Char. Here comes Andrew.

Mir. But without his comical and learned face; what sad disaster, Andrew?

And. You m[a]y read, Sir, a Tragedy in my face.

Mir. Art thou in earnest?

And. Yes, by my life, Sir; and if now you help not, and speedily, by force, or by persuasion, my good old Master (for now I pity him) is ruin'd for ever.

Char. Ha, my Father!

And. He, Sir.

Mir. By what means? speak.

And. At the suit of Monsieur Lewis; his house is seiz'd upon, and he in person is under guard, (I saw it with these eyes, Sir) to be convey'd to Paris, and there Sentenc'd.

Mir. Nay, then there is no jesting.

Char. Do I live, and know my Father injur'd?

And. And what's worse, Sir, my Ladie Angellina—

Eust. What of her?

And. She's carri'd away too.

Mir. How?

And. While you were absent, a crew of Monsieur Lewis friends and kinsmen, by force, brake in at th' back part of the house, and took her away by violence; faithful Andrew (as this can witness for him) did his best in her defence, but 'twould not do.

Mir. Away, and see our Horses sadled, 'tis no time to talk, but do. Eustace, you now are offer'd a spatious field, and in a pious War to exercise your valour; here's a cause, and such a one, in which to fall is honourable, your dutie and reverence due to a fathers name commanding it; but these unnatural jars arising between Brothers (should you prosper) would shame your victory.

Eust. I would do much, Sir, but still my rep[u]tation!

Mir. Charles shall give you all decent satisfaction; nay, joyn hands, and heartily, why, this is done like Brothers; and as old as I am, in this cause that concerns the honour of our Family, Monsieur Lewis (if reason cannot work) shall find and feel there's hot blood in this arm, I'le lead you bravely.

Eust. And if I follow not, a cowards name be branded on my forehead.

Char. This spirit makes you a sharer in my fortunes.

Mir. And in mine, of which (Brisac once freed, and Angellina again in our possession) you shall know, my heart speaks in my tongue.

Eust. I dare not doubt it, Sir. [Exeunt.

ACTUS V. SCENA II.

Enter Lewis, Brisac, Angelli[n]a, Sylvia, Officers.

Lew. I'm deaf to all perswasions.

Bri. I use none, nor doubt I, though a while my innocence suffers, but when the King shall understand how false your malice hath inform'd him, he in justice must set me right again.

Ang. Sir, let not passion so far transport you, as to think in reason, this violent course repairs, but ruins it; that honour you would build up, you destroy; what you would seem to nourish, if respect of my preferment or my pattern may challenge your paternal love and care, why do you, now good fortune has provided a better Husband for me than your hopes could ever fancy, strive to rob me of him? In what is my Lord Charles defective, Sir? unless deep Learning be a blemish in him, or well proportion'd limbs be mulcts in nature, or, what you only aim'd at, large Revenues, are, on the sudden, grown distasteful to you. Of what can you accuse him?

Lew. Of a Rape done to Honour, which thy ravenous lust made thee consent to.

Syl. Her lust! you are her Father.

Lew. And you her Bawd.

Syl. Were you ten Lords, 'tis false; the pureness of her chaste thoughts entertains not such spotted instruments.

Ang. As I have a Soul, Sir.

Lew. I am not to be alter'd; to sit down with this disgrace, would argue me a Peasant, and not born Noble: all rigour that the Law, and that increase of power by favour yields, shall be with all severity inflicted; you have the King's hand for't, no Bail will serve, and therefore at your perils, Officers, away with 'em.

Bri. This is madness.

Lew. Tell me so in open Court, and there I'le answer you.

Enter Miramont, Charles, Eustace, Andrew.

Mir. Well overtaken.

Char. Ill if they dare resist.

Eust. He that advances but one step forward dies.

Lew. Shew the King's Writ.

Mir. Shew your discretion, 'twill become you better.

Char. Y'are once more in my power, and if again I part with you, let me for ever lose thee.

Eust. Force will not do't, nor threats; accept this service from your despair'd of Eustace.

And. And beware your Reverend Worship never more attempt to search my Lilly pot, you see what follows.

Lew. Is the King's power contemn'd?

Mir. No, but the torrent o' your wilful folly stopp'd. And for you, good Sir, if you would but be sensible, what can you wish, but the satisfaction of an obstinate will, that is not endear'd to you? rather than be cross'd in what you purpos'd, you'll undo your Daughter's fame, the credit of your judgment, and your old foolish Neighbour; make your Estates, and in a Suit not worth a Cardecue, a prey to Advocates, and their buckram Scribes, and after they have plum'd ye, return home like a couple of naked Fowles without a feather.

Char. This is a most strong truth, Sir.

Mir. No, no, Monsieur, let us be right Frenchmen, violent to charge; but when our follies are repell'd by reason, 'tis fit that we retreat, and ne'er come on more: Observe my learned Charles, he'll get thee a Nephew on Angellina shall dispute in her belly, and suck the Nurse by Logick: and here's Eustace, he was an Ass, but now is grown an Amadis; nor shall he want a Wife, if all my Land, for a Joynture, can effect: Y'are a good Lord, and of a gentle nature, in your looks I see a kind consent, and it shews lovely: and do you hear, old Fool? but I'le not chide, hereafter, like me, ever doat on Learning, the meer belief is excellent, 'twill save you; and next love Valour, though you dare not fight your self, or fright a foolish Officer, young Eustace can do it to a hair. And, to conclude, let Andrew's farm b' encreas'd, that is your penance, you know for what, and see you rut no more; you understand me. So embrace on all sides.

I'le pay those Bilmen, and make large amends, Provided we preserve you still our Friends— [Exeunt.

* * * * *

Prologue.

But that it would take from our modesty
To praise the Writer, or the Comedy,
Till your fair suffrage crown it, I should say,
Y'are all most welcome to no vulgar Play;
And so far w'are confident: And if he
That made it, still lives in your memorie,
You will expect what we present to night,
Should be judged worthy of your ears and sight.
You shall hear Fletcher in it, his true strain,
And neat expressions; living he did gain
Your good opinions; but now dead commends
This Orphan to the care of Noble Friends;
And may it raise in you content and mirth,
And be received for a legitimate birth.
Your grace erects new Trophies to his fame,
And shall, to after-times, preserve his name.

Epilogue.

'Tis not the hands, or smiles, or common way
Of approbation to a well lik'd Play,
We only hope; but that you freely would
To th' Author's memory so far unfold,
And shew your loves and liking to his Wit,
Not in your praise, but often seeing it;
That being the grand assurance that can give
The Poet and the Player means to live.

APPENDIX.

In the following references to the text the lines are numbered from the top of the page, including titles, acts, stage directions, &c., but not, of course, the headline. Where, as in the lists of Persons Represented, there are double columns, the right-hand column is numbered after the left.

It has not been thought necessary to record the correction of every turned letter nor the substitution of marks of interrogation for marks of exclamation and vice versa. Full-stops have been silently inserted at the ends of speeches and each fresh speaker has been given the dignity of a fresh line: in the double-columned folio the speeches are frequently run on. Only misprints of interest in the Quartos and the First Folio are recorded.

THE ELDER BROTHER: VARIANTS IN THE QUARTOS.

(This Edition was published the year before the publication of the Second Folio. I have not had an opportunity of examining it, but an American correspondent, who kindly collated my proof-sheets with the copy in the Boston Public Library, has sent me his notes. The text is practically that of the Second Folio.)

