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The Fair Maid of the West

or A Girl Worth Gold

by Thomas Heywood

Dramatis Personae

Act 1

Enter two Captains, and Master Carrol.

1 Captain:When puts my Lord to Sea?

2 Captain:When the wind’s fair.

Master Carrol:Resolve me I entreat, can you not guess The purpose of this voyage?

1 Captain:Most men think The Fleet’s bound for the Islands.

Master Carrol:Nay, ’tis like. The great success at Cales under the conduct Of such a Noble General, hath put heart Into the English: They are all on fire To purchase from the Spaniard. If their Carracks Come deeply laden, we shall tug with them For golden spoil.

2 Captain:O, were it come to that!

1 Captain:How Plymouth swells with Gallants how the streets Glister with gold! You cannot meet a man But tricked in scarf and feather, that it seems As if the pride of England’s Gallantry Were harbored here. It doth appear (methinks) A very Court of Soldiers.

Master Carrol:It doth so. Where shall we dine today?

2 Captain:At the next Tavern by; there’s the best wine,

1 Captain:And the best wench, Bess Bridges, she’s the flower Of Plymouth held: the Castle needs no bush, Her beauty draws to them more gallant Customers Than all the signs i’ th’ town else.

2 Captain:A sweet Lass, If I have any judgement.

1 Captain:Now in troth I think she’s honest.

Master Carrol:Honest, and live there? What, in a public Tavern, where’s such confluence Of lusty and brave Gallants? Honest said you?

2 Captain:I vow she is for me.

1 Captain:For all, I think. I’m sure she’s wondrous modest.

Master Carrol:But withal Exceeding affable.

2 Captain:An argument that she’s not proud.

Master Carrol:No, were she proud, she’d fall.

1 Captain:Well, she’s a most attractive Adamant, Her very beauty hath upheld that house, And gained her master much.

Master Carrol:That Adamant Shall for this time draw me too, we’ll dine there.

2 Captain:No better motion: Come to the Castle then.

Enter Master Spencer, and Captain Goodlack.

Goodlack:What, to the old house still?

Spencer:Canst blame me, Captain, Believe me, I was never surprised till now, Or catched upon the sudden.

Goodlack:Pray resolve me, Why being a Gentleman of fortunes, means, And well revenued, will you adventure thus A doubtful voyage, when only such as I Born to no other fortunes then my sword Should seek abroad for pillage.

Spencer:Pillage, Captain? No, ’tis for honor; And the brave society Of all these shining Gallants that attend The great Lord General, drew me hither first: No hope of gain or spoil.

Goodlack:Ay, but what draws you to this house so oft?

Spencer:As if thou knewst it not.

Goodlack:What, Bess?

Spencer:Even she.

Goodlack:Come, I must tell you, you forget yourself, One of your birth and breeding, thus to dote Upon a Tanner’s daughter: why, her father Sold hides in Somersetshire, and being trade-fallen, Sent her to service.

Spencer:Prithee speak no more, Thou tell’st me that which I would fain forget, Or wish I had not known. If thou wilt humor me Tell me she’s fair and honest.

Goodlack:Yes, and loves you.

Spencer:To forget that, were to exclude the rest: All saving that, were nothing. Come let’s enter.

Enter 2. Drawers.

1 Drawer:You are welcome Gentlemen. Show them into the next room there.

2 Drawer:Look out a Towel, and some Rolls, a Salt and Trenchers.

Spencer:No sir, we will not dine.

2 Drawer:I am sure ye would if ye had my stomach. What wine drink ye, Sack or Claret?

Spencer:Where’s Bess?

2 Drawer:Marry above with three or four Gentlemen.

Spencer:Go call her.

2 Drawer:I’ll draw you a cup of the neatest wine in Plymouth

Spencer:I’ll taste none of your drawing. Go call Bess.

2 Drawer:There’s nothing in the mouths of these Gallants, but Bess, Bess.

Spencer:What sa’ ye Sir?

2 Drawer:Nothing sir, but I’ll go call her presently.

Spencer:Tell her who’s here.

2 Drawer:The devil rid her out of the house for me.

Spencer:Sa’ ye sir?

2 Drawer:Nothing but anon anon sir.

Enter Bess Bridges.

Spencer:See she’s come.

Bess Bridges:Sweet Master Spencer, y’ are a stranger grown, Where have you been these three days?

Spencer:The last night I sat up late, at game: here take this bag, And lay ’t up till I call for ’t.

Bess Bridges:Sir I shall.

Spencer:Bring me some wine.

Bess Bridges:I know your taste, And I shall please your palate.

Goodlack:Troth ’tis a pretty soul.

Spencer:To thee I will unbosom all my thoughts, Were her low birth but equal with her beauty Here would I fix my thoughts.

Goodlack:You are not mad sir? You say you love her.

Spencer:Never question that.

Goodlack:Then put her to ’t, win Opportunity, She’s the best bawd: If (as you say) she loves you, She can deny you nothing.

Spencer:I have proved her Unto the utmost test. Examined her. Even to a modest force: but all in vain: She’ll laugh, confer, keep company, discourse, And something more, kiss: but beyond that compass She no way can be drawn.

Goodlack:’Tis a virtue, But seldom found in taverns.

Enter Bess with wine.

Bess Bridges:’Tis of the best Graves wine sir.

Spencer:Gramercy Girl, come sit.

Bess Bridges:Pray pardon sir, I dare not.

Spencer:I’ll ha’ it so.

Bess Bridges:My fellows love me not, and will complain Of such a saucy boldness.

Spencer:Pox on your fellows, I’ll try whether their pottle pots or heads Be harder, if I do but hear them grumble. Sit: now Bess drink to me.

Bess Bridges:To your good voyage.

Enter the second Drawer.

2 Drawer:Did you call sir?

Spencer:Yes sir, to have your absence. Captain, this health.

Goodlack:Let it come sir.

2 Drawer:Must you be set, and we wait, with a —

Spencer:What say you sir?

2 Drawer:Anon, anon, I come there.

Exit.

Spencer:What will you venture Bess to sea with me?

Bess Bridges:What I love best, my heart: for I could wish I had been born to equal you in fortune, Or you so low, to have been ranked with me, I could have then presumed boldly to say, I love none but my Spencer.

Spencer:Bess I thank thee. Keepe still that hundred pound till my return From th’ Islands with my Lord: if never, wench Take it, it is thine own.

Bess Bridges:You bind me to you.

Enter the first Drawer.

1 Drawer:Bess, you must fill some wine into the Portcullis, the Gentlemen there will drink none but of your drawing.

Spencer:She shall not rise sir, go, let your Master snick-up.

1 Drawer:And that should be cousin-german to the hiccup.

Enter the second Drawer.

2 Drawer:Bess, you must needs come, the gentlemen fling pots, pottles, drawers, and all down stairs. The whole house is in an uproar.

Bess Bridges:Pray pardon sir, I needs must be gone.

2 Drawer:The Gentlemen swear if she come not up to them They will come down to her.

Spencer:If they come in peace, Like civil Gentlemen, they may be welcome: If otherwise, let them usurp their pleasures. We stand prepared for both.

Enter Carrol and two Captains.

Master Carrol:Save you gallants, we are somewhat bold to press Into your company. It may be held scarce manners, Therefore fit that we should crave your pardon.

Spencer:Sir, you are welcome, so are your friends.

1 Captain:Some wine.

Bess Bridges:Pray give me leave to fill it.

Spencer:You shall not stir. So please you we’ll join company. Drawer, more stools.

Master Carrol:I take ’t that’s a she drawer. Are you of the house?

Bess Bridges:I am sir.

Master Carrol:In what place?

Bess Bridges:I draw.

Master Carrol:Beer, do you not? You are some tapstress.

Spencer:Sir, the worst character you can bestow Upon the maid is to draw wine.

Master Carrol:She would draw none to us, Perhaps she keeps a Rundlet for your taste, Which none but you must pierce.

2 Captain:I pray be civil.

Spencer:I know not, Gentlemen, what your intents be, Nor do I fear or care. This is my room, And if you bear you, as you seem in show, Like Gentlemen, sit and be sociable.

Master Carrol:We will. Minx, by your leave: Remove I say.

Spencer:She shall not stir.

Master Carrol:How sir?

Spencer:No sir: could you outface the devil, We do not fear your roaring.

Master Carrol:Though you may be companion with a drudge, It is not fit she should have place by us. About your business, huswife.

Spencer:She is worthy The place as the best here, and she shall keep ’t.

Master Carrol:You lie.

They bustle. Carrol slain.

Goodlack:The Gentleman’s slain, away.

Bess Bridges:Oh heaven, what have you done?

Goodlack:Undone thyself and me too. Come away

Bess Bridges:Oh sad misfortune, I shall lose him ever. What, are you men or milk sops? Stand you still Senseless as stones, and see your friend in danger To expire his last?

1 Captain:Tush, all our help’s in vain.

2 Captain:This is the fruit of whores. This mischief came through thee

Bess Bridges:It grew first from your incivility.

1 Captain:Lend me a hand to lift his body hence. It was a fatal business.

Exeunt Captains.

Enter the two Drawers.

1 Drawer:One call my Master, another fetch the constable, Here’s a man killed in the room.

2 Drawer:How, a man killed sayest thou. Is all paid?

1 Drawer:How fell they out, canst thou tell?

2 Drawer:Sure about this bold Bettrice: ’tis not so much for the death of the man, but how shall we come by our reckoning?

Exeunt Drawers.

Bess Bridges:What shall become of me! Of all lost creatures The most infortunate. My innocence Hath been the cause of blood, and I am now Purpled with murder, though not within compass Of the Law’s severe censure: but which most Adds unto my affliction, I by this Have lost so worthy and approved a friend, Whom to redeem from exile, I would give All that’s without and in me.

Enter Forset.

Master Forset:Your name’s Bess Bridges?

Bess Bridges:An unfortunate Maid. Known by that name too well in Plymouth here. Your business, sir, with me?

Master Forset:Know you this Ring?

Bess Bridges:I do: it is my Spencer’s. I know withal you are his trusty friend, To whom he would commit it. Speak, how fares he? Is he in freedom, know ye?

Master Forset:He’s in health Of body, though in mind somewhat perplexed For this late mischief happened.

Bess Bridges:Is he fled, and freed from danger?

Master Forset:Neither. By this token He lovingly commends him to you Bess, And prays you when ’tis dark meet him o’ th’ Hoe Near to the new-made Fort, where he’ll attend you, Before he flies, to take a kind farewell. There’s only Goodlack in his company, He entreats you not to fail him.

