Ger. Indeed you're welcome: I have heard your scape,
And therefore give her leave, that only loves you;
(Truly and dearly loves you) give her joy leave
To bid you welcome: what is't makes you sad man?
Why do you look so wild? Is't I offend you?
Beshrew my heart, not willingly.

Gos. No, Gertrude.

Ger. Is't the delay of that ye long have look'd for,
A happy marriage? now I come to urge it.
Now when you please to finish it?

Gos. No news yet?

Ger. Do you hear Sir?

Gos. Yes.

Ger. Do you love me?

Gos. Have I liv'd In all the happiness Fortune could seat me,
In all mens fair opinions?

Ger. I have provided A Priest, that's ready for us.

Gos. And can the Devil,
In one ten days, that Devil Chance devour me?

Ger. We'll fly to what place you please.

Gos. No Star prosperous! All at a swoop?

Ger. You do not love me Goswin? You will not look upon me?

Gos. Can mens Prayers
Shot up to Heaven, with such a zeal as mine are,
Fall back like lazy mists, and never prosper?
Jives I must wear, and cold must be my comfort;
Darkness, and want of meat; alas she weeps too,
Which is the top of all my sorrows, Gertrude.

Ger. No, no, you will not know me; my poor beauty,
Which has been worth your eyes.

Gos. The time grows on still;
And like a tumbling wave, I see my ruine
Come rowling over me.

Ger. Yet will ye know me?

Gos. For a hundred thousand Crowns.

Ger. Yet will ye love me?
Tell me but how I have deserv'd your slighting?

Gos. For a hundred thousand Crowns?

Ger. Farewel Dissembler.

Gos. Of which I have scarce ten: O how it starts me!

Ger. And may the next you love, hearing my ruine.

Gos. I had forgot my self,
O my best Gertrude, Crown of my joys and comforts.

Ger. Sweet what ails ye? I thought you had been vext with me.

Gos. My mind, Wench, My mind o'rflow'd with sorrow, sunk my memory.

Ger. Am I not worthy of the knowledge of it?
And cannot I as well affect your sorrows,
As your delights? you love no other Woman?

Gos. No, I protest.

Ger. You have no ships lost lately?

Gos. None, that I know of.

Ger. I hope you have spilt no blood, whose innocence
May lay this on your conscience.

Gos. Clear, by Heaven.

Ger. Why should you be thus then?

Gos. Good Gertrude ask not,
Ev'n by the love you bear me.

Ger. I am obedient.

Gos. Go in, my fair, I will not be long from ye,
Nor long I fear me with thee.
At my return Dispose me as you please.

Ger. The good gods guide ye. [Exit.

Gos. Now for my self, which is the least I hope for,
And when that fails, for mans worst fortune, pity. [Exit.

ACTUS QUARTUS. SCENA PRIMA

Enter Goswin and 4. Merchants.

Gos. Why gentlemen, 'tis but a week more, I intreat you
But 7. short days, I am not running from ye;
Nor, if you give me patience, is it possible
All my adventures fail; you have ships abroad
Endure the beating both of Wind and Weather:
I am sure 'twould vex your hearts, to be protested;
Ye are all fair Merchants.

1 Mer. Yes, and must have fair play:
There is no living here else; one hour's failing
Fails us of all our friends, of all our credits:
For my part, I would stay, but my wants tell me,
I must wrong others in't.

Gos. No mercy in ye!

2 Mer. 'Tis foolish to depend on others mercy:
Keep your self right, and even cut your cloth, Sir,
According to your calling, you have liv'd here,
In Lord-like Prodigality, high, and open,
And now ye find what 'tis: the liberal spending
The Summer of your Youth, which you should glean in,
And like the labouring Ant, make use and gain of,
Has brought this bitter, stormy Winter on ye,
And now you cry.

3 Mer. Alas, before your Poverty,
We were no men, of no mark, no endeavour;
You stood alone, took up all trade, all business
Running through your hands, scarce a Sail at Sea,
But loaden with your Goods: we poor weak Pedlers;
When by your leave, and much intreaty to it,
We could have stowage for a little Cloath,
Or a few Wines, put off, and thank your Worship.
Lord, how the World's chang'd with ye? now I hope, Sir,
We shall have Sea-room.