APPENDIX

p. 1, l. 5. A-D] The Speakers of the Play. l. 29. A-D omit here and in similar cases at the beginning of a scene] Enter. A-D omit] and.

p. 2, l. 14. A-D] others hands. l. 15. C] Coach. l. 20. 2nd Folio misprints] Frow. C] of body and of. l. 24. B and C] vertues.

p. 3, l. 8. A-D] pleasure. l. 14. A-D] state. l. 18. C] the publique. l. 31. A-C] kings. l. 32. A-C] in the Country.

p. 4, l. 14. C] up a. l. 19. A-C] such one. l. 30. C] pleasure. l. 33. A-D omit] and.

p. 5, l. 9. C omits] quite, l. 38. A, B and D] Would 'ee. l. 39. C] as my M'r.

p. 6, l. 16. A-D add] Ex. l. 20. B and C] put in. l. 27. 2nd Folio misprints] my.

p. 7, l. 5. A] to buttry. l. 11. C] Hoe, Lackey. l. 18. D] and to. l. 21. A-D print the stage direction after adorer. l. 29. B and C] loves. l. 30. C] with service.

p. 8, l. 10. B and C] the palm of. l. 28. B and C] and Bucolicks. l. 29. B and C] guard. l. 32. B and C] pleasures.

p. 9, l. 2. 2nd Folio] Husband. l. 26. 2nd Folio misprints] Compaions. l. 40. A] Hee's indeed.

p. 10, l. 12. B and C] nor your. l. 17. A-C] Trumpe. l. 33. D] promise.

p. 11, l. 2. C] much each ease. l. 3. C] for a shelfe of. ll. 14 and 17. D] travail…travailes. l. 19. A] Eust. If take. B] Eust. If this take. D also prints Eust. here. C] Bri. If this take. l. 32. A-D add] Finis Actus primi. l. 33. 2nd Folio misprints] Seundus.

p. 12, l. 1. C] But know to. l. 8. C] entail'd to ye. l. 20. C] spirit and the. l. 25. C] tedious speech. l. 29. A-D] spake. l. 36. C] a Jesuite. l. 40. B and C] fat and feesible. A-D] then you sit.

p. 13, l. 9. A] on't. l. 27. A] pox of Venice. l. 36. B and C] girles and.

p. 14, l. 6. A-D] vent. l. 16. A] Libratyan Almanack. B-D] Library an. l. 20. B and C] o'er the ears. ll. 24 and 25. A] the art. l. 26. A-D] snowes.

p. 15, l. 2. A-D] state. l. 9. C omits] shall. l. 12. A and C] land too, to. l. 16. A-D] state. l. 31. A-D omit] these. l. 34. B and C] auras. l. 36. A-D] nor do not weigh.

p. 16, l. 1. B and C] your brains. l. 4. A-D] University Lovaine. l. 8. B and C add] Exit. l. 11. B and C] to my. l. 18. B and D] nor behaviour. ll. 18 and 19. C omits] no gentle…in 'em. l. 30. C] a fine. l. 33. A-D] state.

p. 17, l. 3. B-D] in mine. l. 28. A-D] Is at's. l. 34. A-C] spirits. l. 38. A-D with variations of Ex, and Ex'] Ex. Lent.

p. 18, l. 2. B and C] Males and. l. 12. A-C] metamaticall. l. 25. C] bread for.

p. 19, l. 2. A and D] younger. B and C omit] to. l. 3. A-D] the heir will do. l. 8. B] fame. l. 28. A-C] and her lodging. l. 34. B and C] stie.

p. 20, l. 1. B and C] Crown's awry. l. 2. 2nd Folio] slip. l. 6. B] your bookes. C] I have not swept your. l. 16. C] ages. l. 20. B] nere have marryed. C] nere have warmed. l. 23. C] I not regarded them. l. 31. A—D] as daintily. l. 39. A] Gammer.

p. 21, l. 3. B—D] do find. l. 7. C] the happy day that. l. 9. B—D] my great care. l. 15. A—D] state. B and C omit] a. l. 19. A—D] on our. l. 28. A, B and D read Not. for Lew. C omits] Lew. l. 29. A—D print for Not.] Lewis, and make Not.'s speech begin If it had been etc.

p. 22, l. 6. C] he may make. l. 18. C] an annual. l. 33. C] set it ready. l. 36. 2nd Folio misprints] clook.

p. 23, l. 2. C] to make. l. 23. B omits] a. C] What noise is this, my. l. 37. C] squeaking's.

p. 24, l. 2. C] angry Sir. l. 15. C] And there's. l. 27. C] today. l. 36. A—C] O you'ld. l. 37. C and D] book.

p. 25, l. 2. C] elder. l. 15. C] very wide. l. 18. A—D] book. l. 25. C] I come not for. l. 32. C] I'le assure you. l. 36. C] Thee, thou art.

p. 26, l. 4. A—D] Gincracke. l. 11. C] venter. l. 12. A] t'ee. l. 38. C] sensible when the. C omits] when it.

p. 27, l. 11. A and D] speak. B and C] spake.

p. 28, l. 4. B and C] the care. l. 11. B and C] women. l. 13. C adds after prethee] 'twill be tenne times better. l. 22. A—D omit] and. l. 24. C omits] Is your's ready. l. 25. C omits all the Priest's speech. l. 27. C omits] Do…exactly. l. 29. C] fault Sir.

p. 29, l. 5. A—D] nor he. l. 7. B and C omit] Faith. l. 9. B and C] so think I too. l. 15. D omits] and. l. 29. C omits] but. l. 32. C] Will you set too your hand brother. l. 38. C omits] only.

p. 30, l. 10. A—C omit] to. l. 17. C] want man. l. 20. B and C] Lampes.

p. 31, l. 22. A and C] want present. l. 31. C] fingred morn. l. 33. C] till your.

p. 32, l. 7. C] and stop. l. 11. B—D] Has. l. 12. B—D] Has. ll. 12 and 13. C omits] I hope…an Ass. l. 21. C] are gay and. l. 24. C] Can you love. l. 36. A] failling. ll. 36 and 37. A—D] all elements.

p. 33, l. 2. C] shall close. l. 12. A and B] our inside. l. 28. 2nd Folio misprints] your. l. 29. C] your fingers. l. 37. B and C] hand too.

p. 34, l. 1. C] He shall Coxcombe. C omits] Jew, thou…asses Coxcomb. l. 11. C] friends. l. 12. C] Land, pox on't has got the wench too.

p. 35, l. 5. C] sots. l. 11. B and C] thy owne. l. 21. A—D] cowardliness. l. 29. 2nd Folio] house I'll, l. 34. B and C] their Country. l. 40. A and D] and cover.

p. 37, l. 3. E and 2nd Folio] chafer. l. 24. B and C] travelling language. l. 27. B and C] but those. l. 29. A—D omit] And. l. 30. D and 2nd Folio omit] they. l. 32. B and C] pruning and dressing up. l. 39. B and C] and a little.

p. 38, l. 10. A—D omit] Enter. 2nd Folio] Angellia. l. 13. C] a strange set. l. 22. C] in bed. l. 31. A and D] fie. l. 36. B omits] Ang., making it a continuation of Char's previous speech. B and C omit] Sir.

p. 39, l. 5. C] blushes too, men. l. 14. A—C] Ceremony. l. 16. B and C] should seal. C] hand. l. 17. B—D] an Heretick. ll. 17 and 18. C] would do. l. 20. C] slumbers. l. 21. C] see your. l. 26. C] clip ye. C] kiss ye. l. 31. C] Queens to wear.

p. 40, l. 2. A—C] anything, anything fit. ll. 5 and 6. C] mingled, Mistris, and. ll. 6 and 7. C] should consent now, I. C omits] fo'rt. l. 8. C] beauteous sparkle. l. 9. B and C] part of life run. l. 11. C] that which. ll. 17 and 18. C] flowers woe us to tumble; yet. ll. 22 and 23. C] but your affections. l. 24. C omits] A good night t'ye, and. ll. 24 and 25. C] fall on you, and lock. l. 33. C] they'l not be kept out. l. 34. A—D omit] fit.

