Act 1
SCENE I. A Brick-house.
Enter Octavio.
Octavio.
Ah too Cruel News for a Poor Lover; the Person I adore must this day by the Commands of her Parents resign her self to the imbraces of one she loaths and hates: this Letter she sent to me for Releif—What's to be done?
Enter a Fencing, a Dancing, and Singing Master.
All three. Good Morrow, good Morrow Signior.
Oct.
Gentlemen, I have earnest business calls me abroad this morning, I cannot stay to learn my Exercises now, but let me see you at this Hour to morrow: your Servant, gentlemen.
Exit.
All three. Servitore, Signior, Servitore.
Enter Harlequin.
Omnes.
Ha Harlequin.
Harl.
Signior Dancero.
Sings and dances and makes legs.
Signior Singero.
Sings out and then sings a piece of a Tune.
Signior Fencero, Euh.
Makes Thrusts at him, as if he were fencing.
Euh, Euh, Servitore, Servitore.
Fenc.
Good morrow, good morrow to you.
Sing.
You are very Merry.
Harl.
You have been teaching Signior Octavio his exercises. Signior Chantero I'le sing you a rejoycing Air, pourpassa— Bella, Bella,
Harl. sings a ridiculous Song.
Sing.
O Rarely well sung Signior Harlequin.
Harl.
Singing and Dancing I understand well enough. But Signior Alonge, I don't Comprehend the Mistery of your Vocation, what need is there of killing a Man by Rule?
Fence.
The art of Fencing consists in two things, to give and not to receive that is, to ofsend, and defend.
Harl.
That is to run a Man through, and not be run through, which is to kill and not be killed, ha—
Fenc.
Right, and 'tis impossible you shou'd receive, if you know how to turn the Sword of your Enemy from the line of your Body. And this depends only on the Motion of the wrist, As—in thus, and out—thus.
Harl.
A man then whether he be valiant or not, if he has but this art, is sure to kill a Man and not be hanged for it.
Fenc.
And not be killed.
Harl.
O not be kill'd, but if he be hang'd 'tis as bad.
Fenc.
This which I tell you is demonstration.
Harl.
Oh, Oh, but I can give you better demonstration, how a man may not be kill'd.
Fenc.
As how?
Herl. Fences and Jumps forwards and backward with his Wooden Sword against the Fencer, His foil, and at last runs away.
Harl.
For example There—
Fenc.
There is no guard indeed like a good pair of Heels, But if you run away how will you do to kill your Enemies?
Harl.
Come behind him and Shoot him, or kill him pissing against a Wall, Demonstration, a sure way to kill and not be kill'd.
Fenc.
But a Gentleman ought to have Honour and Gallantry.
Harl.
I was not born a Gentleman.
Fenc.
There's nothing so commendable as the knowledg of Arms. This Imports more than all other Sciences. Singing and dancing are things unprofitable in respect of this.
Dance.
Very good, my Master of Defence, pray don't so much undervalue dancing.
Sing.
Nor speak so slightly of Musick.
Fence.
You won't I hope compare Hopping and Squealing to the Noble Science of Defence?
Dance.
There's a Man of Confidence.
Sing.
A very pleasant Fellow.
Fence.
Why my Nimble Sir, such another word, and I shall lead you a new dance, and make you my little Canary Bird change your Note.
Danc.
If you are at that good Mr. Fencer, I shall teach you your business a little better.
Harl.
Eh, are you mad to quarrel with a Man that understands to Fight in Teirce and in Quart? And knows how to kill a Man by Demonstration?
Danc.
I care not for his demonstration, for his Tierce, nor his Quart.
Harl.
Eh, Eh.
Fenc.
How, you Grasshopper, you Skip Jack, you Hop-my Thum.
Harl.
Eh, Mr. of Defence.
Dan.
You cold Iron Carrier, you spit-frog, you Scarecrow, Bravo.
Harl.
Eh, Mr. Dancer.
Fen.
If once I fall upon your bones—
Harl.