Gos. Is my misery
Become my scorn too! have ye no humanity?
No part of men left? are all the Bounties in me
To you, and to the Town, turn'd my reproaches?

4 Mer. Well, get your moneys ready: 'tis but 2 hours;
We shall protest ye else, and suddenly.

Gos. But two days.

1 Mer. Not an hour, ye know the hazard. [Exeunt.

Gos. How soon my light's put out! hard hearted Bruges!
Within thy Walls may never honest Merchant Venture his fortunes more:
O my poor Wench too.

Enter Gerrard.

Ger. Good fortune, Master.

Gos. Thou mistak'st me, Clause, I am not worth thy Blessing.

Ger. Still a sad man!

Enter Higgen and Prigg, like Porters.
No belief gentle Master? come bring it in then,
And now believe your Beadsman.

Gos. Is this certain? Or dost thou work upon my troubled sense?

Ger. 'Tis gold, Sir, Take it and try it.

Gos. Certainly 'tis treasure; Can there be yet this Blessing?

Ger. Cease your wonder,
You shall not sink, for ne'r a sowst Flap-dragon,
For ne'r a pickl'd Pilcher of 'em all, Sir,
'Tis there, your full sum, a hundred thousand crowns:
And good sweet Master, now be merry; pay 'em,
Pay the poor pelting Knaves, that know no goodness:
And chear your heart up handsomely.

Gos. Good Clause,
How cam'st thou by this mighty Sum? if naughtily,
I must not take it of thee, 'twill undo me.

Ger. Fear not, you have it by as honest means
As though your father gave it: Sir, you know not
To what a mass, the little we get daily,
Mounts in seven years; we beg it for Heavens charity,
And to the same good we are bound to render it.

Gos. What great security?

Ger. Away with that, Sir,
Were not ye more than all the men in Bruges;
And all the money in my thoughts—

Gos. But good Clause, I may dye presently.

Ger. Then this dies with ye:
Pay when you can good Master, I'll no Parchments,
Only this charity I shall entreat you;
Leave me this Ring.

Gos. Alas, it is too poor, Clause.

Ger. 'Tis all I ask, and this withal, that when I shall deliver this back, you shall grant me
Freely one poor petition.

Gos. There, I confirm it, [Gives the Ring. And may my faith forsake me when I shun it.

Ger. Away, your time draws on. Take up the money,
And follow this young Gentleman.

Gos. Farewell Clause, And may thy honest memory live for ever.

Ger. Heaven bless you, and still keep you, farewel Master. [Exeunt.

SCENE II

Enter Hubert.

Hub. I have lockt my Youth up close enough for gadding,
In an old Tree, and set watch over him.

Enter Jaculin.

Now for my Love, for sure this Wench must be she,
She follows me; Come hither, pretty Minche.

Jac. No, no, you'll kiss.

Hub. So I will.

Jac. Y'ded law? How will ye kiss me, pray you?

Hub. Thus, soft as my loves lips.

Jac. Oh!

Hub. What's your Father's name?

Jac. He's gone to Heaven.

Hub. Is it not Gerrard, Sweet?

Jac. I'll stay no longer;
My Mother's an old Woman, and my Brother
Was drown'd at Sea, with catching Cockles. O Love!
O how my heart melts in me: how thou fir'st me!

Hub. 'Tis certain she; pray let me see your hand, Sweet?

Jac. No, no, you'l bite it.

Hub. Sure I should know that Gymmal!

Jac. 'Tis certain he: I had forgot my Ring too. O Hubert! Hubert!

Hub. Ha! methought she nam'd me— Do you know me, Chick?

Jac. No indeed, I never saw ye; But methinks you kiss finely.

Hub. Kiss again then; By Heaven 'tis she.

Jac. O what a joy he brings me!

Hub. You are not Minche?

Jac. Yes, pretty Gentleman,
And I must be marry'd to morrow to a Capper.

Hub. Must ye my Sweet, and does the Capper love ye?

Jac. Yes, yes, he'I give me pie, and look in mine eyes thus.
'Tis he: 'tis my dear Love: O blest Fortune.