p. 41, l. 4. C] her ore sufficiently. l. 16. C] my. l. 21. D omits] may. ll. 24 and 25. E and 2nd Folio print stage direction after Eustace's speech. l. 39. C] too; to think is.

p. 42, l. 2. A, B and D] sign of man. l. 20. B and D] I'll talke thee. l. 30. C] poore slight despicable thing.

p. 43, l. 9. B] In truth, Sir. l. 12. C] one who. l. 13. C] so frighted 'um, so. l. 17. A and C] frosts. l. 22. B and C] Glo-wormes taile. l. 30. C] the reason. l. 35. A—D] to you.

p. 44, ll. 8 and 9. C] and shall to as Ile handle it, it shall. l. 30. C and D] spake. l. 31. A—C] ere I done.

p. 46, l. 1. C, after his own, inserts] And. I warrant thee Wench. l. 9. C] after grant a little, inserts line 11 here instead of below. l. 12. A—C] will put. l. 23. C] with his wife within. l. 24. A—D] Farm in Cuckolds.

p. 47, l. 4. A] poll'd off. l. 15. A and D] an hundred. l. 29. 2nd Folio misprints] Agne. A—D] Hee's.

p. 48, l. 6. B and C] women. l. 12. A—D] a' has a. l. 22. C] us Scholars. l. 36. A adds] Lew before Cow.

p. 49, l. 12. A—C] do nor suffer. l. 13. B and C] are there. l. 33. A—C] thinke's no. l. 38. A, B and D] no use.

p. 50, ll. 17 and 18. B and C] make you the Court.

p. 51, ll. 24—26. A—D place the stage direction after opens instead of after opportunity. l. 37. C] None Sir.

p. 52, l. 2. B and C] doores.

p. 53, l. 4. A and B] ever could. l. 7. B and C] plung'd in, teaching. l. 8. A] how fare. l. 9. B and C] you were thought. l. 17. A—D] would dispense.

p. 54, l. 3. B and C] till thine.

p. 55, l. 12. B and C] and will. l. 19. 2nd Folio misprints] my.

p. 56, l. 3. A] you valour. l. 8. 2nd Folio misprints] reptation. l. 11. C] and old as. l. 22. 2nd Folio] Angellia. l. 23. C] perswasion. l. 25. B and C] falsly. l. 27. A] so fare. ll. 28 and 29. C] repairs, but rather ruines that honour…up; you destroy what. l. 30. C] or my reputation. l. 31. C omits] good. l. 34. C] Love Charles. l. 35. C] limbs held.

p. 57, l. 1. C] thy honour. l. 4. C] thou. l. 6. B and C] entertain. l. 18. C] Kill if. l. 35. A—D] states. C omits] and.

p. 58, l. 8. A—D] affect it. l. 10. After old Fool C inserts] Bri. Your brother Sir. l. 18. C] we continue still good. C adds] Finis. l. 22. A and D] Till you. l. 25. C] live.

p. 59,
A, B and D add] Finis.

Hereafter like me, ever doate on learning,
The meere beleefe is excellent, 'twill save you;
And next love valour, though you dare not fight
Your selfe, or fright a foolish Officer, 'young Eustace
Can doe it to a haire. And to conclude,
Let Andrew's Farm b'encreas'd, that is your penance,
You know for what, and see you rut no more,
You understand me, So embrace on all sides;
Ile pay those Billmen, and make large amends;
Provided we preserve you still our friends.— Exeunt.

[_A few misprints in the above have been corrected in square brackets to agree with _B.]

THE ELDER BROTHER: VARIANTS IN THE EGERTON MS.

There is a manuscript version of this play in the Egerton collection, British Museum (No. 1994). It is, presumably, a transcript of one of the early copies. It differs frequently from the Folio and the Quartos in single words and, occasionally, in lines but, as its authority is of doubtful value, it has seemed best to give a collation of it here, apart from the collations of the Quartos.

Begins Actus Primus. Scaena I.

p. 1, l. 29. Omits and.

p. 2, l. 7. foolish idle. l. 14. others hands. l. 24. vertues.

p. 3, l. 9. kinde. l. 13. purposed. l. 14. state. l. 30. great mans. l. 31. kings.

p. 4, l. 28. Merry wenches.

p. 5, l. 9. Cellar dry. l. 14. knowing pallat. l. 39. ever should ask.

p. 6, l. 6. how ere. l. 20. put in act. l. 24. was addicted to. l. 31. blest with. l. 39. Omits what yet …Flatter l. 40. Omits without. Also gives stage direction in margin:—Trampling.

p. 7, l. 15. Omits Chas. Your blessing, Sir. l. 18. Countries garb. l. 25. Stage direction:—plucks out a booke and reades. l. 29. loves. l. 30. with service. l. 31. And report. l. 32. Pray you first make use of it. l. 37. Exit cum sociis.

p. 8, l. 4. lay it. l. 5. and the. l. 6. leads to. l. 10. the palme of. l. 13. ore worne. l. 25. Omits and there …bring me. l. 29. guard.

p. 9, l. 11. from thee. l. 16. Quiddits from this time to Adam. l. 19. estates. l. 22. that bends not. ll. 23 and 24. fix their. l. 37. any sense. l. 38. my yonger Eustace.

p. 10, l. 12. nor your. l. 14. shall never. l. 16. Omits and but … that I. l. 32. I did sir … a word. He's.

p. 11, l. 18. would resist. l. 19. Apportions thus:—Egre. If this take now we are made for ever. Cowsy. And will rebell it. Exeunt all but Andrew. l. 21. my Master. ll. 24 and 25. out their. l. 29. blade he was wont to be. l. 30. heele ring 'em…as will shake.

p. 12, l. 1. But know to. l. 5. a fool, an. l. 8. to yee. ll. 24 and 25. new Congees. l. 28. Omits therefore. l. 30. Omits Sir. l. 32. Do you know what learning is brother?

p. 13, l. 15. Omits Brother. l. 36. foolish girles & puppets.

p. 14, l. 5. to my best. l. 6. vent. l. 13. You. l. 16. library an Almanacke. l. 26. Snowes. l. 36. to build up. l. 39. Charles shall set.

p. 15, l. 12. Land too to your. l. 13. he is no heir. l. 16. my state. l. 19. staies pulling. l. 31. know things. l. 36. nor do not weigh.

p. 16, l. 4. University Lovaine. l. 11. look now to my. l. 22. spit fire, snow. l. 23. that we call. l. 30. a fine youth. l. 33. his state … Did you see my Mistris.

p. 17, l. 9. that ride. l. 11. that have … and speake. l. 23. I shall kisse. l. 27. thy master. l. 34. no spirits a'th. l. 36. Shall we have.

p. 18, l. 2. males and. l. 4. Red Sea early a question. l. 12. Metamatical. ll. 19 and 20. are above. l. 22. ravish with. l. 25. thy bread. l. 26. wouldst blanch an Almond. Omits the Sect…invented that. l. 27. the trenchers. l. 33. scraps. l. 36. the drink. l. 38. not he.

p. 19, ll. 2 and 3. bowle, my yonger Mr. that must be now the heire will do all these. l. 28. and her lodging. l. 34. sty growne.

p. 20, l. 1. Crowne's awry, two. l. 6. swept your books. l. 9. has pleased. l. 10. I beleeve her Constellation bee loose. ll. 15 and 16. and bound up in monstrous [sic] smooth. l. 25. you one Sir. l. 31. goes as daintily.