Eh, No.
Dan.
And if I take you to task—
Harl.
Eh Fye.
Fen.
I'l make you dance to a new Tune.
Harl.
Eh, Pray.
Dan.
And I'l learn you to mind your hits.
Harl.
Eh, Fie No!
Sing.
Stand aside, we'l give him Demonstration.
Herl.
Eh, No, No, Pray, Auh!
Enter Scaramouch.
Hola, Signior Scaramouch, you come very luckyly With your Learning and Wisdom to perswade 'em to Peace and quietness.
Scar.
What's the matter?
Harl.
They are quarrelling about their Professions, and going to fight it out, Which is best?
Scar.
Wherefore are you thus transported with rage? Have you not learn't Moral Philosophy which teacheth the Government of our Passions? Have you never read the Learned Treatise Seneca compos'd of Choller. Ought not reason to be Masters of our Passions?
Danc.
But Signior Scaramouch, he had the impudence t'affront us, and speak contemptously of our Professions, and undervalue singing and dancing.
Scar.
A wise man is above injuries, and the best return to affronts is Moderation and Patience.
Fence.
They had both of 'em the Impudence to compare their two Professions of singing and dancing to the Noble Science of defence.
Scar.
And ought you to be concern'd at this? Is this sufficient to cause such irregular emotions, it is vain Glory to make comparisons, Wisdom and Virtue only give distinction.
Sing.
There is nothing so profitable to the Publique as Musick.
Danc.
Nor nothing so necessary to Mankind as dancing
Sing.
All the disorders, all the Wars which have been in the World have happen'd, for not having learn'd Musick.
Danc.
All the misfortunes of Mankind, all the lamentable Stories which we read of in History, the disapointments of Councils, the failuers of great Generals, and defeats of Armies have bin thro' want of Dancing.
Fenc.
Ha, Ha, Ha.
Scar.
How so?
Sing.
Does not War proceed from the want of Union among men?
Scar.
True.
Sing.
And if all men wou'd learn Musick, wou'd not they accord better with one another? And wou'd not there be an universal peace and quietness in the World? Peace is when all men agree in a Harmonious Concurrence, Peace and Concord are the same thing.
Scar.
Oh!—
Danc.
When a man fails in his conduct, whether it be in respect to the affairs of his—Family, or the Government of the Kingdom, or in the Command of an Army, is it not always said of such a man he did not go well about his business; he did not take the right time? And so—
Scar.
Oh!—
Danc.
And how shou'd a man go well, or do any thing in time, that can't Dance?
Fenc.
Ha, Ha, Ha.
Danc.
Here now you see the profitableness of Dancing, and Musick, Dancing is therefore a Science absolutely necessary to mankind.
Sing.
And Musick is a Science without which the World cannot subsist.
Fenc.
And how will you Govern without the Sword? And where are your Generals and Armies without men that understand their Weapons? Therefore I maintain against them both, that the Science of Desence is the noblest and most necessary of all Sciences whatever.
Scar.
And what think you all of Philosophy? You are all three very impertinent to give the name of Science to your professions. A Fencer, a Musician, A Dancer. A Hector, a Fidler, and a Jack Pudding.
Fenc.
Out you lowsie Philosopher.
Sing.
You Pittiful Pedant.
Danc.
You formal Blockhead.
Scar.
How you Rascals?
He falls on them with his fists, and they buffet him.
Harl.
Eh, Signior Philosopher.
Scar.
Slaves, Rogues, Rascals.
Harl.
Signior Philosopher.
Fenc.
Dunce, Blockhead.
Harl.
Gentlemen!
Scar.
Impudent Rogues.
Harl.
Signior Philosopher.
Scar.
Ignorant Sots.
Harl.
Signior Philosopher, Gentlemen.
Scar.
Rascals.
Harl.
Signior Phisosopher.
Sing.
Impertinent Philosopher.
Harl.
Gentlemen.
Scar.