Bess Bridges:Tell him from me, I’ll come, I’ll run, I’ll fly, Stand Death before me: were I sure to die.

Exit.

Enter Spencer and Goodlack.

Goodlack:You are too full of passion.

Spencer:Canst thou blame me, To have the guilt of murder burden me, And next, my life in hazard to a death So ignominious: last, to lose a Love So sweet, so fair, so am’rous, and so chaste, And all these at an instant? Art thou sure Carrol is dead?

Goodlack:I can believe no less. You hit him in the very speeding place.

Spencer:Oh but the last of these sits nearest my heart.

Goodlack:Sir be advised by me. Try her before you trust her. She perchance May take th’advantage of your hopeful fortunes: But when she finds you subject to distress And casualty, her flattering love may die: Your deceased hopes.

Spencer:Thou counsel’st well. I’ll put her to the test and utmost trial Before I trust her further. Here she comes.

Enter Forset, and Bess with a bag.

Master Forset:I have done my message sir.

Bess Bridges:Fear not sweet Spencer, we are now alone, And thou art sanctuaried in these mine arms.

Goodlack:While these confer we’ll sentinel their safety. This place I’ll guard.

Master Forset:I this.

Bess Bridges:Are you not hurt? Or your skin razed with his offensive steel? How is it with you?

Spencer:Bess, all my afflictions Are that I must leave thee: thou know’st withal My extreme necessity, and that the fear Of a most scandalous death doth force me hence. I am not near my Country, and to stay From new supply from thence, might deeply engage me To desperate hazard.

Bess Bridges:Is it coin you want? Here is the hundred pound you gave me late, Use that, beside what I have stored and saved Which makes it fifty more: were it ten thousand Nay, a whole million, Spencer, all were thine.

Spencer:No, what thou hast keep still, ’tis all thine own. Here be my keys, my trunks take to thy charge: Such gold fit for transportage as I have, I’ll bear along: the rest are freely thine, Money, apparel, and what else thou findst, Perhaps worth my bequest and thy receiving, I make thee mistress of.

Bess Bridges:Before I doted, But now you strive to have me ecstasied. What would you have me do, in which t’express My zeal to you?

Spencer:Which in my chamber hangs, My picture, I enjoin thee to keep ever, For when thou partest with that, thou losest me.

Bess Bridges:My soul may from my body be divorced, But never that from me.

Spencer:I have a house in Foy, a tavern called The Windmill, that I freely give thee too, And thither if I live I’ll send to thee.

Bess Bridges:So soon as I have cast my reckonings up, And made even with my Master, I’ll not fail To visit Foy in Cornwall. Is there else Aught that you will enjoin me?

Spencer:Thou art fair, Join to thy beauty virtue. Many suitors I know will tempt thee: beauty’s a shrewd bait, But unto that if thou add’st chastity, Thou shalt o’ercome all scandal. Time calls hence, We now must part.

Bess Bridges:Oh that I had the power to make Time lame, To stay the stars, or make the Moon stand still, That future day might never haste thy flight. I could dwell here forever in thine arms. And wish it always night.

Spencer:We trifle hours. Farewell.

Bess Bridges:First take this Ring: ’Twas the first token of my constant love That passed betwixt us. When I see this next, And not my Spencer, I shall think thee dead: For till death part thy body from thy soul I know thou wilt not part with it.

Spencer:Swear for me Bess: for thou mayst safely do ’t. Once more farewell: at Foy thou shalt hear from me.

Bess Bridges:There’s not a word that hath a parting sound Which through mine ears shrills not immediate death. I shall not live to lose thee.

Master Forset:Best be gone, for hark I hear some tread.

Spencer:A thousand farewells are in one contracted. Captain away.

Exit Spencer, and Goodlack.

Bess Bridges:Oh, I shall die.

Master Forset:What mean you Bess, will you betray your friend, Or call my name in question? Sweet, look up.

Bess Bridges:Ha, is my Spencer gone?

Master Forset:With speed towards Foy, There to take ship for Fayal.

Bess Bridges:Let me recollect myself, And what he left in charge. Virtue and Chastity. Next, with all sudden expedition Prepare for Foy: all these will I conserve, And keep them strictly, as I would my life. Plymouth farewell: in Cornwall I will prove A second fortune, and forever mourn, Until I see my Spencer’s safe return.

Hautboys.

A dumb Show. Enter General, Captains, the Mayor: Petitioners the other way with papers: amongst these the Drawers. The General gives them bags of money. All go off saving the two Drawers.

1 Drawer:’Tis well yet we have gotten all the money due to my Master. It is the commonest thing that can be for these Captains to score and to score: but when the scores are to be paid, Non est inventus.

2 Drawer:’Tis ordinary amongst Gallants nowadays, who had rather swear forty oaths, than only this one oath, God let me never be trusted.

1 Drawer:But if the Captains would follow the noble mind of the General, before night there would not be one score owing in Plymouth.

2 Drawer:Little knows Bess that my Master hath got in these desperate debts: but she hath cast up her account and is gone.

1 Drawer:Whither canst thou tell?

2 Drawer:They say to keep a Tavern in Foy, and that Master Spencer hath given her a stock to set up for herself. Well, howsoever, I am glad, though he killed the man we have got our money.

Act 2

Actus secundus, Scaena prima.

Enter Forset and Roughman.

Master Forset:IN your time have you seen a sweeter creature?

Master Roughman:Some week or thereabouts.

Master Forset:And in that small time she hath almost undone all the other Taverns. The Gallants make no rendezvous now but at the Windmill.

Master Roughman:Spite of them I’ll have her. It shall cost me the setting on but I’ll have her.

Master Forset:Why, do you think she is so easily won?

Master Roughman:Easily or not, I’ll bid as fair and far as any man within twenty miles of my head, but I will put her to the squeak.

Master Forset:They say there are Knights’ sons already come as suitors to her.

Master Roughman:’Tis like enough, some younger brothers, and so I intend to make them.

Master Forset:If these doings hold, she will grow rich in short time.

Master Roughman:There shall be doings that shall make this Windmill my grand seat, my mansion, my palace, and my Constantinople.

Enter Bess Bridges like a Mistress, and Clem

Master Forset:Here she comes: observe how modestly she bears herself.

Master Roughman:I must know of what burden this vessel is, I shall not bear with her till she bear with me, and till then, I cannot report her for a woman of good carriage.

Bess Bridges:Your old Master that dwelt here before my coming, hath turned over your years to me.

Clem:Right forsooth: before he was a Vintner, he was a shoemaker, and left two or three turn-overs more besides myself.

Bess Bridges:How long hast thou to serve.

Clem:But eleven years next grass, and then I am in hope of my freedom. For by that time I shall be at full age.

Bess Bridges:How old art thou now?

Clem:Forsooth newly come into my Teens. I have scraped trenchers this two years, and the next Vintage I hope to be Bar-boy.

Bess Bridges:What’s thy name?

Clem:My name is Clem, my father was a Baker, and by the report of his neighbors, as honest a man as ever lived by bread.

Bess Bridges:And where dwelt he?

Clem:Below here in the next crooked street, at the sign of the Leg. He was nothing so tall as I, but a little wee-man, and somewhat huck-backed.

Bess Bridges:He was once Constable?

Clem:He was indeed, and in that one year of his reign, I have heard them say, he bolted and sifted out more business, than others in that office in many years before him.

Bess Bridges:How long is ’t since he died?

Clem:Marry the last dear year. For when corn grew to be at an high rate, my father never dowed after.

Bess Bridges:I think I have heard of him.

Clem:Then I am sure you have heard he was an honest neighbor, and one that never loved to be meal-mouthed.

Bess Bridges:Well sirrah, prove an honest servant, and you shall find me your good Mistress. What company is in the Marmaid?

Clem:There be four Sea captains. I believe they be little better than spirats, they are so flush of their ruddocks.

Bess Bridges:No matter, we will take no note of them. Here they vent many brave commodities, By which some gain accrues. Th’ are my good customers, And still return me profit.

Clem:Wot you what Mistress, how the two Sailors would have served me, that called for the pound and half of Cheese?

Bess Bridges:How was it Clem?

Clem:When I brought them a reckoning, they would have had me to have scored it up. They took me for a simple gull indeed, that would have had me to have taken Chalk for Cheese:

Bess Bridges:Well, go wait upon the Captains, see them want no wine.

Clem:Nor reckoning neither, take my word Mistress.

Master Roughman:She’s now at leisure, I’ll to her. Lady, what Gentlemen are those above?

Bess Bridges:Sir they are such as please to be my guests, And they are kindly welcome.

Master Roughman:Give me their names.

Bess Bridges:You may go search the Church-book where they were christened. There you perhaps may learn them.

Master Roughman:Minion, how?

Master Forset:Fie, fie, you are too rude with this fair creature, That no way seeks t’ offend you.

Bess Bridges:Pray hands off.

Master Roughman:I tell thee maid, wife, or whate’er thou beest, No man shall enter here but by my leave. Come, let’s be more familiar.

Bess Bridges:’Las goodman.

Master Roughman:Why know’st thou whom thou slight’st. I am Roughman, The only approved gallant of these parts, A man of whom the Roarers stand in awe, And must not be put off.

Bess Bridges:I never yet heard man so praise himself, But proved in th’ end a coward.

Master Roughman:Coward, Bess? You will offend me, raise in me that fury Your beauty cannot calm. Go to, no more, Your language is too harsh and peremptory. Pray let me hear no more on ’t. I tell thee That quiet day scarce past me these seven years I have not cracked a weapon in some fray, And will you move my spleen?

Master Forset:What, threat a woman?

Bess Bridges:Sir, if you thus persist to wrong my house, Disturb my guests, and nightly domineer, To put my friends from patience, I’ll complain, And right myself before the Magistrate. Can we not live in compass of the Law, But must be swaggered out on ’t?

Master Roughman:Go to, wench, I wish thee well, think on ’t, there’s good for thee Stored in my breast, and when I come in place I must have no man to offend mine eye: My love can brook no rivals. For this time I am content your Captains shall have peace, But must not be used to ’t.

Bess Bridges:Sir if you come like other free and civil Gentlemen Y’ are welcome, otherwise my doors are barred you.

Master Roughman:That’s my good Girl, I have fortunes laid up for thee: what I have Command it as thine own. Go to, be wise.

Bess Bridges:Well, I shall study for ’t.

Master Roughman:Consider on ’t. Farewell.

Exit.

