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The Life of Mother Shipton.
A NEW Comedy.
As it was Acted Nineteen dayes together with great Applauſe.
Folia Ampla SybillaeVirg.
Written by T. T.
LONDON, Printed by and for Peter Lillicrap, and are to be ſold by T. Paſſenger the three Bibles on London Bridge. 1610.
The Scenes.
The City of York. OR Naſebrough Grove in Yorkſhire.
Exeunt.
MIſerable Shipton in what a poor condition has it plea
This is excellent her low condition does lay the foundation for my ſiege, i'l liſten to what follows.
How pleaſant and thrice happy is the fortune of other MorShipton ▪
Better, better yet, ſhe is ambitious, and I am half confident ſhe is my own.
What pleaſant life have I? forlorn deſolation? What eſtate or ſubſiſtance? The Alms of the Pariſh? What Grave but a Ditch? And for my pedigree can only boaſt of poverty? I was wretched by my Parents indigency, and by their death in my Minority, thrice, thrice more Miſerable! Am I not fleſh and blood? Has not Nature beſtowed on me the like perfections, each Mortal now can boaſt off? Why am I ſo low then when others are ſo high? Why do I court the ground when others in their glorious pinacles graſp the sky? Well hence forth will I ſcorn their Alms and gifts of Charity.
I am too preſumptuous and do offend theſe powers we are bound in the ſtricteſt obligations to obey: No be content in time thou wilt ſee Heaven will give thee more felicity.
Ha! This ſtartles me does her ambition thaw, I'l to her e're ſhe too much repents.
Fair Maid, nay ſtartle not, pardon me that I have been a gentle au
Sir your Carriage and diſcourſe confirm you a Gentleman; and ſince you have over heard what I never intended to declare to a
I'l be thy boſome Cabinet, and ſince at firſt ſight I ſee thou art meritorious: 'Tis in my power and I am willing to bring thee to ad
Sir you promiſe fair.
I'l perform fairer, Therefore to morrow morn at ſun riſing, under the broad Beech-tree, in Naeſ-borough Grove fail not to meet me.
Upon my Life I will not,
Then thou ſhalt ſee, i'l find a means to
I thank you ſir.
This promiſe makes me proud, perform it & thou art noble
'TIs a mad life thou leadſt.
A merry life, the only life? I am like a man finding a Table furniſhed to his hand, as mine is ſtill to me, prayers for the ſounder, I thank him he has maintained my houſe this ſix years, not only keeps my wife, but me and all my family: I am at his Table, he
Midſomer eve ▪
five or ſix chal
And then for want of my wife, have I a legion of Miſtreſſes.
But prithee when doeſt exſpect Sir Oliver?
Why to morrow ſo his laſt letter ſaid.
So then we may hope for a recruite.
Hope, we will command it, he muſt be liberal to me, but mum here comes David.
How now David any newes for me from Sir Oliver
Yes, I have a Letter for you Sir.
He is in good health I hope.
I hear nothing to the contrary, but I muſt bid you farewell Sir, buſineſs calls me away, otherwiſe Mr. Shiftwel you and I would not part ſo driely.
Farewel honeſt David
So now Ile open thee.
My dear Shiftwel.
That's lovingly.
O 'tis flattery I fear
In the laſt you received from me, I told thee how ſpeedy I would be in my return, both for the love I bear to my Lady and thy ſelf,
This does not make the old Proverb good, ſhort and ſweet, for this is ſhort
But damnable ſower.
Well poverty parts good company, ſo for the preſent fare
ROger earry the Portmantle to my Lodging, Ile follow preſently.
I will forſooth.
Ha Noll, is it ſo i'faith has a young Mrs, reſtored a new fire into your decayed parts, I thought 'twas impoſſible for nature to broach another veſſel of ſtrength into thy whithered veins, well if it be ſo, ſo let it be: when I lay by thy ſide thou tookeſt no care in the night but to mumble out thy prayer and Pater noſter: many times when I have endeavoured to force a motion in thee, to give life to thy dead ſpirits alas! I was anſwered wiith hollow groans, and excuſes of age? and to imagine the truth, I beleive tis rather thy money then thy for
MY brave ſpirits the world is now in diſtraction, confuſion meets in every place, and will ere long involve it ſelf into a ſecond Chaos: now with all the helliſh art you are maſters of, ſcout about and make the conſciences of men as black as Hell it ſelf: mean while Alecto let it be your care to cheriſh our Traytors in the lower vault. Maſſanello that proud fiſher boy that durſt uſurp ſo much diſloyalty againſt his Prince, to raiſe forces againſt him and make his ſubjects moſt perfidious, the like to Matchavile that wheadSynon that betrayed the noble Trojans, alſo to Hanibal the nobleſt Hellhound Hell can boaſt of, but who comes here.
Great Prince 'tis Radamon.
Now Radamon the news with thee.
Declare it.
I have been with Shipton a poor Alms wench to whom as ſhe was deploring her ſad condition, I appeared apparelled like a very handſome Gentleman, gave her large promiſes, to make good which early this Morn, at Sun-riſing I am to meet her under the broad Beech tree in Na
Grove.
Well done Radamon thou art a providing Divel and does much
NOw for Moneylack he'l behold and bleſs himſelf, and with confidence ſwear i'm a limb of a Devil. How Scrape one of my old Uſurers! Pox on his picture! Now do I quake as if I had had the ſtanding Ague theſe ſeven years! yet perforce I muſt be couragious and ſpeak to him: Mr. Scrape your obleiged Servant Sir.
Mr. Shiftwel how have you done this long while, I can never have the happineſs to ſee you at our end of the town.
No faith nor never ſhall
Why Sir, ſo and ſo, I make a heard ſhift to keep head and ſhould
Well but to put off this diſcourſe, you and I muſt be a little more ſerious.
Now it begins to work.
You know Mr. Shiftwell, the times expired my money due, and your bond forfeited, and now what would you have me do? when I lent my money I appeare an Angel, but now I call for it again Ile war
'Fleſh! what ſhall I do with him? ther's no way to ſet him going but Hectoring. Why Sir I can't help it, you muſt ſtay till I have it, you know like a Gentleman I pawn'd you my Land for the
Fret and ſpare not, I know no obligation lies upon me with my honey to feed drones, but in ſhort my money I want, and my money ile have, or it ſhall go hard with you.
Fleſh how the Rogue railes
More too blame thou in not providing better to ſupport them, your debt is an eſtate for a good man pray acquaint me how were my thouſand pounds imployed?
How a Dun upon Shiftwel, I am come to my wiſh, here IlScrape, better and better, but Ile be ſilenced till the future.