Curs, Dogs, Sots, Rogues, Rascals, Villains.
Exeunt Fighting.
Harl.
Signior Philosopher, Gentlemen. Signior Philosopher, Gentlemen, Signior Philosopher; e'ne fight Dog, sight Bear, and the Devil part 'em, l've done all I can.
Exit.
Re-enter Scaramouch composing himself, and Harlequin Counterfeiting a Rage.
Harl.
Ha! Impertinent Rogues, Rascals, Ignorant Sots, Illiterate Beasts, Curs, Dogs, Whelps, Knaves, Villains—
Scar.
Moderate this Passion, anger is offensive to the Eyes of a Philosopher.
Harl.
No body must be angry but himself, Rogues, Affront a learned Philosopher!
Scar.
It imports not, a Philosopher can bear injuries as he ought, I will go write a Book against Musick, dancing, and Fencing, and undo all the Professors of it by Argument.
Vaulting here.
Exit.
Harl.
That I was but a Philosopher to have this Command and Government over my Passions.
Exit.
Enter Octavio.
Oct.
O my cross fortunes, O my Aurelia, I'le call her forth, to know if she at last resolves by her obedience to make me wretched, and her self unhappy—Si—Si—Signiora Aurelia.
Enter Aurelia.
Aur.
Who's there, Signior Octavio?
Oct.
Ah Aurelia, is that true, which this Letter Imports? Are you to be marri'd so soon?
Aur.
Such is the appointment of my Father.
Oct.
What has occasion'd this sudden Resolution?
Aur.
He finds his Sickness to increase, and the Phisicians grow doubtful of his Recovery, wherefore he has prefixt the time of my Marriage, that he may see me well dispos'd of as he thinks, before he dyes—but what Change is this I see in you? Why in your Countenance do you wear these marks of Sorrow? Do you doubt my Fidelity? Or are you not assur'd of the love I have for you?
Oct.
Yes Aurelia, I am assur'd you love me, but have no Assurance you will ever love me. I have heard say, that the love of your Sex is not so lasting as that of ours, and that passions in Womens brests are like Flames rising from light perishable Substance, which decay even as soon as they are born.
Aur.
My Heart then is not like those of other Women, I perceive well enough, that the Fervency of my love cannot be abated but by death.
Oct.
I believe that you really think what you speak. But I dread a power that in your heart will combat against those tender Sentiments it has for me, your Dependance is on a Fathers will, that already is determin'd to dispose of you.
Aur.
No Octavio, 'tis not in a Fathers Power to force me to break my Vows to you, I'm resolv'd to abandon my Family, nay my Life, rather then quit you.
Oct.
O blest Assurance!
Aur.
After this you are no longer to doubt me, but indeavour my Relief, if it shou'd come to the extremity, think therefore how to dispose of me, if I am forc'd to fly from this Marriage?
Oct.
I will instantly go and advise with some faithful Friend.
Aur.
Heaven will be favourable to our Vows.
Oct.
Heaven cannot be cross to me, if you are constant.
Aur.
Most assuredly I will, Adieu.
Ex.
Oct.
I shall then be happy.
Enter Cynthio and Harlequin.
Cynt.
My Father arriv'd?
Harl.
Signior Si.
Cynt.
And this morning?
Harl.
This morning.
Cynt.
And return'd say'st thou with a Resolution to have me marry?
Harl.
Signior Si.
Cynt.
The Daughter of Signior Scaramouch?
Harl.
Of Signior Scaramouch.
Cynt.
And that Signior Octavio is to marry my Sister, and make it a cross match?
Harl.
A cross match.
Cynt.
Cross indeed to us both. My Fathers Voyage then to Lauretto, was not out of Devotion as he pretended, but to fetch them from the Monastry.
Harl.
From the Monastry.
Cynt.
And you met my Father just as he came ashore?
Harl.
Signior Si.
Cynt.
And he told you this?
Harl.
Signior Si.
Cynt.
And he knows all my concerns thou say'st?
Harl.