p. 21, l. 2. a secret out. l. 3. I doe find. l. 6. Adds and Servants. ll. 7 and 8. the happy day that. l. 9. my great care. l. 15. state…in Joynter. l. 19. drawn of our. l. 28. Not. [character]. land. ll. 29 and 30. Lew. T'was not conditional. Not. If it had been found, twas but a fault in the writing &c.

p. 22, l. 1. seeks, kills. l. 5. as in others. l. 6. yet hee may. l. 8. that's been. l. 14. Cook, Butler, Lillie. ll. 25—28. and bee serviceable…see your Sauces bee all poynant and sharpe in…looke to yor roast and bakt meates made things—Is the. l. 31. the roome cleare…open for all. l. 34. Cordes they be not. l. 35. Omits abroad. l. 38. cannot slip.

p. 23, l. 6. wee shall see. l. 10. not trouble. l. 11. Sweet-heart. l. 12. Exeunt. Andrew stayes. l. 13. ripe? make but my farme as much more and kisse her. l. 16. pleasure; he can do her no harme, and if it were. l. 22. Adds stage direction A noyse. l. 23. What noyse. l. 24. Note. The words "within a Parenthesis" are omitted in the MS. but ("my head is broken") is in parentheses in MS. It is obvious that these words were intended as a direction to the printer and have got into the text in error. l. 25. Collicke. l. 29. tis faithful. l. 37. squeaking is that.

p. 24, ll. 1 and 2. Geese and Turkeys for the spit Sir…are angry too that makes the medley. l. 3. thus every. l. 4. Omits yet. l. 9. foul. l. 16. make 'em drink. l. 25. I never have. l. 26. that's a small. l. 27. married Sir this day. l. 33. Omits young, sweet, and modest. ll. 36 and 37. with his booke. l. 38. for him.

p. 25, l. 2. elder. l. 4. shoulders now Sir. l. 10. Notary, Servants. ll. 16 and 17. Cherub's … with wings of modest. l. 18. booke. l. 24. I come not for. l. 28. and a sharp to reprehend. l. 32. Ile assure.

p. 26, l. 4. he can get. l. 27. is here too.

p. 27, l. 1. book, when it fell on your head, Sir. l. 6. but new string. l. 12. Must my. l. 19. stubbornst willfullest. l. 21. provide a wife for you. l. 27. How dost thou Charles what still still at. l. 38. I have boy, unto.

p. 28, l. 4. yo'ur care. l. 12. Omits and wish my Brother fortune. l. 13. Adds it will bee ten times better. l. 22. Omits and. l. 24. Gives this line to Eustace. l. 29. fault Sir. l. 32. thy owne. l. 35. kickses.

p. 29, ll. 1 and 2. dark secret. l. 4. admirable. l. 5. nor he. l. 7. Omits Faith. l. 9. think I to. l. 29. Man was my argument. l. 32. Will yo'u sett to your hand brother. l. 35. I say Son you trifle time. l. 38. if you had shewed me land only.

p. 30, l. 17. though. l. 20. with Dim Lamps. l. 32. and blush. l. 38. than life. l. 39. me love.

p. 31, l. 5. yours still and your glory. l. 6. I your. l. 31. rosy morn. l. 35. those lights.

p. 32, l. 1. there be lesse. l. 12. into feaver, l. 24. can you love with. l. 30. I confesse. l. 31. but yee shall. ll. 36 and 37. all Elements.

p. 33, l. 5. Omits one stay. l. 17. nor horses. l. 30. art thou in.

p. 34, l. 1. Many asses. l. 13. Pox could he not. l. 20. take up. l. 24. No, no, no.

p. 35, l. 1. mettle. l. 11. thy own. l. 12. my own. l. 21. Cowardlines…upon. ll. 33 and 34. seene but their owne Country smoak, would grow.

p. 36, l. 10. a meer. l. 21. on 'em. l. 31. in my armes.

p. 37, l. 13. his two noble warlike. l. 16. as they came newly from. l. 23. to fall into a greene. l. 24. travailing language. l. 29. Omits And. ll. 30 and 31. to distinguish between a. l. 32. pruning and dressing up. l. 36. Omits Sir. l. 39. and a little.

p. 38, l. 1. fit Sir. l. 13. strang. ll. 36-38. gives these lines as continuation of Charles's speech.

p. 39, l. 5. too men. l. 15. ours healthful. l. 21. see. l. 26. Omits Nature. l. 26. clip yee. ll. 26 and 27. kiss yee. l. 37. have need. l. 38. studied among.

p. 40, l. 2. anything, anything fit. l. 8. beauties favour. l. 9. part of life run. ll. 17 and 18. flowers woe us to't; yet … these pleasures. l. 24. Omits A good night t'ye, and. Begins May the dew etc. l. 32. are at. l. 38. I command.

p. 41, l. 1. Omits the line Enter Eustace &c. l. 16. my own. l. 24. Snatches out his. l. 38. Omits to me.

p. 42, l. 1. neither wit. l. 2. of man. l. 13. on 'em. l. 20. lie talke. l. 24. your mercy. l. 30. Omits ye despicable creatures. l. 34. Omits What did you bring to carry her?

p. 43, l. 3. Omits Enter Miramont. l. 5. Eust (char.). l. 6. by friends. l. 9. In truth, I … duty Sir. l. 11. Bring in a. l. 17. nor frost. l. 21. but yong neither. l. 22. tayle. l. 24. have the right. l. 25. are Anagrams. l. 34. hear and hereafter laugh at. l. 35. you dear.

p. 44, l. 5. such question. l. 9. old goate. l. 10. Omits her. l. 12. Omits that's a. l. 21. a feast for him to make him fat. ll. 23 and 24. and we'le breake. l. 27. like servants. l. 31. take them.

p. 45, l. 16. I must needs tast of. ll. 17 and 18. tender of you, and for your healths and credlts sake must tell you, you have all you are like to have. l. 19. Omits And. l. 23. is truth Sir…find it, you. l. 26. of an. l. 35. scoffing cheating queane.

p. 46, l. 3. his lease. l. 8. loving and. l. 12. will put. l. 14. marke hlm. l. 15. thank you for thy office. l. 17. Cue Sir, and second me. By. l. 21. Omits me. l. 21. alas nothing. l. 24. Cockold Tenure. l. 30. Andrew wilt thou. l. 32. be the Justice. l. 34. in thee.

p. 47, l. 3. arizing. l. 5. Omits O. l. 15. the farme…to it. l. 20. troth Sir there is…mine, (omits Sir). l. 29. have got an ague that you shake…he's.

p. 48, l. 6. women. l. 8. of my brother. l. 21. ride the better. ll. 23 and 24. Puts Andrew after promise. Omits Andrew after Farm. ll. 36 and 37. reparable a losse and easily recoverd.

p. 49, l. 2. dozen or 2 of oaths. l. 6. so well, that on my. l. 8. rules out. l. 12. nor suffer. l. 13. are there no. l. 16. with us. l. 38. no use.

p. 50, ll. 10—12. Omits that batten…no palats. ll. 17 and 18. make you the. l. 36. Antidote, or—.

p. 51, l. 4. are reformd. l. 28. Ere I went. ll. 31—34. is in itself a guard and yet since…may weare…nor can eat or study. l. 37. None Sir.

p. 52, l. 4. not done in scorn. l. 11. what you. l. 14. ask from. l. 17. toil ascended. l. 22. what this tempest. l. 37. I goe lesse.

p. 53, l. 4. ever could. l. 7. plung'd in teachlng. l. 9. you were. l. 20. nor threats. l. 25. Noe, Noe. l. 26. and the other. l. 33. Adds They fight.

p. 54, l. 2. in time. l. 3. till thine. l. 8. as your father is. l. 15. late in me Sir. ll. 22 and 23. Omits nay, the…are bound. l. 25. that Eustace. l. 26. and that the perfect. l. 27. Nay, no. l. 28. Sure I shall not need, Sir. ll. 30, 31. Omits to all that men call good. l. 33. to.