I
Sure tis an old debt, he pleads his former trade of Merchan
Suppoſe this true.
Nay 'tis a real truth without ſuppoſals Sir, beſides can you think in your unqueſtioned wiſdome that the ruine of me, (once an able Merchant) can raiſe your reputation with good men!
No if it thrive with him, hang me as 'twill damne him if he be not converted, for all he's my Uncle.
Suppoſe this Sir, if you permit me a moneth more, it wi l not be your loſs nor prejudice, and there was never yet but ſhame and ſcandal in a victory when Rebels unto reaſons paſſion fought it.
Our Divines cannot ſpeak more effectually.
Shall I be talked out of my Money.
No Sir, but entreated to do your ſelf a benefit and pre
How Friend?
By makeing me your beadsman, when I eat my thanks, next Heaven, will be paid to your mercy, when your ſhips are at ſea, my prayers will ſwell the ſailes with proſperous winds and guard them from tempeſts and Pyrates: keep your ware houſes from fire, or quench them with my tears.
If this could be.
It muſt or my devotion lyes:
Well you have prevailed, take a moneth longer, but ſee you faile not, if you do Ile proteſt you firſt, and that done, have the Statute made for Bankrupts ſerved upon you.
If I do 'tis in your power, but not in mine to ſhun it.
But do you hear: no talk of it, ſhould this arrive at twelve on the exchange, I ſhould be laugh'd at for my fooliſh pitty, which money men hate, ſo farewel.
So he's gone.
Ha! ſo full faith and plead poverty, Ile out and ſcorn him: Ha, ha, ha.
Well Ile abide your jears for once, and hope it may be your turne another time.
In troth very likely, but I have ſeen and heard all, excuſe my manners.
I think I worked him pretty well for all he was your Uncle,
Nay and with ſuch Devotion too.
Never did I pray ſo, ſo heartily before,
PUft up with pride I am grown ambitious, can I forget to give, a bow to the humble Milkmaids: can I forget a curſie making to my liberal Almes-givers? can I forget every Sundaies going to the Church porch to beg a loaf? yes I can forget all,
But ha! I ſee my happineſs, the Sun ſhines clear: come, come my worthy Gallant, if thou doſt faile to effect what thou haſt promiſed me, all my expectations are but Aire! but why do I doubt thy graShipton, higher yet, and think thou never waſt, what too ſure thou haſt been! Ha, ha, ha, me thinks I ſhall laugh to ſee a poor wench beging for an Almes, though I have don't my ſelf, ha! for that very word I could correct my inſolence! I will avouch I neere was poor: hang all beggarry, for my expected happineſs aſſures me I was born to know endleſs felicity, not the fruits of woe. But ſtranger things I yet conceive! This Gentleman could not having no ground of acquaintance promiſe me this preferment without a cauſe? no my youth and beauty ſtirr'd him to't! I am in my teens and that alone muſt be the motive! this I conjecture, and this effect ye powers for my future bliſs.
My pritty Damſel I muſt confeſs I have been ſomewhat tar
Alas! I cannot propheſie Sir.
Then know I intend to marry thee, and have brought theſe my attendants to witneſſe it
Are you real Sir?
By all that's real I am: behind this Grove I have a horſe and pillion for my Spouſe, theſe my attendants are nobly mounted too, we have not Jades that need the ſwitch and ſpur, but will run with all ſpeed to performe the rights that to our marriage ſhall be appur
Now I ſee I propheſied rightly: I am ever happy, Thee and thy eſtate, a noble Husband.
A match lets go,
COme, come devide the ſpoyle, ſhare and ſhare like
Withall my heart: there Hodge there's for thee.
Very right.
And there Jug there's for thee.
True to a farthing.
And there Bab's for thee, and here's for my ſelf, and the odd overplus lets give to the Fidler.
A very good Motion, for now after our long puritanical praying lets ſpend a little of what we got in meriment.
Prethee Greg. what is it thou ſtareſt at ſo?
Why at yonder thach't cottage, me thinks it would make a
O that was old Shipton the ditch diggers.
I but he is dead, Hodge, and has left it to his daughter a poor Almes wench.
And yet as proud as the Devil.
I wonder what's become of her, I have not ſeen her at Almes giving a pretty while, and ſhe did not uſe to hang an Arſe.
Piſh let her be where ſhe will, we keep the Fidler here to no purpoſe.
Well ſtrike up Fidler wee'l take a dance, and then make enAgatha Shipton for the purchaſe of her cottage.
I that have lead a life until of late in ſpight of death, paſſed through the dangers of it without regard, am now won and vanquiſhed: There is an heroick Amazon hard by, whoſe eyes have darted fire inP
hand? ſhall I forget the ordering of a camp? to ride great horſes to beſiedgs a City? to undermine a Caſtle, to raiſe Bulwarks, and all for the love of a ſimple woman? it muſt be ſo: theſe legs that were wont to lead arm'd men to battaile, I now muſt uſe in dances: this haire that uſed to be covered with a Helm cloggy with ſweat and blood, I now muſt daily powder: theſe hands that were uſed to wave a dread
A man from that he was, it is in vain, Tn think to ſhun the thieg thou doſt conſtrain.
O heaven if I can but win my love, it will be a conqueſt deſerves a trophee far above,
My beſt of victories:
Who art thou,
I Sir.
I you, what are you to good to be ſpoke too?
I am Roger.
By that I know thee not, is Roger in a Captains Roll? iſt't writ?
Yes Sir in the Parſons book; the day thereof my baptiſme is ſet down.
And in that honour, how oft haſt thou ere fought with Infi
Not I, a ſcore or two ſaid you Captaine, nay then I ſhould ne
Fie what an ignorance is this haſt thou a mind to become a ſouldier?
Indeed I cannot reſolve you, I am with a Miſtreſs, ile ask her whether ſhee'l turn ſouldier too, and then if I like it there's an end, but pray Captain what is a ſouldier?
A ſouldier is a man that ventures his life a hundred times a day, and in his Princes and his Countries cauſe ſtands Canons ſhot, and when his bodies full of wounds, lyes all night in the field, and ſleeps upon his Helm.
Good Captain pardon me, neither I nor my Miſtreſs will be ſouldiers then, venter my life ſo many times a day, there's more ſafe
Baſe Coward.
Good Sir what is the meaning of that word Coward?
A Coward is a fellow as baſe as thou, one that does ſpend his pretious time in ſloath, cares not what alterations Kingdomes have, ſo be at home may welter in his pleaſures, a fellow that had rather ſit all day ſmoaking Tobaco and carouſeing cups, then dye his ſword in blood of Enemies.