All.
Cynt.
And that in his absence I have made a contract?
Harl.
A Contract.
Cynt.
Prithee speak to me, and don't in this manner catch my last words.
Harl.
You forget not the least circumstance.
Oct.
How's that Signior Cynthio, your Father arriv'd, and knows you are Contracted?
Harl.
Signior si.
Cynt.
O Octavio! Counsel me what's to be done in this juncture?
Oct.
I'm at as great a plunge, and want a Counsellor my self.
Cynt.
As soon as my Father see's me, a Tempest of outrage will pour upon me—his Reproaches will be most violent.
Harl.
Methinks I already see his Brow bent with fury against you, and his Cane lifted above his head, to give you a thousand dry drubs for the folly you have committed.
Cynt.
How shall I avoid the storm?
Oct.
How shall I secure my Love?
Enter Plautino.
Plaut.
Who's here! Signior Octavio? Signior Cynthio, how is't, what's the matter? Why look you both so melancholy?
Cynt.
Signior Plautino I'm undone.
Oct.
And I the most unfortunate man in the World.
Plaut.
How? In what?
Cynt.
My Father is arrived with a resolution to have me marry.
Oct.
And Aurelia to morrow is to be married to Spittzaferro.
Plaut.
And what harm is there in all this to you two?
Cynt.
You know not our concerns.
Plaut.
No, but 'tis in your power to tell me, and I am a man of great Consolation, one that Negotiates in the affairs of young Gentlemen.
Cynt.
O Plautino, if you could find any invention to draw me out of this trouble that I am just falling into, I should think I ow'd even my life to you.
Oct.
And if you cou'd prevent or but delay this Marriage—
Plaut.
To tell you the truth, nothing almost is impossible to me, Heaven has blest me with a genious fit for all manner of witty Contrivances, and pretty Inventions, therefore tell me your grievances.
Cynt.
You know 'tis a month since my Father took a Voyage to Lawretto.—
Plaut.
I know it Sir.
Cynt.
A few days after his departure, Signior Octavio and I in our rambles, met with a Troop of them that call themselves Egyptians.
Plaut.
Fortune-tellers.
Harl.
Signior Si, Gypsies.
Cynt.
They had in their company a young Girl, of beautiful Features, that Sung and Danced to a Miracle, who had in all she did such a charming Air.
Plaut.
That you cou'd not chuse but fall in love.
Harl.
Signior Si, at the same time she stole Signior Cynthio's heart and my money.
Cynt.
I know not if it were the agreeableness of these good qualities of Singing and Dancing—
Harl.
And picking of Pockets.
Cynt.
First raised in me an unconquerable Passion.
Plaut.
So.
Cynt.
After two or three Visits, the Company wou'd Permit me to make no addresses to her without a Contract of Marriage, which after much strugling with my Passion, I consented to.
Plaut.
You are then Contracted to her?
Cynt.
Yes, and have not the least regret for what I have done, but languish for the happy hour to consummate the Marriage.
Plaut.
What stop?
Cynt.
Before I take her from them I am to lay down two hundred Pistols for the expence of her Education, and to recompence the loss the whole Company will suffer by her departure.
Plaul.
I understand. Deposit the sum.
Cynt.
'Tis that I want.
Plaut.
Borrow't.
Cynt.
I forged a plausible story to a Friend of my Fathers, that I wanted so much for his use in his absence, who had promised it me within two days; But now my Father's arrived, that design's ruin'd, and I am too cruelly disappointed.
Plaut.
And this is your grievance?
Cynt.
It is.
Plaut.
Now Signior Octavio, let me know your resentments.
Oct.
I have long bin in love with the fair Aurelia whose passion corresponds with mine, but her Father is averse to it, and proposes Signior Spittzaferro for her Husband, and he's too wealthy a Rival to be Supplanted.
Plaut.
But are you sure Aurelia loves you?
Oct.
Yes, and hates Spitzaferro.
Plaut.
Then fear nothing.
