THE BEGGAR'S BUSH.  
Written by 

FRANCIS BEAUMONT, Gentlemen.  
And JOHN FLETCHER, Gentlemen.    
You may speedily expect those other Plays, which Kirkman, and his Hawkers have deceived the buyers withal, selling them at treble the value, that this and the rest will be sold for, which are the only Original and corrected copies, as they were first purchased by us at no mean rate, and since printed by us.  
LONDON, Printed for Humphrey Robinson, and Anne Mosely, at the three Pigeons, and at the Prince's Arms in Saint Paul's Churchyard, 1661.   

dramatis PERSONAE.  

GOswin a young Merchant of Bruges, viz. Florez the right Earl of Flanders  
Woolfort, Usurper of the Earldom,  
Clause King of Beggars, viz. Gerrard Father to Florez,  
Hubert disguised Duke a Huntsman, A Lord of Flaunders  
Hemskirk, A Favourite of the Usurper.  
Lord Arnold Two Lords of Flaunders disguised like Beggar's  
Lord Costin, Two Lords of Flaunders disguised like Beggars  
jaqueline, Daughter to Gerrard.  
Bertha, Heir of Brabant.  
Van-dunck Burgomaster of Bruges  
Merchants, Saylor, etc.  
Higgen, Ferret, Prig, Snap, and others, Beggars.  
Boors,  
Soldiers  
Young Merchants, and others, Guests at Goswins Wedding.  
Margaret, Wife to Vandunck.  
Attendants,  
Boy with a Song.   
The Scene BRUGES.   

BEGGAR'S BUSH.  

Actus Primus,  

Scaena Prima.  Enter a Merchant and Herman. Mer. 
IS he then taken?  Her. 
And brought back even now sir.  Mer. 
He was not in disgrace?  Her. 
No man more loved,  
Nor more deserved it, being the only man  
That durst be honest in this Court.  Mer. 
Indeed  
We have heard abroad sir, that the State hath suffered  
A great change since the Countess death▪  Her. 
I● hath sir.  Mer. 
My five years' absence hath kept me a stranger  
So much to all the occurrents of my Country,  
As you shall bind me for some short relation  
To make me understand the present times.  Her. 
I must begin then with a war was made  
And seven years with all cruelty continued  
Upon our Flanders by the Duke of Brabant  
The cause grew thus: During our Earls minority,  
Woolfort, (who now usurps) was employed thither  
To ●rea● about a match between our Earl  
And the Daughter and Heir of Brabant; during which treaty  
The Brabander pretends, this Daughter was  
Stolen from his Court by practice of our State,  
Though we are all confirmed, 'twas a sought quarrel  
To lay an unjust gripe upon this Earldom,  
It being here believed the Duke of Brabant  
Had no such loss. This war upon't proclaimed,  
Our Earl, being then a Child, although his Father  
Good Gerrard lived, yet in respect he was  
Chosen by the Countess favour for her Husband,  
And but a Gentlemen, and Florez holding  
His right unto this Country from his mother,  
The State thought fit in this defensive war,  
Woolfort being then the only man of mark,  
To make him General.  Mer. 
Which place we have heard  
He did discharge with honour.  Her. 
ay, so long,  
And with so blessed successes, that the Brabander  
Was forced (his treasures wasted, and the choice  
Of his best men of Arms tired or cut off)  
To save the field, and sound a base retreat  
Back to his Country; but so broken both  
I● m●n● and mea●s, ere to make head again,  
〈◊〉 hitherto he s●●s down by his loss,  
Not daring, or for honour, or revenge  
Again t' attempt his fortune. But this Victory  
〈◊〉 broke our State, and made a deeper hurt  
In Flanders then the greatest overthrow  
Sh●●ver received: For Woolfort now beholding  
Himself and actions in the flattering glass  
Of self-deservings, and cherisned by  
The strong assurance of his power, for then  
All Captains of the Army were his creatures,  
T● common Soldier too at his devotion,  
Made so by full indulgence to their rapines  
And secret bounties; this strength too well known,  
And what it could effect, soon put in practice,  
As furthered by the childhood of the Earl  
And their improvidence that might have peirc't  
The hereof his designs, gave him occasion  
To seize the whole, and in that plight you find it.  Mer. 
Sir, I receive the knowledge of thus much  
As a choice favour from you.  Her. 
Only I must add,  
Bruges holds out.  Mer. 
Whether sir, I am going,  
For there last night I had a ship put in,  
And my horse waits me. Exit.  Her. 
I wish you a good journey.  Enter Woolfort, Hubert. Wool. 
What? Hubert stealing from me! who disarmed him?  
It was more than I commanded; take your sword,  
I am best guarded with it in your hand,  
I have seen you use it nobly.  Hub. 
And will turn it  
On mine own bosom, ere it shall be drawn  
Unworthily or rudely.  Wool. 
Would you leave me  
Without a farewell, Hubert? fly a friend  
Unwearied in his study to advance you?  
What have I ere possessed which was not yours?  
Or either did not court you to command it?  
Who ever yet arrived to any grace,  
Reward or trust from me, but his approaches  
Were by your fair reports of him preferred?  
And what is more, I ma●● myself your servant,  
In making you the master of those secrets  
Which not the rack of conscience could draw from me,  
Not I, when I asked mercy, trust my prayers with;  
Yet after these assurances of love,  
These ties and bonds of friendship, to forsake me,  
Forsake me as an enemy? come you must  
Give me a reason.  Hub. 
Sir, and so I will,  
If I may do't in private, and you hear it.  Wool. 
All leave the room: you have your will, s●● down  
And use the liberty of our first friendship.  Hub. 
Friendship? when you proved Traitor first that vanished;  
Nor do I owe you any thought but hate;  
I know my ●ight hath forfeited my head;  
And so I may make you first understand  
What a strange monster you have made your self,  
I welcome it.  Wool. 
To me this is strange language.  Hub. 
To you? why what are you?  Wool 
Your Prince and Master,  
The Earl of Flaunders.  Hub. 
By a proper title,  
Raised to it by cunning circumvention, force,  
Blood, and proscriptions.  Wool. 
And in all this wisdom;  
Had I not reason? when by Cerrards' plots  
I should have first been called to a strict account,  
How, and which way I had consumed that mass  
Of money, as they term it, in the war,  
Who underhand had by his Ministers  
Detracted my great action, made my faith  
And loyalty so suspected; in which failing  
He sought my life by practice.  Hub. 
With what forehead  
Do you speak this to me? who (as I know't)  
Must and will say 'tis false.  Wool. 
My guard there.  Hub. 
Sir you bade me sit, and promised you would hear  
Which I now say you shall; not a ●ound more,  
For I that am contemner of mine own,  
Am Master of your life; then here's a sword  
Between you and all aids, Sir; though you blind  
The credulous beast, the multitude, you pass not  
These gross untruths ●n me.  Wool. 
How? gross untruths.  Hub. 
ay, and it is favourable language,  
They had been in a mean man lies and soul ones.  Wool. 
You take strange licence.  Hub. 
Yes, were not those rumours  
Of being called unto your answers, spread  
By your own followers; and weak Gerrard wrought  
(But by your cunning practice) to believe  
That you were dangerous; yet not to be  
Punished by any formal course of law,  
But first to be made sure, and have your crimes  
Laid open after, which your quaint train takeing  
You fled unto the Camp, and there craved humbly  
Protection for your innocent life, and that,  
Since you had scaped the fury of the war,  
You might not fall by treason; and for proofs  
You did not for your own ends make this danger,  
Some that had been before by you suborned,  
Came forth and took their oaths they had been hired  
By Gerrard to your murder This once heard,  
And easily believed, th' enraged Soldier  
Seeing no further than the outward man,  
Snatched hastily his Arms, ran to the Court,  
Killed all that made resistance, cut in pieces  
Such as were Servants, or thought Friends to Gerrard,  
Vowing the like to him.  Wool 
Will you yet end?  Hub. 
Which he foreseeing, with his Son, the Earl,  
Forsook the City; and by secret ways  
As you give out, and we would gladly have it,  
Escaped their fury; though 'tis more than feared  
They fell among the rest: Nor stand you there  
To let us only mourn the impious means  
By which you got it; but your cruelties since  
So far transcend your former bloody ills,  
As if compared, they only would appear  
Essays of mischief; do not stop your cars,  
More are behind yet.  Wool. 
O repeat them not.  
'Tis hell to hear them named.  Hub. 
You should have thought  
That hell would be your punishment when you did them.  
A Prince in nothing but your Princely lusts  
And boundless rapines.  Wool. 
No more, I beseech you.  Hub. 
Who was the Lord of house or land that stood  
Within the prospect of your covetous eye?  Wool. 
You are in this to me a greater Tyrant  
Then ere I was to any.  Hub. 
I end thus  
The general grief, now to my private wrong,  
The loss of Gerrard's daughter jaqueline,  
The hoped for partner of my lawful bed,  
Your cruelty hath frighted from mine arms,  
And her I now was wand'ring to recover.  
Think you that I had reason now to leave you,  
When you are grown so justly odious,  
That even my stay here,, with your grace and favour,  
Makes my life irksome? here surely take it,  
And do me but this fruit of all your friendship,  
That I may die by you, and not your hangman.  Wool 
O Hubert, these your words and reasons have  
As well drawn drops of blood from my grieved heart,  
As these tears from mine eyes;  
Despise them not;  
By all that's sacred I am serious, Hubert,  
You now have made me sensible what Furies,  
Whips, hangmen, and tormentors a bad man  
Does ever bear about him: let the good  
That you this day have done, be ever numbered,  
The first of your best actions;  
Can you think  
Where Florez is, or Gerrard or your love,  
Or any else, or all that are proscrib'd?  
I will resign what I usurp, or have  
Unjustly forced; the days I have to live  
Are too too few to make them satisfaction  
With any penitence; yet I vow to practise  
All of a man●  Hub. 
O that your heart and tongue  
Did not now differ!  Wool. 
By my griefs they do not;  
Take the good pains to search them out; 'tis worth it;  
You have made clean a Leper, trust me you have,  
And made me once more fit for the society,  
I hope, of good men.  Hub. 
Sir, do not abuse  
My aptness to believe.  Wool. 
Suspect not you  
A faith that's built upon so true a sorrow,  
Make your own safeties; ask them all the ties  
Humanity can give; H●mskirick too shall  
Along with you to this so wished discovery,  
And in my name profess all that you promise;  
And I will give you this help roed; I have  
Of late received certain intelligence  
That some of them are in or about Bruges  
To be found out; which I did then interpret  
The cause of that Towns standing out against me,  
But now am glad it may direct your purpose  
Of giving them their safety, and me peace.  Hub. 
Be constant to your goodness, and you have it. Exit.   