Bess Bridges:My mind suggests me that this prating fellow Is some notorious Coward. If he persist I have a trick, to try what metal’s in him. [Enter Clem] What news with you?

Clem:I am now going to carry the Captains a reckoning.

Bess Bridges:And what’s the sum?

Clem:Let me see, eight shillings and six pence.

Bess Bridges:How can you make that good? write them a bill.

Clem:I’ll watch them for that, ’tis no time of night to use our bills, the Gentlemen are no dwarfs, and with one word of my mouth, I can tell them what is to be-tall.

Bess Bridges:How comes it to so much?

Clem:Imprimis, six quarts of wine at seven pence the quart, seven sixpences.

Bess Bridges:Why dost thou reckon it so?

Clem:Because as they came in by hab nab, so I will bring them in a reckoning at six and at sevens.

Bess Bridges:Well, wine — 3 s, 6 d

Clem:And what wants that of ten groats?

Bess Bridges:’Tis two pence over.

Clem:Then put six pence more to it, and make it 4 s, wine, though you bate it them in their meat.

Bess Bridges:Why so I prithee?

Clem:Because of the old proverb, What they want in meat, let them take out in drink. Then for twelve pennyworth of Anchoves, 18 d.

Bess Bridges:How can that be?

Clem:Marry very well Mistress, 12 d. Anchoves, and 6 d. oil and vinegar. Nay they shall have a saucy reckoning

Bess Bridges:And what for the other half crown?

Clem:Bread, beer, salt, napkins, trenchers, one thing with another, so the summa totalis is — 8 s, 6 d.

Bess Bridges:Well, take the reckoning from the bar.

Clem:What needs that forsooth? The Gentlemen seem to be high flown already, send them in but another pottle of Sack, and they will cast up the reckoning of themselves. Yes, I’ll about it.

Bess Bridges:Were I not with so my suitors pestered, And might I enjoy my Spencer, what a sweet Contented life were this? For money flows And my gain’s great. But to my Roughman next: I have a trick to try what spirit’s in him, It shall be my next business: in this passion For my dear Spencer, I propose me this, ’Mongst many sorrows some mirth’s not amiss,

Exit.

Enter Spencer, and Goodlack.

Goodlack:What were you thinking sir?

Spencer:Troth of the world, what any man should see in ’t To be in love with it.

Goodlack:The reason of your meditation.

Spencer:To imagine that in the same instant that one forfeits all his estate, another enters upon a rich possession: as one goes to the Church to be married, another is hurried to the gallows to be hanged, the last having no feeling of the first man’s joy, nor the first of the last man’s misery. At the same time that one lies tortured upon the Rack, another lies tumbling with his Mistress over head and ears in down and feathers. This when I truly consider, I cannot but wonder why any fortune should make a man ecstasied.

Goodlack:You give yourself too much to melancholy.

Spencer:These are my Maxims, and were they as faithfully practiced by others, as truly apprehended by me, we should have less oppression, and more charity.

Enter the two Captains that were before.

1 Captain:Make good thy words.

2 Captain:I say thou hast injured me.

1 Captain:Tell me wherein.

2 Captain:When we assaulted Fayal, And I had by the General’s command The onset, and with danger of my person Enforced the Spaniard to a swift retreat, And beat them from their Fort, thou when thou saw’st All fear and danger past, mad’st up with me To share that honor which was sole mine own, And never ventured shot for ’t, or e’er came Where bullet grazed.

Spencer:See Captain a fray towards, Let’s if we can atone this difference.

Goodlack:Content.

1 Captain:I’ll prove it with my sword, That though thou hadst the foremost place in field, And I the second, yet my Company Was equal in the entry of the Fort. My sword was that day drawn as soon as thine, And that poor honor which I won that day Was but my merit.

2 Captain:Wrong me palpably And justify the same?

Spencer:You shall not fight.

1 Captain:Why sir, who made you first a Justicer, And taught you that word shall? you are no General, Or if you be, pray show us your Commission.

Spencer:Sir you have no commission but my counsel, And that I’ll show you freely.

2 Captain:’Tis some Chaplain,

1 Captain:I do not like his text.

Goodlack:Let’s beat their weapons down.

1 Captain:I’ll aim at him that offers to divide us!

2 Captain:Pox of these part-frays, see I am wounded By beating down my weapon.

Goodlack:How fares my friend?

Spencer:You sought for blood, and Gentlemen you have it, Let mine appease you, I am hurt to death.

1 Captain:My rage converts to pity, that this Gentleman Shall suffer for his goodness.

Goodlack:Noble friend, I will revenge thy death.

Spencer:He is no friend That murmurs such a thought. Oh Gentlemen. I killed a man in Plymouth, and by you Am slain in Fayal, Carrol fell by me, And I fall by a Spencer. Heaven is just, And will not suffer murder unrevenged, Heaven pardon me, as I forgive you both, Shift for yourselves: away.

2 Captain:We saw him die, But grieve you should so perish.

Spencer:Note Heaven’s justice, And henceforth make that use on ’t. I shall faint.

1 Captain:Short Farewells now must serve. If thou survivest Live to thine honor: but if thou expir’st Heaven take thy soul to mercy.

Exeunt.

Spencer:I bleed much, I must go seek a Surgeon.

Goodlack:Sir how cheer you?

Spencer:Like one that’s bound upon a new adventure To th’ other world: yet thus much worthy friend Let me entreat you, since I understand The Fleet is bound for England, take your occasion To ship yourself, and when you come to Foy Kindly commend me to my dearest Bess, Thou shalt receive a Will, in which I have Possessed her of five hundred pounds a year.

Goodlack:A noble Legacy.

Spencer:The rest I have bestowed amongst my friends, Only reserving a bare hundred pounds To see me honestly and well interred.

Goodlack:I shall perform your trust as carefully As to my father, breathed he.

Spencer:Mark me Captain: Her Legacy I give with this proviso, If at thy arrival where my Bess remains, Thou findst her well reported, free from scandal, My Will stands firm: but if thou hear’st her branded For loose behavior, or immodest life, What she should have, I here bestow on thee, It is thine own: but as thou lov’st thy soul Deal faithfully betwixt my Bess and me.

Goodlack:Else let me die a prodigy.

Spencer:This Ring was hers, that, be she loose or chaste, Being her own, restore her, she will know it, And doubtless she deserves it. Oh my memory, What had I quite forgot? She hath my picture,

Goodlack:And what of that?

Spencer:If she be ranked amongst the loose and lewd, Take it away, I hold it much undecent, A whore should ha ’t in keeping: but if constant Let her enjoy it: this my Will perform As thou art just and honest.

Goodlack:Sense else forsake me.

Spencer:Now lead me to my Chamber, all’s made even, My peace with earth, and my atone with heaven.

Enter Bess Bridges like a Page with a sword, and Clem

Bess Bridges:But that I know my mother to be chaste, I’d swear some Soldier got me.

Clem:It may be many a Soldier’s Buff Jerkin came out of your father’s Tan-fat.

Bess Bridges:Methinks I have a manly spirit in me In this man’s habit.

Clem:Now am not I of many men’s minds, for if you should do me wrong, I should not kill you, though I took you pissing against a wall.

Bess Bridges:Methinks I could be valiant on the sudden: And meet a man i’ th’ field. I could do all that I have heard discoursed Of Mary Ambree or Westminster’s Long Meg.

Clem:What Mary Ambree was I cannot tell, but unless you were taller you will come short of Long Meg

Bess Bridges:Of all thy fellows thee I only trust, And charge thee to be secret.

Clem:I am bound in my Indentures to keep my Master’s secrets, and should I find a man in bed with you, I would not tell.

Bess Bridges:Be gone sir, but no words as you esteem my favor.

Clem:But Mistress, I could wish you to look to your long seams, fights are dangerous. But am not I in a sweet taking think you?

Bess Bridges:I prithee why?

Clem:Why, if you should swagger and kill anybody, I being a Vintner should be called to the Bar.

Bess Bridges:Let none condemn me of immodesty, Because I try the courage of a man Who on my soul’s a Coward: beats my servants, Cuffs them, and as they pass by him kicks my maids, Nay domineers over me, making himself Lord o’er my house and household. Yesternight I heard him make appointment on some business To pass alone this way. I’ll venture fair, But I will try what’s in him.

Enter Roughman and Forset.

Master Forset:Sir, I can now no further, weighty business Calls me away.

Master Roughman:Why at your pleasure then, Yet I could wish that ere I passed this field, That I could meet some Hector, so your eyes Might witness what myself have oft repeated, Namely that I am valiant.

Master Forset:Sir no doubt. But now I am in haste. Farewell,

Master Roughman:How many times brave words bear out a man? For if he can but make a noise, he’s feared. To talk of frays, although he ne’er had heart To face a man in field, that’s a brave fellow, I have been valiant I must needs confess, In street and Tavern, where there have been men Ready to part the fray: but for the fields They are too cold to fight in.

Bess Bridges:You are a villain, a Coward, and you lie.

Master Roughman:You wrong me I protest. Sweet courteous Gentleman I never did you wrong.

Bess Bridges:Wilt tell me that? Draw forth thy coward sword, and suddenly, Or as I am a man I’ll run thee through, And leave thee dead i’ th’ field.

Master Roughman:Hold as you are a Gentleman. I have ta’en an oath I will not fight today.

Bess Bridges:Th’ast took a blow already and the lie, Will not both these enrage thee?

Master Roughman:No, would you give the bastinado too, I will not break mine oath.

Bess Bridges:Oh, your name’s Roughman. No day doth pass you but you hurt or kill. Is this out of your calendar?

Master Roughman:Ay, you are deceived, I ne’er drew sword in anger I protest, Unless it were upon some poor weak fellow That ne’er wore steel about him.

Bess Bridges:Throw your Sword.

Master Roughman:Here sweet young sir, but as you are a gentleman, Do not impair mine honor.

Bess Bridges:Tie that shoe.

Master Roughman:I shall sir.

Bess Bridges:Untruss that point.

Master Roughman:Any thing this day to save mine oath.

Bess Bridges:Enough: yet not enough, lie down Till I stride o’er thee.

Master Roughman:Sweet sir any thing.

Bess Bridges:Rise, thou hast leave. Now Roughman thou art blest This day thy life is saved, look to the rest. Take back thy sword.

Master Roughman:Oh you are generous: honor me so much As let me know to whom I owe my life.

Bess Bridges:I am Bess Bridges’. brother,

Master Roughman:Still methought that you were something like her.

Bess Bridges:And I have heard, You domineer and revel in her house, Control her servants, and abuse her guests, Which if I ever shall hereafter hear, Thou art but a dead man.