Hub. How fain she would conceal her self, yet shew it!
Will you love me, and leave that man? I'll serve.

Jac. O I shall lose my self!

Hub. I'll wait upon you, And make you dainty Nose-gays.

Jac. And where will you stick 'em?

Hub. Here in [thy] bosom, Sweet, and make a crown of Lilies
For your fair head.

Jac. And will you love me deed-law?

Hub. With all my Heart.

Jac. Call me to morrow then,
And we'll have brave chear, and go to Church together:
Give you good ev'n Sir.

Hub. But one word fair Minche.

Jac. I must be gone a milking.

Hub. Ye shall presently. Did you never hear of a young maid called Jaculin?

Jac. I am discover'd; hark in your ear, I'll tell ye:
You must not know me, kiss and be constant ever.

Hub. Heaven curse me else 'tis she, and now I am certain
They are all here: now for my other project— [Exeunt.

SCENE III

Enter Goswin, 4. Merchants, Higgen, and Prigg.

1 Mer. Nay, if 'twould do you courtesie.

Gos. None at all, Sir: Take it, 'tis yours, there's your ten thousand for ye,
Give in my Bills. Your sixteen.

3 Mer. Pray be pleas'd Sir To make a further use.

Gos. No.

3 Mer. What I have, Sir, You may command; pray let me be your Servant.

Gos. Put your Hats on: I care not for your courtesies,
They are most untimely done, and no truth in 'em.

2 Mer. I have a fraught of Pepper.

Gos. Rot your Pepper, Shall I trust you again? there's your seven thousand.

4 Mer. Or if you want fine Sugar, 'tis but sending.

Gos. No, I can send to Barbary, those people
That never yet knew faith, have nobler freedoms:
These carry to Vanlock, and take my Bills in,
To Peter Zuten these: bring back my Jewels,
Why are these pieces?

Enter Sayler.

Sayler. Health to the noble Merchant, The Susan is return'd.

Gos. Well?

Say. Well, and rich Sir, And now put in.

Gos. Heaven thou hast heard my prayers.

Say. The brave Rebeccah too, bound from the Straits,
With the next Tide is ready to put after.

Gos. What news o'th' fly-boat?

Say. If this Wind hold till midnight,
She will be here, and wealthy, 'scap'd fairly.

Gos. How, prithee, Sayler?

Say. Thus Sir, she had fight
Seven hours together, with six Turkish Gallies,
And she fought bravely; but at length was boarded
And overlaid with strength: when presently
Comes boring up the wind Captain Vannoke,
That valiant Gentleman, you redeem'd from prison;
He knew the Boat, set in, and fought it bravely:
Beat all the Gallies off, sunk three, redeem'd her,
And as a service to ye sent her home Sir.

Gos. An honest noble Captain, and a thankfull;
There's for thy news: go drink the Merchants health, Saylor.

Say. I thank your bounty, and I'le do it to a doyt, Sir. [Exit Saylor.

1 Mer. What miracles are pour'd upon this fellow!

Gos. This here I hope, my friends, I shall scape prison,
For all your cares to catch me.

2 Mer. You may please Sir To think of your poor servants in displeasure,
Whose all they have, goods, moneys, are at your service.

Gos. I thank you,
When I have need of you I shall forget you:
You are paid I hope.

All. We joy in your good fortunes.

Enter Van-dunck.

Van-d. Come Sir, come take your ease, you must go home
With me, yonder is one weeps and howls.

Gos. Alas how does she?

Van-d. She will be better soon I hope.

Gos. Why soon Sir?

Van-d. Why when you have her in your arms, this night
My boy she is thy wife.

Gos. With all my heart I take her.

Van-d. We have prepar'd, all thy friends will be there,
And all my Rooms shall smoak to see the revel;
Thou hast been wrong'd, and no more shall my service
Wait on the knave her Uncle, I have heard all,
All his baits for my Boy, but thou shalt have her;
Hast thou dispatch't thy business?

Gos. Most.

Van-d. By the mass Boy,
Thou tumblest now in wealth, and I joy in it,
Thou art the best Boy, that Bruges ever nourish'd.
Thou hast been sad, I'le cheer thee up with Sack,
And when thou art lusty I'le fling thee to thy Mistris.
She'I hug thee, sirrah.