Scaena Secunda.  Enter three Merchants. 1 Mer. 
'Tis much that you deliver of this Goswin.  2. Mer. 
But short of what I could; yet have the Country  
Confirmed it true, and by a general oath,  
And not a man hazard his credit in its  
H●b●ars himself with such a confidence  
As if he were the master of the Sea;  
And not a wind upon the Sailor's compass,  
But from one part or other was his Factor?  
To bring him in the best commodities  
Merchant e'er ventured for.  1. Mer. 
'Tis strange.  2. Mer. 
And yet  
This does in him deserve the least of wonder,  
Compared with other his peculiar fashions,  
Which all admire: he's young, and rich, at least  
Thus far reputed so, that since he lived  
In Bruges, there was never brought to harbour  
So rich a Bottom but his bill would pass  
Unquestioned for her lading.  3 Mer. 
Y●● he still  
Continues a good man.  2 Mer. 
So good, that but  
To doubt him would be held an injury  
Or rather malice, with the best that traffic;  
But this is nothing, a great stock, and fortune  
Crowning his judgement in his undertakings,  
May keep him upright that way: But that wealth  
Should want the power to make him dote on it,  
Or youth teach him to wrong it, best commends  
His constant temper; for his outward habit  
'Tis suitable to his present course of life:  
His table furnished well, but not with dainties.  
That please the appetite only for their rareness,  
Or the dear price: not given to wine or women  
Beyond his health, or warrant of a man,  
I mean a good one; and so loves his state  
He will not hazard it at play; nor lend  
Upon the assurance of a well penn'd Letter,  
Although a challenge second the denial,  
From such as make th' opinion of their valour  
Their means of ●eeding.  1 Mer. 
These are ways to thrive,  
And the means not cursed  2 Mer. 
What follows this,  
Makes many 〈◊〉 with him, in their wishes,  
For his prosperity: for when desert  
Or reason leads him to be liberal,  
His noble mind and ready hand contend  
Which can add most to his free courtesies,  
Or in their worth, or speed to make them so.  
Is there a virgin of good fame wants dowry?  
He is a father to her; or a Soldier  
That in his Country's service, from the war  
Hath brought him only scars and want? his house  
Receives him, and relieves him with that care  
As if what he possessed had been laid up  
For such good uses, and he steward of it.  
But I should lose my self to speak him further  
And stale in my relation, the much good  
You may be witness of, if your remove  
From Bruges be not speedy.  1 Mer. 
This report  
I do assure you will not hasten it;  
Nor would I wish a better man to deal with  
For what I am to part with.  3 Mer. 
Never doubt it;  
He is your man and ours▪ only I wish  
His too much forwardness to embrace all bargains.  
Suck him not in the end.  2 Mer. 
Have better hopes;  
For my part I am confident: here he comes.  Enter Florez and the fourth Merchant. Flor. 
I take it at your own rates, your wine of Cyprus;  
But for your Candy sugars, they have met  
With such soul weather, and are prized so high  
I cannot save in them.  4 Mer. 
I am unwilling  
To seek another Chapman; make me offer  
Of something near my price, that may assure me  
You can deal for them.  Flor. 
I both can; and will,  
But not with too much loss; your bill of lading  
Speaks of two hundred chefts, valued by you  
At thirty thousand gelder's: I will have them▪  
At twenty eight; so, in the payment of  
Three thousand sterling, you fall only in  
Two hundred pound.  4 Mer. 
You know they are so cheap—  Flor. 
Why look you, I'll deal fairly, there's in prison  
And at your suit, a Pirate, but unable  
To make you satisfaction, and p●st hope  
To live a week, if you should prosecute  
What you can prove against him; set him free,  
And you shall have your money to a stiver,  
And present payment.  4 Mar. 
This is above wonder,  
A Merchant of your rank, that have at sea  
So many Bottoms in the danger of  
These water-thieves should be a means to save them,  
It more importing you for your own safety,  
To be at charge to s●●ur the sea of them,  
Then stay the sword of Justice, that is ready  
To fall on one so conscious of his guilt  
That he dares not de●y it.  Flo. 
You mistake me,  
If you think I would cherish in this Captain  
The wrong he did to you or any man,  
I was lately with him, (Having first from others  
True testimony been assured, a man  
O more desert never put from the shore.)  
I read his letters of Mart from this State granted,  
For the recovery of such losses as  
He had received in Spain; 'twas that he aimed at,  
Not at three tuns of wine, biscuit, or beef,  
Which his necessity made him take from you.  
If he had pillag'd you near, or sunk your ship,  
Or thrown your men o're-boord, than he deserved  
The Laws extremest rigour: But since want  
Of what he could not live without, compelled him  
To that he did, (which yet our State calls death)  
I pity his misfortune; and to work you  
To some compassion of them, I come up  
To your own price: save him, the goods are mine;  
If not, seek else where, I'll not deal for them.  4 Mer. 
Well Sir, for your love I will once be lead  
To change my purpose.  Flo. 
For your proof rather.  4 Mer. 
I've presently make means for his discharge,  
Till when I leave you.  2 Mer. 
What do you think of this?  1 Mer. 
As of a deed of Noble pity, guided  
By a strong judgement.  2 Mer. 
Save you Master Goswin.  Flor. 
Good day to all.  2 Mer. 
We bring you the refusal  
Of more Commodities.  Flor. 
Are you the owners  
Of the Ship that last night put into the Harbour?  1 Mer. 
Both of the Ship and lading.  Flor. 
What's the fraught?  1 Mer. 
Indigo, Quitchincel, choice China strife.  3 Mere 
And cloth of Gold brought from Cam●all.  Flor. 
Rich lading,  
For which I were your chapman, but I am  
Already out of cash.  1 Mer. 
I'll give you day  
For the moiety of all.  Flor. 
How long?  3 Mer. 
Six months.  Flor. 
'Tis a fair offer, which (if we agree  
About the prizes) I with thanks accept of,  
And will make present payment of the rest;  
Some two hours hence I'll come aboard  1 Mer. 
The Gunner shall speak you welcome.  Flor. 
I'll not fail.  3 Mer. 
Good morrow. Exit. Mer.  Flor. 
Heaven grant my Ships a safe return before  
The day of this great payment, as they are.  
Expected three month's sooner, and my credit  
Stands good with all the world.  Enter Gerrard. Ger. 
Bless my good Master;  
The prayers of your poor Beadsman ever shall  
Be sent up for you.  Flor. 
God he mercy Clause,  
There's something to put thee in mind hereafter  
To think of me.  Ger. 
May he that gave it you  
Reward you for it, with increase, good Master.  Flo. 
I thrive the better for thy prayers.  Ger. 
I hope so.  
This three years have I said upon your bounties,  
And by the fire of your blessed charity warmed me,  
And yet, good Master, pardon me, that must,  
Though I have now received your alms; presume  
To make on suit more to you.  Flor. 
What is't Clause?  Gerard 
Yet do not think me impudent I beseech you,  
Since hitherto your charity hath prevented  
My begging your relief; 'tis not for money  
Nor clothes (good Master) but your good word for me.  Flo. 
That thou shalt have, Clause, for I think thee honest.  Ger. 
To morrow then (dear Master) take the trouble  
Of walking early unto Beggar's Bush,  
And as you see me among others (Brethren  
In my affliction) when you are demanded  
Which you like best among us, point out me,  
And then pass by, as if you knew me not.  Flo. 
But what will that advantage thee?  Ger. 
O much, Sir;  
'Twill give me the pre-eminence of the rest,  
Make me a King among 'em, and protect me  
From all ab●●e such as are stronger might  
Offer my ag●; Sir, at your better leisure  
I will inform you further of the good  
It may do to me.  Flo. 
'Troth thou mak'st me wonder;  
Have you a King and Commonwealth among you?  Ger. 
We have, and there are States are governed worse.  Flo. 
Ambition among beggars?  Ger. 
Many great ones  
Would part with half their ' states to have the place  
And credit to beg in the first file, Master:  
But shall I be so much bound to your furtherance  
In my petition?  Flor. 
That thou shalt not miss of,  
Nor any worldly care make me forget it;  
I will be early there.  Ger. 
Heaven bless my Master. Exeunt.    

Actus Secundus,  

Scaena Prima.  Enter Higgen, Ferret, Prig, Clause, jaculine, Snap, Gynkes, and other Beggars. Hig. 
COme Princes of the ragged regiment,  
You o' the blood, Prig my most upright Lord,  
And these (what name or title ere they bear)  
jarkman, or Patrico, Cranke, or Claperdudgeon,  
Frater or Abram man; I speak to all  
That stand in fair Election for the title  
Of King of Beggars, with the command adjoining;  
Higgen, your Orator in this Inter-regnum,  
That whilom was your Dommerer; doth beseech you.  
All to stand fair, and put yourselves in rank,  
That the first comer may at his first view  
Make a free choice, to say up the question.  Fer. 
Pr. 'Tis done Lord Higgen.  Hig. 
Thanks to Prince Prig, Prince Ferret.  Fer. 
Well, pray my Masters all Ferret be chosen;  
You're like to have a merciful mild Prince of me.  Prig. 
A very tyrant, I, an arrant tyrant,  
If e'er I come to reign; therefore look to't,  
Except you do provide me hum enough,  
And Lour to bouse with: I must have my Capons  
And Turkeyes brought me in, with my green Geese,  
And ducklings i'th' season; fine fat chickens;  
Or if you chance where an eye of tame Pheasant's  
O● Partridges are kept, see they be mine,  
Or strait I seize on all your privilege,  
Places, revenues, offices, as forfeit;  
Call in your crutches, wooden legs, false bellies,  
Forced eyes and teeth, with your dead arms, nor leave you  
A dirty clout to beg with o' your heads,  
Or an old rag with Butter, Frankincense,  
Brimstone and Rozin, birdlime, blood, and cream,  
To make you an old sore; not so much soap  
As you may some with i'th' falling-sickness;  
The very bag you bear, and the brown dish  
Shall be escheated. All your daintiest dels▪ too  
I will deflower, and take your dearest doxies  
From your warm sides; and then some one cold night  
I'll watch you what old barn you go to roost in,  
And there I'll smother you all i'th' musty hay.  Hig. 
This is tyrantlike indeed: But what would Gynkes  
Or Clause be here, if either of them should reign?  Ger. 
Best ask an ass, if he were made a Camel,  
What he would be or a dog, and he were a Lion.  Gynk. 
I care not what you are, Sirs, I shall be  
A beggar, still, I am sure, find myself there.  Enter Florez. Snap. 
O here a Judge comes.  Hig. 
Cry a Judge, a Judge.  Flo. 
What ail you, Sirs? what means this outcry?  Hig. 
Master,  
A sort of poor souls met: Gods fools, good Master,  
Have had some little variance amongst ourselves  
Who should be honestest of us, and which lives  
Uprightest in his call: Now, 'cause we thought  
We ne'er should 'gree on't ourselves, because  
Indeed 'tis hard to say; we all dissolved to put it  
To whom that should come next, and that's you▪ Mastership,  
Who, I hope, will termine it as your mind serves you,  
Right, and no otherwise we ask it: which,  
Which does your Worship think is he? sweet Master,  
Look over us all, and tell us; we are seven of us,  
Like to the seven wise Masters, or the Planets,  Flo. 
I should judge this man with the grave beard,  
And if he be not—  Ger. 
Bless you, good Master, bless you.  Flo. 
I would he were. There's something too, amongst you,  
To keep you all honest. Exit.  Snap. 
King of heaven go with you.  Omn. 
Now good reward him,  
May he never want it, to comfort still the poor in a good hour.  Fer. 
What is't? see: Snap has got it.  Snap. 
A good crown, marry.  Prig. 
A crown of gold.  Fer. 
For our new King: good luck.  Gynk. 
To the common treasury with it; if't be gold  
Thither it must.  Prig. 
Spoke like a Patriot, Ferret.—  
King Clause, I bid God save thee first, first, Clause,  
After this golden token of a crown;  
Where's Orator Higgen, with his gratulating speech now,  
In all our names?  Fer. 
Here he is pumping for it.  Gyn. 
H'has cough'd the second time, 'tis but once more,  
And then it comes.  Fer. 
So, out with all: expect now—  Hig. 
Thou that art chosen, venerable Clause,  
Our King and Sovereign, Monarch o'th' Maunders.  
Thus we throw up our Nab-cheats first for joy,  
And then our filches▪ last we clap our fambles,  
Three subject signs, we do it without envy:  
For who is he here did not wish thee chosen,  
Now thou art chosen? ask 'em: all will say ●o,  
Nay swear't; '●is for the King; but let that pass.  
When last in conference at the bousing ken  
This other day, we sat about our dead Prince  
Of famous memory, (rest go with his rags:)  
And that I saw thee at the table's end  
Rise moved, and gravely leaning on one Crutch,  
Lift the other like a Sceptre at my head,  
I then presaged thou shortly wouldst be King,  
And now thou art so: but what need presage,  
To us, that might have read it in thy beard,  
As well as he that chose thee? by that beard  
Thou wert found out, and marked for Sovereignty.  
O happy beard! but happier Prince, whose beard  
Was ●o remarked as marked out our Prince,  
Not bating us a hair. Long may it grow,  
And thick, and fair, that who lives under it  
May live as safe as under Beggar's Bush,  
Of which this is the thing, that bu●●●●ype.  Omn. 
Excellent, excellent O 〈◊〉 good Higgen;  
Give him leave to suit; the ●in, well spoken Higgen.  Hig 
●is is the beard, the bush, or b●shyb●ar●,  
Under whose gold and silver reign 'twas said  
So many Ages since we all should smile  
On impositions, taxes, grievances,  
Knots in a State, and whips unto a Subject,  
Lie lurking in this beard, but all hemmed out:  
If now the beard be such, what is the Prince  
That owes the beard? a father; no, a grandfather;  
Nay, the great-grandfather of you his people.  
He will not force away your hens, your bacon,  
When you have ventured hard for't, nor take from you  
The fattest of your puddings; under him  
Each man shall eat his own stolen eggs and butter,  
In his own shade, or sunshine, and enjoy  
His own dear De●l, Doxy, or Mort, at night,  
In his own straw, with his own shirt, or sheer,  
That he hath filched that day, I, and possess  
What he can purchase, back or belly cheats  
To his own pr●p; he will have no purveyors  
For Pigs and Poultry.  Ger. 
That we must have my learned Orator,  
It is our will, and every man to keep  
In his own path and circuit.  Hig. 
Do you hear?  
You must hereafter maund on your own pads he says.  Ger. 
And what they get there is their own, besides  
To give good words.  Hig. 
Do you mark? to cut been whids,  
That is the second Law.  Ger. 
And keep afoot  
The humble and the common phrase of begging,  
Lest men discover us.  Hig. 
Yes, and cry sometimes,  
To move compassion: Sir, there is a table  
That doth command all these things, and enjoy●s 'em  
Be perfect in their crutches, their feigned plasters  
And their true passports, with the ways to stammer,  
And to be dumb, and deaf, and blind, and lame;  
There all the halting paces are set down  
I'th' learned language.  Ger. 
Thither I refer them;  
Those you at leisure shall interpret to them;  
We love no heaps of Laws where few will serve  Omn. 
O gracious Prince, save, save the good King Clause.  Hig. 
A Song to crown him.  Fer. 
Set a Centinel out first.  Sn. 
The word?  Hig 
A Cove comes, and fumbumbis to it.— Strike.  