Why then Sir indeed I am a very Coward, 'tis better by half then a ſouldier, I know there's far more pleaſure in a glaſs of good wine then in bullets whizing about ones ears, and Pikes and Halberts beating out ones teeth.
Thou dungil wretch.
Nay pray Sir be not angry, for I vow I ſhould never digeſt the ſouldiers life.
Thou earthen minded ſlave 'tis pitty thou ſhould'ſt eat or drink thou haſt no better thoughts.
Good Sir give me leave to be of my own mind and a Coward, I am ſure there's no wiſe man but won'd ſay as I doe, what have I to do with ſouldery, let thoſe follow wars that at are weary of their lives.
Thou art as dungil a minded Raſcal as ever I heard, and de
Go hang your ſelf my Hufting Captain, what have I to do with your warrs two, I ſhould never endure to hear a gun ſhot off, for hearing the report of our Stewards piſtol, does many times make me endanger my breeches.
Stand at a diſtance, me thinks this ſtate becomes me.
HA! what Bell is that?
O Yes, if any man or woman, in City, Town, or Country can tell me tydings of Agatha Shipton, the daughter of Solomon Shipton Ditch digger lately deceaſed, let them bring word to the Cryer of the Village, and they ſhall be well rewarded for their pains.
Curſe on that tongue what makes this cry after me? can they not beſtow the Almes that came to my ſhare to ſome other poor wretch that wants it more then I do now? no 'tis not that! upon my life ſome canting Beggars covetuous of my cottage have made this way of inquiry for me to purchaſe it. And if my noble Lord ſhould have divulged it to theſe my attendants what I firſt was, and they now declare it I ſhould again be wretched for all theſe delicates: I can't in my proud thought be rich if any but himſelf ſhould know I ever was poor.
Pray ean any here tell me tydings of the party I cry off?
No truly honeſt man.
Then farewell Gentlemen.
This anſwer does agen prop up my ſpirit.
Welcome Noble Sir.
I hankes my fair Spouſe, I ſee I am come moſt opertunely, lets ſit and taſte of all the varieties this board is furniſhed with.
Now begone, wee muſt conferre in private. Now I am thy Husband and thou art my Wife, yet know I am no mortal! I am a Devil! theſe my attendants Devils too! I can peirce through the aire, ranſack its Treaſures! I can raiſe thunder and lightning, ſtir up Storms, quell Tempeſts, do or undo any thing to pleaſe me! Ile give thee power too! the windes ſhall be at thy command, and every thing elſe at thy diſpoſe!
How matried to an Imaterial Spirit this ſtarteles me, how ſweetly could I now deſire my former poverty! but Pride aſſures me I am happy ſtill, and on that ſtaff ile lean. Then Fortune turn thy wheel,
Well having cunningly wone me to you, I muſt obey and be what you are pleaſed to make me.
Then after me repeat theſe following words.
Raziel, Ziragia, Phonthonfancia.
Repeats.
I Shall ſtudy to be your humble ſervant.
Thou art a noble Miniſter of words: but wilt thou be my Cabinet, my friend Roger?
I will obey you Sir.
Liberally ſpoken, when I have opened me, wilt thou be privy?
Very ſecret and officious, it is manners in me, your commands ſhall wedge my tongue, hedge my heart, and tye a true Lovers knot with the ſtrings of it.
Thou art an honeſt clad of earth, it is pitty the malitious Sun-ſhine warm'd thee not into a Diamond.
You ſpeak above my brain Sir.
I am marvellouſly in love with your Lady, Roger.
Wonderful! is my Lady your ſweet heart?
Yes but ignorant of my affection yet.
I would be drunk if you were my Maſter Sir.
I Roger, I would have a Wine cellar to the purpoſe Man, but doſt know any poſſible way to win her?
Sir I am paſſing empty of invention: but an't pleaſe you would you marry her?
No you may ſwear it, but I muſt counterfeit yes, why doſt wonder at it?
She does nothing all day but read merry Comedies, and every night ſpend two or three houres on a Tragedy of a merry fellow Dametas, and a company of ſtrange nam'd Lovers, ſhe's no more a hus
Thou art too earneſt my old fac'd Saturn, I like her near the worſe, huswifery is the ſuperficies of a gentle Female, and the paren
You are a ſchollar Sir, and your bookſhip ſhall direct me,
I ſhould be glad to cope with your Lady Sir, me thinks I am of a prompter expreſſion then uſal: Ha! your Lady ſaid I? faith ſee where ſhe comes.
I vaniſh in a miſt then.
He out with a Poetical Solique for my Praeludium. The gaudy ſtars are not more full of glee, when golden Phaebus ſetteth in the Weſt, nor doe the chearful Birds with more delight rejoyce at the new livery of the ſpring, then I to have this Miracle of Beauty enter into the knowledge of my Eyes.
He ſpeaks well, I would he meant in earneſt, the gentle
She ſhall be ſtoutly accoſted, impudence is a very happy quality in a wooer I perceive.
He comes.
Lady I credit you are not a puny in the Court of Cupid, and therefore I hope need not the tedious circumſtances of an Annual ſer
Pray Sir Deſiſt.
Never, ſweet Lady, my deſcent I know you doubt not, and my love you need not, for while I live I ſhall love you, and when you dye your memory.
Your carriage and diſcourſes Sir, ſhew you are a Tra
My boldneſs ſhe means: Madam I have been one and can deAntipodes, this will make her wonder.
O ſtrange have you been there Sir? I admire how you ever came thither!
Madam I can tell you, but ſhould I tell you, I ſhould afright you more then the doleful groans of a dying Creature in the hideous night.
Nay if it be ſo terrible, pray ſir forbear.
Well put off.
Yet, pray reſolve me one thing.
No ſooner asked but granted.
Whether the Antipodes have a King.
Yes but he's no man.
I beleive ſo, for I could never credit that any man in
There they have no houſes neither but the Kings pallace, where Sir Francis Drake was entertained after he had ſhot the gulf.
Poſſible! I wonder at it.
Nay more they at the Antipodes hear with their noſes, ſmel with their ears, but taſte withall their ſences, for they are the moſt inſatiableſt gluttons in the whole world.
But I cannot imagine how their ſences are ſo contrary to ours,
Nay and they are oppoſite to us too.
That indeed I have heard. But you frequent playes, do ye not ſir?
Playes they are moſt commonly my every afternoons recre
And you have red many Hiſtories?
Many Lady.
This pleaſes me too, farewel ſir.
Admired Lady leave me not ſo.
What would you have ſir?
Your conſent Lady
O expect that hereafter.
Nay dear Lady.
You are too importunate ſir farewel.