Master Roughman:She never told me of a brother living, But you have power to sway me.

Bess Bridges:But for I see you are a Gentleman, I am content this once to let you pass, But if I find you fall into relapse, The second’s far more dangerous.

Master Roughman:I shall fear it. Sir will you take the wine?

Bess Bridges:I am for London. And for these two terms cannot make return But if you see my sister, you may say I was in health.

Master Roughman:Too well, the devil take you.

Bess Bridges:Pray use her well, and at my coming back I’ll ask for your acquaintance. Now farewell.

Master Roughman:None saw ’t: he’s gone for London: I am unhurt, Then who shall publish this disgrace abroad? One man’s no slander, should he speak his worst, My tongue’s as loud as his, but in this country Both of more fame and credit. Should we contest I can outface the proudest. This is then My comfort: Roughman, thou art still the same, For a disgrace not seen, is held no shame.

Enter two Sailors.

1 Sailor:Aboard, aboard, the wind stands fair for England, The ships have all weighed anchor.

2 Sailor:A stiff gale blows from the shore.

Enter Captain Goodlack.

Goodlack:The Sailors call aboard, and I am forced To leave my friend now at the point of death, And cannot close his eyes. Here is the Will, Now may I find yon Tanner’s daughter turned Unchaste or wanton, I shall gain by it Five hundred pounds a year: here is good evidence.

1 Sailor:Sir will you take the long boat and aboard?

Enter a third Sailor.

Goodlack:With all my heart.

3 Sailor:What are you ready Mates?

1 Sailor:We stayed for you. Thou canst not tell who’s dead? The great bell rung out now.

3 Sailor:They say ’twas for one Spencer, who this night Died of a mortal wound.

Goodlack:My worthy friend. Unhappy man that cannot stay behind To do him his last rights. Was his name Spencer?

3 Sailor:Yes sir, a Gentleman of good account And well known in the navy.

Goodlack:This is the end of all mortality: It will be news unpleasing to his Bess. I cannot fair amiss, but long to see Whether these Lands belong to her or me.

Enter Spencer, and his Surgeon.

Surgeon:Nay fear not sir, now you have scaped this dressing My life for yours.

Spencer:I thank thee honest Friend.

Surgeon:Sir I can tell you news.

Spencer:What is ’t I prithee?

Surgeon:There is a Gentleman one of your name, That died within this hour.

Spencer:My name? what was he, of what sickness died he?

Surgeon:No sickness, but a slight hurt in the body, Which showed at first no danger, but being searched, He died at the third dressing.

Spencer:At my third search I am in hope of life. The heavens are merciful.

Surgeon:Sir doubt not your recovery.

Spencer:That hundred pound I had prepared t’ expend Upon mine own expected Funeral I for namesake will now bestow on his.

Surgeon:A noble resolution.

Spencer:What ships are bound for England, I would gladly Venture to sea, though weak.

Surgeon:All bound that way are under sail already.

Spencer:Here’s no security, For when the beaten Spaniards shall return, They’ll spoil whom they can find.

Surgeon:We have a ship, Of which I am Surgeon, that belongs unto A London merchant, now bound for Mamorah A town in Barbary, please you to use that, You shall command free passage: ten months hence We hope to visit England.

Spencer:Friend I thank thee.

Surgeon:I’ll bring you to the Master, who I know Will entertain you gladly.

Spencer:When I have seen the funeral rights performed To the dead body of my Country man And kinsman, I will take your courteous offer. England no doubt will hear news of my death, How Bess will take it is to me unknown: On her behavior I will build my fate, There raise my love, or thence erect my hate.

Act 3

Actus tertius. Scaena prima.

Enter Roughman and Forset.

Master Forset:OH y’ are well met, just as I prophesied So it fell out.As how I pray?

Master Roughman:Had you but stayed the crossing of one field, You had beheld a Hector, the boldest Trojan That ever Roughman met with.

Master Forset:Pray what was he?

Master Roughman:You talk of Little Davy, Cutting Dick, And divers such, but tush, this hath no fellow.

Master Forset:Of what stature and years was he?

Master Roughman:Indeed I must confess he was no giant, Nor above fifty, but he did bestir him, Was here and there, and everywhere at once, That I was ne’er so put to ’t since the Midwife First wrapped my head in linen. Let’s to Bess. I’ll tell her the whole project.

Master Forset:Here’s the house, we’ll enter if you please.

Master Roughman:Where be these Drawers, Rascals I should say? That will give no attendance.

Enter Clem

Clem:Anon, anon sir, please you see a room. What you here again? Now we shall have such roaring.

Master Roughman:You sirrah call your Mistress.

Clem:Yes sir, I know it is my duty to call her Mistress.

Master Roughman:See and the slave will stir.

Clem:Yes I do stir.

Master Roughman:Shall we have humors, sauce-box, you have ears I’ll teach you pricksong.

Clem:But you have now a wrong Sow by the ear. I will call her,

Master Roughman:Do sir, you had best.

Clem:If you were twenty Roughmans, if you lug me by the ears again, I’ll draw.

Master Roughman:Ha, what will you draw?

Clem:The best wine in the house for your worship: and I would call her, but I can assure you she is either not stirring, or else not in case.

Master Roughman:How not in case?

Clem:I think she hath not her smock on, for I think I saw it lie at her bed’s head.

Master Roughman:What, Drawers grow capricious?

Clem:Help, help.

Enter Bess Bridges.

Bess Bridges:What uproar’s this? shall we be never rid From these disturbances?

Master Roughman:Why how now Bess? Is this your huswifry? When you are mine I’ll have you rise as early as the Lark, Look to the Bar yourself: these lazy rascals Will bring your state behind hand.

Clem:You lie sir?

Master Roughman:How? lie?

Clem:Yes sir at the Raven in the high-street, I was at your lodging this morning for a pottle pot.

Master Roughman:You will about your business, must you here Stand gaping and idle?

Bess Bridges:You wrong me sir, And tyrannize too much over my servants. I will have no man touch them but myself.

Clem:If I do not put Ratsbane into his wine instead of Sugar, say I am no true Baker.

Master Roughman:What, rise at noon? A man may fight a tall fray in a morning, And one of your best friends too be hacked and mangled, And almost cut to pieces, and you fast Close in your bed, ne’er dream on ’t.

Bess Bridges:Fought you this day?

Master Roughman:And ne’er was better put to ’t in my days.

Bess Bridges:I pray, how was’t?

Master Roughman:Thus: as I passed yon fields:

Enter the Kitchen-maid.

Maid:I pray forsooth, what shall I reckon for the Jowl of Ling in the Portcullis.

Master Roughman:A pox upon your Jowls, you kitchen-stuff, Go scour your skillets, pots, and dripping-pans, And interrupt not us.

Maid:The Devil take your Oxheels, you foul Codshead, must you be kicking?

Master Roughman:Minion dare you scold?

Maid:Yes sir, and lay my ladle over your coxcomb.

Bess Bridges:I do not think that thou dar’st strike a man, That swagger’st thus o’er women.

Master Roughman:How now Bess?

Bess Bridges:Shall we be never quiet?

Master Forset:You are too rude.

Master Roughman:Now I profess all patience.

Bess Bridges:Then proceed.

Master Roughman:Rising up early, Minion whilst you slept, To cross yon field, I had but newly parted With this my friend, but that I soon espied A gallant fellow, and most strongly armed. In the mid-field we met, and both being resolute, We justled for the wall.

Bess Bridges:Why, did there stand a wall in the mid-field?

Master Roughman:I meant strove for the way. Two such brave spirits meeting, straight both drew.

Enter Clem

Clem:The Maid forsooth sent me to know whether you would have the shoulder of mutton roasted or sod.

Master Roughman:A mischief on your shoulders.

Clem:That’s the way to make me never prove good porter

Bess Bridges:You still heap wrongs on wrongs.

Master Roughman:I was in fury To think upon the violence of that fight, And could not stay my rage.

Master Forset:Once more proceed.

Master Roughman:Oh had you seen two tilting meteors justle In the mid Region, with like fear and fury We two encountered. Not Briareus Could with his hundred hands have struck more thick. Blows came about my head, I took them still. Thrusts by my sides twixt body and my arms, Yet still I put them by.

Bess Bridges:When they were past he put them by. Go on. But in this fury what became of him?

Master Roughman:I think I paid him home, he’s soundly mauled, I bosomed him at every second thrust.

Bess Bridges:’Scaped he with life?

Master Roughman:Ay, that’s my fear: if he recover this, I’ll never trust my sword more.

Bess Bridges:Why fly you not if he be in such danger?

Master Roughman:Because a witch once told me I ne’er should die for murder.

Bess Bridges:I believe thee, But tell me pray, was not this gallant fellow, A pretty fair young youth about my years?

Master Roughman:Even thereabouts.

Clem:He was not fifty then.

Bess Bridges:Much of my stature?

Master Roughman:Much about your pitch.

Clem:He was no giant then.

Bess Bridges:And wore a suit like this?

Master Roughman:I half suspect.

Bess Bridges:That gallant fellow, So wounded and so mangled, was myself, You base white-livered slave, it was this shoe That thou stooped to untie: untrussed those points: And like a beastly coward lay along, Till I strid over thee. Speak, was’t not so?

Master Roughman:It cannot be denied.

Bess Bridges:Hare-hearted fellow, Milksop, dost not blush? Give me that Rapier: I will make thee swear, Thou shalt redeem this scorn thou hast incurred, Or in this woman shape I’ll cudgel thee, And beat thee through the streets. As I am Bess, I’ll do ’t.

Master Roughman:Hold, hold; I swear.

Bess Bridges:Dare not to enter at my door till then.

Master Roughman:Shame confounds me quite.

Bess Bridges:That shame redeem: perhaps we’ll do thee grace I love the valiant, but despise the base.

Exit.

Clem:Will you be kicked sir?

Master Roughman:She hath wakened me, And kindled that dead fire of courage in me, Which all this while hath slept: To spare my flesh And wound my fame, what is ’t? I will not rest Till by some valiant deed I have made good All my disgraces past. I’ll cross the street, And strike the next brave fellow that I meet.

Master Forset:I am bound to see the end on ’t.

Master Roughman:Are you sir?

Beats off Forset.

Enter Mayor of Foy, an Alderman; and Servant.

Mayor:Believe me sir, she bears herself so well, No man can justly blame her: and I wonder Being a single woman as she is, And living in an house of such resort, She is no more distasted.