The Song.  
CAst our caps and cares away, this is beggar's vilify;  
At the Crowning of our King, thus we ever dance and sing:  
In the world look out and see, where so happy a Prince as he?  
Where the Nation live so free, and so merry as do we?  
Be it peace, or be it war▪ here at liberty we are,  
And enjoy our ease and rest; to the field we are not pressed;  
Nor are called into the Town, to be troubled with the Gown.  
Hang all Offices we cry, and the Magistrate too, by:  
When the sub●i●ie's increased we are not a penny ceased:  
Nor will any go to law with the Beggar for a straw.  
All which happiness he brags, he doth own unto his rags.   Enter Snap, Hubert, Hemskirk. Snap. 
A Cove: Fumbumbis.  Prig. 
To your postures; arm.  Hub. 
Yonder's the Town▪ I see it.  Hemsk. 
There's our danger  
Indeed afore us, if our shadows save not.  Hig. 
Bless your good Worships.  Fer. 
One small piece of money  Prig. 
Amongst us all poor wretches.  Ger. 
Blind and lame.  Gynk. 
For his sake that gives all.  Hig. 
Pitiful Worships.  Snap. 
One little doit.  Enter jaculine. jac. 
King, by you leave, where are you?  Ger. 
To buy a little bread,  Hig. 
To feed so many  
Mouths as will ever pray for you.  Prig. 
Here be seven of us.  Hig. 
Seven good Master, O remember seven, Seven blessings.  Fer. 
Remember, gentle Worship.  Hig. 
Against seven deadly sins,  Prig. 
And seven sleepers.  Hig. 
If they be hard of heart, and will give nothing.—  
Alas, we had not a charity this three days.  Hub. 
There's amongst you all?  Fer. 
Heaven reward you.  Prig. 
Lord reward you.  Hig. 
The Prince of pity bless thee.  Hub. 
Do I see? or is't my fancy that would have it so?  
Ha? 'tis her face: come hither maid,  jac. 
What ha' you,  
Bells for my squirrel? I ha' given Bun meat;  
You do not love me, do you? catch me a butterfly,  
And I'll love you again; when? can you tell?  
Peace, we go a birding: I shall have a fine thing.  Hub. 
Her voice too says the same; but for my head  
I would not that her manners were so changed:  
Hear me thou honest fellow; what's this maiden  
That lives amongst you here?  Gyn. 
Ao, ao, ao, ao.  Hub. 
How? nothing but signs?  Gyn. 
Ao, ao, ao, ao.  Hub. 
'Tis strange;  
I would fain have it her, but not her thus.  Hig. 
He is de-de-de-de-de-de-deaf, and du-du-dude-dumb Sir.  Hub. 
'Slid they did all speak plain even now methought;  
Dost thou know this same maid?  Sn. 
Why-why-why-why-which, gu-gu-gu-gu God's fool,  
She was bo-bo-bo-bo-born at the barn yonder,  
By be-be-be-be-B●ggars Bush●bo bo-Bush;  
Her name is Match, so was her mo-mo-mo-mother's too-too.  Hub. 
I understand no word she says; how long  
Has she been here?  Sn. 
Lo-lo-long enough to be ni-ni nigled, and she ha' go-go-go-good luck.  Hub. 
I must be better informed then by this way.  
Here was another face too that I marked,  
O the old man's: but they are vanished all  
Most suddenly; I will come here again:  
O▪ that I were so happy as to find it,  
What I yet hope it is put on.  H●m. 
What mean you, Sir,  
To stay there with that stammerer?  Hub. 
Farewell friend;—  
It will be worth return to search: Come,  
Protect us our disguise now; prithee Hemskirk  
If we be taken, ●ow dost thou imagine  
This Town will use us, that hath stood so long  
Out against Woolfort?  Hem. 
Even to hang us forth  
Upon their walls a sunning, to make Crows meat;  
If I were not assured o' the Burgomaster,  
And had a pretty excuse to see a niece there,  
I should scarce venture.  Hub. 
Come, 'tis now too late  
To look back at the parts: good luck, and enter. Exeunt.   

Scaena Secunda.  Enter Florez. Flo. 
Still blowest thou there? and from all other parts,  
Do all my Agents sleep, that nothing comes?  
There's a conspiracy of winds and servants,  
If not of Elements, to ha' me break.  
What should I think, unless the Seas and sands  
Had swallowed up my ships? or fire had spoiled  
My warehouses? or death devoured my Factors?  
I must ha' had some returns.  Enter Merchants. 1 Mer. 
Save you Sir.  Flo. 
Save you.  1 Mer. 
No news yet o' your Ships?  Flo. 
Not any yet Sir.  1 Mer. 
'Tis strange.  Fl. 
'Tis true Sir▪ what a voice was here now?  
This was one passing bell; a thousand ravens  
Sung in that man now, to presage my ruin.  2 Mer. 
Goswin, good day, these words are very constant.  Flo 
They are so Sir. to hurt—  2 Mer. 
Ha' you had no Letters  
Lately from England, nor from Denmark?  Flo. 
Neither.  2 Mer. 
This wind brings them; nor no news over land,  
Through Spain, from the straits?  Flo. 
Not any.  2 Mer. 
I am sorry, Sir.  Flo. 
They ●alk me down; and as 'tis said of Vultures,  
They scent a field sought, and do smell the carcases  
By many hundred miles: So do these my wracks  
At greater distances: why, thy will heaven  
Come on and be: yet if thou please, preserve me  
But in mine own adventure here at home,  
Of my chaste love▪ to keep me worthy of her,  
It shall be put in scale against all ill fortunes:  
I am not broken yet, nor should I fall,  
Me thinks, with less than that that ruins all.  Exit.  

Scaena Tertia.  Enter Van-dunck, Hubert, Hemskirck, and Margaret, Boors. Van. 
Captain, you are welcome; so is this your friend  
Most safely welcome; though our Town stand out  
Against your Master, you shall find good quarter;  
The truth is, we not love him.  Meg. 
some wine;  
Let's talk a little treason, if we can  
Talk treason against the Traitors; by your leave Gentlemen,  
We here in Bruges think he does usurp,  
And therefore I am bold with him.  Hub. 
Sir, your boldness  
Haply become, your mouth, but not our ears,  
While we are his servants; And as we come here  
Not to ask questions, walk forth on your walls,  
Visi▪ your Courts of Guard, view your munition,  
Ask of your corn-provisions, nor inquire  
Into the least, as spies upon your strengths;  
So let's entreat we may receive from you  
Nothing in passage or discourse, but what  
We may with gladness and our honesties hear,  
And that shall ●ealou● welcome.  Van. 
Good; let's drink then;  
Mage, fill out; I keep mine own pearl still Captain,  Mar. 
I hang fast man.  Hem. 
Old Jewels commend their keeper, Sir  Van. 
Here's to you with a heart, my Captain's friend,  
With a good heart; and if this make us speak  
Bold words anon, 'tis all under the R●se  
Forgotten: drown all memory when we drink.  Hub. 
'Tis freely spoken, noble Burgomaster,  
I'll do you ●ight.  Hem. 
Nay, Sir, mine heir Vandunck  
Is a true States man.  Van. 
Fill my Captain's cup there; O that your Master Woolfort  
Had been an honest man!  Hub. 
Sir?  Van. 
Under the Rose.  H●m. 
Here's to you Margot.  Mar. 
Welcome, welcome Captain.  Van. 
Well said my pearl still.  Hem. 
And how does my Niece?  
Almost a woman, I think? This friend of mine  
I drew alone with me through so much hazard,  
Only to see her; she was my errand.  Van. 
ay, a kind Uncle you are, (fill him his glass)  
That in seven years could not find leisure.—  Hem. 
No,  
It's not so much.  Van. 
I'll bate you never an hour on't:  
It was before the Brabander began his war,  
For moonshine, i'th' water there, his daughter  
That never was lost; yet you could not find time  
To see a Kinswoman: but she is worth the seeing, Sir▪  
Now you are 〈◊〉, you ask if she were a woman?  
She is a woman▪ Sir; fetch her forth Margot.  Exit Marg. 
And a fine woman, and has suitors.  Hem. 
How▪  
What suitors are they?  Van. 
Bachelors; young Burghers:  
And one a gallant, the young Prince of Merchants  
We call him here in Bruges.  Hem. 
How? ● Merchant?  
I thought Van-dunck, you had understood me better,  
And my Niece too, so trusted to you by me,  
Than to admit of such in name of suitors.  Van. 
Such? he is such a such, as were she mine,  
I'd give him thirty thousand Crowns with her.  Hem. 
But the same things, Sir, fit not you and me. Exit.  Van. 
Why, give's some wine then; this will fit us all:  
Here's to you still, my Captain's friend; all out:  
And still, would Woolfort were an honest man,  
Under the Rose I speak it: But this Merchant  
I, a brave boy; he lives so i'the Town here,  
We know not what to think on him; At some times  
We fear he will be bankrupt, he does stretch  
Tenter his credit so; embraces all,  
And to't, the winds have been contrary long:  
But then if he should ●ave all his returns,  
We think he would be a King, and a● half sure 〈◊〉.  
Your 〈◊〉 a traitor, for all this  
Under the Rose; 〈◊〉 to you; and usurps  
The Earldom from a better man.  Hub. 
I marry Sir,  
Where is that ●●an?  Van. 
Nay soft▪ and I could tell you,  
'Tis ten to one I would not: here's my hand;  
I love not Woolfort; sit you still with that:  
Here comes my Captain again, and his fine Niece;  
And there's my Merchant, view him well; fill wine here.  Enter Hemskirk Bertha, and Florez. Hem. 
You must not only know me for your Uncle,  
Now, but obey me▪ you go cast yourself  
Away upon a dunghill here? a Merchant?  
A petty fellow? one that makes his trade  
With Oaths and perjuries?  Flo 
What is that you say, Sir?  
If it be me you speak of, as your eye  
Seems to direct, I wish you would speak to me, Sir.  Hem. 
Sir, I do say she is no merchandise;  
Will that suffice you?  Flo. 
Merchandise; good Sir!  
Though ye be Kinsman to her, take no leave thence  
To use me with contempt: I ever thought  
Your Niece above all price.  Him 
And do so still▪ Sir;  
I assure you her ra●e's at more than you are worth.  Flo. 
You do not know what a Gentleman's worth, Sir,  
Nor can you value him.  Hub. 
Well said Merchant.  Van. 
Nay,  
Let him alone, and ply your ●●tter.  Hem. 
A Gentleman?  
What● o'the wooll-pack? or the sugar-chest?  
Or lists of Velvet? which is't? pound or yard,  
You vent your Sentry by?  Hub. 
O Hemskirk, fie.  Van. 
Come do not mind 'em; drink, he is 〈◊〉 Woolfort,  
Captain, I advise you.  Hem. 
Alas, my pretty man,  
I thi●k'● be angry, by its look: Come hither,  
Turn this way a little: If it were the blood  
O Char●cmain, used may (for ought I know)  
By some good Butchers issue he ●in Bruges.  Flo. 
How?  Hem. 
N●●, I'●e not certain of that; of this I am,  
If it once buy and sell, its gentry is gone.  Flo. 
H●, ●a!  Hem. 
You are angry though ye laugh.  Flo. 
No, now 'tis pity  
Of your poor argument Do not you the Lords  
O● land (if you be any) sell the grass,  
The corn, the straw, the milk, the cheese?  Van. 
And butter;  
Remember butter; do not leave out butter.  Flo. 
The Beefs and Muttons that your grounds are stored with?  
Swine, with the very mast, beside the woods?  Hem. 
No, for these sordid uses we have Tenants,  
Or else our bailiffs.  Flo. 
Have not we, Sir, chapmen,  
And Factors then, to answer these? your error  
Fetch▪ c from the Heralds A B C and said over  
With your Court-faces, once an hour, shall never  
Make me mistake myself. Do not your Lawyers  
Se●l all their practice, as your Priests their Prayers?  
What is not bought and sold? The company  
That you had last, what had you for't, i'faith?  Hem. 
You now grow saucy.  Flo. 
Sure I have been bred  
Still with my honest liberty, and must use it.  Hem. 
Upon your equals then,  Flo. 
Sir, he that will.  
Provoke me first, makes himself my equal.  Hem. 
Do you hear? no more.  Flo. 
Yes Sir, this little, I pray you,  
an't shall be aside, then after as you please.  
You appear the Uncle, Sir, to her I love  
More than mine eyes; and I have heard your scorns,  
With so much scoffing, and so much shame,  
As each strive which is greater: but believe me,  
I sucked not in this patience with my milk.  
Do not presume, because you see me young,  
Or cast despights on my profession,  
For the civility and tameness of it.  
A good man bears a contumely worse  
Than he would do an injury. Proceed not  
To my offence: wrong is not still successful,  
Indeed it is not: I would approach your Kinswoman  
With all respect done to yourself and her.  Hem. 
A ●ay companion; handling her? take that.  Flo. 
Nay I do love no blows, Sir, there's exchange.  Hub. 
Hold, Sir.  Mar. 
O murder.  Ber. 
Help, my Goswin.  Mar. 
Man.  Van. 
Let 'em alone; my life for one▪  Flo. 
Nay come  
〈◊〉 you have will.  Hub 
None to offend you; I Sir?  Flo. 
He that had thank himself: not hand her? yes Sir.  
And clasp her, and embrace her; and (would she  
Now go with me) bear her through all her race,  
Her Father, Brethren, and her Uncles, armed,  
And all their Nephews, though they stood a wood  
Of Pikes, and wall of Cannon: Kiss me Gertrude;  
Quake not, but kiss me.  Van. 
Kiss him, girl, I bid you:  
My Merchant royal, fear no Uncles: hang 'em,  
Hang up all Uncles: Are we not in Bruges?  
Under the Rose here?  Flo. 
In this cirle, Love,  
Thou art as safe as in a Tower of brass;  
Let such as do wrong, fear.  Van. 
ay, that's good,  
Let Woolfort look to that.  Flo. 
Sir, here she stands,  
Your Niece, and my Beloved. One of these titles  
She must apply to; if unto the last,  
Not all the anger can be sent unto her  
In frown, or voice, or other art, shall force her,  
Had Hercules a hand in't: Come, my Joy,  
Say thou art mine aloud, Love, and profess it.  Van. 
Do; and I drink to it.  F●●. 
prithee say so, Love.  Ber. 
'Twould take away the honour from my blushes:  
Do not play the Tyrant, sweet; they speak it.  Hem. 
I thank you Niece.  Flo. 
Sir, thank 〈◊〉 for your life,  
And fetch your sword within.  Hem. 
You insult too much  
With your good fortune, Sir. Exit Florez.  Hub. 
A brave clear spirit:  
Hemskirk you were to blame; a civil habit  
Oft covers a good man; and you may meet  
In person of a Merchant, with a soul  
As resolute, and free, and always worthy,  
As else in any file of mankind: pray you,  
What meant you so to flight him?  Hem. 
'Tis done now,  
Ask no more of it, I must suffer.  Exit Hemskirk. Hub. 
This  
Is still the punishment of rashness, sorrow;  
Well, I must to the woods, for nothing here  
Will be got out; there I may chance to learn  
Somewhat to help my inquiries further.  Van. 
Ha?  
A looking-glass.  Hub. 
How now, brave Burgomaster?  Van. 
I love no Woolforts, and my name's Van-dunck.  Hub. 
Van-drunk it's rather: Come, go sleep within.  Van. 
Earl Florez is right heir, and this same Woolfort,  
Under the Rose I speak it,—  Hub. 
Very hardly.  Van. 
Usurps: and a rank Traitor as ever breathed;  
And all that do uphold him. Let me go,  
No man shall hold me, that upholds him;  
Do you uphold him?  Hub. 
No.  Van. 
Then hold me up. Exeunt.  Enter Florez and Hemskirk. Hem. 
Sir, I presume you have a sword of your own,  
That can so handle another's.  Flo. 
Faith you may, Sir.  Hem. 
And ye have made me have so much better thoughts of you,  
As I am bound to call you forth.  Flo. 
For what, Sir?  Hem. 
To the repairing of mine honour and hurt here,  Flo. 
Express your way.  Hem. 
By fight, and speedily.  Flo. 
You have your will: Require you any more?  Hem. 
That you be secret, and come single,  Flo 
I will.  Hem. 
As you are the Gentleman you would be thought?  Flo. 
Without the Conjuration, and I'll bring  
Only my sword, which I will fit to yours,  
I'll take his length within.  Hem. 
Your place now, Sir?  Flo. 
By the sand-hills.  Hem. 
Sir, nearer to the woods,  
If you thought so, were fitter.  Flo. 
There then.  Hem. 
Good.  
Your time?  Flo. 
'Twixt seven and eight.  Hem. 
You'll give me, Sir,  
'Cause to report you worthy of my Niece,  
If you come like your promise.  Flo. 
If I do not,  
Let no man think to call me unworthy first,  
I'll do't myself, and justly wish to want her.  Exeunt.   