No matter, I am ſure to have thee: how ſome women are taken with ſtrange tales? queſt onleſs ſhe's a Widdow, but no matter, plenty of money will weave contempt in a beauty at ſecond hand.
Thou art well met.
Thanks good Shiftwel.
I have brave newes to tell thee, but come let's to the Ta
Agreed, but I ſhould call upon a friend about this hour ac
Nay ile not ſtay for 'tis full noon, and I have promiſed to be Sir Olivers gueſs.
Hee's come to town then.
Yes he came laſt night, and has commanded noble prepara
Ile leave you then.
Proteſt but you ſhan't, Sir Oliver the humbleſt of your ſer
Nephew Shiftwel. the only one I wiſht for.
You are welcome to town Sir, I expected you long afore this, till your laſt Letter ſhew'd good cauſe to the contray.
Indeed I could not poſſible come till now, nor now neither well, for in the interim ſeveral concerns of mine lyes in the truſt and confidence of ſome perſons which I doubt.
Your Lady Sir is delivered of a fine plump boy, he will be as notable a wag as the Father Ile watrant him.
I have ſeen it and bleſſed it, but to make my promiſe good, there Nephew ther's ten peices for you, and come you muſt be my principal gueſs to day.
It grieves me that I muſt be forced againſt my will, I hate the company of ſuch a crew of Women (as there to be ſure I ſhall find enow) nay and honeſt women too: yet for this moneys ſake I muſt, and ſo good patience guide me, Sir I can't deny you, but this Gentleman is my intimate friend and in leaving him ſo abruptly, I make a breach of our friendſhip,
Not for the world, with this Gentleman your friend, I invite you for my gueſs to day, and will promiſe you Sir a hearty wel
Sir I thank you, but would willingly beg your pardon and my excuſe, for probablely my ſtrangeneſs may be ſome part of hindrance to mirth in ſome of your ſcotiable gueſs,
Not in the leaſt Sir, I have a Neice that loves to enter
He means my Siſter Maria, faith for that words ſake goe Money-lack.
NOw declare,
Infernal King, I have been my circuit, but each chri
I was his ſecond, for in a puffe of ſmoak I crep up their noiCharons cuſto
I have been amongſt a crew of Coblers and Broom-men and have raiſed an endleſs diſcord, that I dare promiſe upon penalty of your powerful diſpleaſure, diverſity of murders will be between them committed.
I have not been idle neither: I have been ſcouting among
Well 'twas bravely done, and for this your care and diliProſerpines hand, then run to your ſeveral ſtations to perfect what you have partly i
AM I awake or in a dream? Ha! What dingy Hayloft am I left in now? Am I once more become the miſerable Inhabitant of my poor paternal Cottage: Alas! 'tis too true! Is this the end of all my pride to be again reduced to my priſtine poverty! How vain is ſeeming glory! How momentary are all the pleaſures that airy ſpiAgatha Shipton, ſureHag had red her: Then farewel all future expectation of true felicity I muſt,
How now runaway are you once more come to light agen?
Yes Hellibore.
Bore me no Bores d'you ſee you are a Sow for boring of me for all your crooked Noſe.
Bleſs me ſhe is ſtrangely altered!
Sure 'tis not ſhe!
Sure my Name is not Hodge: Come we come to bid you Money for the purchaſe of your Cottage.
Keep your Money I want it not, nor any thing elſe.
Marry come up Potters are you grown ſo proud, I have known the time you would have leapt at a cruſt.
Tormentors be gone and trouble me not.
Be gone, we won't or if we do we will ſend a whole Legion of Admirators to perplex thee, all the Country ſhall know of thy Di
Are you preſumptuous villanies.
Now am I come to ſupply the Company of thoſe thou wiſe'y haſt dismiſt and in recompence of my love thou muſt practice Mur
My former vows enforce me to enact what you deſire.
NO more of theſe coſtly feaſts nor go ſſipings.
Ha! Sir Oliver alone i'l ſtand here and liſſen.
No, no, I have a Plot to reaſſume my former an antient way of living.
How will he leave us? O penurious curre!
I'l repoſe my truſt and Confidence in none but in my ſelf.
Yes i'l ſhare with thee villain and put a ſtop to all thy cunning.
This Letter does prepare the Phyſick I ſhortly intend to adShiftwel and his Wife.
Does the plot lye there, then be attentive ears!
This Letter is an Imploration to regain my good wifes fa
More Knave thou, but for my own ends ile prevent thee.
But I looſe time,
Damn'd Impoſture! but ile not rave nor rage but ſmoothly put a bar to his conſpiracy, and ſee he has left me further inſtructions to proceed, ile read it.
My Dear.
PRethee pardon what I have done amiſs, and though I have been a prodigal wanderer once more receive me home into thy favour: 'Tis but Juſtice in mee to be ſubmiſsive ſince I am ſo much guilty of ingratitude to the embraces of ſo kind a Wife. I proteſt religiouſly never to go back into that path of folly wherein I have been ſo long hedg'd, but poſt to come to thee, Embrace, Enjoy, Live, and never again to live apart from thee till death ſeperates me from being
Thy endeared Husband Sir Oliver.
Very good now Ile go place my Engine, and quickly quench thy new deſires.
HOw eaſy was I tempted to my ruine! I have a Neece ſaid he, now I know thou haſt a fair one two, whoſe amorus eyes have charm'd my heart and made me ſubject, to loves Deity! Maria! lovely Maria! to thy beauty I am a Captive and ever dedicate my ſelf to thy ſervice. How the ruſhing waves of love do tumble and beat upon my tender heart. My eyes are very dimne or almoſt out with gazing on the Sun whoſe light is coeleſtial, Me thinks I am in a dream.
Ha! me thought I heard a heavenly voice ſinging in the praiſe of my Maria,
But I maſt ceaſe.
My dear friend well met, have I not got a noble colour.
Faith I have been hard at it, but why ſo melancholly? thou
Truly I am ill, very ill and yet the cauſe—
What iſt prithe tell me?
He is my friend I cannot well deny him, 'tis love.
Love! in what kind
In the beſt kind, the worthieſt kind! A Cordial Honorable and Honeſt love.
Honeſt Love! Ha, ha, ha, Pox on ſuch love, and all the
Money lack go ſleep upon't, ſo good night, to morrow morn ile ſee you agen and hope to find you in another mood. Honeſtly in love, Ha, ha, ha!
THis is the only life my brave Belſwagger.
True, to ſpend a life muſing at home, Pox on ſuch ſottſ
No, no thank my ſtars I have thought of better things.
I but what ſhall we think of to get us a little more money, I have a great fancy to take a ramble to London, and your Fathers name wont gain us credit every where.