Alderman:The best Gentlemen The Country yields, become her daily guests. Sure sir I think she’s rich.

Mayor:Thus much I know, would I could buy her state Were ’t for a brace of thousands.

A shot.

Alderman:’Twas said a ship is now put into harbor, Know whence she is.

Servant:I’ll bring news from the quay.

Mayor:To tell you true sir, I could wish a match Betwixt her and mine own and only son, And stretch my purse too upon that condition.

Alderman:Please you I’ll motion it.

Enter the Servant.

Servant:One of the ships is new come from the Islands, The greatest man of note’s one Captain Goodlack. It is but a small Vessel.

Enter Goodlack and Sailors.

Goodlack:I’ll meet you straight at th’ Windmill. Not one word of my name.

1 Sailor:We understand you.

Mayor:Sir ’tis told us you came late from th’ Islands

Goodlack:I did so:

Mayor:Pray sir the news from thence.

Goodlack:The best is, that the General is in health, And Fayal won from th’ Spaniards: but the Fleet By reason of so many dangerous tempests Extremely weather-beaten. You sir I take it, Are Mayor o’ th’ town.

Mayor:I am the King’s Lieutenant.

Goodlack:I have some Letters of import from one A Gentleman of very good account, That died late in the Islands, to a Maid That keeps a Tavern here.

Mayor:Her name Bess Bridges?

Goodlack:The same. I was desired to make inquiry What fame she bears, and what report she’s of. Now you sir being here chief Magistrate, Can best resolve me.

Mayor:To our understanding, She’s without stain or blemish well reputed, And by her modesty and fair demeanor, Hath won the love of all.

Goodlack:The worse for me.

Alderman:I can assure you many narrow eyes Have looked on her and her condition, But those that with most envy have endeavored T’ entrap her, have returned won by her virtues.

Goodlack:So all that I inquire of make report. I am glad to hear ’t. Sir I have now some business, And I of force must leave you.

Mayor:I entreat you to sup with me tonight.

Goodlack:Sir I may trouble you. Five hundred pound a year out of my way. Is there no flaw that I can tax her with, To forfeit this revenue? Is she such a Saint, None can missay her? why then I myself Will undertake it. If in her demeanor I can but find one blemish, stain or spot, It is five hundred pound a year well got.

Exit.

Enter Clem and the Sailors on the one side, at the other Roughman, who draws upon them, and beats them off.

Enter Bess, Clem, and the Sailors.

Bess Bridges:But did he fight it bravely?

Clem:I assure you mistress most dissolutely: he hath run this Sailer three times through the body, and yet never touched his skin.

Bess Bridges:How can that be?

Clem:Through the body of his doublet I meant.

Bess Bridges:How shame, base imputation, and disgrace Can make a coward valiant: Sirrah you Look to the bar.

Clem:I’ll hold up my hand there presently.

Bess Bridges:I understand, you came now from the Islands,

1 Sailor:We did so.

Bess Bridges:If you can tell me tidings of one Gentleman I shall requite you largely.

1 Sailor:Of what name?

Bess Bridges:One Spencer.

1 Sailor:We both saw and knew the man.

Bess Bridges:Only for that call for what wine you please. Pray tell me where you left him.

2 Sailor:In Fayal.

Bess Bridges:Was he in health? how did he fare?

2 Sailor:Why well.

Bess Bridges:For that good news, spend, revel, and carouse, Your reckoning’s paid beforehand. I’m ecstasied, And my delights unbounded.

1 Sailor:Did you love him?

Bess Bridges:Next to my hopes in heaven.

1 Sailor:Then change your mirth.

Bess Bridges:Why, as I take it, you told me he was well, And shall I not rejoice?

1 Sailor:He’s well in heaven, For Mistress, he is dead,

Bess Bridges:Ha, dead! was’t so you said? Th’ast given me, friend But one wound yet, speak but that word again, And kill me outright.

2 Sailor:He lives not.

Bess Bridges:And shall I? Wilt thou not break heart? Are these my ribs wrought out of brass or steel, Thou canst not craze their bars?

1 Sailor:Mistress use patience, which conquers all despair.

Bess Bridges:You advise well: I did but jest with sorrow: you may see I am now in gentle temper.

2 Sailor:True, we see ’t.

Bess Bridges:Pray take the best room in the house, and there Call for what wine best tastes you: at my leisure I’ll visit you myself.

1 Sailor:I’ll use your kindness.

Exeunt.

Bess Bridges:That it should be my fate. Poor poor sweetheart I do but think how thou becomest thy grave, In which would I lay by thee: what’s my wealth To enjoy ’t without my Spencer. I will now Study to die, that I may live with him.

Enter Goodlack.

Goodlack:The further I inquire, the more I hear To my discomfort. If my discontinuance And change at Sea disguise me from her knowledge I shall have scope enough to prove her fully. This sadness argues she hath heard some news Of my Friend’s death.

Bess Bridges:It cannot sure be true That he is dead, Death could not be so envious To snatch him in his prime. I study to forget That e’er was such a man.

Goodlack:If not impeach her, My purpose is to seek to marry her. If she deny me, I’ll conceal the Will, Or at the least make her compound for half. Save you fair Gentlewoman.

Bess Bridges:You are welcome sir.

Goodlack:I hear say there’s a whore here that draws wine, I am sharp set, and newly come from sea, And I would see the trash.

Bess Bridges:Sure you mistake sir. If you desire attendance and some wine I can command you both. Where be these boys?

Goodlack:Are you the Mistress?

Bess Bridges:I command the house.

Goodlack:Of what birth are you, pray?

Bess Bridges:A Tanner’s daughter.

Goodlack:Where born?

Bess Bridges:In Somersetshire.

Goodlack:A trade-fallen Tanner’s daughter go so brave: Oh you have tricks to compass these gay clothes.

Bess Bridges:None sir, but what are honest.

Goodlack:What’s your name?

Bess Bridges:Bess Bridges most men call me.

Goodlack:Y’ are a whore.

Bess Bridges:Sir, I will fetch you wine to wash your mouth, It is so foul, I fear ’t may fester else. There may be danger in ’t.

Goodlack:Not all this move her patience.

Bess Bridges:Good sir, at this time I am scarce myself By reason of a great and weighty loss That troubles me: but I should know that Ring.

Goodlack:How, this, you baggage? It was never made To grace a strumpet’s finger.

Bess Bridges:Pardon sir, I both must and will leave you.

Exit.

Goodlack:Did not this well This will stick in my stomach I could repent my wrongs done to this maid: But I’ll not leave her thus: if she still love him. I’ll break her heartstrings with some false report Of his unkindness.

Enter Clem

Clem:You are welcome Gentleman: what wine will you drink? Claret, Metheglin, or Muscadine, Cider or Perry, to make you merry, Aragoosa, or Peter-see-me Canary or Charnico? But by your nose sir you should love a cup of Malmsey: you shall have a cup of the best in Cornwall.

Goodlack:Here’s a brave drawer will quarrel with his wine.

Clem:But if you prefer the Frenchman before the Spaniard, you shall have either here of the deep red grape or the pallid white. You are a pretty tall Gentleman, you should love High-Country wine: none but Clerks and Sextons love Graves wine. Or are you a married man, I’ll furnish you with bastard, white or brown, according to the complexion of your bedfellow.

Goodlack:You rogue, how many years of your prenticeship Have you spent in studying this set speech?

Clem:The first line of my part was, Anon anon, sir: and the first question I answered to, was loggerhead, or blockhead, I know not whether.

Goodlack:Speak, where’s your Mistress?

Clem:Gone up to her chamber.

Goodlack:Set a pottle of Sack in th’ fire, and carry it into the next room.

Exit.

Clem:Score a pottle of Sack in the Crown, and see at the bar for some rotten eggs to burn it: we must have one trick or other to vent away our bad commodities.

Exit.

Enter Bess with Spencer’s Picture.

Bess Bridges:To die, and not vouchsafe some few commends Before his death, was most unkindly done. This Picture is more courteous: ’twill not shrink For twenty thousand kisses: no nor blush: Then thou shalt be my husband, and I vow Never to marry other.

Enter Goodlack.

Goodlack:Where’s this harlot?

Bess Bridges:You are immodest sir to press thus rudely Into my private chamber.

Goodlack:Pox of modesty When punks must have it mincing in their mouths. And have I found thee? then shalt hence with me.

Bess Bridges:Rob me not of the chiefest wealth I have: Search all my trunks, take the best Jewels there: Deprive me not that treasure, I’ll redeem it With plate, and all the little coin I have, So I make keep that still.

Goodlack:Thinkst thou that bribes Can make me leave my friend’s Will unperformed?

Bess Bridges:What was that Friend?

Goodlack:One Spencer, dead i’ th’ Islands, Whose very last words uttered at his death Were these, If ever thou shalt come to Foy, Take thence my picture, and deface it quite: For let it not be said, my portraiture Shall grace a strumpet’s chamber.

Bess Bridges:’Twas not so: You lie, you are a villain: ’twas not so. ’Tis more than sin thus to belie the dead: He knew if ever I would have transgressed, ’T had been with him: he dared have sworn me chaste, And died in that belief.

Goodlack:Are you so brief? Nay, I’ll not trouble you: God b’ wi’ you.

Bess Bridges:Yet leave me still that Picture, and I’ll swear You are a Gentleman, and cannot lie.

Goodlack:I am inexorable.

Bess Bridges:Are you a Christian, have you any name That ever good man gave you? ’Twas no Saint you were called after. What’s thy name?

Goodlack:My name is Captain Thomas Good —

Bess Bridges:I can see no good in thee Race that syllable Out of thy name.

Goodlack:Goodlack’s my name.

Bess Bridges:I cry you mercy sir: I now remember you, You were my Spencer’s friend, and I am sorry, Because he loved you, I have been so harsh: For whose sake, I entreat ere you take ’t hence, I may but take my leave on ’t.

Goodlack:You’ll return it?

Bess Bridges:As I am chaste I will.

Goodlack:For once I’ll trust you.

Bess Bridges:Oh thou the perfect semblance of my Love, And all that’s left of him, take one sweet kiss, As my last farewell. Thou resemblest him For whose sweet safety I was every morning Down on my knees, and with the Larks’ sweet tunes I did begin my prayers: and when sad sleep Had charmed all eyes, when none save the bright stars Were up and waking, I remembered thee, But all, all to no purpose.

Goodlack:Sure, most sure, this cannot be dissembled.