Actus Tertius,  

Scaena Prima.  Enter three or four Boors. 1 B. 
COme, English Beer hostess, English Beer by th' belly.  2 B. 
Start Beer boy, stout and strong Beer▪ so, sit down lads,  
And drink me upsey- Dutch;  
Frolic, and fear not.  Enter Hig. like a Sowgelder, singing. Hig. 
Have ye any work for the Sowgelder, boam?  
My horn goes too high, too low, too high, too low.  
Have ye any Pigs, Calves, or Colts,  
Have ye any lambs in your holts,  
To cut for the stone?  
Here comes a cunning one.  
Have ye any branches to spade;  
Or e'er a fair maid  
That would he a Nun,  
Come kiss me, 'tis done.  
Hark how my merry horn doth blow,  
Too high, too low, too high, too low.  1 B. 
O excellent! two pence a piece boys, two pence a piece.  
Give the boys some drink there. Piper wet your whistle.  
Canst tell me a way now, how to cut off my wife's Concupiscence?  Hig. 
I'll sing ye a Song for't.  

The SONG.  
TAke her, and hug her,  
And turn her and tug her;  
And turn her again boy, again,  
Then if she mumble,  
Or if her tail tumble,  
Kiss her again boy▪ amain.  
Do thy endeavour,  
To take off her fever,  
Then her disease no longor will reign.  
If nothing will serve her,  
Then thus to preserve her,  
Swinge her amain ●oy, amain.  
Give her cold jelly  
To make up her belly,  
And once a day swinge her again.  
If she stand all these pains  
Than knock out her brains,  
Her disease no longer will reign.   1. Bo. 
More excellent, more excellent, sweet Sowgelder,.  2. Po. 
Threepences a piece, three pence a piece.  Hig. 
Will you hear a Song how the Devil was gelded?  3. Bo. 
ay, I, let's hear the Devil roar, Sowgelder.  1. Bo. 
Groats a piece, groats a piece, groats a piece.  Enter Prig. and Ferret. Prig. 
Will ye see any feats of activity,  
Some sleight of hand, leigerdemain? hay pass,  
Presto, be gone there?  2. Bo. 
Sat down Juggler.  Prig. 
S●rra●, play you your art w●ll●s draw near piper:  
Look you my honest friends, you see my hand;  
Plain dealing is no Devil: lend me some money;  
Twelvepences a piece will serve.  1. 2. B. 
There, there,  Prig. 
I thank you,  
Thank ye heartily: when shall I pay ye?  All B. 
Ha, ha, ha, by ' th' mass this was a fine trick.  Prig 
A merry sleight toy●t but now I'll show your worships  
A trick indeed,  Hig 
Mark him well now my Masters.  Prig. 
Here are three balls,  
These balls shall be three bullets,  
One, two, and three t ascentibus, malentibus,  
Presto, be gone: they are vanished; fair play Gentlemen,  
Now these three, like three bullets, from your three noses  
Will I pluck presently: fear not, no harm boys,  
Titere, tu patule.  1. B. 
Oh, oh, oh.  Prig. 
Recubans sub fermine fagi.  2. B 
Ye pull too hard; ye pull too hard.  Prig 
Stand fair then:  
Silvestram trim tram.  3 B. 
Hold, hold, hold.  Prig. 
Come alast bullets three▪ with a whim-wham:  
Have ye their moneys?  Hig. 
Yes, yes.  1. B. 
Oh rare Juggler.  2. C. 
Oh admirable Juggler,  Prig. 
One trick more yet;  
hay, come aloft: sa, sa, flim, flum, taradumbis?  
East, west, north, south, now fly like Ia●k with a oumbis.  
Now all your money's gone: pray search your pockets.  1. B. 
Humb.  2. B. 
He,  3. B. 
The Devil a penny'● here,  Prig. 
This was a rare trick.  1. B. 
But 'twould be a far rarer to restore it.  Prig. 
I'll do ye that too: look upon me earnestly,  
And move not any ways your eyes from this place,  
This button here: pow, whirr, whiss, shake your pockets.  1. B. 
th''th mass '●is here again boy.  Prig. 
Rest ye merry;  
My first trick has paid me.  All B. 
ay, take it, take it,  
And take some drink, too.  Prig. 
Not a drop now I thank you;  
Away, we are discover'd else.  Exit. Enter Gerrard like a blind Aquavitae man, and a boy singing the SONG. 

BRing out your Coney-skins, fair maids to me,  
And hold 'em fair, that I may see;  
Grey▪ black, and blue: for your smaller skins,  
I'll give ye looking-glasses, pins.  
And for your whole Coney, here's ready ready money.  
Come gentle Joan, do thou begin,  
With thy black, black, black Coney skin.  
And Mary then, and Jane will follow,  
With their silver-haired skins, and their yellow  
The white Coney-skin, I will not lay by,  
For though it be faint, 'tis fair to the eye,  
The grey it is warm but yet for my money,  
Give me the bonny, bonny black Coney.  
Come away fair maids, put your ware away.  
Coney-skins, Coney-skins, have ye any Coney-skins,  
I have fine bracelets, and sine silver pins.   Ger. 
Buy any brand-wine, buy any brand-wine?  Boy 
Have ye any Coney-skins.  2. B. 
My fine Canary-bird, there's a Cake for thy worship,  1. B. 
Come, fill, fill, fill suddenly: let's see Sir,  
What's this?  Ger. 
A penny Sir.  1. B. 
Fill till't be sixpence,  
And there's my pig.  Boy. 
This is a counter Sir.  1. B. 
A counter? stay ye, what are these then?  
O execrable juggler! O damned Juggler!  
Look in your hose, hoa: this comes of looking forward.  3. B. 
Devil a Dunkirk! what a rogue's this Juggler,  
This hey pass, repass, h'as repast us sweetly.  2. B. 
Do ye call these tricks:  Enter Higgen. Hig. 
Have ye any ends of gold or silver.  2. B. 
This fellow comes to mock us; gold or silver? cry copper.  1. B. 
Yes my good friend.  
We have e'en an end of all we have.  Hig. 
'ts well Sir,  
You have the less to care for: gold and silver,  Exit. Enter Prig. Pr. 
Have ye any old cloaks to sell, have ye any old cloaks to sell. Exit.  1. B. 
Cloaks? look about ye boys: mine's gone.  3. B 
A— juggle 'em?  
— o' their Presto●s: mine's gone too.  3. B. 
Here's mine yet.  1. B. 
Come, come, let's drink then: more brand-wine.  Boy 
Here Sir.  1. B 
If e'er I catch your Sowgelder, by this hand I'll strip him;  
Were ever fools so firked? we have two cloaks yet,  
And all our caps; the Devil take the flincher.  All B. 
Yaw, yaw, yaw, yaw.  Enter Hemskirk. Hem. 
Good don my honest fellows,  
You are merry here I see.  3. B. 
'Tis all we have left Sir.  Hem. 
What hast thou! Aquavitae?  Boy, 
Yes.  Hem. 
Fill out then;  
And give these honest fellows round.  All b. 
We thank ye.  Hem. 
May I speak a word in private to ye?  All b. 
Yes Sir.  Hem. 
I have a business for you, honest friends,  
If you dare lend your help, shall get you crowns.  Ger. 
H●?  
Led me a little nearer, boy.  1. B. 
What is't Sir?  
If it be any thing to purchase money,  
Which is our want, command us.  Boors. 
All, all, all Sir.  Hem. 
You know the young spruce Merchant in Bruges.  2. B 
Who, Master Goswin?  Hem. 
That: he owes me money,  
And here in town there is no stirring of him.  Ger. 
Say ye so?  Hem. 
This day upon a sure appointment,  
He meets me mile hence, by the Chase side,  
Under the row of Okes, do you know it?  All b. 
Yes Sir.  Hem. 
Give 'em more drink: there if you dare but venture  
When I shall give the word to seize upon him,  
Here's twenty pound.  3. Bo. 
Beware the Juggler.  Hem. 
If he resist, down with him; have no mercy.  1. Bo. 
I warrant you: we'll hamper him.  Hem. 
To discharge you,  
I have a warrant here about me.  3. Bo. 
Here's our warrant,  
This carries fire i'the tail.  Hem. 
Away with me then,  
The time draws on,  
I must remove so insolent a Suitor,  
And if he be so rich, make him pay ransom  
Ere he see Bruges towers again: thus wise men  
Repair the hurts they take by a disgrace,  
And piece the Lion's skin with the Fox's case.  Ger. 
I am glad I have heard this sport yet,  Hem. 
There's for thy drink, come pay the house within boys,  
And lose no time.  Ger. 
Away with all our haste too.  Exeunt.  

Scaena Secunda.  Enter Florez. Flo. 
NO wind blow fair yet? no return of moneys?  
Letters? nor any thing, to hold my hopes up?  
Why then 'tis destined, that I fall, fall miserably,  
My credit I was built on, sinking with me.  
Thou boisterous Northwind, blowing my misfortunes,  
And frosting all my hopes to cakes of coldness,  
Yet stay thy fury: give the gentle South  
Yet leave to court those ●ai●es that bring me safety,  
And you auspicious fires, bright twins in heaven  
Dance on the shrowds: he blows still stubbornly,  
And on his boisterous rack rides my sad ruin;  
There is no help, there can be now no comfort,  
To morrow with the Sunset, sets my credit.  
Oh misery! thou curse of man, thou plague,  
In the midst of all our strength thou strik'st us▪  
My virtuous love is tossed too, all what I have been,  
No more hereafter to be seen then shadow;  
To prison now well, yet there's this hope left me,  
I may sink fairly under this days venture,  
And so to morrow's cross'd, and all those curses:  
Yet manly I'll invite my fate, base fortune  
Shall never say, she has cut my throat in fear.  
This is the place his challenge called me to,  
And was a happy one at this time for me,  
For let me fall before my foe i'the field,  
And not at bar, before my creditors;  
Aa's kept his word: now Sir, your sword's tongue only  
Loud as you dare, all other language,—  Enter Hemskirk. Hem. 
Well Sir,  
You shall not be long troubled: draw.  Flo. 
'Tis done Sir,  
And now have at ye,  Hem. 
Now  Enter Boores. Flo. 
Betrayed to Villains?  
Slaves, ye shall buy me bravely,  
And thou base coward.  Enter Gerrard and beggars. Ger. 
Now upon 'em bravely,  
Conjure 'em sound boys.  Boores. 
Hold, hold.  Ger. 
Lay on still,  
Down with that Gentleman rogue, swinge him to syrup:  
Retire Sir, and take breath: follow & take him,  
Take all, 'tis lawful prize.  Boores. 
We yield.  Ger. 
Down with 'em  
Into the wood, and rifle 'em, tew 'em, swinge 'em,  
Knock me their brains into their breeches.  Exeunt. Boores. 
Hold, hold.  Flo. 
What these men are I know not, nor for what cause  
They should thus thrust themselves into my danger,  
Can I imagine. But sure heavens hand was in't;  
Nor why this coward knave should deal so basely  
To eat me up with slaves: but heaven I thank thee,  
I hope thou hast reserved me to an end  
Fit for thy creature, and worthy of thy honour:  
Would all my other dangers here had suffered,  
With what a joyful heart should I go home then?  
Where now heaven knows, like him that waits his sentence,  
Or hears his passing-bell; but there's my hope still.  Enter Gerrard. Ger. 
Blessing upon you Master.  Flo. 
Thank ye; leave me,  
For by my troth I have nothing now to give thee.  Goe 
Indeed, I do not ask, sir, only it grieves me  
To see you look so sad; now goodness keep ye  
From troubles in your mind.  Flo. 
If I were troubled,  
What could thy comfort do? prithee Clause, leave me.  Gerard 
Good master be not angry; for what I say  
Is out of true love to ye.  Flo. 
I know thou lov'st me.  Ger. 
Good Mr. blame that love then, if I prove so saucy.  
To ask ye why ye are sad.  Flo. 
Most true I am so,  
And such a sadness I have got will sink me.  Ger. 
Heaven shield it, sir,  Flo. 
Faith, thou must lose thy master.  Ger. 
I had rather lose my neck sir: would I knew—  Flo. 
What would the knowledge do thee good, so miserable  
Thou canst not help thyself? when all my ways  
Nor all the friends I have—  Ger. 
You do not know, sir,  
What I can do cures sometimes, for men's cares  
Flow, where they lest expect 'em.  Flo. 
I know thou wouldst do,  
But farewell Clause & pray for thy poor ●n after.  Ger. 
I will not leave ye.  Flo. 
How?  Ger. 
I dare not leave ye,  
And till ye beat me dead, I must not leave ye.  
By what ye hold most precious, by heaven's goodness,  
As your fair youth may prosper, good Sir tell me:  
My mind believes yet something's in my power  
May ease you of this trouble.  Flo. 
I will tell thee,  
For a hundred thousand crowns upon my credit,  
Taken up of Merchants to supply my traffics,  
The winds and weather envying of my fortune,  
And no return to help me off, yet showing,  
To morrow, Clause, to morrow, which must come  
In spron, thou shalt find me poor, and broken▪  Ger. 
I cannot blame your grief sir.  Flo. 
Now what sayst thou?  Goe 
I say you should not shrink; for he that gave ye,  
Can give you more; his power can bring ye off, sir;  
When friends & all forsake you, yet he sees you.  Flo. 
That's all my hope.  Gerard 
Hope still sir; are you tied  
Within the compass of a day, good master,  
To pay this mass of money?  Flo. 
Even to morrow;  
But why do I stand mocking of my misery?  
Is't not enough the floods, & friends forget me?  Ger. 
Will no less serve?  Flo. 
What if it would?  Ger. 
Your patience,  
I do not ask to mock ye: 'tis a great sum,  
A sum for mighty men to start and stick at;  
But not for honest: have ye no friends left ye;  
None that have felt your bounty, worth this duty?  Flo. 
Duty? thou know'st it not.  Ger. 
It is a duty,  
And as a duty from those men that have felt ye,  
Should be returned again: I have gained by ye,  
A daily alms these seven years you have showered me,  
Will half supply your want?  Flo. 
Why dost thou fool me?  
Canst thou work miracles?  Ger. 
To save my master,  
I can work this.  Flo. 
Thou wilt make me angry with thee.  Ger. 
For doing good?  Flo. 
What power hast thou?  Ger. 
Inquire not:  
So I can do it to preserve my master;  
Nay if it be three parts.  Flo. 
O that I had it!  
But good Clause talk no more, I feel thy charity,  
As thou hast felt mine: but alas!  Ger. 
Distrust not.  
'Tis that that quenches ye: pull up your spirit,  
Your good, your honest, and your noble spirit;  
For if the fortunes of ten thousand people  
Can save ye, rest assured; you have forgot, Sir,  
The good ye did, which was the power you gave me;  
Ye shall now know the King of Beggar's treasure:  
And let the winds blow as they please, the seas roar,  
Yet, here to morrow, you shall find your harbour,  
Here fail me not, for if I live I'll fit ye.  Flo. 
How fain would I believe thee!  Ger. 
If I lie master,  
Believe no man hereafter.  Flo. 
I will try thee,  
But he knows, that knows all.  Ger. 
Know me to morrow,  
And if I know not how to cure ye, kill me;  
So pass in peace, my best, my worthiest master.  Exeunt.  