Gos. I long to see it,
I had forgot you: there's for you my friends:
You had but heavy burthens; commend my love
To my best love, all the love I have
To honest Clause, shortly I will thank him better. [Exit.

Hig. By the mass a royal Merchant,
Gold by the handfull, here will be sport soon, Prig.

Prig. It partly seems so, and here will I be in a trice.

Hig. And I boy, Away apace, we are look'd for.

Prig. Oh these bak'd meats,
Me thinks I smell them hither.

Hig. Thy mouth waters. [Exeunt.

SCENA IV

Enter Hubert, and Hemskirk.

Hub. I Must not.

Hem. Why? 'tis in thy power to do it, and in mine
To reward thee to thy wishes.

Hub. I dare not, nor I will not.

Hem. Gentle Huntsman,
Though thou hast kept me hard: though in thy duty,
Which is requir'd to do it, th' hast used me stubbornly;
I can forgive thee freely.

Hub. You the Earls servant?

Hem. I swear I am near as his own thoughts to him;
Able to doe thee—

Hub. Come, come, leave your prating.

Hem. If thou dar'st but try.

Hub. I thank you heartily, you will be
The first man that will hang me, a sweet recompence,
I could do, but I do not say I will,
To any honest fellow that would think on't,
And be a benefactor.

Hem. If it be not recompenc'd, and to thy own desires,
If within these ten days I do not make thee—

Hub. What, a false knave!

Hem. Prethee, prethee conceive me [rightly], any thing
Of profit or of place that may advance thee.

Hub. Why what a Goosecap would'st thou make me,
Do not I know that men in misery will promise
Any thing, more than their lives can reach at?

Hem. Believe me Huntsman,
There shall not one short syllable
That comes from me, pass
Without its full performance.

Hub. Say you so Sir? Have ye e're a good place for my quality?

Hem. A thousand Chases, Forests, Parks:
I'le make thee Chief ranger over all the games.

Hub. When?

Hem. Presently.

Hub. This may provoke me: and yet to prove a knave too.

Hem. 'Tis to prove honest: 'tis to do good service,
Service for him thou art sworn to, for thy Prince,
Then for thy self that good; what fool would live here,
Poor, and in misery, subject to all dangers,
Law, and lewd people can inflict, when bravely
And to himself he may be law and credit?

Hub. Shall I believe thee?

Hem. As that thou holdst most holy.

Hub. Ye may play tricks.

Hem. Then let me never live more.

Hub. Then you shall see Sir, I will do a service
That shall deserve indeed.

Hem. 'Tis well said, Huntsman,
And thou shall be well thought of.

Hub. I will do it: 'tis not your setting free, for that's meer nothing,
But such a service, if the Earl be noble,
He shall for ever love me.

Hem. What is't Huntsman?

Hub. Do you know any of these people live here?

Hem. No.

Hub. You are a fool then: here be those, to have 'em,
I know the Earl so well, would make him caper.

Hem. Any of the old Lords that rebel'd?

Hub. Peace, all, I know 'em every one, and can betray 'em.

Hem. But wilt thou doe this service?
[Hub.] If you'l keep Your faith, and free word to me.

Hem. Wilt thou swear me?

Hub. No, no, I will believe ye: more than that too,
Here's the right heir.

Hem. O honest, honest huntsman!

Hub. Now, how to get these Gallants, there's the matter,
You will be constant, 'tis no work for me else.

Hem. Will the Sun shine again?

Hub. The way to get 'em.

Hem. Propound it, and it shall be done.

Hub. No sleight;
(For they are Devilish crafty, it concerns 'em,)
Nor reconcilement, (for they dare not trust neither)
Must doe this trick.

Hem. By force?

Hub. I, that must doe it.
And with the person of the Earl himself,
Authority (and mighty) must come on 'em:
Or else in vain: and thus I would have ye do it.
To morrow-night be here: a hundred men will bear 'em,
(So he be there, for he's both wise and valiant,
And with his terrour will strike dead their forces)
The hour be twelve a Clock, now for a guide
To draw ye without danger on these persons,
The woods being thick, and hard to hit, my self
With some few with me, made unto our purpose,
Beyond the wood, upon the plain, will wait ye
By the great Oak.