Bess Bridges:To thee I have been constant in thine absence, And when I looked upon this painted piece Remembered thy last rules and principles: For thee I have given alms, visited prisons, To Gentlemen and passengers lent coin, That if they ever had ability They might repay ’t to Spencer: yet for this, All this, and more, I cannot have so much As this poor table.

Goodlack:I should question truth, if I should wrong this creature.

Bess Bridges:I am resolved. See sir, this Picture I restore you back, Which since it was his will you should take hence, I will not wrong the dead.

Goodlack:God be w’ you.

Bess Bridges:One word more. Spencer you say was so unkind in death:

Goodlack:I tell you true.

Bess Bridges:I do entreat you even for goodness’ sake Since you were one that he entirely loved, If you some few days hence hear me expired, You will ’mongst other good men, and poor people That haply may miss Bess, grace me so much As follow me to th’ grave. This if you promise, You shall not be the least of all my friends Remembered in my will. Now fare you well.

Goodlack:Had I a heart of flint or adamant It would relent at this. My Mistress Bess, I have better tidings for you.

Bess Bridges:You will restore my Picture? will you?

Goodlack:Yes, and more than that, This Ring from my friend’s finger sent to you, With infinite commends.

Bess Bridges:You change my blood.

Goodlack:These writings are the evidence of Lands Five hundred pound a year’s bequeathed to you, Of which I here possess you: all is yours.

Bess Bridges:This surplusage of love, hath made my loss That was but great before: now infinite. It may be compassed: there’s in this my purpose No impossibility.

Goodlack:What study you?

Bess Bridges:Four thousand pound besides this Legacy, In Jewels, gold, and silver I can make, And every man discharged. I am resolved To be a pattern to all Maids hereafter Of constancy in love.

Goodlack:Sweet Mistress Bess, will you command my service, If to succeed your Spencer in his Love, I would expose me wholly to your wishes.

Bess Bridges:Alas my love sleeps with him in his grave, And cannot thence be wakened: yet for his sake I will impart a secret to your trust, Which, saving you, no mortal should partake.

Goodlack:Both for his love and yours, command my service

Bess Bridges:There’s a prize Brought into Falmouth Road, a good tight Vessel, The Bottom will but cost eight hundred pound, You shall have money: buy it.

Goodlack:To what end?

Bess Bridges:That you shall know hereafter. Furnish her With all provision needful: spare no cost: And join with you a ging of lusty lads, Such as will bravely man her: all the charge I will commit to you: and when she’s fitted, Captain she is thine own.

Goodlack:I sound it not.

Bess Bridges:Spare me the rest. This voyage I intend, Though some may blame, all Lovers will commend.

Exeunt.

Act 4

Actus quartus. Scaena prima.

After an Alarum, Enter a Spanish Captain, with Sailors, bringing in a Merchant, Spencer, and the Surgeon prisoners.

Spaniard:FOr Fayal’s loss, and spoil by th’ English done, We are in part revenged. There’s not a Vessel That bears upon her top Saint George’s Cross, But for that act shall suffer.

Merchant:Insult not Spaniard, Nor be too proud, that thou by odds of Ships, Provision, men, and powder mad’st us yield. Had you come one to one, or made assault With reasonable advantage; we by this Had made the carcase of your ship your graves, Low sunk to the Sea’s bottom.

Spaniard:Englishman, thy ship shall yield us pillage, These prisoners we will keep in strongest Hold, To pay no other ransom than their lives

Spencer:Degenerate Spaniard, there’s no noblesse in thee To threaten men unarmed and miserable, Thou mightst as well tread o’er a field of slaughter, And kill them o’er, that are already slain, And brag thy manhood.

Spaniard:Sirrah, what are you?

Spencer:Thy equal as I am a prisoner, But once to stay a better man than thou, A Gentleman in my Country.

Spaniard:Wert thou not so, we have strappado, bolts, And engines to the Main-mast fastened, Can make you gentle.

Spencer:Spaniard do thy worst, thou canst not act More tortures than my courage is able to endure.

Spaniard:These Englishmen Nothing can daunt them: Even in misery They’ll not regard their masters.

Spencer:Masters! Insulting bragging Thrasoes.

Spaniard:His sauciness we’ll punish ’bove the rest. About their censures we will next devise, [Flourish] And now towards Spain with our brave English prize.

Exeunt.

Enter Bess, Mayor, Alderman, Clem. A table set out, and stools.

Bess Bridges:A Table and some stools.

Clem:I shall give you occasion to ease your tails presently.

Bess Bridges:Will ’t please you sit?

Mayor:With all our hearts, and thank you.

Bess Bridges:Fetch me that parchment in my Closet window.

Clem:The three sheepskins with the wrong side outward

Bess Bridges:That with the seal.

Clem:I hope it is my Indenture, and now she means to give me my time.

Alderman:And now you are alone, fair Mistress Elizabeth I think it good to taste you with a motion. That no way can displease you.

Bess Bridges:Pray speak on.

Alderman:’T hath pleased here Master Mayor so far to look Into your fair demeanor that he thinks you A fit match for his Son.

Enter Clem with the parchment.

Clem:Here’s the parchment, but if it be the lease of your house, I can assure you ’tis out.

Bess Bridges:The years are not expired.

Clem:No, but it is out of your Closet.

Bess Bridges:About your business.

Clem:Here’s even Susanna betwixt the two wicked elders.

Alderman:What think you Mistress Elzabeth?

Bess Bridges:Sir I thank you. And how much I esteem this goodness from you The trust I shall commit unto your charge Will truly witness. Marry, gentle Sir! ’Las I have sadder business now in hand, Than sprightly marriage, witness these my tears. Pray read there.

Mayor:The last Will and Testament of Elzabeth Bridges to be committed to the trust of the Mayor and Aldermen of Foy, and their Successors forever. To set up young beginners in their trade, a thousand pound To relieve such as have had loss by Sea, 500 pound. To every Maid that’s married out of Foy, Whose name’s Elzabeth ten pound. To relieve maimed Soldiers, by the year ten pound. To Captain Goodlack, if he shall perform The business he’s employed in, five hundred pound. The Legacies for Spencer thus to stand, To number all the poorest of his kin, And to bestow on them. Item to —

Bess Bridges:Enough: you see sir I am now too poor To bring a dowry with me fit for your son.

Mayor:You want a precedent, you so abound In charity and goodness.

Bess Bridges:All my servants I leave at your discretions to dispose Not one but I have left some legacy. What shall become of me, or what I purpose Spare further to inquire.

Mayor:We’ll take our leaves. And prove to you faithful Executors. In this bequest.

Alderman:Let never such despair, As dying rich, shall make the poor their heir.

Exit.

Bess Bridges:Why what is all the wealth the world contains. Without my Spencer?

Enter Roughman and Forset.

Master Roughman:where’s my sweet Bess? Shall I become a welcome suitor now? That I have changed my Copy?

Bess Bridges:I joy to hear it. I’ll find employment for you.

Enter Goodlack, Sailors, and Clem

Goodlack:A gallant ship, and wondrous proudly trimmed, Well calked, well tackled, every way prepared.

Bess Bridges:Here then our mourning for a season end.

Master Roughman:Bess, shall I strike that Captain? say the word, I’ll have him by the ears.

Bess Bridges:Not for the world.

Goodlack:What saith that fellow?

Bess Bridges:He desires your love, good, Captain let him ha’ it.

Goodlack:Then change a hand.

Bess Bridges:Resolve me all. I am bound upon a voyage, Will you in this adventure take such part, As I myself shall do?

Master Roughman:With my fair Bess, to the world’s end.

Bess Bridges:Then Captain and Lieutenant both, join hands, Such are your places now.

Goodlack:We two are friends.

Bess Bridges:I next must swear you two, with all your ging True to some articles you must observe, Reserving to myself a prime command, Whilst I enjoin nothing unreasonable.

Goodlack:All this is granted.

Bess Bridges:Then first, you said your ship was trim and gay, I’ll have her pitched all o’er, no spot of white, No color to be seen, no Sail but black, No Flag but sable.

Goodlack:’Twill be ominous, and bode disaster fortune.

Bess Bridges:I’ll ha’ it so.

Goodlack:Why then she shall be pitched black as the devil,

Bess Bridges:She shall be called The Negro, when you know My conceit, Captain, you will thank for ’t.

Master Roughman:But whither are we bound?

Bess Bridges:Pardon me that. When we are out at sea I’ll tell you all. For mine own wearing I have rich apparel, For man or woman as occasion serves.

Clem:But Mistress, if you be going to sea, what shall become of me aland.

Bess Bridges:I’ll give thee thy full time.

Clem:And shall I take time, when time is, and let my Mistress slip away. No, it shall be seen that my teeth are as strong to grind biscuit as the best sailor of them all, and my stomach as able to digest powdered beef and Poor-john. Shall I stay here to score a pudding in the Half-moon, and see my Mistress at the Main yard with her sails up, and spread. No it shall be seen that I who have been brought up to draw wine, will see what water the ship draws, or I’ll bewray the Voyage.

Bess Bridges:If thou hast so much courage, the Captain shall accept thee.

Clem:If I have so much courage? When did you see a black beard with a white liver, or a little fellow without a tall stomach. I doubt not but to prove an honor to all the Drawers in Cornwall.

Goodlack:What now reimains?

Master Forset:To make myself associate in this bold enterprise.

Goodlack:Most gladly sir. And now our number’s full, what’s to be done.

Bess Bridges:First, at my charge I’ll feast the town of Foy, Then set the Cellars ope, that these my Mates May quaff unto the health of our boon voyage, Our needful things being once conveyed aboard, Then casting up our caps in sign of joy. Our purpose is to bid farewell to Foy.

Hautboys long.

Enter Mullisheg Bashaw Alcade, and Joffer: with other Attendants.

Mullisheg:Out of these bloody and intestine broils We have at length attained a fort’nate peace, And now at last established in the Throne Of our great Ancestors, and reign King Of Fez and great Morocco.

Alcade:Mighty Mullisheg, Pride of our age, and glory of the Moors, By whose victorious hand all Barbary Is conquered, awed, and swayed: behold thy vassals With loud applauses greet thy victory.

shout. flourish.

Mullisheg:Upon the slaughtered bodies of our foes, We mount our high Tribunal, and being sole Without competitor, we now have leisure To ’stablish laws first for our Kingdom’s safety, The enriching of our public Treasury, And last our state and pleasure: then give order That all such Christian Merchants as have traffic And freedom in our Country, that conceal The least part of our Custom due to us, Shall forfeit ship and goods.

Joffer:There are appointed Unto that purpose careful officers.