Scaena Tertia.  Enter Hubert like a Huntsman. Hub. 
Thus have I stolen away disguised from Hemskirk,  
To try these people, for my heart yet tells me  
Some of these Beggars are the men I look for;  
Appearing like myself, they have no reason  
(Though my intent is fair, my main end honest)  
But to avoid me narrowly; that face too,  
That woman's face, how near it is! O may it  
But prove the same, and fortune how I'll bless thee!  
Thus, sure they cannot know me, or suspect me,  
If to my habit I but change my nature,  
As I must do: this is the wood they live in,  
A place fit for concealment, where, till fortune  
Crown me with that I seek, I'll live amongst amongst. Exit.  Enter Higgen, Prig, Ferret, Gynk, and the rest of the Boores. Hig. 
Come bring 'em out▪ for here we sit in justice:  
Give to each one a cudgel, a good cudgel:  
And now attend your sentence, than? you are rogues,  
And mischievous base rascals (there's the point now)  
I take it, is confessed.  Prig. 
Deny it if you dare, Knaves.  Boores. 
We are Rogues Sir,  Hig. 
To amplify the matter, than rogues as ye are,  
And lambed ye shall be t're we leave ye.  Boores. 
Yes Sir.  Hig. 
And to the open handling of our justice,  
Why did ye this upon the proper person  
Of our good Master? were you drunk when you did it!  Boores. 
Yes indeed were we.  Prig. 
You shall be beaten sober,  Hig. 
Was it for want you undertook it?  Boores. 
Yes Sir.  Hig. 
You shall be swinged abundantly.  Prig. 
And yet for all that  
You shall be poor rogues still.  Hig. 
Has not the Gentleman  
Pray mark this point brother Prig, that noble Gentleman,  
Relieved ye often, found ye means to live by,  
By employing some at sea, some here, some there,  
According to your callings?  Boores. 
'Tis most true Sir.  Hig 
Is not the man an honest man?  Boores. 
Yes truly.  Hig. 
A liberal Gentleman? and as ye are true rascals,  
Tell me but this, have ye not been drunk, and often,  
At his charge?  Boores. 
Often, often.  Hig. 
There's the point then,  
They have cast themselves, brother Prig.  Prig. 
A shrewd point brother.  Hig. 
Brother, proceed you now, the cause is open,  
I am somewhat weary.  Prig. 
Can you do these things?  
You most abominable stinking Rascals,  
You turnip-eating Rogues ●.  Boores. 
We are truly sorry.  Prig. 
Knock at your hard hearts Rogues, and presently  
Give us a sign you feel compunction,  
Every man up with's cudgel, and on his neighbour  
Bestow such alms, till we shall say sufficient,  
For there your sentence lies, without partiality,  
Either of head, or hide, Rogues, without sp●ring,  
Or we shall take the pains to beat you dead else:  
You shall know your doom.  Hig. 
One, two, three, about it.  Prig. 
That fellow in the blue has true compunction,  
He beats his fellows bravely, oh, well struck boys.  Enter Gerrard. Prig. 
Up with that blue breech, now plays he the Devil,  
So get ye home, drink small beer, and be honest.  
Call in the Gentleman.  Ger. 
Do, bring him presently,  
His cause I'll hear myself.  Enter Hemskirk. Hig. 
Prig. With all due reverence,  
We do resign, Sir.  Ger. 
Now huffing Sir, what's your name?  Hem. 
What's that to you, Sir?  Ger. 
It shall be ere we part.  Hem. 
My name is Hemskirk,  
I follow the Earl, which you shall feel.  Ger. 
No threatening,  
For we shall cool you sir; why didst thou basely  
Attempt the murder of the Merchant Goswin?  Hem. 
What power hast thou to ask me?  Ger. 
I will know it,  
O flay thee till thy pain discover it.  Hem. 
He did me wrong base wrong.  Ger. 
That cannot save ye,  
Who sent ye high her? and what further villainies  
Have ye in hand?  Hem. 
Why wouldst thou know? what prefix,  
If I had any private way▪ could rise  
Out of my knowledge, to do thee commodity?  
Be sorry for what thou hast done, and make amends fool,  
I'll talk no further to thee; nor these rascals.  Ger. 
Tie him to that tree.  Hem. 
I have told you whom I follow.  Ger. 
The Devil you should do, by your villainies;  
Now he that has the best way, wring it from him.  Hig. 
I undertake it; turn him to the Sun boys,  
Give me a fine sharp rush; will ye confess yet  Hem. 
Ye have robbed me already, now your murder me.  Hig. 
Murder your nose a little: does your head purge Sir?  
To it again, 'twill do ye good.  Hem. 
Oh!  
I cannot tell you any thing.  Ger. 
Proceed then.  Hig. 
There's maggots in your nose, 'll'le fetch 'em out Sir.  Hem. 
O my head breaks.  Hem. 
O my head breaks.  Hig. 
The best thing for the Rheum Sir,  
That falls into your worship's eyes.  Hem. 
Hold, hold.  Ger. 
Speak then.  Hem. 
I know not what.  Hig. 
It lies in's brain yet,  
In lumps it lies, I'll fetch it out the finest:  
What pretty faces the fool makes,? height  Hem. 
Hold,  
Hold, and I'll tell ye all● look in my doublet,  
And there within the lining in a paper,  
You shall find all.  Ger. 
Go fetch that paper hither,  
And let him lose for this time.  Enter Hubert. Hub. 
Good even my honest friends.  Ger. 
Good even good fellow.  Hub 
May a poor huntsman, with a merry heart,  
A voice shall make the Forest ring about him,  
Get leave to live amongst ye? true as steel boys.  
That knows all chaces, and can watch all hours,  
And with my quarterstaff, though the Devil bid stand,  
De●l such an alms, shall make him roar again?  
Prick ye the fearful hare through cross ways, sheep walks,  
And force the crafty Reynard climb the quicksets;  
Rouse ye the lofty Stag, and with my bell-horn  
Ring him a knell, that all the woods shall mourn him,  
Till in his funeral tears he fall before me?  
The Polecat, Marten, and the rich skinned Lucerne,  
I know to chase the Roe, the wind our-stripping  
Isgrin himself, in all his bloody anger,  
I can beat from the bay; and the wild Sounder  
Single: and with my armed staff, turn the Boat,  
Spite of his ●omy tusks; and thus strike him,  
Till he fall down my feast.  Ger. 
A goodly fellow.  Hub. 
What mak'st thou here, ha?  Ger. 
We accept thy fellowship.  Hub. 
Hemskirk, thou art not right I fear, I fo●● thee.  Enter Ferret. A Letter. Fer. 
Here is the paper: and as he said, we found it.  Ger. 
Give me it, I shall make a shift yet, old as I am,  
To find your knavery: you are sent here, Sirrah,  
To discover certain Gentlemen; a spy-knave:  
And if ye find 'em, If not by persuasion,  
To bring 'em back, by poison to dispatch 'em.  Hub. 
By poison, ha?  Ger. 
Here is another, Hubert.  
What is that Hubert, Sir?  Hem. 
You may perceive there.  Ger. 
I may perceive a villainy, and a rank one,  
Was he joined partner of thy knavery?  Hem. 
No.  
He had an honest end, would I had had so,  
Which makes him scape such cutthroats.  Ger. 
So it seems,  
For here thou art commanded, when that Hubert  
Has done his best and worthiest service, this way,  
To cut his throat; for here he's set down dangerous.  Hub. 
This is most impious.  Ger. 
I am glad we have found ye,  
Is not this true?  Hem. 
Yes; what are you the better?  Ger. 
You shall perceive Sir, ere you get your freedom:  
Take him aside; and friend, we take thee to us,  
Into our company, thou dar'st be true unto us?  Hig. 
ay, and obedient to?  Hub. 
As you had bred me.  Ger. 
Then take our hand: thou art now a servant to us,  
Welcome him all.  Hig. 
Stand off, stand off, I'll do it:  
We bid ye welcome three ways; first for your person,  
Which is a promising person; next for your quality,  
Which is a decent, and gentle quality;  
Last or the frequent means you have to feed us;  
You can steal, 'tis to be presumed?  Hub. 
Yes, Venison,  
Or if I want—  Hig. 
'Tis well you understand right,  
And shall learn daily: you can drink too?  Hub. 
Sound.  Hig. 
And ye dare know a woman from a weather cock?  Hub 
Yes it I handle her.  Ger. 
Now swear him.  Hig. 
You are welcome brother.  All. 
Welcome, welcome, weldome, but who shall have the keeping  
Of this fellow?  Hub. 
Thank ye friends,  
And I beseech you if ye dare but trust me,  
For if I have kept wild dogs, and beasts for wonder,  
And made 'em tame too: give into my custody  
This roaring rascal, I shall hamper him.  
With all his knocks and knavery, & I fear me,  
Discover yet a further villainy in him;  
O he smells rank o'th' rascal.  Ger. 
Take him to thee,  
But if he scape—  Hub 
Let me be even hanged for him;  
Room Sir, I'll tie ye to my leash.  Hem. 
Away Rascal.  Hub. 
Be not so stubborn: I shall swinge ye soundly,  
And ye play tricks with me.  Ger. 
Now swear him.  Hig. 
I crown thy nab with a gag of benbouse,  
And stall thee by the salmon into the clowes,  
To maund on the pad, and strike all the cheats  
To mill from the Nuffmen, commission and slaves,  
Twang dells i'th' stiromel, and let the Choir Cuffin,  
And Hermon Beck strine, and trine to the Ruffian.  Ger. 
Now interpret this unto him.  Hig. 
I pour on thy pate a pot of good al●●  
And by the Rogue's oath, a Rogue thee install,  
To beg on the way, to rob all thou meets,  
To steal from the hedge, both the shirt and the sheets:  
And lie with thy wench in the straw till she twang,  
Let the Constable, Justice, and Devil go hang.  Ger. 
So, now come in,  
But ever have an eye Sir, to your prisoner.  Hub. 
He must blind both mine eyes, if he get from me.  Ger. 
Go, get some victuals, and some drink, some good drink,  
For this day 'll'll keep holy to good fortune;  
Come and be frolic with us.  Hig. 
Ye are a stranger. Exeunt.   