P. 55, l. 7. and so deserve it. l. 12. gravity in…and will. l. 13. him, if he rebel, that. l. 19. read a tragedy in my face, Sir.

p. 56, l. 4. Omits and such a one. l. 10. why, so, this is. l. 11. and old. l. 23. Death…perswasion. l. 25. falsely. l. 26. let me. l. 28. but ruins rather that. l. 30. reputation. l. 34. love Charles. l. 35. held mulcts. l. 36. in the.

p. 57, l. 1. to mine honour. l. 11. Omits yields. l. 15. Adds Will you doe what you are sworne too. l. 23. loose you. l. 32. in that. l. 35. states.

p. 58, l. 6. but is an Amadis. l. 8. effect it. l. 9. kind of consent. l. 14. Andrew have his farme increasd. l. 15. and rut no. l. 17. the Billmen.

The MS. gives the Epilogue but not the Prologue.

It also adds the following verses:—

Epigram:

A freemans life is like a pilgrimage
Whats his life then that lives in mariage
Tis Sisiphus his toyle that with a stone
Doth doe what surely for ease must be done
His laboures Journey's endles, tis no Riddle
Since he's but halfe on's way that stands in th'middle.

Ad Janum.

Take Comfort Janus, never feare thy head
Which to the quick belongs, not to the dead
Thy wife did lye with one, thou being dead drunke
Thou art no Cuckold though shee bee a Punke.

Tis not the state nor soveraintie of Jove could draw thy pure affections from my love nor is there any Venus in the Skyes could from thy looks with draw my greedy eyes.

THE SPANISH CURATE

A = First Folio; B = Second Folio.

p. 60, ll. 3-41. Omitted in A. l. 42. A omits] and. l. 46. A] heirs.

p. 61, l. 38. A] Encreasing by. l. 39. B misprints] Vialante.

p. 63, l. 17. A] base and abject.

p. 64, l. 2. A] Or modestie. l. 18. B misprints whow. l. 31. A] wish that it.

p. 65, l. 17. A] By this example. l. 25. A] or of my.

p. 66, l. 8. A] of mine own. l. 26. A] Mirth, and Seck.

p. 68, l. 2. A] have you.

p. 70, l. 28. A] provoking it call.

p. 73, l. 13. A] To me, of, that misery against my will.

p. 74, l. 33. A] A omits] as.

p. 75, l. 18. A] A gives this line to Lean. l. 31. A adds] exit lea. and gives ll. 32 and 33 to Ars. l. 34. A omits] Exeunt Mil. Ars.

p. 76, l. 29. A] A comma has been substituted for a full-stop after weathers.

p. 77, l. 25. A] look out it. l. 39. A] has.

p. 79, l. 3. A] often-times. l. 15. B prints] Dig. l. 28. A omits] to. ll. 33 and 34. A gives these lines to Lea.

p. 80, l. 22. B misprints] yesterday.

p. 82, l. 9. A] still and the l. 16. A] jealousies.

p. 83, l. 3. B] More.

p. 84, l. 15. A] Gentleman.

p. 86, l. 8. A] be a kin. l. 10. A] 'long.

p. 87, l. 19. A] am both to l. 23. A] 'Faith.

p. 88, l. 6. A] Y'faith. l. 26. A] ye might.

p. 89, l. 4. A adds] Enter Amaranta. l. 18. B misprints] womau. ll. 21-34. Omitted in A.

p. 90, l. 22. A] lock upon me.

p. 92, l. 25. A adds stage direction] Two chaires set out. l. 28. A omits] are.

p. 93, l. 10. A] porrage l. 23. A] gymitrie.

APPENDIX

THE ELDER BROTHER IN VERSE, FROM THE QUARTO OF 1637 (A).

Actus I. Scena I.

Lewis, Angellina, Sylvia.

Nay, I must walk you farther. Ang. I am tyr'd Sir,
And nere shall foot it home. L. 'Tis for your health;
The want of exercise takes from your beauties,
And sloath dries up your sweetness: That you are
My onely Daughter and my heir, is granted;
And you in thankfulness must needs acknowledge,
You ever finde me an indulgent Father,
And open-handed. Ang. Nor can you tax me, Sir,
I hope, for want of duty to deserve
These favours from you. Lew. No, my Angellina,
I love and cherish thy obedience to me,
Which my care to advance thee, shall confirm:
All that I aime at, is to winne thee from
The practise of an idle foolish state
Us'd by great Women, who think any labour
(Though in the service of themselves) a blemish
To their faire fortunes. Ang. Make me understand Sir,
What 'tis you point at. Lew. At the custome how
Virgins of wealthy families, waste their youth;
After a long sleep when you wake, your woman
Presents your breakfast, then you sleep again,
Then rise, and being trimm'd up by others hands,
Y'are led to dinner, and that ended, either
To Cards or to your Couch (as if you were
Born without motion) After this to Supper,
And then to bed; And so your life runnes round
Without variety or action Daughter.

Syl. Here's a learned Lecture! Lew. From this idlenesse
Diseases both in body and in minde
Grow strong upon you; where a stirring nature
With wholesome exercise guards both from danger:
I'de have thee rise with the Sunne, walke, dance or hunt,
Visite the groves and springs, and learne the vertue
Of Plants and Simples: Doe this moderately,
And thou shall not with eating chalke, or coales,
Leather and oatmeale, and such other trash,
Fall into the greene sicknesse. Syl. With your pardon
(Were you but pleas'd to minister it) I could
Prescribe a remedy for my Ladies health,
And her delight too, farre transcending those
Your Lordship but now mention'd. Lew. What is it Sylvia?

Syl. What i'st? A noble Husband; In that word, a
Noble Husband, all content of Woman
Is wholly comprehended; He will rowse her,
As you say, with the Sunne, and so pipe to her,
As she will dance, ne're doubt it, and hunt with her,
Upon occasion, untill both be weary;
And then the knowledge of your Plants and Simples,
As I take it, were superfluous; A loving,
And but adde to it a gamesome Bedfellow,
Being the sure Physician. Lew. Well said Wench.