Not every where, but in ſome part of London ile engage it ſhall, but however being ſo nigh home Ile make a ſ
Provided you'l ſtay at home and grow reformed.
Ile turn Puritan firſt.
Nay I cant Imagine thou wilt leave mee
No faith to leave thee in miſery would to my conſcience be
Enough I'me confident.
Well ile to my Father and return with all ſpeed poſſible, the mean time let no thoughts diſcontent thee, for as I have vowed
WEll little does Moneylack think Maria's my Siſter, in the end he ſhall not doubt of his enterprize, I have left him in good hopes and am ſtoln to have the other tryal of my Amorous Dame, this is [knocks the door, and now good luck on my ſide.
Whoe's there.
A friend.
What is your Name.
As you ſay that is to be thought on: I muſt pick-out ſome ſtrange name. Frank heart.
O Sir cry your mercy I remember you and your ſuit and will be very ſerviceable to you, if now and then you will ſuffer me to be blithe and full of merry moods.
Roger where haſt been prithee?
At the ſpiget Sir is it not a very rainy day?
Thou art well waſh'd within I perceive, but Roger is your Lady at leiſure to diſcourſe, your Lady ſaid I ſee where ſhe comes!
Then 'tis time for me to be gone.
Ha! ſee where my Gallant is, I ſhall be courted certain
Madam your humble ſervant; let your lilly white hand in
You are very complemental Sir.
Faith Madam I love you for millions of cauſes and you ſhall find it ſo if you p'eaſe introth dear Lady.
Ile try him a little.
And Ile try thee Ile hold thee a wager ere I have done with thee.
But Sir, you have been a very deboiſt Gentleman I hear.
By what name pray Madam.
Truly Sir my memory is none of the beſt I have for
So I believe: pray withall forget what you have heard and you ſhall hear no more of it, and upon that promiſe, come ſhall wee agree.
To what?
To do as we would be done unto.
How's that.
I could ſhew you Madam, with your good likeing.
Some other time I preſume Sir will ſerve.
Nay no more Courtſhip if you love me Madam.
What call you this pray
'Tis my imploration Madam.
You are very fluent, 'tis meer flattery, they are moſt childiſh will beleive all that their Suitors ſay my moſt Poetical ſer
Moſt obdurate Lady, was ever widdow ſo hard to win, ſure her late Husband got not her Maiden-head ſhe is ſo backward.
Adeiu Sir.
Not yet ſweet Lady.
Pray trouble me no more with your ſpeeches,
O cruel reply to a Lovers ſuit!
how to diſſemble a little if ever you felt this paſſions pain, if ever you would pittied be your ſelf, or if you know that love has power to kill, commiſerate a heart ſo ſwel'd with love for you, that it will quickly break if you deny the juſtice of my requeſt, and if you are reſolv'd to remain Inex
I am but a Woman and theſe words would move a ſtu
Frankheart.
And mine Lovefree: then thou Frankheart takes mes Lovefree, without any farther Ceremony.
A match, and one thing more Ile promiſe
My love to thee ſhall conſtant be and pure,
NOw both in mind and form I am a perfect Witch, what hitherto I have done has ſpread my fame far wider then it is, ſo that thoſe who before looked upon me as a crack brain'd woman, now be
Reverend Matron whoſe all knowing skill our Country ad
Come near Abbot of Beverley, you are not ſo much diſguiſed but the Fox may be ſeen through the ſheeps skin.
She knowes me upon my life a witch!
'Tis not thoſe Cloathes makes you a Lay perſon, no more then a long gown makes any man a Lawyer, pleaſe you to ſit you ſhall not go away unſatisfied of what you deſire.
I fear the downfall of our Abbies, but ere I know my doom, accept this ſacred Relique lately come from Rome, a ſure pre
O your Teſtimony is needleſs to the wiſe, of which I thus propheſie.
This is omminous and touches State, thy inſolence muſt be corrected.
I fear ſhe does preſage too true, but ere I harbour ſuch a thought of my own downfall Ile cry vindicte on the witch that firſt induc'd mee too't.
BUt you muſt be ſure to ſwear point blanck.
O through an inch bord Sir, lye and ſwear to it, 'tis the leaſt thing of an hundred, beſides what is it Beggars wont do for Money?
Very good but Mum, here comes the Juſtice and the witch.
Here our Officer has brought the party our warrant did command, Now ſay what you can aleadge againſt her and let her anſwer for her ſelf.
Which ſhall be nothing
I ſay Sir ſhe's a witch, and hope to prove it here by teſti
Well declare what can any of you teſtify againſt her.
Sir an't pleaſe your Worſhip I have known her ever ſince
Piſh this is but talk, can any of you prove what you ſurmi
I now to the probat, ſpeak what you can.
Ant pleaſe your worſhip I can ſafely take my corporal oath that ſhe is a —
Out Ruſtick are you not aſhamed to ſneze in the Juſtices face?
Ant pleaſe your Worſhip I dare take my oath too that ſhe is a —
More impudence! this will ruine me.
Ant pleaſe your good Worſhip to take our oathes, and we will confidently ſwear ſhe is a —
Diviliſh conſpiracy! an Oath ſticks in each throat and none can gulp it out.
Pray Sir what was your meaning to bring theſe Mechanicks here to deride me?
No Sir but—
But what? know Sir I take it for an affront put upon me, for which theſe your Teſtimonials ſhall all find ſevere puniſhment thus to upbraid juſtice, but firſt ſay woman are you guilty of what they accuſe you off or no?
No right worſhipful Sir, and here I do defie what all of them out of malice have moſt diſgracefully termed me.
Once more ſpeak you, or any, or all of you, can you con
Yes an't pleaſe we can all ſwear ſhe is a
Out impudent Cattel: Clark drive them in, and then make each perſons Min
to the County Goal, to anſwer to two InGoram, the other for faſly accuſing Mother Shipton a woeman of good repute and converſation.
O I am undone! pray Sir be merciful.
A thouſand thanks to your worſhip for being juſt to inno
'Tis thy deſert farewel.
Now have I not plaid a true Lovers part
Thou haſt.
Fear not theſe by blows
I'm ſorry and yet I cannot chooſe to laugh at my poor friend Moneylacks misfortune: he loves, he loves honeſty, nay my Siſter too, and yet I blame him: O that men in this world ſhould be wrapt up in ſuch dotage and ſtupidity to what end? where is their aime? would any man be an Epicure? can he boaſt himſelf ſo without the ſenſe of variety! would he be a Phyloſopher? can he imagine to find the ſtone by beating on one experiment? would he be a Schollar and never turn over a new leaf: O ignorance inexpreſsible! of which I thank my ſtars I am but little guilty off: the beſt of knowledge is experi
And now having got a ſecond to my Knight, I hope I ſhall croſs the Proverb And between two ſtooles ſit ſure:
VVEll was ever Heart ſo juſt with Avarice as is the old dotard my Father, who at the approaching of winter muſt unShipton, ſhe's wiſe they ſay and can preſage prittily: this is the door ſure ile knock.