Oct.
Yes I have much to fear. To secure her mind I drew her to a Contract.
Plaut.
Better and better.
Oct.
Her Father who has long languished under a great fit of sickness, apprehending his death is near, with all speed presses her Marriage, and has appointed that to morrow shall make her a Bride to my Rival.
Plaut.
It cannot be, it must not, it sha'not.
Oct.
These are words of comfort.
Plaut.
And all that troubles you is your want of money to purchase your dear, pretty little Creature, and the fear you have to see your father, after his having heard of your engagement.
Cynt.
Yes.
Oct.
And my care is for Money to provide for the Person I love, if being Pres't to this Marriage she be forced to sly from her Fathers importunity and Anger.
Plaut.
Good Heavens, that you should call me to counsel for this, had you not one pritty invention, one little Stratagem, where's thy wit Harlequin, are thy Brains Addle?
Harl.
O Signior Plautino, I am better at Execution then Invention.
Plaut.
Well, we'l try what performance you have.
Cynt.
Do you believe—
Plaut.
Euh no more, but think how to receive your fathers onset, without being daunted.
Cynt.
I tremble to think of his coming, and have a natural timerousness in me, that I can't ore come, were't any but a Father—
Plaut.
You must in the first encounter show your self a man, least finding you give ground, he proceeds to treat you like a Child; go and practice how to behave your self; take courage and Resolution; be possitive in all your answers and obstinate.
Cynt.
I'l endeavour.
Plaut.
Accustom your self a little by Practice, come let's see how you'l behave your self. Your Posture bold, your head upright, your looks assured.
Cynt.
So.
Plaut.
Good, now imagine I am your Father arriv'd, and answer me as you would do him, Hau! Villain, disobedient Villain, ungratious Varlet, the greif of thy Parents, and shame to thy Family, the dishonour and burden of my old Age, unworthy as thou art to bear the name of my Son; how dare you appear before me, that have in my absence, given me so much cause of displeasure, and done as thou hast done? Is this the reward of my care to give thee breeding? Is this the best return you make me, this the respect due to a Father? Is this your duty and obedience? Go ungratious wretch as thou art, hadst thou the boldness, the impudence, to engage your self without my consent and approbation, to marry without my leave or knowledg, answer me, answer me, you that sneak so, what have you to say for your self? What are you struck dumb?
Cynt.
I can't but imagine 'tis my Father himself that rants thus at me.
Harl.
He swaggers like one of threescore, cuds-so h'has made me tremble.
Plaut.
You must not therefore behave your self like a Boy that is affraid of a Rod; come he's not your Schoolmaster, but your Father.
Cynt.
I'l go in and fortify my self with resolutions, I'm resolv'd not to be danted.
Plaut.
Not so much as in looks.
Cynt.
No.
Plaut.
Nor hang you head.
Cynt.
No.
Plaut.
Nor be not Mealy Mouth'd.
Cynt.
No, I'l give him two words for one.
Harl.
Cudso, an excellent Tutor and an apt Scholler.
Plaut.
Don't bate him an Ace.
Cynt.
Not a tittle, you have whetted me, and I am sharp.
Plaut.
See your Father is coming. Signior Octavio retire, and leave us the Field to our selves.
Oct. Exit.
Harl.
Signior Si, let us stand aside, and see the Battle, whiz the Bullets will fly Anon.
Cynt.
O my heart failes me.
Plaut.
No, no, stay you, Sir stay.
Harl.
Euh, Eo poura, Signior, Eo poura.
Plaut.
Come bear up.
Cynt.
I can't stand the Brunt, I'l e'ne get out of his sight
Exit.
Plaut.
Signior Cynthio, stay Signior Cynthio, see He's gon, what ill temper'd mettle is this Blade made of? That his edg is turn'd already; well I'l speak to him, do you second me, and be sure to back my discourse.
Enter Pancrace.
Panc.
Was ever the like Action in a Son?
Plaut.
He has heard the business already, and can't forbear talking on't to himself.