Hem. I know it: keep thy faith huntsman,
And such a showr of wealth—

Hub. I warrant ye: Miss nothing that I tell ye.

Hem. No.

Hub. Farewel;
You have your liberty, now use it wisely;
And keep your hour, goe closer about the wood there,
For fear they spy you.

Hem. Well.

Hub. And bring no noise with ye. [Exit.

Hem. All shall be done to th' purpose: farewel hunts-man.

Enter Gerrard, Higgen, Prig, Ginks, Snap, Ferret.

Ger. Now, what's the news in town?

Ginks. No news, but joy Sir;
Every man wooing of the noble Merchant,
Who has his hearty commendations to ye.

Fer. Yes this is news, this night he's to be married.

Ginks. By th' mass that's true, he marrys Vandunks Daughter,
The dainty black-ey'd bell.

Hig. I would my clapper
Hung in his baldrick, a what a peal could I Ring?

Ger. Married?

Ginks. 'Tis very true Sir, O the pyes,
The piping-hot mince-pyes!

Prig. O the Plum-pottage!

Hig. For one leg of a goose now would I venture a limb boys,
I love a fat goose, as I love allegiance,
And–upon the Boors, too well they know it,
And therefore starve their poultry.

Ger. To be married To Vandunks Daughter?

Hig. O this [pretious] Merchant:
What sport he will have! but hark you brother Prig,
Shall we do nothing in the foresaid wedding?
There's mony to be got, and meat I take it,
What think ye of a morise?

Prig. No, by no means,
That goes no further than the street, there leaves us,
Now we must think of something that must draw us
Into the bowels of it, into th' buttery,
Into the Kitchin, into the Cellar, something
That that old drunken Burgo-master loves,
What think ye of a wassel?

Hig. I think worthily.

Prig. And very fit it should be, thou, and Ferret,
And Ginks to sing the Song:
I for the structure,
Which is the bowl.

Hig. Which must be up-sey English, Strong, lusty London beer; let's think more of it.

Ger. He must not marry.

Enter Hubert.

Hub. By your leave in private, One word Sir, with ye;
Gerrard: do not start me, I know ye, and he knows ye, that best loves ye:
Hubert speaks to ye, and you must be Gerrard.
The time invites you to it.

Ger. Make no show then, I am glad to see you Sir; and I am Gerrard. How stand affairs?

Hub. Fair, if ye dare now follow, Hemskirk
I have let goe, and these my causes,
I'le tell ye privately, and how I have wrought him,
And then to prove me honest to my friends,
Look upon these directions, you have seen his.

Hig. Then will I speak a speech, and a brave speech
In praise of Merchants, where's the Ape?

Prig. – Take him,
A gowty Bear-ward stole him the other day.

Hig. May his Bears worry him, that Ape had paid it,
What dainty tricks! – O that bursen Bear-ward:
In his French doublet, with his blister'd bullions,
In a long stock ty'd up; O how daintily
Would I have made him wait, and shift a trencher,
Carry a cup of wine? ten thousand stinks
Wait on thy mangy hide, thou lowzy Bear-ward.

Ger. 'Tis passing well, I both believe and joy in't,
And will be ready: keep you here the mean while,
And keep in, I must a while forsake ye,
Upon mine anger no man stir, this two hours.

Hig. Not to the wedding Sir?

Ger. Not any whither.

Hig. The wedding must be seen sir; we want meat too.
We are horrible out of meat.

Prig. Shall it be spoken,
Fat Capons shak't their tails at's in defiance?
And turkey tombs such honorable monuments,
Shall piggs, Sir, that the Parsons self would envy,
And dainty Ducks—

Ger. Not a word more, obey me. [Exit Ger.

Hig. Why then come dolefull death, this is flat tyranny,
And by this hand—

Hub. What?

Hig. I'le goe sleep upon't. [Exit Hig.

Prig. Nay, and there be a wedding, and we wanting,
Farewel our happy days: we do obey Sir. [Exeunt.