Your buſineſs Sir.
Sweetheart is the good Mother Shipton within.
But not at leiſure as yet, you impart the occaſion of your coming to me Sir, I am her ſecret ſervant.
Why then prithe doſt know Sir Habbakuk Holdfaſt of this County.
Yes an antient Gentleman, much diſeaſed and lives nere Pomfret.
The very ſame.
And what of him?
Why prithe ask thy Miſtreſs how long ſhe thinks 'tis poſſible for him to live.
See where ſhe comes.
Sir I know the party you enqui e off, and concerning whom I thus Propheſie.
So I leave you.
So ſweet heart thank thy Miſtreſs.
Nay but pray Sir ſtay, if you forget to open your purſe, I ſhan't forget to open my mouth: do you think I can live with thanks? the Belly requires meat, and the back cloathing, thank you quoth he, marry come up.
Prithee be not ſo hot, there's for thee.
Well I hope thanks will ſuffice you Sir, though it would not me, ſo farewell Sir.
Fleſh I have given her half my ſtock, I am poor and yet if I have nere ſo little I can't forbear to be liberal: well Gentillity ſpi
Heaven ſend the time: now with a heart fraughted with joy.
FAith her diſpoſition is moſt ſtrange.
'Twas eaſier for to ſpurn the Cyclops Anvil down, and kick it into Attomes in the Air then to obtain her love.
O think not ſo.
Have I not cauſe?
At laſt after a conſtant and heard purſuit ſhe may be wone.
Could I but hope ſo much, did all the Stars malignant Influ
Conjecture ſtill the beſt.
'Tis eaſier to advice then to perform.
In theſe times young Ladies for a while do mantle their affection in diſlike, let not an ignorance of Virgins wills diſturbe thy breaſt with weak diſpair.
See and exalt your eyes to happineſs.
Maria and her Maid, I ſee a Lute: let us eſcape the light and it is likely we ſhall hear her ſing.
Now give it me, is it in tune?
Yes Madam.
Forbear a while to play upon the ſpheers ye ſervants to the Deities, the Gods will blame you if you keep the air of her all ra
Now have you heard her reſolution.
That ſhe diſguizes, not her love you mean.
True and I am moſt miſerable!
But ſee here ſhe's all alone: now ſpeak to her Ile withdraw and pray for your ſucceſs.
Thanks good friend: hail Natures moſt perfect work, and th
Alas your ſmile Sir is in vain, for in ſhort, if you'l give me leave, I call to witneſs every particular inſtance, and tends to any Chriſtians happineſs, that I will never enter into Marriage: and for your ſaying you muſt dye for me, I hold it but a common comple
O be not ſo unmerciful! had your Mother faireſt Lady, InMaria, let not your tongue degenerate from your form.
Sir you have heard me ſpeak what I intend.
Be not a Tygreſs Lady.
Sir I muſt leave you, and leave you this humour, I reſpect you as you are a Gentleman of my acquaintance, but if any more you trouble me with your Court ſhip I ſhall utterly have you: ſo farewell.
Does a fair face preſage a cruel heart! Nature is grown de
What is ſhe ſtill obdurate?
Beyond expreſsion!
Yet let not theſe doubt puzzle you, you will be happy, and enjoy her, I am confident you will: this is a common cuſtome in young hearts.
But this is a fixed Star.
Fixed in your heart it ſeems, but otherwiſe I doubt it, herefore in the end doubt not you of your deſire.
You have ſtirred a feeble releif within me, friend that my dear Maria may be warm and I will nouriſh it to ſome height,
CAptain you promiſed me a new Gown and have broke your word I deſire therefore to be acquitted your com
Pretty Priſ. my Tennants are ſlow in paying their Rents I had not failed thee elſe, but thou art very fine as you are.
That's without thanks to you, 'tis no coſt of yours: I am be
But in truth Captain you muſt become more liberal to my Daughter for the future.
What do you think Ile venture my reputation for your Oaths, flattering words and a little fooliſh pleaſure?
No indeed ſhe muſt be maintained with other Materials: If ſhe goes not fine and gallant, ſhe muſt bid farewell for ever to all hollidayes: the Honorable and right Worſhipful will not care for her embraces then.
Are you againſt me too Mother? I thought you had had a greater kindneſs for me then ſo.
Indeed Captain you know I have much reſpected you: but you muſt think of providing better for my Girl.
I love thee, give me thy hand, and though I never made uſe of my Credit in that kind, ile vow before my Mother ile take thee up a new Gown to morrow,
Perform't and then you ſee Priſcilla wi'l requite your kind
Then wee are agreed, ile do it, now will I joak with my reEurope that can remember the building of the Capitol, I dare pronounce tis you: would I had as much mony as you have ſpent in Almanacks ſince you could make uſe of them, I ſhould be as rich as the grand Govenour of a province.
Well well Captain though you make a mock of my age, you would be glad to live ſo long your ſelf.
There is but ſmall hopes to imagine hee'l ever arrive to that Antiquity, his debauchneſs will ſhorten his daies, beſides he's ſo quarrelſome I wonder he has liv'd till now.
Piſh you prate, but is ſupper ready Mother.
Yes but we muſt ſtay for Eſquire Hairbrain.
Will he be here?
Yes, and his friend Mr, Swagger.
Long look't for comes at laſt, Mr. Hairbrain your welcome
Thanks my dear Priſ.
Mr.Swaggar you are welcome too.
Mother your daughter lookes exceeding well methinks.
Venus be praiſed ſhe needs no art of painting, her face al
Paint out upon't, I ſhould be loath to dawb my face with oyntment.
But many of as good features, have not ſo nice a ſtomack.
I credit you, and have heard many raile againſt it as if they ſcorn'd to adulterate their faces.
You women no diſſemblers are, but he that can live without you is a happy man.
But we trifle time, Mother lead way wee'l follow come Swagger within wee ſhall find a Miſtreſs for thee.
My Mother has a ſcore or two at your ſervice.
Thanks my fair Priſcilla.
Well I muſt expect little enjoyment of dear Priſ. while Hairbrain's here, would I could win her affection to my ſelf I would carry her far enough out of all their reaches. She is Proxrots only child and ſhe's rich.