Scaena Quarta.  Enter Florez, and Bertha. Ber. 
Indeed ye are welcome: I have haired your escape,  
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 ye?  
Beshrew my heart, not willingly.  Flo. 
No jertred.  Ber. 
Is't the delay of that ye long have looked for,  
A happy marriage? now I come to urge it:  
Now when you please to finish it.  Flo. 
No news yet?  Ber. 
Do you hear Sir?  Flo. 
Yes.  Ber. 
Do you love me?  Flo. 
Have I lived  
In all the happiness fortune could seat me,  
In all men's fair opinions?  Ber. 
I have provided  
A Priest, that's ready for us:  Flo. 
And can the Devil,  
In one ten days, that Devil chance devour me!  Ber. 
we'll fly to what place you please.  Flo. 
No star prosperous?  
All at a swoop?  Ber. 
You do not love me Goswin?  
You will not look upon me.  Flo. 
Can men's prayers  
Shot up to heaven, with such a zeal as mine are,  
Fell ●eck like lazy mists, and never prosper?  
Gyves 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: jertred.  Ber. 
No, no, you will not know me; my poor beauty;  
Which has been worth your eyes.  Flo. 
The time grows on still:  
And like a tumbling wave, I see my ruin  
Come rolling over me.  Ber. 
Yet will ye know me?  Flo. 
For a hundred thousand crowns?  Ber. 
Yet will ye love me?  
Tell me but how I have deserved your slighting?  Flo. 
For a hundred thousand crowns?  Ber. 
Farewell dissembler.  Flo. 
Of which I have scarce ten: oh, how it starts me!  Ber. 
And may the next you love, hearing my ruin.  Flo. 
I had forgot myself, O my best jertred!  
Crown of my joys and comforts!  Ber. 
Sweet, what ail ye?  
I thought you had been vexed with me.  Flo. 
My mind, wench,  
My mind o'erflowed with sorrow, sunk my memory.  Ber. 
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?  Flo. 
No I protest.  Ber. 
You have no ships lost lately?  Flo. 
None that I know of.  Ber. 
I hope you have spilt no blood? whose innocence  
May lay this on your conscience.  Flo. 
Clear, by heaven.  Ber. 
Why should you be thus then?  Flo. 
Good jertred, ask not,  
Even by the love you bear me.  Ber. 
I am obedient.  Flo. 
Go in my fair, I will not be long from ye;  
Nor long, I fear me, with thee: At my return  
Despise me as you please.  Ber. 
The good gods guide ye. Exit.  Flo. 
Now for myself, which is the least I hope for,  
And when that falls, for man's worst fortune, play. Exit.    

Actus Quartus,  

Scaena Prima.  Enter Florez and four Merchants. Flo. 
WHy Gentlemen, 'tis but a week more I entreat you,  
But seven 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 or 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 lying here else; one hours 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 iced  Flo 
No mercy in ye?  2 Mer. 
'Tis foolish to depend on others mercy:  
Keep yourself right, and even cut your cloth, Sir,  
According to your calling: you have lived here  
In Lordlike 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 pedlars,  
When by your leave, and much entreaty to it,  
We could have stowage for a little cloth,  
Or a few wines, put off, and thank your Worship.  
Lord, how the world's changed with ye? now I hope, Sir,  
We shall have sea-room.  Flor. 
Is my misery  
Become my scorn too? have ye no humanity,  
No part of men left? are all the bounties in me  
To you, & to the town, turned my reproaches?  4 Mer. 
Well get your moneys ready, 'tis but two hours,  
We shall protest ye else, and suddenly.  Flo. 
But two days.  1 Mer. 
Not an hour, ye know the hazard.  Exit. Flo. 
How soon my lights put out: hardhearted Bruges,  
Within thy walls may never honest Merchant  
Venture his fortunes more: O my poor wench too.  Enter Gerrard. Ger. 
Good fortune, Master.  Flo. 
Thou mistak'st me Clause,  
I am not worth thy blessing.  Ger. 
Still a sad man?  Enter Higgen and Prig, like Porters. 
No belief gentle Master? come, bring it in then,  
And now believe your Beadsman.  Flo. 
Is this certain?  
Or dost thou work upon my troubled sense?  Ger. 
'Tis gold, Sir,  
Take it and try it.  Flo. 
Certainly 'tis treasure;  
Can there be yet this blessing?  Ger. 
Cease your wonder,  
You shall not sink for never a soused flap-draggon,  
For ne'er a pickled pilchard 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 cheer your heart up handsomely.  Flo. 
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 daily get  
Mounts in seven years; we beg it for heaven's charity,  
And to the same good we are bound to render it.  Flo. 
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—  Flo. 
But good Clause,  
I may die presently.  Ger. 
Then this dies with ye.  
Pay when you can, good Master, I'll no parchments,  
Only this charity I shall entreat ye,  
Leave me this ring.  Flo. 
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.  Flo. 
There, I confess it,  
And may my faith forsake me when I eat it.  Ger. 
Away, your time draws on: Take up the money  
And follow this young Gentleman.  Flo. 
Farewell Clause,  
And may thy honest memory live ever.  Ger. 
Heaven bless ye and still keep ye; farewel Master. Exeunt.   

Scaena Secunda.  Enter Hubert. Hub. 
I have locked my youth up close enough for gadding,  
In an old tree, and set watch over him.  Enter jaculine. 
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. 
Indeed law?  
How will ye kiss me, pray you?  Hub. 
Thus: soft as my love's 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 drowned at Sea, with catching Cockles. O love!  
O how my heart melts in me! how thou firest me!  Hub. 
'Tis certain she: pray let me see your hand sweet.  jac. 
No, no, you'll 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 named 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 married to morrow to a Capper.  Hub. 
Must ye my sweet? and does the Capper love ye?  jac. 
Yes, yes, he'll give me pie, and look in mine eyes thus.  
'Tis he; 'tis my dear love: O blessed fortune!  Hub. 
How vain she would conceal herself? yet show it,  
Will ye love me, and leave that man? I'll serve.  jac. 
O, I shall lose myself.  Hub. 
I'll wait upon ye,  
And make ye dainty Nosegays.  jac. 
And where will ye stick 'em?  Hub. 
Here in bosom, and make a crown of lilies  
For your fair head.  jac. 
And will ye love me ' deed-law?  Hub. 
With all my heart.  jac. 
Call me to morrow then,  
And we'll have brave cheer, and go to Church together.  
Give you good even, 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 jaculine?  jac. 
I am discovered; hark, in your ear I'll tell ye;  
You must not know men Kiss and be constant ever.  Hub. 
Heaven curse me else, 'tis she; and now I'm certain  
They are all here: Now for my other project.  Exeunt.  

Scaena Tertia.  Enter Florez, four Merchants, Higgen, and Prig. 1 Mer. 
Nay, if it would do you courtesy.  Flo. 
None at all Sir;  
Take it, '●is yours: there's your ten thousand for ye,  
Give in my Bills: your sixteen.  3 Mer. 
Pray be pleased, Sir,  
To make a further use.  Flo. 
No.  3 Mer. 
What I have, Sir,  
You may command; pray let me be your Servant.  Flo. 
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.  Flo. 
Rot your pepper;  
Shall I trust you again? there's your seven thousand.  4 Mer. 
Or if you want fine sugar, 'tis but sending.  Flo. 
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?  Exter Sailor. Sailor. 
Health to the noble Merchant;  
The Susan is returned.  Flo. 
Well?  Say. 
Well, and rich, Sir,  
And now put in.  Flo. 
Heaven thou hast heard my prayers.  Say. 
The brave Rebecca too, bound from 〈◊〉 straits,  
With the next tide is ready to put after.  Flo. 
What news o'th' Fly-boat?  Say. 
If this wind hold till midnight,  
She will be here, and wealthy, scaped fairly.  Flo. 
How, prithee Sailor?  Say. 
Thus, Sir; she had fight  
Seven hours together with six Turkish Galleys,  
And she fought bravely, but at length was boarded,  
And overlaid with strength; when presently  
Comes boring up the wind Captain Van-noke,  
That valiant Gentleman you redeemed from prison;  
He knew the Boat, set in, and fought it bravely,  
Beat all the Galleys off, sunk three, redeemed her,  
And as a service to ye, sent her home, Sir.  Flo. 
As honest noble Captain, and a thankful.  
There's for thy news; go drink the Merchant's health, Sailor.  Say. 
I thank your bounty, and I'll do it to a doit, Sir. Exit Saylor.  1 Mer. 
What miracles are poured upon this fellow?  Flo. 
This year 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.  Flo. 
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. 
Come Sir, come take your ease, you must go home  
With me, yonder is one weeps and howls.  Flo. 
Alas, how does she?  Van. 
She will be better soon I hope.  Flo. 
Why soon Sir?  Van. 
Why when you have her in your arms, this night,  
My boy she is thy wife.  Flo. 
With all my heart I take her.  Van. 
We have prepared; all thy friends will be there,  
And all my rooms shall smoke to see the Revel:  
Thou hast been wronged, 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 dispatched thy business?  Flo. 
Most.  Van. 
By the mass Boy,  
Thou tumblest now in wealth, and I joy in it;  
Thou art the best Boy that Bruges ever nourished:  
Thou hast been sad, I'll cheer thee up with Sack,  
And when thou art lusty I'll fling thee to thy Mistress:  
She'll hug thee, sirrah.  Flo. 
I long to see it.  
I had forgot you; there's for you my friends;  
You had but heavy burdens; 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 handful; 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 lookld for.  Prig 
Oh these baked meats,  
Methinks I smell them h● her.  Hig. 
Thy mouth waters. Exeunt.   

Scaena Quarta.  Enter Hubert and Hemskirck. 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 required 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 do 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 recompense;  
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 recompensed, and to thy own desires,  
If within these ten days I do not make thee—  Hub. 
What, a false knave?  Hem. 
Prithee, prethee conceive me tightly, any thing  
Of profit or of place that may advance thee.  Hub. 
Why, what a Goos-cap wouldst 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 ere a good place for my quality?  Him 
A thousand Chases, Forests, Parks; I'll 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 too, for thy Prince,  
Then for thyself 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 hold'st 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 shalt be well thought of.  Hub. 
I will do it: 'Tis not your letting free, for that's mere 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 do this service?  Hub. 
If you'll 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 do this trick.  Hem. 
By force?  Hub. 
ay, that must do 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 terror 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, myself  
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 shower of wealth—  Hub. 
I warrant ye:  
Miss nothing that I tell ye.  Hem. 
No.  Hub. 
Farewell;  
You have your liberty, now use it wisely▪  
And keep your hour; go closer about the wood there.  
For fear they spy you.  Hem. 
Well.  Hub. 
And bring no noise with ye.  Hem. 
All shall be done to th' purpose: farewell Huntsman. Exit  Enter Gerrard, Higgen, Prig, Gynk, Snap, Ferret. Ger. 
Now what's the news in town?  Gyn. 
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.  Gyn. 
By th' Mass that's true, he marries Van-duncks daughter,  
The dainty black-eyed bell.  Hig. 
I would my clapper  
Hung in his Baldric, what a peal could I ring?  Ger. 
Married?  Gyn. 
'Tis very true Sir; O the pies,  
The piping-hot-mince-pies.  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▪  Gerard 
To be married  
To Van-duncks daughter?  Hig. 
O this precious Merchant;  
What sport he will have? But hark ye brother Prig,  
Shall we do nothing in the foresaid wedding?  
There's money to be got, and meat I take it;  
What think ye of a moris●?  Prig. 
No, by no means,  
that goes no further than the street, there leaves ●●;  
Now we must think of something that must draw us  
Into the bowels of it, into th' buttery,  
Into the Kitchen, into the Cellar, something  
That that old drunken Burgomaster loves;  
What think ye of a Wassail.  Hig. 
I think worthily.  Prig. 
And very fit it should be; thou, and Ferret,  
And Gynk to sing the song; I for the structure,  
Which is the bowl.  Hig. 
Which must be upsey 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 stands affairs?  Hub. 
Fair, if ye dare now follow;  
Hemskirk I have let go, and these my causes;  
I'll 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 gouty Bearward stole him the other day.  Hig. 
May his Bears worry him, that Ape had paid it;  
What dainty tricks?— o' that whoreson Bearward:  
In his french doublet, with his bastared bullions,  
In a long stock tied up, O how daintily  
Would I have made him wait, and change a trencher,  
Carry a cup of wine? ten thousand stinks  
Wait on thy mangy soul thou lousy Bearward.  Ger. 
'Tis passing well, I both believe and joy in't,  
And will be ready, keep you here the mean while,  
And keep this 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 be monstrous out of meat.  Prig. 
Shall it be spoken,  
Fat capons shaked their tails at's in defiance,  
And Turkey tombs such honourable monuments?  
Shall Pigs, Sir, that the Parson's self would envy,  
And dainty Ducks?—  Ger. 
Not a word more, obey me.  Exit Ger. Hig. 
Why then come doleful death, this is flat tyranny,  
And by this hand—  Hub. 
What?  Hig. 
I'll go sleep upon't. Exit Hig.  Prig. 
Nay, and there be a wedding, and we wanting,  
Farewell our happy days: we do obey, Sir.  Exeunt.  