Mullisheg:Those forfeitures must help to furnish up Th’ exhausted treasure that our wars consumed, Part of such profits as accrue that way We have already tasted.

Alcade:’Tis most fit, Those Christians that reap profit by our Land Should contribute unto so great a loss.

Mullisheg:Alcade, They shall. But what’s the style of King, Without his pleasure? Find us concubines, The fairest Christian Damsels you can hire, Or buy for gold: the loveliest of the Moors We can command, and Negroes everywhere Italians, French, and Dutch, choice Turkish Girls Must fill our Alkedavy, the great Palace, Where Mullisheg now deigns to keep his Court.

Joffer:Who else are worthy to be Libertines, But such as bear the Sword?

Mullisheg:Joffer, Thou pleasest us. If Kings on earth be termed Demigods. Why should we not make here terrestrial heaven? We can, we will, our God shall be our pleasure, For so our Meccan Prophet warrants us. And now the music of the Drums surcease, We’ll learn to dance to the soft tunes of peace.

Hautboys.

Enter Bess like a Sea-captain, Goodlack, Roughman, Forset, and Clem.

Bess Bridges:Good morrow Captain. Oh this last Sea-fight Was gallantly performed. It did me good To see the Spanish Carvel veil her top Unto my Maiden Flag. Where ride we now?

Goodlack:Among the Islands.

Bess Bridges:What coast is this we now descry from far.

Goodlack:Yon Fort’s called Fayal.

Bess Bridges:Is that the place where Spencer’s body lies?

Goodlack:Yes, in yon Church he’s buried.

Bess Bridges:Then know, to this place was my voyage bound To fetch the body of my Spencer thence. In his own Country to erect a tomb And lasting monument, where when I die In the same bed of earth my bones may lie Then all that love me arm and make for shore, Yours be the spoil, he mine, I crave no more.

Master Roughman:May that man die derided and accurst That will not follow where a woman leads.

Goodlack:Roughman, you are too rash, and counsel ill, Have not the Spaniards fortified the town? In all our Ging we are but sixty five.

Master Roughman:Come, I’ll make one.

Goodlack:Attend me good Lieutenant. And sweet Bess, listen what I have devised, With ten tall Fellows I have manned our Boat, To see what straggling Spaniards they can take. And see where Forset is returned with prisoners.

Enter Forset with two Spaniards.

Master Forset:These Spaniards we by break of day surprised, As they were ready to take boat for Fishing.

Goodlack:Spaniards, upon your lives resolve us truly How strong’s the Town and Fort.

Spaniard:Since English Raleigh won and spoiled it first, The Town’s re-edified and Fort new built, And four Field-pieces in the Block-house lie To keep the Harbor’s mouth.

Goodlack:And what’s one ship to these

Bess Bridges:Was there not in the time of their abode A Gentleman called Spencer buried there Within the Church, whom some report was slain, Or perished by a wound?

Spaniard:Indeed there was, And o’er him raised a goodly monument, But when the English Navy were sailed thence, And that the Spaniards did possess the Town. Because they held him for an Heretic, They straight removed his body from the Church.

Bess Bridges:And would the tyrants be so uncharitable To wrong the dead? where did they then bestow him?

Spaniard:They buried him i’ th’ fields.

Bess Bridges:Oh still more cruel.

Spaniard:The man that ought the field, doubtful his corn Would never prosper whilst an heretic’s body Lay there, he made petition to the Church To ha’ it digged up and burnt, and so it was.

Bess Bridges:What’s he that loves me would persuade me live. Not rather leap o’er hatches into th’ Sea: Yet ere I die I hope to be revenged Upon some Spaniards for my Spencer’s wrong.

Master Roughman:Let’s first begin with these.

Bess Bridges:’Las these poor slaves! besides their pardoned lives One give them money. And Spaniards where you come, Pray for Bess Bridges, and speak well o’ th’ English.

Spaniard:We shall.

Bess Bridges:Our mourning we will turn into revenge, And since the Church hath censured so my Spencer, Bestow upon the Church some few cast Pieces, Command the Gunner do ’t.

Goodlack:And if he can to batter it to the earth.

A Piece.

Enter Clem falling for haste.

Clem:A Sail, a Sail.

Bess Bridges:From whence?

Clem:A pox upon yon Gunner, could he not give warning before he had shot?

Master Roughman:Why I prithee?

Clem:Why? I was sent to the topmast to watch, and there I fell fast asleep. Bounce quoth the guns, down tumbles Clem, and if by chance my feet had not hung in the tackles, you must have sent to England for a bonesetter, for my neck had been in a pitiful taking,

Master Roughman:Thou toldst us of a Sail.

Enter Sailor above.

Sailor:Arm Gentlemen, a gallant ship of war Makes with her full sails this way: who it seems Hath took a Bark of England.

Bess Bridges:Which we’ll rescue. Or perish in th’adventure. You have sworn That howsoe’er we conquer or miscarry Not to reveal my sex.

Sailor, Goodlack, Clem, Master Roughman, Master Forset:We have.

Bess Bridges:Then for your Country’s honor, my revenge, For your own fame, and hope of golden spoil, Stand bravely to ’t. The manage of the fight We leave to you.

Goodlack:Then now up with your fights, and let your ensigns Blest with Saint George’s Cross, play with the winds. Fair Bess, keep you your cabin.

Bess Bridges:Captain you wrong me, I will face the fight, And where the bullets sing loudest ’bout mine ears, There shall you find me cheering up my men.

Master Roughman:This wench would of a coward make an Hercules.

Bess Bridges:Trumpets a charge, and with your whistles shrill Sound boatswains an alarum to your mates. With music cheer up their astonished souls, The whilst the thundering Ordnance bear the Base.

Goodlack:To fight against the Spaniards we desire Alarm Trumpets.

Alarm.

Master Roughman:Gunners straight give fire.

Shot.

Enter Goodlack hurt. Bess, Roughman, Forset, Clem

Goodlack:I am shot and can no longer man the Deck, Yet let not my wound daunt your courage mates.

Bess Bridges:For every drop of blood that thou hast shed, I’ll have a Spaniard’s life. Advance your Targets, And now cry all, Board, board, amain for England.

Alarm.

Enter with victory Bess, Roughman, Forset, Clem etc. The Spaniards Prisoners.

Bess Bridges:How is it with the Captain?

Master Roughman:Nothing dangerous, But being shot i’ th’ thigh he keeps his Cabin And cannot rise to greet your victory.

Bess Bridges:He stood it bravely out whilst he could stand.

Clem:But for these Spaniards, now you Don Diegos, You that made Paul’s to stink.

Master Roughman:Before we further censure them, let’s know What English prisoners they have here aboard.

Spaniard:You may command them all. We that were now Lords over them, Fortune hath made your slaves, Release our prisoners.

Bess Bridges:Had my captain died Not one proud Spaniard had escaped with life, Your ship is forfeit to us, and your goods. So live. Give him his long Boat: him and his Set safe ashore; and pray for English Bess.

Spaniard:I know not whom you mean, but be ’t your Queen Famous Elizabeth, I shall report She and her subjects both are merciful.

Exeunt

Enter Roughman, with the Merchant and Spencer.

Bess Bridges:Whence are you sir? and whither were you bound?

Merchant:I am a London bound for Barbary, But by this Spanish Man-of-war surprised, Pillaged and captived.

Bess Bridges:We much pity you, What loss you have sustained, this Spanish prey Shall make good to you to the utmost farthing

Merchant:Our lives, and all our fortunes whatsoever Are wholly at your service.

Bess Bridges:These Gentlemen have been dejected long, Let me peruse them all, and give them money To drink our health, and pray forget not Sirs, To pray for — Hold, support me, or I faint

Master Roughman:What sudden unexpected ecstasy Disturbs your conquest.

Bess Bridges:Interrupt me not, But give me way for Heaven’s sake.

Spencer:I have seen a face ere now like that young Gentleman , But not remember where.

Bess Bridges:But he was slain, Lay buried in yon Church, and thence removed, Denied all Christian rights, and like an Infidel Confined unto the fields, and thence digged up, His body after death had martyrdom: All these assure me ’tis his shadow dogs me, For some most just revenge thus far to Sea. Is it because the Spaniards ’scaped with life, That were to thee so cruel after death Thou hauntest me thus? Sweet ghost thy rage forbear, I will revenge thee on the next we seize. I am amazed, this sight I’ll not endure. Sleep, sleep, fair ghost, for thy revenge is sure.

Master Roughman:Forset, convey the owner to his cabin.

Spencer:I pray sir what young Gentleman is that?

Master Roughman:He’s both the owner of the ship and goods, That for some reasons hath his name concealed.

Spencer:Methink he looks like Bess, for in his eyes Lives the first love that did my heart surprise.

Master Roughman:Come Gentlemen, first make your losses good Out of this Spanish prize. Let’s then divide Both several ways, and heavens be our guide.

Merchant:We towards Mamorrah.

Master Roughman:We where the Fate’s do please, Till we have tracked a wilderness of Seas.

Flourish.

Enter Chorus.

Chorus:Our Stage so lamely can express a Sea, That we are forced by Chorus to discourse What should have been in action. Now imagine Her passion o’er, and Goodlack well recovered, Who had he not been wounded and seen Spencer, Had sure descried him. Much prize they have ta’en, The French and Dutch she spares, only makes spoil Of the rich Spaniard, and the barbarous Turk. And now her fame grows great in all these seas. Suppose her rich, and forced for want of water To put into Mamorrah in Barbary, Where wearied with the habit of a man, She was discovered by the Moors aboard, Which told it to the amorous King of Fez, That ne’er before had English Lady seen. He sends for her on shore, how he receives her, How she and Spencer meet, must next succeed. Sit patient then, when these are fully told, Some may hap say, Ay, there’s a Girl worth gold.

Exeunt.

Act long.

Act 5

Actus quintus. Scaena prima.

Enter Mullisheg, Alcade, Joffer, and Attendants, etc.

Mullisheg:But was she of such presence?

Alcade:To describe her were to make eloquence dumb

Mullisheg:Well habited?

Alcade:I ne’er beheld a beauty more complete.

Mullisheg:Thou hast inflamed our spirits. In England born?

Alcade:The Captain so reported.

Mullisheg:How her ship?

Alcade:I never saw a braver Vessel sail, And she is called The Negro.

Mullisheg:Ominous Perhaps to our good fate, She in a Negro Hath sailed thus far to bosom with a Moor. But for the motion made to come ashore, How did she relish that?

Alcade:I promised to the Captain large reward To win him to it, and this day he hath promised To bring me her free answer.

