Hast thou seen our Alkedavy? img: 35­b sig: 14r wln 2152 Clem Davy do you call him? he may be called shavee wln 2153 I am sure he hath tickled my current commodity, wln 2154 No more your cutting honor if you love me. wln 2155 Mullisheg All your strange fortunes we will hear discoursed wln 2156 And after that your fair espousals grace, wln 2157 If you can find a man of your belief wln 2158 To do that grateful office. wln 2159 Spencer None more fit wln 2160 Than this religious and grave Gentleman wln 2161 Late rescued from death’s sentence. wln 2162 Preacher. None more proud wln 2163 To do you that poor service. wln 2164 Mullisheg Noble Englishman, wln 2165 I cannot fasten bounty to my will, wln 2166 Worthy thy merit, move some suit to us. wln 2167 Spencer. To make you more renowned great king, and us wln 2168 The more indebted, there’s an Englishman wln 2169 Hath forfeited his ship for goods uncustomed. wln 2170 Mullisheg Thy suit is granted ere it be half begged, wln 2171 Dispose them at thy pleasure. wln 2172 Spencer Mighty king wln 2173 We are your Highness’ servants, wln 2174 Mullisheg Come beauteous Maid, we’ll see thee crowned a bride, wln 2175 At all our pompous banquets these shall wait. wln 2176 Thy followers and thy servants press with gold, wln 2177 And not the mean’st that to thy train belongs, wln 2178 But shall approve our bounty. Lead in state, wln 2179 And wheresoever thy fame shall be enrolled, wln 2180 The world report thou art a Girl worth gold. wln 2181 Explicit Actus quintus. wln 2182 FINIS. Textual Notes

1. 479 (11­b) : Clem’s word for pirates is purposefully misspoken. 2. 902 (17­b) : Speech is by Roughman, erroneously attributed to Forset. 3. 1020 (19­a) : The regularized reading Roughman is supplied for the original Roug[∙∙]. 4. 1020 (19­a) : The regularized reading Ay is supplied for the original [∙]. 5. 1250 (22­b) : The regularized reading speech is amended from the original speeeh. 6. 1546 (26­b) : The regularized reading stomach is supplied for the original somac[∙]e. 7. 1580 (27­a) : The regularized reading shout is supplied for the original sh[∙∙∙].