Page images
PDF
EPUB

his hat. You and I must have a little talk, Mr. Amlet?

Dick. Ah, Brass, what art thou going to do? wou't ruin me?

Brass. Look you, Dick, few words. You are in a smooth way of making your fortune; I hope all will roll on. But how do you intend matters shall pass 'twixt you and me in this business?

Dick. Death and furies! What a time dost thou take to talk on't?

Brass. Good words, or I betray you. They have already heard of one Mr. Amlet in the house.

Dick. Here's a son of a whore!

[Aside. Brass. In short, look smooth, and be a good prince. I am your valet, 'tis true; your footman sometimes, which I'm enraged at: but you have always had the ascendant, I confess. When we were school-fellows, you made me carry your books, make your exercise, own your rogueries, and sometimes take a whipping for you. When we were fellow-'prentices, though I was your senior, you made me open the shop, clean my master's shoes, cut last at dinner, and eat all the crust. In our sins too, you still kept me under; you soared up to adultery with our mistress, while I was at humble fornication with the maid. Nay, in our punishments you still made good your post; for when once upon a time I was sentenced to be but whipped, I cannot deny but you were condemned to be hanged. So that in all times, I must confess, your inclinations have been greater and nobler than mine.

[ocr errors][merged small]

-However, I cannot consent that you should at once fix fortune for life, and I dwell in my humilities for the rest of my days.

Dick. Hark thee, Brass; if I do not most nobly by thee, I'm a dog.

Brass. And when?

Dick. As soon as ever I am married.

Brass. Ah, the pox take thee!
Dick. Then you mistrust me ?

Brass. I do, by my faith. Look you, sir, some folks we mistrust, because we don't know themothers we mistrust, because we do know themand, for one of these reasons, I desire there may be a bargain before-hand. If not, [Raising his voice.] look ye, Dick Amlet

Dick. Soft, my dear friend and companion-The dog will ruin me. [Aside.] - Say, what is it will content thee?

Brass. O hol

Dick. But how canst thou be such a barbarian ?

Brass. I learned it at Algiers.

Dick. Come, make thy Turkish demand, then?

Brass. You know you gave me a bank-bill this

morning to receive for you.

Dick. I did so, of fifty pounds; 'tis thine. So, now thou art satisfied, all's fixed.

Brass. It is not, indeed. There's a diamond necklace you robbed your mother of e'en now.

Dick. Ah, you Jew!

G

Brass. No words.

Dick. My dear Brass!

Brass. I insist.

Dick. My old friend.

Brass. Dick Amlet, [Raising his voice.] I insist. Dick. Ah, the cormorant! Well, 'tis thine: but

thou'lt never thrive with it.

Brass. When I find it begins to do me mischief, I'll give it you again. But I must have a wedding-suit. Dick. Well.

Brass. Some good lace.

Dick. Thou sha't.

Brass. A stock of linen,

Dick. Enough.

Brass. Not yet a silver sword.

Dick. Well, thou sha't have that too. Now thou

hast every thing.

Brass. God forgive me, I forgot a ring of remembrance; I would not forget all these favours for the world. A sparkling diamond will be always playing in my eye, and put me in mind of them.

Dick. This unconscionable rogue! [Aside.] Well, I'll bespeak one for thee.

Brass. Brilliant.

Dick. It shall. But if the thing don't succeed after all!

Brass. I'm a man of honour, and restore. And so, the treaty being finished, I strike my flag of defiance, and fall into my respects again. (Taking off his hat.

1

1

Enter FLIPΡΑΝΤΑ.

Flip. I have made you wait a little-but I could not help it.-Her geography-master is but just gone; he has been shewing her Prince Eugene's march into Italy.

Dick. Pr'ythee, let me come to her; I'd shew her a part of the world he has never shewn her yet.

Flip. So I told her, you must know; and she said she could like to travel in good company. So, if you'll slip up those back stairs, you shall try if you can agree upon the journey.

Dick. My dear Flippanta!

Flip. None of your dear acknowledgments, I beseech you; but up stairs as hard as you can drive. Dick. I'm gone.

[Exit.

Flip. And do you follow him, Jack-a-dandy, and see he is not surprised.

Brass. I thought that was your post, Mrs. UsefulBut if you'll come and keep me in humour, I don't care if I share the duty with you.

Flip. No words, sirrah, but follow him; I have somewhat else to do.

Brass. The jade's so absolute, there's no contesting with her. One kiss, though, to keep the sentinel warm. [Gives her a long kiss.] So [Exit Brass.

Flip. A nasty rogue! [Wiping her mouth. But, let me see; what have I to do now? This restitution will be here quickly, I suppose: in the mean time, I'll go know if my lady is ready for the quarrel yet. Master, yonder, is so full on't, he's ready to burst; but we'll give him vent, by-and-by, with a witness. [Exit.

ACT IV. SCENE I.

GRIPE's House. Enter CORINNA, DICK, and

BRASS.

Brass.

DON'T fear; I'll give you timely notice.

[Goes to the door.

Dick. Come, you must consent, you shall consent -How can you leave me thus upon the rack? A man who loves you to that excess that I do?

Cor. Nay, that you love me, sir, that I'm satisfied in; for you have sworn you do: and I'm so pleased with it, I'd fain have you do so as long as you live, so we must never marry.

Dick. Not marry, my dear! Why, what's our love good for, if we don't marry?

Cor. Ah!-I'm afraid it will be good for little if

we do.

Dick. Why do you think so?

Cor. Because I hear my father and mother, and my uncle and aunt, and Araminta and her husband, and twenty other married folks, say so from morning to night.

Dick. Oh, that's because they are bad husbands and bad wives; but in our case there will be a good

« PreviousContinue »