Scaena Quinta.  Enter two young Merchants. 1 Mer. 
Well met, Sir, you are for this lusty wedding.  2 Mer. 
I am so, so are you, I take it.  1 Mer. 
Yes,  
And it much glads me that to do him service  
Who is the honour of our trade and lu●●er,  
We meet thus happily.  2 Mer. 
He's a noble fellow,  
And well becomes a bride of such a beauty.  1 Mer. 
She is passing fair indeed; long may their loves  
Continue like their youths, in spring of sweetness;  
All the young Merchants will be here  
No doubt on't;  
For he that comes not to attend this wedding,  
The curse of a most blind one fall upon him,  
A loud wife and a lazy: here's Vanlock.  Enter Vanlock and Frances. Van. 
Well overtaken Gentlemen, save ye.  1 Mer. 
The same to you Sir: save ye, fair Mistress Frances,  
I would this happy night might make you blush too.  Vanl. 
She dreams apace  Fran. 
That's but a drowsy fortune.  2 Mer. 
Nay, take us with ye too, we come to that end;  
I am sure ye are for the wedding.  Vanl. 
Hand and heart man,  
And what their feet can do; I could have tripped it  
Before this whoreson gou●.  Enter Gerrard. Ger. 
Bless ye Masters.  Vanl. 
Clause? how now Clause, thou art come to see thy Master,  
(And a good Master he is to all poor people)  
In all his joy; 'tis honestly done of thee.  Ger. 
Long may he live, Sir; but my business now is,  
If you would please to do it, and to hi● too.  Enter Florez. Vanl. 
He's here himself.  Flo. 
Stand at the door my friends?  
I pray walk in: welcome fair Mistress Frances,  
See what the house affords, there's a young Lady  
Will bid you welcome.  Vanl. 
We joy your happiness. Exit.  Flo. 
I hope it will be so. Clause nobly welcome,  
My honest my best friend, I have been careful  
To see thy moneys—  Ger. 
Sir, that brought not me;  
Do you know this Ring again?  Flo. 
Thou hadst it of me.  Ger. 
And do you well remember yet the boon you gave me▪  
Upon the return of this?  Flo. 
Yes, and I grant it,  
Be it what it will; ask what thou canst, I'll do it,  
Within my power.  Ger. 
Ye are not married yet?  Flo. 
No.  Ger. 
Faith I shall ask you that that will disturb ye,  
But I must put ye to your promise.  Flo. 
Do,  
And if I faint and flinch in't—  Ger. 
Well said Master,  
And yet it grieves me to, and yet it must be.  Flo. 
prithee distrust me not.  Ger. 
You must not marry,  
That's part of the power you gave me; which to make up,  
You must presently depart and follow me.  Flo. 
Not marry, Clause?  Ger. 
Not if you keep your promise,  
And give me power to ask.  Flo. 
prithee think better,  
I will obey by heaven.  Ger. 
I have thought the best, Sir.  Flo. 
Give me thy reason; dost thou fear her honesty?  Ger. 
Chaste as the ice, for any thing I know, Sir.  Flo. 
Why shouldst thou light on that then? to what purpose?  Ger. 
I must not now discover.  Flo. 
Must not marry?  
Shall I break now, when my poor heart is pawned?  
When all the preparation?  Ger. 
Now or never.  Flo. 
Come, 'tis not that thou wouldst; thou dost but fright me.  Ger. 
Upon my soul it is, Sir, and I bind ye.  Flo. 
Clause, canst thou be so cruel?  Ger. 
You may break, Sir,  
But never more in my thoughts appear honest.  Flo. 
didst ever see her?  Ger. 
No.  Flo. 
She is such a thing,  
O Clause, she is such a wonder, such a mirror,  
For beauty▪ and fair virtue, Europe has not:  
Why hast thou made me happy to undo me?  
But look upon her, then if thy heart relent not  
I'll quit her presently; who waits there?  Servant within. 
Sir?  Flo. 
Bid my fair love come hither, and the company;  
Prithee be good unto me; take a man's heart,  
And look upon her truly; take a friends heart▪  
And feel what misery must follow this,  Ger. 
Take you a noble heart and keep your promise:  
I forsook all I had to make you happy.  Enter Bertha, Van-donk, and the rest Merchants. 
Can that thing called a woman stop your godness?  Flo. 
Look there she is, deal with me as thou wilt now  
Didst ever see a fairer?  Ger. 
She is most goodly.  Flo. 
Pray ye stand still.  Ber. 
What ails my love?  Flo. 
Didst thou ever,  
By the fair light of heaven, behold a sweeter?  
O that thou knewest but love, or ever selt him,  
Look well, look narrowly upon her beauties.  1. Mer. 
Sure h'as some strange in hand, he starts so.  2. Mer. 
This Beggar has a strong power over his pleasure.  Flo. 
View all her body.  Ger. 
'Tis exact and excellent.  Flo. 
Is she a thing then to be lost thus lightly?  
Her mind is ten times sweeter, ten times nobler,  
And but to hear her speak, a Paradise,  
And such a love she bears to me, a chaste love,  
A vertuous, fair, and fruitfullove: 'tis now too  
I am ready to enjoy it; the Priest ready, Clause,  
To say the holy words shall make us happy,  
This is a cruelty beyond man's study,  
All these are ready, all our joys are ready,  
And all the expectation of our friends  
'Twill be her death to do it.  Ger. 
Let her die then.  Flo. 
Thou canst not: 'tis impossible.  Ger. 
It must be.  Flo. 
Till kill me too, '●will murder me by heaven, Clause  
I'll give thee half I have; come thou shalt save me.  Ger. 
Then you must go with me: I can stay no longer,  
If ye be true and noble.  Flo. 
Hard heart, I'll follow:  
Pray ye all go in again, and pray be merry.  
I have a weighty business, give my cloak there,  Enter Servant (with a Cloak.) 
Concerns my life, and state; make no enquiry,  
This present hour befallen me▪ with the soon  
I shall be here again: nay pray go in Sir,  
And take them with you, 'tis but a night lost Gentlemen.  Van. 
Come, come in, we will not lose our meat yet,  
Nor our good mirth, he cannot stay long from her  
I am sure of that.  Flo. 
I will not stay; believe Sir, Exit.  Gertrude. 
a word with you▪  Ber. 
Why is this stop Sir?  Flo. 
I have no more time left me, but to kiss thee,  
And tell thee, this, I am ever thine: farewell wench. Exit.  Ber. 
And is that all your ceremony? Is this a wedding?  
Are all my hopes and prayers turned to nothing?  
Well, I will say no more, nor sigh, nor sorrow; oh me,  
Till to thy face I prove thee false. Exit.    

Actus Quintus,  

Scaena Prima.  Enter Bertha, and a Boor. Ber. 
LEad, if thou thinkst we are right, why dost thou make  
These often stands? thou saidst thou knewst the way  Boor. 
Fear nothing, I do know it: would `twere homeward.  Ber. 
Wrought from me, by a Beggar? at the time  
That most should tie him? 'Tis some other Love  
That hath a more command on his affections,  
And he that fetched him, a disguised Agent,  
Not what he personated; for his fashion  
Was more familiar with him, and more powerful  
Than one that asked an alms: I must find out  
One, if not both● kind darkness be my shroud  
And cover loves too curious search in me,  
For yet, suspicion, I would not name thee.  Boor. 
Mistress, it grows somewhat pretty and dark.  Ber. 
What then  Boor. 
Nay, nothing; do not think I am afraid,  
Although perhaps you are.  Ber. 
I am not, forward▪  Boor. 
Sure but you are: give me your hand, fear nothing.  
There's one leg in the wood, do not pull backward:  
What a sweat one on's are in, you or I?  
Pray God it do not prove the plague; yet sure  
It has infected me; for I sweat too,  
It runs out at my knees, feel, feel, I pray you.  Ber. 
What ails the fellow?  Boor. 
Hark, hark I beseech you,  
Do you hear nothing?  Ber. 
No.  Boor. 
List: a wild hog,  
He grunts: now 'tis a bear: this wood is full of 'em.  
And now, a wolf Mistress, a wolf, a wolf,  
It is the howling of a wolf.  Ber. 
The braying of an ass; is it not.  Boor. 
Oh, ●ow one has me;  
Oh▪ my left ham, farewell.  Ber. 
Look to your shanks,  
Your breech is safe enough, the wolf's a Fernbrake.  Boor. 
But see, see▪ see. There is a Serpent in it,  
It has eyes as broad as platters; it spits fire;  
Now it creeps towards us, help me to say my prayers▪  
It has swallowed me almost, my breath is stopped,  
I cannot speak; do I speak Mistress? tell me.  Ber. 
Why, thou timorous Sot, canst thou perceive  
Any thing i'the bush, but a poor glow-worm?  Boor. 
It may be 'tis but a glow-worm now, but 'twill  
Grow to a fire-drake presently.  Ber. 
Come thou from it:  
I have a precious guide of you; and a courteous  
That gives me leave to lead myself the way thus.  Boor. 
It thunders, you hear that now.  Ber. 
I hear one hollow.  Boor. 
'Tis thunder, thunder:  
See, a flash of Lightning,  
Are you not blasted Mistress? pull your mask off,  
It has played the barber with me here: I have lost  
My beard, my beard, pray God you be not shaved,  
It will spoil your marriage, Mistress.  Ber. 
What strange wonders  
Fear fancies in a Coward?  Boor. 
Now the earth opens.  Ber. 
Prithee hold thy peace.  Boor. 
Will you on then?  Ber. 
Both love and jealousy have made me bold,  
Where my fate leads me, I must go. Exit.  Boor. 
God be with you then.  Enter Woolfort, Hemskirk, and Attendants. Hem. 
It was the fellow sure, he that should guide me,  
The huntsman that did hollow us.  Woolf. 
Best make a stand  
And listen to his next: ha?  Hem. 
Who goes there?  Boor. 
Mistress, I am taken.  Hem. 
Mistress? look forth soldiers.  Woolf. 
What are you sirrah?  Boor. 
Truly all is left  
Of a poor Boor, by daylight, by night no body,  
You might have spared your drum, and guns, and pikes too  
For I am none that will stand out Sir, I.  
You may take me in with a walking stick  
Even when you please, and hold me with a packthread.  Hem. 
What woman was't you called to.  Boor. 
Woman? none Sir.  Woolf. 
None? did you not name Mistress?  Boor. 
Yes, but she's  
No woman yet ● she should have been this night.  
But that a Beggar stole away her Bridegroom.  
Whom we were going to make hue-and-cry after;  
I tell you true Sir, she should ●a'bin married to day,  
And was the Bride, and all; but in came Clause,  
The old lame Beggar, and whipped up Mr. Goswin;  
Under his arm, away with him as a Kite,  
O● an old Fox, would swoop away a gossi●g.  Hem. 
'Tis she, 'tis she, Niece?  Ber. 
Ha!  Hem. 
She Sir.  
This was a noble entrance to your fortune,  
That being on the point thus to be married,  
Upon her venture here, you should surprise her.  Wool. 
I begin Hemskirk, to believe my fate  
Works to my ends.  Hem. 
Yes Sir▪ and this adds trust  
Unto the fellow our guide, who assured me Florez  
Lived in some Merchant's shop, as Gerrard did  
I'th' the old beggars, and that he would use  
Him for the train, to call the other forth,  
All which we find is done— That's he again— Holla again  Woolf. 
Good we sent out to meet him.  Hem. 
Here's the Oak.  Ber. 
O I am miserably lost, thus fall'n  
Into my Uncle's hands, from all my hopes:  
Can I not think away myself and die?  
O I am miserably lost, thus fallen  
Into my Uncle's hands, from all my hopes:  
No matter now, where thou be false or no,  
Goswin, whether thou love another better,  
Or me alone; or where thou keep thy vow,  
And word, or that thou come, or stay; for I  
To thee from henceforth must be ever absent,  
And thou to me: no more shall we come near,  
To tell ourselves, how bright each others eyes were,  
How soft our language, and how sweet our kisses,  
Whilst we made one our food, th' other our feast,  
Not mix our souls by sight, or by a letter  
Hereafter, but as small relation have,  
As two new gone to inhabiting a grave:  
Can I not think away myself and die?  Enter Hubert, Higgen, Prig, Ferret, Snap, Ginkes, like Boores. Hub. 
I like your habits well: they are safe, stand close.  Hig. 
But what's the action we are for now? ha?  
Robbing a Ripper of his fish?  Prig. 
Or taking  
A poulterer prisoner, without ransom, Bullye●?  Hig. 
Or cutting off a convoy of butter?  Fer. 
Or surprising a Boor's ken, for granting cheats?  Prig. 
Or cackling cheats?  Hig. 
Or merge●y-praters, Rogers▪  
And Tib's o'th' the Buttery?  Prig. 
O' I could drive a Regiment  
Of geese afore me, such a night as this,  
Ten leagues with my hat, and staff, and not of hiss  
Herd, or a wing of my troops disordered.  Hig. 
Tell us,  
If it be milling of a lag of duds,  
The fetching of a back of clothes, or so,  
We are horribly out of linen,  Hub. 
No such matter.  Hig. 
Let me alone for any Farmer's dog,  
If you have a mind to the cheese-loft: 'tis but thus:  
And he is a silenced Mastiff, during pleasure.  Hub. 
Would it would please you to be silent.  Hig. 
Mum.  Woolf. 
Who's there?  Hub. 
A friend, the Huntsman.  Hem. 
O 'tis he.  Hub. 
I have kept touch Sir, which is the Earl of these?  
Will ye know a man now?  Hem. 
This my Lord's the friend  
Hath undertaken the service.  Hub. 
Iced be worth  
His Lordship's thanks anon, when 'tis done  
Lording, I'll look for't, a rude woodman,  
I know how to pitch my toils, drive in my game▪  
And I have done't, both Florez and his Father  
Old Gerrard, with Lord Arnold of Benthuisen;  
Cousin, and jaqueline, young Florez Sister,  
I have 'em all.  Woolf. 
Thou speakst too much, too happy,  
To carry faith with it.  Hub. 
I can bring you  
Where you shall see, and find find.  Woolf. 
We will double,  
What ever Hemskirk then hath promised thee.  Hub. 
And I'll deserve it treble; what horse ha' you?  Woolf. 
A hundred.  Hub. 
That's well: ready to take  
Upon surprise of 'em?  Hem. 
Yes.  Hub 
〈◊〉 when,  
Your force into five Squadrons, for there are  
So many outlets ways through the wood,  
That issue from the place where they are lodged;  
Five several ways, of all which passages  
We must possess ourselves, to round 'em in,  
For by one starting hole, they'll all escape else,  
I and four Boors here, to ye will be guides.  
The Squadron where you are, my self will lead.  
And that they may be more secure, I'll use  
My wont whoops, and hollows, as I were  
A hunting for them; which will make them rest,  
Careless of any noise, and by a direction  
To the other guides now we approach ●m still.  Woolf. 
'Tis ordered well, and relisheth the Soldier.  
Make the division Hemskirk: you are my charge,  
Fair one, 'll'le look to you.  Boor. 
Shall no body need  
To look to me? I'll look unto myself.  Hub. 
'Tis but this, remember.  Hig. 
Say, 'tis done boy, Exeunt.   