SEe this Letter will eaſe the heat of my troubled friend, and with more ſpirit make him enact what I muſt deſire him to perform to the life: 'Tis now high time to place my Engine, and indeed to work it, Sir Oliver keeps cloſe to his ſtudy — 'tis to no good intent.
And I muſt watch his cunning to prevent
Ile ſtrait to Moneylack and put my deſign in execution.
But ſee ye how fortunately he comes, my dear friend read that and then judge of my prevalency with Maria.
Sir having received a perticular account of your worth and quality I am ſorry I have ſo long repaid your affection to me with diſdain. I would not have you triumph that I have ſo recollected my ſelf, nor yet deſpair in any thing to the contrary, for at preſent I can only ſa
Maria.
Is this her own hand.
Is this mine? I am ſorry you gueſs my friendſhips to be flattery.
No more, I credit you, and by this means inſpired a ſecond breath into a heartleſs Lover, 'tis beyond the reach of Oratory to de
You are very bountiful, but now I muſt make bold to em
Then if I be may the deſtruction fall upon my head, declare.
This it is, when the goſſiping was, after dinner ſteping into the garden I eſpyed Sir Oliver murmuring to himſelf, and thinking it to be no goodneſs; ſquatted under a buſh and heard the Rogues deinterim ile come and make up the buſineſs; and aſſure thee Maria in the bargain. Time and place to meet with him you ſhall receive in a note from me this even.
Then if I fail to do it to the life call me Hypocrite.
Enough, farewell for the preſent.
Now for my widdow.
REfuſe my Miſtriſs health, 'tis a crime which no
Come, come, Ile have no quarrels in my houſe.
Mum Impudence! Ile meet his fury.
How now Hag, can you hinder quarrels in a Bawdy-houſe.
If you can, you have more power then a Conſtable, but let my entreaties beg a reconcilement.
They are in vain and do but exaſperate the proſecution of my juſt revenge advance Sir.
Stay beaſt unworthy of the name of man, much leſs unwor
Of what moment is extravagancy, or to what end ſerves a riotus life, ſeeing both the one and the other are ſubject to viciſſitude and ready to yeild at the leaſt puffe of winde that blowes from a conatry ſhore! O my diſobedience! To forſake the intern love of a Parent
Phlegeton.
Nay Hairbrain prithee let me perſwade thee.
And Swagger let me perſwade thee.
3. And Gentlemen pray let me perſwade you both.
I expected a more familiar way of ſcuffling then this.
Out Whores trouble me not.
Methinks I find a ſudden alteration within me, affection thaPriſcilla is as barren a
Well Gentlemen if you are ſo mute or mad I know not which nor I don't care whether, wee'l be ſo civil to leave you, my Ladie will find other Gallants to be more gently embraced by, ſo farewel ha, ha, ha.
Now Sir here take my ſword and make a paſſage for my ſo
No here take mine and do me that courteſie,
Pray Gentlemen without being thought too rude, may I de
Then know Sir, to this Gentleman my friend bey on expreſsion
By my perſwaſions to lead an Extravagant life, he has lately lo
For heaven ſake forbear: ſo much a freſh is my love kindle
Is this not pollicy to delay my death?
By all thats good it is not if you dare credit me.
You may be confident I will.
Then let all paſs, we muſt now joyn prudence to our pover
With a heart as full of holy ardencie as thoſe that devoutly implore zealous mercies from their Saints, or as votaries from their Goddeſſes.
Pray may a third man intervene that has not over vertuouſly inclin'd himſelf & make a joynt reſolution with you for repentance.
With all our hearts, but what is this.
Hell take Deſpair it ſhall never enter into my breaſt.
Nor mine.
Nor mine but ſee another apparition!
Hope thee I embrace, and friends let joyn hand and hearts in the height of ſorrow to have the greateſt Hope, by ſome learned Authors
NOw am I experienced in the Magical Sciences, as much as ever was the fam'd Medea or Circe. whoſe cuning has left a wonder to the world, ſo ſhall Shiptons too! but to what end? what will the
Shipton look into the glaſs of thy infirmities, which are ſo many they almoſt work a deſpair in me to cry peccavi
yet have we not powers above that, over hels prevalency are pre
HA, ha, ha, how I laugh at a poor crew of ſimple ſinners who perſue temptation more then it does them: who will ſcruple to ſwear dam me, ſince 'tis Allamode? and who will avoide living vitiouſly adShipton whoſe Name ecchoes out admiration, to whom I have been a ſmall attendant, but for no ſmal wages, I ſerve for ſouls but here ſhe comes.
Ha! heres my ſoul catcher! now all goodneſs be my aſſiſtance we'ome my Radamon, thou art come juſt in the nick to accompliſh an earneſt requeſt I have too thee?
Name it and 'tis granted.
Do't and ile confirm thou art a miraculous Devil! by all the Helliſh conſpiracy thou ere waſt maſter of, I do conjure thee to empty the Sea and make me ſole commandreſs of all the riches therein lye ex
Impudent Witch! what has in joyn'd thee to that arrogancy to deſire that which all the power Hell could ever boaſt off never was a
So his nonperformance of
This ſhall be my plea: why Radamon go to the ſumme of our contract art thou not my ſervant.
Yes I have been but now come in my Maſters name to com
My ſoul, ha, ha, ha!
Yes thy Soul witch doſt laugh.
Yes & does defie thee, know vaunting Devil by hells inſtigation I have hitherto lead a vitious life I have now found out the way to vir
Conceited woman how doſt thou flatter thy ſelf with impoſsi
Delude me no more, begon and tell thy Maſter, Shipton walks in a path will make her truly happy by avoiding Hell.
Thou lyeſt, thou art mine, reſign thy ſelf to me and that pre
Do, I dread them not.
Junx elke tu tenon Emon potidoma on Andra.
The cauſe of this great help thou craves?
See where ſhe ſtands with ſuch audacity Hell cannot ſhew the like precedent.
Have you expreſt our commands.
Yes and ſhe ſcorns them.
Shipton thou art mine.
Yes and you can take me.
Seize on her ſtraight.
What are you grown feeble? ile joyn my ſtrength!
What preſervative has ſhe got againſt our power?
Too ſure ſhe is ſheilded by thoſe powers above, to which ours is impotent!
I muſt now then conclude this to be the laſt attempt, ſtill, ſtill, protect me ye
Now David how thinkeſt thou of my cunning.
Very well truly Sir, you have a brain ile, ſay that for you.