Ang. And who gave you Commission to deliver
Your verdict, Minion? Syl. I deserve a fee,
And not a frown, deare Madam; I but speak
Her thoughts, my Lord, and what her modesty
Refuses to give voyce to; shew no mercy
To a Maidenhead of fourteene, but off with't:
Let her lose no time Sir; fathers that deny
Their Daughters lawfull pleasure, when ripe for them,
In some kinds edge their appetites to tast of
The fruit that is forbidden. Lew. Tis well urg'd,
And I approve it; no more blushing Girle,
Thy woman hath spoke truth, and so prevented
What I meant to move to thee: There dwells neere us
A Gentleman of blood, Mounsieur Brisac,
Of a faire state, sixe thousand Crowns per annum,
The happy Father of two hopefull Sons,
Of different breeding; Th' elder, a meere Scholar,
The younger, a quaint Courtier. Ang. Sir, I know them
By publique fame, though yet I never saw them;
And that oppos'd antipathy between
Their various dispositions, renders them
The general discourse and argument;
One part inclining to the Scholar Charles,
The other side preferring Eustace, as
A man compleat in Courtship. Lew. And which [w]ay
(If of these two you were to chuse a husband)
Doth your affection sway you? Ang. to be plaine, Sir,
(Since you will teach me boldnesse) as they are
Simply themselves, to neither; Let a Courtier
Be never so exact, Let him be blest with
All parts that yeeld him to a Virgin gracious,
If he depend on others, and stand not
On his owne bottomes, though he have the meanes
To bring his Mistresse to a Masque, or by
Conveyance from some great ones lips, to taste
Such favour from the Kings: or grant he purchase,
Precedency in the Country, to be sworne
A servant Extraordinary to the Queen;
Nay, though he live in expectation of
Some huge preferment in reversion; If
He Want a present fortune, at the best
Those are but glorious dreames, and onely yeeld him
A happiness in posse, not in esse;
Nor can they fetch him silkes from th' Mercer; nor
Discharge a Taylors bill; nor in full plenty
(Which still preserves a quiet bed at home)
Maintaine a family. Lew. Aptly consider'd,
And to my wish; but what's thy censure of
The Schollar? Ang. Troth (if he be nothing else)
As of the Courtier; all his Songs, and Sonnets,
His Anagrams, Acrosticks, Epigrammes,
His deep and Philosophical discourse
Of natures hidden secrets, makes not up
A perfect husband; He can hardly borrow
The Starres of the Celestial crown to make me
A tire for my head; nor Charles Waine for a Coach,
Nor Ganymede for a Page, nor a rich Gowne
From Juno's Wardrob, nor would I lye in
(For I despaire not once to be a mother)
Under heavens spangled Canopy, or banquet
My guests and Gossips with imagin'd Nectar;
Pure Orleans would doe better; no, no, father,
Though I could be well pleas'd to have my husband
A Courtier, and a Schollar, young, and valiant,
These are but gawdy nothings, if there be not
Something to make a substance. Lew. And what is that?

Ang. A full estate, and that said, I've said all, And get me such a one with these additions, Farewell Virginity, and welcome wedlock.

Lew. But where is such one to be met with Daughter?
A black Swan is more common, you may weare
Grey tresses ere we find him. Ang. I am not
So punctual in all ceremonies, I will bate
Two or three of these good parts, before Ile dwell
Too long upon the choice. Syl. Onely, my Lord, remember
That he be rich and active, for without these
The others yeeld no relish, but these perfect;
You must bear with small faults, Madam. Lew. Merry Wench,
And it becomes you well; Ile to Brisac,
And try what may be done; ith' mean time, home,
And feast thy thoughts with th' pleasures of a Bride.

Syl. Thoughts are but airy food Sir, let her tast them.

Actus I. Scena II.

Andrew, Cooke, Butler.

Unload part of the Library, and make roome
For th' other dozen of Carts, Ile straight be with you.

Co. Why hath he more bookes? And. More than ten Marts send over.

But. And can he tell their names? And. their names? he has 'em
As perfect as his pater noster, but that's nothing,
'Has red them over leaf by leaf three thousand times;
But here's the wonder, though their weight would sink
A Spanish Carrack, without other ballast,
He carryeth them all in his head, and yet
He walkes upright. But. Surely he has a strong braine.

And. If all thy pipes of wine were fill'd with bookes
Made of the barkes of trees, or mysteries writ
In old moth-eaten vellam, he would sip thy Celler
Quite dry, and still be thirsty; Then for's Diet,
He eats and digests more Volumes at a meal,
Than there would be Larkes (though the sky should fall)
Devowred in a moneth in Paris, yet feare not
Sons oth' buttry, and kitchin, though his learn'd stomack
Cannot b' appeas'd; Hee'll seldom trouble you,
His knowing stomack contemnes your blacke Jacks, Butler,
And your Flagons; and Cook thy boyl'd, thy roast, thy bak'd.

Co. How liveth he? And. Not as other men doe,
Few Princes fare like him; He breakes his fast
With Aristotle, dines with Tully, takes
His watering with the Muses, sups with Livie,
Then walkes a turne or two in via lactea,
And (after six houres conference with the starres)
Sleepes with old Erra Pater. But. This is admirable.

And. I'le tell you more hereafter, here's my old Master And another old ignorant Elder, Ile upon 'em.

Enter Brisac, Lewis.

What Andrew? welcome, where's my Charles! speake Andrew,
Where didst thou leave thy Master? And. Contemplating
The number of the sands in the high way,
And from that, purposes to make a judgement
Of the remainder in the Sea; He is Sir,
In serious study, and will lose no minute,
Nor out of 's pace to knowledge. Lew. This is strange.

And. Yet he hath sent his duty Sir before him
In this fair manuscript. Bri. What have we here?
Pot-hookes and Andirons! And. I much pitie you,
It is the Syrian Character, or the Arabicke,
Would 'ee have it said, so great and deep a Scholar
As Master Charles is, should ask blessing
In any Christian Language? Were it Greeke,
I could interpret for you, but indeed
I'm gone no farther. Bri. And in Greeke, you can
Lie with your smug wife Lilly. And. If I keepe her
From your French dialect, as I hope I shall Sir,
Howere she is your Laundresse, she shall put you
To th' charge of no more soape than usuall
For th' washing of your sheets. Bri. Take in the knave,
And let him eat. And. And drink too Sir. Bri. And drinke too Sir,
And see your Masters Chamber ready for him.

But. Come Doctor Andrew without Disputation Thou shall commence ith' Celler. And. I had rather Commence on a cold bak'd meat. Co. Thou shall ha't, Boy. Ex.

Bri. Good Mounsieur Lewis, I esteeme my selfe
Much honour'd in your cleare intent, to joyne
Our ancient families, and make them one,
And 'twill take from my age and cares to live
And see what you have purpos'd but in act,
Of which your visite at this present is
A hopeful Omen; I each minute expecting
Th' arrival of my Sons; I have not wrong'd
Their Birth for want of meanes and education,
To shape them to that course each was addicted;
And therefore that we may proceed discreetly,
Since what's concluded rashly seldome prospers,
You first shall take a strict perusal of them,
And then from your allowance, your fair daughter
May fashion her affection. Lew. Monsieur Brisac,
You offer fair, and nobly, and Ile meet you
In the same line of honour, and I hope,
Being blest but with one daughter, I shall not
Appeare impertinently curious,
Though with my utmost vigilance and study,
I labour to bestow her to her worth;
Let others speak her forme, and future fortune
From me descending to her; I in that
Sit down with silenc[e]. Bri. You may my Lord securely,
Since fame alowd proclaimeth her perfections,
Commanding all mens tongues to sing her praises;
Should I say more, you well might censure me
(What yet I never was) a Flatterer.
What trampling's that without of Horses?

Enter Butler.

Sir my young Masters are newly alighted.

Bri. Sir now observe their several dispositions.

Enter Charles.

Bid my Subsiser carry my Hackney to buttry,
And give him his bever; it is a civil
And sober beast, and will drink moderately,
And that done, turne him into the quadrangle.

Bri. He cannot out of his University tone.

Enter Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy.

Lackey, Take care our Coursers be well rubb'd,
And cloath'd, they have out stripp'd the wind in speed.

Lew. I marry Sir, there's metal in this young fellow! What a sheeps look his elder brother has!

Char. Your blessing, Sir? Bri. Rise Charles, thou hast it.

Eust. Sir, though it be unusual in the Court,
(Since 'tis the Courtiers garbe) I bend my knee,
And do expect what followes. Bri. Courtly begg'd.
My blessing! take it. Eust. Your Lordships vow'd adorer: to Lew.
What a thing this brother is! yet Ile vouchsafe him
The new Italian shrug— How clownishly
The book-worme does return it! Ch. I'm glad y'are well; reads.

Eust. Pray you be happy in the knowledge of This paire of accomplish't Mounsieurs. They are Gallants that have seen both Tropicks.

Br. I embrace their love. Egr. which wee'l repay with servulating.

Cow. And will report your bounty in the Court.