Panc.
So villainous a peice of Insolence.
Plaut.
Let's harken a little nearer.
Panc.
I'd fain know what he can say for himself.
Plaut.
We have our Story ready.
Panc.
Does he think to deny his Marriage?
Plaut.
No, that's the least of our thoughts.
Panc.
Or hopes he to excuse it?
Plaut.
As well as we can.
Panc.
Or will he tell me some fine Story?
Plant.
It may be we may.
Panc.
It shall be to no purpose.
Plaut.
We'l try that.
Panc.
I'l harken to nothing.
Plaut.
Reason or not Reason.
Penc.
I'l lay him up in Lavender.
Plaut.
His fears make him require sweeting. Sir I am glad to see you safe return'd.
Panc.
Good morrow Plautino, I'l go find him out.
Plaut.
I believe Sir your voyage agreed with you very well, you are grown fat upon it, and look mighty well.
Panc.
I am very well—marry without my knowledg?
Plaut.
Had you not a very pleasent Voyage?
Panc.
A very pleasant one, pray let me alone to be angry.
Plaut.
How Sir, wou'd you be angry?
Panc.
Yes Sir, I have reason to be angry I think.
Plaut.
With whom?
Pance.
With my Son.
Plaut.
For what I beseech you?
Penc.
You have not heard what has been done in my absense.
Plaut.
I heard of some small matter.
Panc.
How! An action of this nature, a small matter?
Plaut.
'Tis true you have some reason to.
Panc.
Twas such a Prank.
Plaut.
Yes truly but—
Panc.
A Son to marry without the consent of his Father.
Plaut.
Something may be said as to that indeed, but I know you are a man of that Wisdom not to be too much concern'd at what cann't be help't.
Panc.
Not to be concern'd, yes I will be concern'd, don't you think, that I have all reason immaginable to be angry?
Plant.
Yes truly you have so, I was angry my self when I first heard on't, I was so much concern'd for your sake, that I school'd your Son soundly, ask him there what a Lecture I read him for his want of respect to a Father, to whose least commands he ought to show obedience, no man cou'd have said more, not your self. But I have since considered things according to Reason, and find (now my Passion is gone) that they are not so bad as may be imagin'd.
Panc.
How? What can be worse, then for a Son to run headlong, and Marry no body knows who?
Plaut.
Oh, I grant it was not well done, but what? our Actions depend not altogether on us, the Stars have a powerful influence. In sine, it was his Fate.
Panc.
That's a fine Reason indeed, by that means a man may Cheat, Rob, Murder, and say for excuse, 'Twas his Fate so to do.
Plaut.
But Sir, you take my words in too strict a Philosophical a sense, yet Fate is hard to be resisted, and the influence of the Stars, concur much to the Operations of our Minds.
Panc.
But does not wisdom controul the Stars, and the Fate you: talk of? Sapiens Dominabitur Astris—
Plaut.
'Tis true, Wisdom corrects but cannot quite alter the course of the Stars—But what, you don't expect to see your Son at these years as wise as your self?
Harl.
As for example, young Mr. Octavio, notwithstanding all my good Counsels, daily Advice, Remonstrances, Cautions and Caveats, has yet play'd a more foolish trick then Signior Cynthio.
Plaut.
I wou'd fain know if you were not young once your self, and had not your Devices and Vigaries like others? I have heard say that you were heretofore very brisk upon the Ladies, a great Gallant, and kept Company with all the Ladies of the times.
Panc.
'Tis confest, but I had still a regard to my self, I never did what he has done.
Plaut.
And what has he done? He saw a young Lady whom he loved, he had that from you to have a kindness for all pretty Women. He found her very charming, made her visits, look'd languishingly on her, sigh'd and talk'd passionately, and declared his love in all the gallantries of Courtship. She makes a return, he is weak, the temptation strong, his Stars conspire, Fate helps, Opportunity presents, he makes use of the Critical minute, the Parents surprise him, force him to marry her, he gives her his Hand, and makes the best of a bad Market, and yet you'l be angry.