Scaena Secunda.  Enter Gerrard and Florez. Ger. 
By this time; Sir, I hope you want no reasons  
Why I broke off your marriage, for though I  
Should as a Subject study you my Prince  
In things indifferent, it will not therefore  
Discredit you, to acknowledge me your Father,  
By harkening to my necessary counsels.  Flo. 
Acknowledge you my Father? Sir I do,  
And may impiety, conspiring with  
My other Sins, sink me, and suddenly  
When I forget to pay you a Sons duty,  
In my obedience, and that helped forth  
With all the cheerfulness.  Ger. 
I pray you rise,  
And may those powers that see and love this in you,  
Reward you for it: Taught by your example  
Having received the rights due to a Father,  
I tender you th' allegiance of a Subject:  
Which as my Prince accept of.  Flo. 
Kneel to me?  
May mountains first fall down beneath their valleys,  
And fire no more mount upwards, when I suffer  
An act in nature so preposterous;  
I must o'ercome in this, in all things else  
The victory be yours 't could you here read me,  
You should perceive how all my faculties  
Triumph in my blessed fate, to be found yours;  
I am your son, your Son Sir, and am prouder  
To be so, to the father to such goodness  
(Which heaven be pleased, I may inherit from you)  
Then I shall ever of those special titles  
That plead for my succession in the Earldom  
(Did I possess it now) left by my mother.  Ger. 
I do believe it: but—  Flo. 
O my loved Father,  
Before I knew you were so, by instinct,  
Nature had taught me, to look on your wants,  
Not as a strangers: and I know not how,  
What you called charity I thought the payment  
Of some religious debt nature stood bound for;  
And last of all, when your magnificent bounty,  
In my low ebb of fortune, had brought in  
A flood of blessings, though my threatening wants  
And fear of their effects, still kept me stupid,  
I soon found out, it was no common pity  
That lead you to it.  Ger. 
Think of this hereafter  
When we with joy may call it to remembrance,  
There will be a time more opportune, then now,  
To end your story, with all circumstances,  
I add this only: when we fled from Woolfort  
I sent you into England, and there placed you  
With a brave Flanders Merchant, called rich Goswin,  
A man supplied by me unto that purpose,  
As bound by oath never to discover you,  
Who dying left his name and wealth unto you  
As his reputed Son, and yet received so;  
But now, as Florez and ● Prince, remember,  
The countries▪ and the subjects general good  
Must challenge the first part in your affection:  
The fair maid, whom you chose to be your wife,  
Being so far beneath you, that your love  
Must grant▪ 〈◊〉 not your equal.  Flo. 
In disc●nt  
Or borrowed glories, from dead Ancestors,  
But for her beauty▪ chastity, and all virtues  
Ever remembered in the best of women,  
A Monarch might receive from her, not give,  
Though she were his Crowns purchase, In this only  
Be an indulgent Father: in all else,  
Use my authority.  Enter Hubert, Hemskirk, Woolfort, Bertha, and Soldiers. Hub. 
Sir, here be two of 'em,  
The Father and the Son, the rest you shall have  
A●●ast as I can rouse them.  Ger. 
Who's this? Woolfort?  Wool. 
I cripple, your feigned crutches will not help you,  
Nor patched disguise that hath so long concealed you,  
It's now no halting: I must here find Gerrard,  
And in this Merchant's habit, one called Florez  
Who would be an Earl.  Ger. 
And is, wert thou a subject.  Flo. 
Is this that Traitor Woolfort?  Wolf. 
Yes, but you  
Are they that are betrayed: Hemskirk;  Ber. 
My Goswin  
Turned Prince? O I am poorer by this greatness,  
Then all my former jealousies or misfortunes.  Flo. 
Gertrude?  Woolf. 
Stay Sir, you were to day too near her,  
You must no more aim at those easy accesses,  
Less you can do't in air, without a head,  
Which shall be suddenly tried.  Ber. 
O take my heart, first,  
And since I cannot hope now to enjoy him,  
Let me but fall a part of his glad ransom.  Woolf. 
You know not your own value, that entreat  Ger. 
So proud a f●end as Woolfort.  Woolf. 
For so lost  
A thing as Florez.  Flo. 
And that would be so  
Rather than she should stoop again to thee;  
There is no death, but's sweeter than all life,  
When Woolfort is to give it: O my Gertrude,  
It is not that, no Princedom that I go from.  
It is from thee, that loss includeth all.  Wool. 
ay, if my young prince knew his loss, he would say so,  
Which that he yet may chew on, I will tell him  
This is no Gertrude, nor no Hemskirkes' Niece,  
Nor Vandonck's daughter; this is Bertha, Bertha,  
The heir of Brabant, ●he that caused the war,  
Whom I did steal, during my treaty there,  
For your minority, to raise myself;  
I then foreseeing 'twould beget a quarrel.  
That, a necessity of my employment,  
The same employment, make me master of strength,  
That strength, the Lord of Flanders, so of Brabant,  
By marrying her ●si, which had not been to do:  
She come of years, but that the expectation  
First of her Fathers death retarded it,  
And since the standing out of Bruges, where  
Hemskirk had hid her, till she was n●er lost:  
But Sir, we have recovered her: your M●rchantship  
May break, for this was one of your best bottoms  
I think.  Ger. 
Insolent Devil!  Enter Hubert, with jaqueline, Gynk and Costin. Woolf. 
Who are these, Hemskirk?  Hem. 
More, more, Sir.  Flo. 
How they triumph in their treachery?  Hem. 
Lord Arnold of Benthusin, this Lord Costin.  
This jaqueline the sister unto Florez.  Woolf. 
All found? why here's brave game, this was sport-royal,  
And puts me in thought of a new kind of death for 'em.  
Huntsman, your horn: first wind me Florez fall,  
Next Gerrard's, than his daughter jaquelins',  
Those rascals, they shall die without their rights:  
Hang 'em Hemskirk on these trees; I'll take  
The assay of these myself.  Hub. 
Not here my Lord,  
Let 'em be broken up, upon a scaffold,  
'Twil show the better when their arbou●'s made.  Ger. 
Wretch art thou not content thou hast betrayed us,  
But mock us too?  Gynk. 
False Hubert, this is monstrous.  Woolf. 
Hubert?  Hem. 
Who, this?  Ger. 
Yes, this is Hubert, Woolfort,  
I hope he has helped himself to a tree.  Woolf. 
The first,  
The first of any, and most glad I have you Sir,  
I let you go before, but for a train;  
Iced you have done this service?  Hub. 
As your Huntsman,  
But now as Hubert; save yourselves, I will,  
The wolf's a foot, let slip, kill, kill, kill, kill,  Enter with a drum Van-donck Merchants, Higgen, Prig, Ferret, Snap. Woolf. 
Betrayed?  Hub. 
No, but well catched: & I the Huntsman.  Van-d. 
How do you Woolfort? Rascal, good knave Woolfort.  
I speak it now without the Rose; and Hemskirk,  
Rogue Hemskirk, you that have no niece, this Lady  
Was stol'n by you, and ta'en by you, and now  
Resigned by me, to the right owner here:  
Take her my Prince▪  Flo. 
Can this be possible,  
Welcome my love, my sweet, my worthy love.  Van-d. 
I ha' given you her twice: now keep her better, and thank  
Lord Hubert, that came to me in Gerrard's name,  
And got me out, with my brave boys, to march  
Like Caesar, when he bred his Commentaries,  
So I, to end my Chronicle, came forth  
Caesar Vandonck, & veni, vidi▪ vici,  
Give me my Bottle, and set down the drum;  
You had your tricks Sir, had you? we ha' tricks too,  
You stole the Lady?  Hig. 
And we led your Squadrons  
Where they ha' scratc'ht their legs a little, with brambles,  
If not their faces.  Prig. 
Yes, and run their heads  
Against trees.  Hig. 
'Tis Captain Prig, Sir.  Prig. 
And Colonel Higgen.  Hig. 
We filled a pit with your people, some with legs,  
Some with arms broken, and a neck, or two,  
I think, be loose.  Prig. 
The rest too that escaped,  
Are not yet out of the briers,  Hig. 
And your houses, Sir,  
Are well set up in Bruges all by this time▪  
You look as you were not well Sir, and would be  
Shortly let blood; do you want a scarf?  Vand-d. 
A halter.  Ger. 
'Twas like yourself, honest, and noble Hubert:  
Canst thou behold these mirrors altogether,  
Of thy long● false, and bloody usurpation?  
Thy tyrannous proscription, and fresh treason▪  
And not so see thyself, as to fall down  
And sinking force a grave with thine own guilt,  
As deep as hell, to cover thee and it?  Woolf. 
No, I can stand, and praise the toils that took me,  
And laughing in them die; they were brave snares.  Flo. 
'Twere truer valour if thou durst repent  
The wrongs th' hast done, and live.  Woolf. 
Who I repent?  
And say I am sorry? yes, 'tis the fool's language  
And not for Woolfort.  Vand-d▪ 
Woolfort thou art a devil,  
And speak'st his language, oh that I had my longing  
Under this row of trees now would I hang him.  Flo. 
No, let him live, until he can repent,  
But banished from our State, that is thy doom.  Van-d. 
Then hang his worthy Captain here, this Hemskirk  
For profit of th' example.  Flo. 
No, let him  
Enjoy his shame too: with his conscious life,  
To show how much our innocence contemns  
All practice from the guiltiest, to molest us.  Van-d. 
A noble Prince.  Ger. 
Sir, you must help to join  
A pair of hands, as they have done their hearts here,  
And to their loves with joy.  Flo. 
As to mine own,  
My gracious Sister, worthiest Brother:  Van-d. 
I'll go afore, & have the bon-fire made,  
My fire-work●, and flap-dragons, and good back-rack,  
With a peck of little fishes, to drink down  
In healths to this day.  Hig, 
Slight, here be changes,  
The Bells ha' not so many, nor a dance, Prig.  Prig. 
Our Company's grown horrible thin by it,  
What think you Ferret?  Fer. 
Marry I do think,  
That we might all be Lords now, if we could stand for't  Hig. 
Not I, if they should offer it: I've dislodge first,  
Remove the Bush to another climate.  Ger. 
Sir, you must thank this worthy Burgomaster,  
Here be friends ask to be looked on too:  
And thanked, who though their trade, and course of life  
Be not so perfect, but it may be bettered,  
Have yet used me with courtesy, and been true  
Subjects unto me, while I was their King,  
A place I know not well how to resign.  
Nor unto whom: But this I will entreat  
Your grace, command them, follow me to Bruges;  
Where I will take the care on me, to find  
Some manly, and more profitable course  
To fit them, as a part of the republic.  Flo. 
Do you hear Sirs? do so.  Hig. 
Thanks to your good grace▪  Prig. 
To your good Lordship.  Fer. 
May you both live long.  Ger. 
Attend me at Vandonck's, the Burgomasters. Ex. all but Beggars.  Hig. 
Yes, to b●●t hemp, and be whipped twice a week,  
O● turn the wheel for Crab the Rope-maker▪  
Or learn to go along with him, his course;  
That's a fine course now, i' the Commonwealth, Prig.  
What say you to it?  Prig. 
It is the backwardst course  
I know i'the world.  Hig. 
Then Higgen will scarce thrive by it,  
You do conclude?  Prig. 
I'faith hardly▪ very hardly.  Hig. 
Troth I am partly of your mind, Prince Prig.  
And therefore farewell Flanders, Higgen will seek  
Some safer shelter, in some other Climate,  
With this his tattered Colony: Let me see,  
Snap, Ferret, Prig, and Higgen, all are left  
Of the true blood: what? shall we into England?  Prig. 
Agreed,  Hig. 
Then bear up bravely with your Brute my lads  
Higgen hath prigged the prancers in his days:  
And sold good pennyworths; we will have a course.  
The spirit of Bottom is grown bottomless.  Prig. 
I'll manned no more, nor cant.  Hig. 
Yes, your sixpenny worth  
In private, brother; sixpence is a sum  
I'll steal you any man's dog for.  Prig. 
For sixpence more,  
You'll tell the owner where he is.  Hig. 
'Tis right,  
Higgen must practise, so must Prigt, o eat:  
And write the Letter: and give the word, But now  
No more, as either of these.  Prig. 
But as true Beggars,  
As ere we were.  Hig. 
We stand here, for an Epilogue▪  
Ladies, your bounties first; the rest will follow,  
For women's favours are a leading alms,  
If you be pleased look cheerly through your eyes:  
Out a● your masks.  Prig. 
And let your beauty's sparkle.  Hig. 
So may may you ne'er want dress, jewels▪ gowns  
Still i'the fashion.  Prig. 
Nor the men you love,  
Wealth, nor discourse to please you.  Hig. 
May you Gentlemen,  
Never want good fresh suits nor liberty.  Prig. 
May every Merchant here see safe his ventures.  Hig. 
And every honest Citizen his debts in.  Prig. 
The Lawyers gain good Clients.  Hig. 
And the Clients good Counsel.  Prig. 
All the Gamesters here good fortune.  Hig. 
The Drunkards too good wine.  Prig. 
The eaters me●●  
Fit so their tastes and palates.  Hig. 
The good wives kind Husbands.  Prig. 
The young maid's choice of Suitors.  Hig. 
The Midwife's merry hearts.  Prig. 
And all good ch●●re▪  Hig. 
As you are kind unto us and our Bush,  
We are the Beggars and your daily Beadsmen,  
And have your money, but the Alms we ask  
And live by, is your Grace, give that and then  
we'll boldly say our word is, Come again.    
FINIS.   

THE PROLOGUE.  
TO please you with this Play, we feare-will be  
(So does the Author too) a mystery  
Somewhat above our Art; For all men's eyes,  
Ears, faiths, and judgements, are not of one size.  
For to say truth, and not to flatter ye,  
This is nor Comedy, nor Tragedy,  
Nor History, nor any thing that may  
(Yet in a week) be made a perfect Play:  
Yet those that love to laugh, and those that think  
Twelvepences goes farther this way then in drink,  
Or Damsels, if they mark the matter through,  
May stumble on a foolish toy, or two,  
Will make 'em show their teeth: pray for my sake  
(That likely am your first man) do not take  
A distaste before you feel it: for ye may  
When this is hist to ashes, have a Play,  
And here, to outhiss this; be patient then  
(My honuor done) ye are welcome Gentlemen.   

THE EPILOGUE.  
IF you mislike; (as you shall ever be  
Your own free judges) this Play utterly,  
For your own Nobleness, yet do not hiss,  
But as you go by, say it was amiss;  
And we will mend: Chide us, but let it be  
Never in cold blood: O' my honesty,  
(If I have any) this I'll say for all,  
Our meaning was to please you still, and shall.