Bri. I pray you make deserving use on't first: Eustace, give entertainment to your friends, What's in my house is theirs. Eust. Which wee'l make use of; Let's warme our braines with half a dozen healths, And then hang cold discourse, for wee'll speak fire-workes. Exe.

Lew. What at his book already? Bri. Fy, Fy, Charles,
No hour of interruption? Cha. Plato differs
From Socrates in this. Bri. Come lay them by;
Let them agree at leasure. Cha. Mans life Sir, being
So short, and then the way that leades unto
The knowledg of our selves, so long and tedious,
Each minute should be precious. Bri. In our care
To manage worldly business, you must part with
This bookish contemplation, and prepare
Your self for action; to thrive in this age,
Is held the blame of learning; you must study
To know what part of my land's good for th' plough,
And what for pasture; how to buy and sell
To the best advantage; how to cure my Oxen
When they're oregrown with labour. Cha. I may do this
From what I've read Sir; for what concerns tillage?
Who better can deliver it than Virgil
In his Georgicks? and to cure your herds,
His Bucolicks is a masterpeece; but when
He does discribe the Commonwealth of Bees,
Their industry and knowledge of the herbs,
From which they gather honey, with their care
To place it with decorum in the Hive,
Their gover[n]ment among themselves, their order
In going forth and comming loaden home,
Their obedience to their King, and his rewards
To such as labour, with his punishments
Onely inflicted on the slothful Drone,
I'm ravished with it, and there reap my harvest,
And there receive the gaine my Cattle bring me,
And there find wax and honey. Bri. And grow rich
In your imagination; heyday heyday,
Georgicks, Bucolicks, and Bees! Art mad?

Cha. No Sir, the knowledge of these guards me from it.

Bri. But can you find among your bundle of bookes
(And put in all your Dictionaries that speak all tongu's)
What pleasure they enjoy, that do embrace
A well shap'd wealthy Bride? Answer me that.

Cha. Tis frequent Sir in story, there I read of
All kinde of vertuous and vitious women;
The ancient Spartan Dames, and Roman Ladyes,
Their beauties and deformities, and when
I light upon a Portia or Cornelia,
Crown'd with still-flourishing leaves of truth and goodness,
With such a feeling I peruse their fortunes,
As if I then had liv'd, and freely tasted
Their ravishing sweetness; at the present loving
The whole sexe for their goodness and example.
But on the contrary when I looke on
A Clytemnestra, or a Tullia;
The first bath'd in her husbands blood; The latter,
Without a touch of piety, driving on
Her Chariot ore her fathers breathless trunk,
Horrour invades my faculties; and comparing
The multitudes o' th' guilty, with the few
That did dye Innocents, I detest, and loathe 'm
As ignorance or Atheisme. Bri. You resolve then
Nere to make payment of the debt you owe me.

Cha. What debt, good Sir? Bri. A debt I payd my father
When I begat thee, and made him a Grandsir,
Which I expect from you. Cha. The children Sir,
Which I will leave to all posterity,
Begot and brought up by my painefull studies,
Shall be my living issue. Bri. Very well.
And I shall have a general collection
Of all the quiddits from Adam to this time
To be my Grandchild. Ch. And such a one I hope Sir
As shall not shame the family. Bri. Nor will you
Take care of my estate? Cha. But in my wishes;
For know Sir, that the wings on which my Soul
Is mounted, have long since born her too high
To stoope to any prey that scares not upwards.
Sordid and dunghil minds compos'd of earth,
In that grosse Element fix all their happiness;
But purer spirits, purg'd and refin'd, shake off
That clog of humane frailtie; give me leave
T'injoy my selfe; that place that does containe
My Bookes (the best Companions) is to me
A glorious Court, where hourely I converse
With the old Sages and Philosophers,
And sometimes for variety, I conferre
With Kings and Emperours, and weigh their Counsels,
Calling their Victories (if unjustly got)
Unto a strict accompt, and in my phancy,
Deface their ill-plac'd Statues; Can I then
Part with such constant pleasures, to embrace
Uncertaine vanities? No, be it your care
T'augment your heap of wealth; It shall be mine
T'encrease in knowledg—Lights there for my study. Exit.

Bri. Was ever man that had reason thus transported From all sense and feeling of his proper good? It vexes me, and if I found not comfort In my young Eustace, I might well conclude My name were at a period! Lew. Hee's indeed Sir The surer base to build on. Bri. Eustace. Eust. Sir. [_Ent. Eust. Egre. Cow. & Andr.

Bri. Your eare in private. And. I suspect my master
Has found harsh welcome, he's gon supperless
Into his study; could I find out the cause,
It may be borrowing of his books, or so,
I shall be satisfi'd. Eust. My duty shall Sir,
Take any forme you please; and in your motion
To have me married, you cut off all dangers
The violent heats of youth might beare me to.

Lew. It is well answer'd. Eust. Nor shall you my Lord
For your faire Daughter ever finde just cause
To mourn your choice of me; the name of husband,
Nor the authority it carries in it
Shall ever teach me to forget to be
As I am now her servant, and your Lordships;
And but that modesty forbids, that I
Should sound the Trump of my owne deserts,
I could say my choice manners have been such,
As render me lov'd and remarkable
To th' Princes of the blood. Cow. Nay to the King.

Egre. Nay to the King and Councel. And. These are Court admirers, And ever eccho him that beares the bagg. Though I be dull-ey'd, I see through this jugling.

Eust. Then for my hopes: Cow. Nay certainties. Eust. They stand
As faire as any mans. What can there fall
In compass of her wishes which she shall not
Be suddenly possess'd of? Loves she titles?
By th' grace and favour of my princely friends,
I am what she would have me. Bri. He speakes well,
And I beleeve him. Lew. I could wish I did so.
Pray you a word Sir. He's a proper Gentleman,
And promises nothing, but what is possible.
So far I will go with you; Nay I add,
He hath won much upon me, and were he
But one thing that his brother is, the bargain
Were soone struck up. Bri. What's that my Lord? Lew. the heire.

And. Which he is not, and I trust never shall be.

Bri. Come, that shall breed no difference; you see Charles has giv'n ore the World; Ile undertake, And with much ease, to buy his birthright of him For a dry-fat of new bookes; nor shall my state Alone make way for him, but my-elder brothers, Who being issueless, t'advance our name, I doubt not will add his; Your resolution?

Lew. He first acquaint my daughter with the proceedings,
On these terms I am yours, as she shall be,
Make you no scruple, get the writings ready,
She shall be tractable; to-morrow we will hold
A second conference: Farewell noble Eustace,
And you brave Gallants. Eust. Ful increase of honour
Wait ever on you[r] Lordship. And. The Gowt rather
And a perpetual Meagrim. Bri. You see Eustace,
How I travail to possess you of a fortune
You were not born to; be you worthy of it,
Ile furnish you for a Suitor; visit her
And prosper in't. Eust. Shee's mine Sir, fear it not:
In all my travailes, I nere met a Virgin
That could resist my Courtship. Eust. If take now,
Ware made for ever, and will revel it. Exeunt.

And. In tough Welsh parsly, which in our vulgar Tongue
Is strong hempen halters; My poore Master coo'znd,
And I a looker on! If we have studied
Our majors, and our minors, antecedents,
And consequents, to be concluded coxcombes,
W have made a faire hand on't; I am glad I h've found
Out all their plots, and their conspiracies;
This shall t' old Mounsieur Miramont, one, that though
He cannot read a Proclamation, yet
Dotes on learning, and loves my Master Charles
For being a Schollar; I hear hee's comming hither,
I shall meet him, and if he be that old
Rough teasty blade he always us'd to be,
I'le ring him such a peale as shall go neere
To shake their belroome, peradventure, beat 'm,
For he is fire and flaxe, and so have at him. Exit.