Harl.
Ha, Ha, Ha, Rogue!
Plaut.
What wou'd you have had him been kill'd? it is yet better to be Marry'd then Murther'd.
Panc.
I ne're heard that matters went so far.
Plaut.
Ask him, see if he don't say the same thing?
Panc.
Was he forc'd to marry?
Harl.
Oh Signior si, with a great Battoon.
Plaut.
Nay I'de not lye for the matter.
Panc.
Then he shall presently go to a Notary, and Depose upon Oath, that he was forc't to't.
Plaut.
But that's a thing he'l never do.
Panc.
I'le have it done to annul the Marriage.
Plaut.
To annual the Marriage?
Panc.
Yes.
Plaut.
Ah, you won't annul it Signior Pancrace.
Panc.
Won't I annul it?
Plaut.
No.
Panc.
Why have not I the Authority of a Father? Is it not Reason and Justice for the violence offer'd my Son—
Plaut.
He will never agree to't.
Panc.
Not agree to't?
Plaut.
No.
Panc.
Not my Son?
Plaut.
No, not your Son, wou'd you have him declare himself a Coward? and say that he did it for fear? Oh, he never will, that were to disgrace himself and his Family, and make him unworthy to be the Son of such a Father as you?
Panc.
I care not for that.
Plaut.
He must for his own reputation and your honour, say that his Marriage was his own choice.
Panc.
But I'le have him for my Honour and his own Reputation, say just the contrary.
Plaut.
I'me sure he never will.
Panc.
I'le make him.
Plaut.
Indeed he will not.
Panc.
He shall, or I'le disinherit him.
Plaut.
You?
Panc.
I.
Plaut.
Good!
Panc.
I'le do't.
Plaut.
No, you'l not disinherit him.
Panc.
Won't I disinherit him?
Plaut.
No.
Panc.
But I will.
Plaut.
No.
Panc.
No?
Plaut.
No.
Panc.
That's fine, I won't disinherit my Son!
Plaut.
Signior, No.
Panc.
Who shall hinder me?
Plaut.
Your self.
Panc.
My self, good!
Plaut.
Yes, you can't have the heart.
Panc.
But you'l find I shall.
Plaut.
Nature and the compassion of a Father will take his part.
Panc.
They'l signifie nothing.
Plaut.
Yes, Yes.
Panc.
No.
Plaut.
I know you are naturally of a good disposition.
Panc.
No, I am not, I can be angry if I please, but let's end this discourse which provokes me. I'le go and find out Signior Scaramouch, and acquaint him with the fine Actions of my Son.
Plaut.
Signior Pancrace, if I can be serviceable to you in any thing, you need but Command.
Panc.
I thank you Signior Plautino, O that I had but my Son alive that is dead, to make him my Heir.
Exit.
Harl.
You are an able man, our business is now in a good Posture, but Money, Money, Signior Plautino, Eh, 'tis a Pritty Gipsie.
Plaut.
I engage—The design is hatch'd, I am only thinking where to find a man that we may trust to act a part that I have designed stay, stand you at a little distance, give your Hat, the Cock of an angry Bully, sway your body upon one leg, set one hand by your side, swell, look fierce and killing, now take an angry march round, now turn short Cock before and behind at once, now quickly draw, ha, advance with a countenance full of fury, as if you had found the man you were to sacrifice. So—'tis well, I shall put fit words into your mouth, and instruct you to disguise your visage, and alter your voice.
Harl.
Eh, Signior Plautino, don't put me to swim out of my depth, I have no good heart for a Lyon.
Plaut.
O a Lamb in a Lions skin is as dreadful to the eye as a Lions whelp.
Harl.
And lot the fear of the Galleys be before your eyes.
Plaut.
We'l share the danger betwixt us, three years more or less in the Galleys is not sufficient to restrain a noble heart from a brave understanding.
Exeunt.
The End of the first Act.