Poor Shiftwel it troubles me though. O me what a brave man he was, no meeting at the Horſe race, Cocking, Hunting, Shooting or Fowling at which Shiftwel was not a principal Gameſter, and compa
I Sir he has paid deer for thoſe follies, and 'tis but juſtice that ſuch as ſoar above their pitch, and will not be warn'd by his example ſhould like him ſhare in the miſeries that wait upon it.
Thou ſayeſt right David, and I in pitty have for theſe few years lent him a helping hand to raiſe his fortunes, but now for my own ſelf intereſt ſake I muſt leave him, therefore David run and fetch my boots and bring them to the Inne, ile haſte before.
I am gone Sir.
Bleſs me, ſure that is my old Knight that creeps a
I arreſt you Sir, by the name of Sir Oliver Whorehound.
Ha! 'tis he and arreſted. I muſt down and know the e
Arreſt me Sir at whoſe ſuit?
At Mr. Shiftwells ſuit upon two actions, with two or three ex
At Mr. Shiftwells ſuite, thou doſt belye him Varlet, he I dare lay will weep when he heres on't.
Yes like a Milſtone.
See where he comes you had beſt tell him ſo.
Nephew Shiftwel you are come moſt opportunely to free me from this Band
I know you gave no way to it nor had you any reaſon ſo to do.
Bleſs me who do I ſee; Shiftwell is thy Name? O deceitful man!
Are you a Serjeant acquainted with the danger of a reſcue, yet ſtand here prating in the open ſtreets, the Counters ſure a ſafer place to parley in.
Your reaſon for this diſgrace to me?
'Tis but juſtice in me. The reaſon you ſhall know hereafter.
Pray here me ſpeak.
Whilſt I like the adder ſtop my ears, or did I liſten, though you ſpake with the tongue of Angels I am not to be altered.
Pray make me ſenſible of the offence I have done, if it be a
How does my heart now pant bewteen Hope and fear, to know the period of this buſineſs,
He ſhew you ſome mercy which is this. That I will not torOliver, I have conditi
Sir I have been at the Inne and finding you not there came back to look you.
My journies ſtopt now David, Mr Shiftwell you may pro
With all my heart lets to the next Tavern, go ſend for two or three friends and diſcourſe of it there at large.
Ha! a Serjeant on my maſters back, Shiftwel has napt him, now all will out as ile go hear.
Now is my ſhame as evident as day light, O unfortu
Now Scrievener read the propoſitions.
That for the injury deſigned to Mr. Shiftwell you will free
Ha! to Maria, I can't conceive the reaſon, but ile be ſilenced till the future.
Secondly to make Mr. Shiftwels wife joynture a hundred pounds per annum more during her life, and laſtly to keep his wife and familie twelve years, and if at the twelve years end you intend to leave them fairly to give a quarters warning.
Heres one ſaies no to that but the reſt for your freedome Sir Oliver I muſt conſent too.
Ha! my dear wife.
You have been a hopeful husband, but blame me not if I have paid you in your coyn.
I am amazed.
Nay ſtare not Mr Frankfort that was pretended, you and I have been a little better acquainted, but not with a thought that your wife and my husband were ſuch ſure bedfellowes
Well then wife I hope you'l pardon me.
I do and expect the ſame from you.
Well I have loſt a good generous cuſtomer by the bargain, and Oliver you freely ſeal to theſe articles the laſt only omitted by your wives in junction.
Withall my heart, upon the giving me a bond for redelive
That I will, only one thing more remayns: that upon Maria's acceptance of the perſon ſhe affects for her husband, you will pay down the marriage portion in your hands remaining.
Moſt freely.
Then pray witneſſe the ſealing and delivery.
Now Sir Oliver what were have done we can't undoe, therefore Mr. Moneylace: diſcover your ſelf and accept my Siſter Maria for your wife.
And I accept him as my only happineſs.
Deareſt Lady you have raiſed me to a joy beyond my thoughts may heaven requite you for your kindneſs, and I wear out my life to do you ſervice.
Bleſs me here are wonders in ridles.
Sir Oliver I muſt crave your pardon for my rudeneſs.
There is a general pardon granted, and now good wife lets ſee how our ends will meet agen.
I accept thee freely.
Then we are all friends.
I arreſt you Sir.
Arreſt him Villain?
Pray Brother with bold a little, at whoſe ſuit?
At this Gentlemans.
Then Ile end all. My noble Uncle!
I have a requeſt to take my ſecurity for this Gentlemans debt, he is become my brother.
Your Brother?
Even ſo ſir, to morrow I'm to marry this Gentlewoman his ſiſter: releaſe him therefore pray ſir for your nephews ſake.
That I will Serjeant be gone I have ſatisfied you.
And pray Gentlemen pardon my ignorance of all theſe proceedings and Nephew I wiſh you much happineſs.
I thank you Sir, come brother now to make all friends.
Now lets in and drink each others health in
TO be ſure ſir the next Nap ſhe takes if I get not the jew
Be very vigilant and fail not, then ile make thee Miſtres of all I have promiſed thee.
Eſpecially for my having you ſir for my Husband.
O I can't avoid that, I love thee too well my pritty ſmug face,
I thank you ſir.
But I may ſtay thee too long, thou maiſt miſs an oppotunity: fail not to meet at the place I've appointed thee.
Truly ſir I will not,
Sure this plot cannot fail, which that it may not
Now let me conſider of the preferment that will quickly fall upon me, muſt I that have been obeyſive to an old womans huAbigal ile warrant thee. But I have heard our next neighbour goody Belch of
No it ſents too much of the ſerving maid, well then ſo
No I ſtretch out my belly too much and that needs not, for my Huſ
O this then will ſerve
Ha! huswife is this your making haſte when I ſend you of an errand, what purſe have you got there? and what fine Gentleman are you to have for your Husband?
Pray Miſtris be not angry and on my bended knees I will re
Ceaſe that Ceremony and begin.
Why truly forſooth at the Corner of this field I met with a very Gallant Gentleman who gave me this purſe of gold, and promiſed to morrow morn to marry me, if I would but ſteal that jewel about your Neck from you.
Indeed forſooth, well open your purſe and tell your gold.
O heaven Miſtris 'tis all ſtones and dirt,
Yes and he that gave it thee a Devil, for none elſe would inſi
A Devil! O how I find my fears encreaſe.
Go in Girle ile follow and protect thee.
This was Radamons device: but arm me ſtill ye powers de
Ha! what's this a book? the cover bears the type of innocence, ile ok in it.
Shipton
O endleſs comfort! now attempt what you can proud Devils, but
Wee know thy power and thy magick skill, and for the en
Well I accept your preſents but ſpurn at your ſociety, all your emptations are airy and too weak to beſiedge my fortyfied ſoul.
Was ever Devil gull d ſo:
So let them roare.