Finis Actus primi.

Actus 2. Scena I.

Miramont, Brisac.

Nay Brother, brother. Bri. Pray Sir be not moved,
I meddle in no business but mine own,
And in mine owne 'tis reason I should governe.

Mir. But how to govern then, and understand Sir,
And be as wise as y'are hasty, though you be
My brother, and from one bloud sprung, I must tell yee
Heartily and home too. Br. What Sir? Mir. What I grieve to find
You are a foole, and an old foole, and that's two.

Bri. We'l part 'em, if you please. Mir. No they're entailed to 'em.
Seeke to deprive an honest noble spirit,
Your eldest Son Sir? and your very Image,
(But he's so like you that he fares the worse for't)
Because he loves his booke and doates on that,
And onely studies how to know things excellent,
Above the reach of such course braines as yours,
Such muddy fancies, that never will know farther
Then when to cut your Vines, and cozen Merchants,
And choake your hide-bound Tenants with musty harvests.

Bri. You go to fast. Mir. I'm not come too my pace yet;
Because h' has made his studie all his pleasure,
And is retyr'd into his Contemplation,
Not medling with the dirt and chaffe of nature,
That makes the spirit of the mind mud too,
Therefore must he be flung from his inheritance?
Must he be dispossess'd, and Mounsieur Gingle boy
His younger brother— Bri. You forget your self.

Mir. Because h' has been at Court and learn'd new tongues,
And how to speak a tedious peece of nothing;
To vary his face as Seamen do their Compass,
To worship images of gold and silver,
And fall before the she Calves of the Season,
Therefore must he jump into his brothers land?

Bri. Have you done yet, and have you spake enough, In praise of learning, Sir? Mir. Never enough.

Bri. But brother do you know what learning is?

Mir. It is not to be a justice of Peace as you are,
And palter out your time ith' penal Statutes.
To heare the curious Tenets controverted
Between a Protestant Constable, and Jesuit Cobler,
To pick natural Philosophic out of bawdry,
When your Worship's pleas'd to correctifie a Lady;
Nor 'tis not the main moral of blinde Justice,
(Which is deep learning) when your worships Tenants
Bring a light cause, and heavie Hennes before yee,
Both fat and feesible, a Goose or Pig,
And then you sit like equity with both hands
Weighing indifferently the state oth' question.
These are your quodlibets, but no learning Brother.

Bri. You are so parlously in love with learning,
That I'de be glad to know what you understand, brother.
I'me sure you have read all Aristotle. Mir. Faith no,
But I beleeve, I have a learned faith Sir,
And that's it makes a Gentleman of my sort;
Though I can speak no Greek I love the sound on't,
It goes so thundering as it conjur'd Devils.
Charles speakes it loftily, and if thou wert a man,
Or had'st but ever heard of Homers Iliads,
Hesiod, and the Greek Poets, thou wouldst run mad,
And hang thy self for joy th' hadst such a Gentleman
To be thy son; O he has read such things
To me! Bri. And you do understand 'm Brother?

Mir. I tell thee no, that's not material; the sound's
Sufficient to confirme an honest man:
Good brother Brisac, do's your young Courtier
That weares the fine cloathes, and is the excellent Gentleman,
(The Traveller, the Souldier, as you think too)
Understand any other power than his Taylor?
Or knowes what motion is more than an Horse race?
What the moon meanes, but to light him home from Taverns?
Or the comfort of the Sun is, but to weare slash't clothes in?
And must this peece of ignorance be popt up,
Because 't can Kisse the hand, and cry sweet Lady?
Say it had been at Rome, and seen the Reliques,
Drunk your Verdea wine, and ridde at Naples,
Brought home a pox of Venice treacle with it,
To cure young wenches that have eaten ashes:
Must this thing therefore?— Bri. Yes Sir this thing must,
I will not trust my land to one so sotted,
So grown like a disease unto his studie;
He that will fling off all occasions
And cares, to make him understand what state is,
And how to govern it, must by that reason,
Be flung himself aside from managing:
My younger boy is a fine Gentleman.

Mir. He is an asse, a peece of Ginger-bread, Gilt over to please foolish girles puppets.

Bri. You are my elder Brother. Mir. So I had need,
And have an elder wit, thou'dst shame us all else.
Go too, I say, Charles shall inherit. Bri. I say no,
Unless Charles had a soul to understand it;
Can he manage six thousand Crowns a yeare
Out of the Metaphysicks? or can all
His learn'd Astronomy look to my Vineyards?
Can the drunken old Poets make up my Vines?
(I know they can drinke 'm) or your excellent Humanists
Sell 'm the Merchants for my best advantage?
Can History cut my hay, or get my Corne in?
And can Geometrie vent it in the market?
Shall I have my sheepe kept with a Jacobs staffe now?
I wonder you will magnifie this mad man,
You that are old and should understand. Mir. Should, sai'st thou,
Thou monstrous peece of ignorance in office!
Thou that hast no more knowledge than thy Clerk infuses,
Thy dapper Clerk larded with ends of Latin,
And he no more than custom of offences;
Thou unrepriveable Dunce! that thy formal band strings,
Thy Ring nor pomander cannot expiate for,
Do'st thou tell me I should? Ile pose thy Worship
In thine own Libraty an Almanack,
Which thou art dayly poring on to pick out
Dayes of iniquity to cozen fooles in,
And full Moones to cut Cattel; do'st thou taint me,
That have run over Story, Poetry,
Humanity? Bri. As a cold nipping shadow
Does ore eares of Corne, and leave 'em blasted,
Put up your anger, what Ile do Ile do.

Mir. Thou shall not doe. Bri. I will. Mir. Thou art an Asse then,
A dull old tedious Asse, th['] art ten times worse
And of lesse credit than Dunce Hollingshead
The Englishman, that writes of snowes and Sheriffes.

Enter Lewis.

Bri. Wel take you pleasure, here's one I must talke with.

Lew. Good day Sir. Bri. Faire to you Sir. Lew. May I speake w'ye?

Bri. With all my heart, I was waiting on your goodness.

Lew. Good morrow Mo[n]sieur Miramont. Mir. O sweet Sir,
Keep your good morrow to coole your Worships pottage,
A couple of the worlds fooles met together
To raise up dirt and dunghils. Lew. Are they drawne?

Bri. They shall be ready Sir, within these two houres;
And Charles set his hand. Lew. 'Tis necessary;
For he being a joint purchaser, though your state
Was got by your owne industrie, unlesse
He seale to the Conveyance, it can be
Of no validity. Bri. He shall be ready,
And do it willingly. Mir. He shall be hang'd first.

Bri. I hope your daughter likes. Lew. S[h]e loves him well Sir.
Young Eustace is a bait to catch a woman,
A budding spritely fellow; y'are resolved then,
That all shall passe from Charles. Bri. All all, hee's nothing,
A bunch of bookes shall be his patrimony,
And more then he can manage too. Lew. Will your brother
Passe over his land to, to your son Eustace?
You know he has no heire. Mir. He will be flead first,
And horse-collars made of 's skin! Bri. let him alone,
A wilful man; my state shall serve the turne, Sir.
And how does your Daughter? Lew. Ready for the houre,
And like a blushing Rose that staies the pulling.

The Elder Brother / The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)

About This Book

ACTUS V. SCENA II.

APPENDIX.

THE ELDER BROTHER: VARIANTS IN THE QUARTOS.

APPENDIX

THE ELDER BROTHER: VARIANTS IN THE EGERTON MS.

THE SPANISH CURATE

APPENDIX

THE ELDER BROTHER IN VERSE, FROM THE QUARTO OF 1637 (A).