Mullisheg:When he comes Give him the entertainment of a Prince. [Enter a Moor.] The news with thee?

Moor:The Captain of The Negro craves admittance Unto your Highness’ presence.

Mullisheg:A Guard attend him, and our noblest Bashaws Conduct him safe where we will parley him.

Flourish.

Enter Goodlack, and Roughman.

Goodlack:Long live the high and mighty King of Fez.

Mullisheg:If thou bringst her then dost thou bring me life. Say, will she come?

Goodlack:She will my Lord, but yet conditionally She may be free from violence.

Mullisheg:Now by the mighty Prophet we adore, She shall live Lady of her free desires, ’Tis love, not force, must quench our amorous fires.

Master Roughman:We will conduct her to your presence straight.

Mullisheg:We will have banquets, revels and what not To entertain this stranger. [Hautboys.] [Enter Bess Bridges veiled, Goodlack, Roughman, Forset, and Moors.] A goodly presence! why’s that beauty veiled?

Bess Bridges:Long live the King of Fez.

Mullisheg:I am amazed, This is no mortal creature I behold, But some bright Angel that is dropped from heaven, Sent by our prophet. Captain, let me thus Embrace thee in my arms. Load him with gold For this great favor.

Bess Bridges:Captain, touch it not. Know King of Fez my followers want no gold, I only came to see thee for my pleasure, And show thee, what these say thou never saw’st, A woman born in England.

Mullisheg:That English earth may well be termed a heaven, That breeds such divine beauties. Make me sure That thou art mortal, by one friendly touch.

Bess Bridges:Keep off: for till thou swearest to my demands I will have no commerce with Mullisheg, But leave thee as I came.

Mullisheg:Were ’t half my Kingdom, That, beauteous English Virgin, thou shalt have.

Bess Bridges:Captain read.

Goodlack:First, liberty for her and hers to leave the Land at her pleasure. Next, safe conduct to and from her ship at her own discretion. Thirdly, to be free from all violence, either by the King or any of his people. Fourthly, to allow her mariners fresh victuals aboard. Fifthly, to offer no further violence to her person, than what he seeks by kingly usage, and free entreaty.

Mullisheg:To these I vow and seal.

Bess Bridges:These being assured Your courtship’s free, and henceforth we secured.

Mullisheg:Say Gentlemen of England, what’s your fashion And garb of entertainment?

Goodlack:Our first greeting Begins still on the lips.

Mullisheg:Fair creature, shall I be immortalized With that high favor?

Bess Bridges:’Tis no immodest thing You ask, nor shame, for Bess to kiss a King.

Mullisheg:This kiss hath all my vitals ecstasied.

Master Roughman:Captain this king is mightily in love. Well let her Do as she list, I’ll make use of his bounty.

Goodlack:We should be mad men else.

Mullisheg:Grace me so much as take your seat by me.

Bess Bridges:I’ll be so far commanded.

Mullisheg:Sweet, your age?

Bess Bridges:Not fully yet seventeen.

Mullisheg:But how your birth? how came you to this wealth, To have such Gentlemen at your command? And what your cause of travel?

Bess Bridges:Mighty Prince, If you desire to see me beat my breast, Pour forth a river of increasing tears, Than you may urge me to that sad discourse.

Mullisheg:Not for Mamorrah’s wealth, nor all the gold Coined in rich Barbary. Nay sweet arise, And ask of me be it half this kingdom’s treasure, And thou art Lady on ’t.

Bess Bridges:If I shall ask, ’t must be, you will not give. Our country breeds no beggars, for our hearts Are of more noble temper.

Mullisheg:Sweet, your name?

Bess Bridges:Elizabeth.

Mullisheg:There’s virtue in that name. The Virgin Queen so famous through the world, The mighty Empress of the maiden-Isle, Whose predecessors have o’errun great France, Whose powerful hand doth still support the Dutch, And keeps the potent King of Spain in awe, Is not she titled so?

Bess Bridges:She is.

Mullisheg:Hath she herself a face so fair as yours When she appears for wonder.

Bess Bridges:Mighty Fez, You cast a blush upon my maiden cheek, To pattern me with her. Why England’s Queen She is the only Phoenix of her age, The pride and glory of the Western Isles: Had I a thousand tongues they all would tire And fail me in her true description.

Mullisheg:Grant me this, Tomorrow we supply our Judgement-seat, And sentence causes, sit with us in state, And let your presence beautify our Throne.

Bess Bridges:In that I am your servant.

Mullisheg:And we thine. Set on in state, attendants, and full train: But find to ask, we vow thou shalt obtain.

Enter Clem, manet Goodlack.

Clem:It is not now as when Andrea lived, Or rather Andrew our elder Journeyman: what, Drawers become Courtiers? Now may I speak with the old ghost in Jeronimo; When this eternal substance of my soul Did live imprisoned in this wanton flesh, I was a Courtier in the Court of Fez.

Goodlack:Oh well done Clem. It is your Mistress’ pleasure None come ashore that’s not well habited.

Clem:Nay for mine own part, I hold myself as good a Christian in these clothes, as the proudest Infidel of them all.

Enter Alcade and Joffer

Alcade:Sir, by your leave, y’ are of the English train?

Clem:I am so thou great Monarch of the Mauritanians.

Joffer:Then ’tis the King’s command we give you all attendance

Clem:Great Signior of the Sarazens I thank thee.

Alcade:Will you walk in to banquet?

Clem:I will make bold to march in towards your banquet, and there comfit myself, and cast all caraways down my throat, the best way I have to conserve myself in health: and for your country’s sake which is called Barbery, I will love all Barbers and Barberies the better: And for you Moors, thus much I mean to say, I’ll see if More I eat the More I may.

Enter two Merchants.

1 Merchant:I pray sir are you of the English train?

Clem:Why what art thou my friend?

1 Merchant:Sir, a French merchant run into relapse, And forfeit of the Law: here’s for you sir Forty good Barbery pieces to deliver Your Lady this petition, who I hear Can all things with the King.

Clem:Your gold doth bind me to you: you may see what it is to be a sudden Courtier. I no sooner put my nose into the Court, but my hand itches for a bribe already. What’s your business my friend?

2 Merchant:Some me of my men for a little outrage done Are sentenced to the Galleys.

Clem:To the Gallows?

2 Merchant:No, to the Galleys: now could your Lady purchase Their pardon from the King, here’s twenty angels?

Clem:What are you sir?

2 Merchant:A Florentine Merchant.

Clem:Then you are, as they say, a Christian?

2 Merchant:Heaven forbid else.

Clem:I should not have the faith to take your gold else. Attend on me, I’ll speak in your behalf. Where be my Bashaws? usher us in state, Flourish. And when we sit to banquet see you wait.

Exit.

Enter Spencer solus.

Spencer:This day the king ascends his royal throne, The honest Merchant in whose ship I came, Hath by a cunning quiddit in the Law Both ship and goods made forfeit to the king, To whom I will petition. But no more, He’s now upon his entrance.

Hautboys.

Enter the King, Bess, Goodlack, Roughman, Alcade, Joffer, with all the other Train.

Mullisheg:Here seat thee Maid of England like a Queen, The style we’ll give thee, wilt thou deign us love.

Bess Bridges:Bless me you holy Angels.

Mullisheg:What is ’t offends you Sweet?

Spencer:I am amazed, and know not what to think on ’t.

Bess Bridges:Captain, dost not see? Is not that Spencer’s ghost?

Goodlack:I see, and like you I am ecstasied.

Spencer:If mine eyes mistake not, That should be Captain Goodlack, and that Bess. But o, I cannot be so happy.

Goodlack:’Tis he, and I’ll salute him.

Bess Bridges:Captain stay, You shall be swayed by me.

Spencer:Him I well know, but how should she come hither

Mullisheg:What is ’t that troubles you?

Bess Bridges:Most mighty king, Spare me no longer time, but to bestow My Captain on a message.

Mullisheg:Thou shalt command my silence, and his ear.

Bess Bridges:Go wind about, and when you see least eyes Are fixed on you, single him out and see If we mistake not. If he be the man, Give me some private note.

Goodlack:This.

Bess Bridges:Enough. What said you highness?

Mullisheg:Hark what I proffer thee, Continue here, And grant me full fruition of thy love.

Bess Bridges:Good.

Mullisheg:Thou shalt have all my Peers to honor thee Next our great prophet.

Bess Bridges:Well.

Mullisheg:And when th’ art weary of our Sunburnt clime, Thy Negro shall be ballast home with gold.

Bess Bridges:I am eternized ever. Now all you sad disasters dare your worst, I neither care nor fear: my Spencer lives.

Mullisheg:You mind me not sweet Virgin.

Bess Bridges:You talk of love. My Lord, I’ll tell you more of that hereafter. But now to your State-business: bid him do thus No more, and not be seen till then.

Goodlack:Enough: come sir, you must along with me.

Bess Bridges:Now stood a thousand deaths before my face, I would not change my cheer, since Spencer’s safe.

Enter Clem and the Merchants.

Clem:By your leave my Masters: room for Generosity.

1 Merchant:Pray sir remember me.

2 Merchant:Good sir, my suit.

Clem:I am perfect in both your parts without prompting. Mistress, here are two christen friends of mine have forfeited ships and men to the black a Morrian king. Now one sweet word from your lips might get their release. I have had a feeling of the business already.

Mullisheg:For dealing in commodities forbid Y’ are fined a thousand ducats.

Bess Bridges:Cast off the burden of your heavy doom, A follower of my train petitions for him.

Mullisheg:One of thy train, sweet Bess?

Clem:And no worse man than myself sir.

Mullisheg:Well sirrah, for your Lady’s sake, His ship and goods shall be restored again.

1 Merchant:Long live the King of Fez.

Clem:Mayst thou never want sweet water to wash thy black face in, most mighty Monarch of Morocco. Mistress, another friend, Ay, and paid before hand.

Mullisheg:Sirrah, your men for outrage and contempt Are doomed unto the Galleys.

Bess Bridges:A censure too severe for Christians. Great King, I’ll pay their ransom.

Mullisheg:Thou my Bess? Thy word shall be their ransom, th’ are discharged. What grave old man is that?

Joffer:A Christian Preacher, one that would convert Your Moors, and turn them to a new belief.

Mullisheg:Then he shall die, as we are king of Fez.

Bess Bridges:For these I only spake, for him I kneel, If I have any grace with mighty Fez.

Mullisheg:We can deny thee nothing beauteous maid, A kiss shall be his pardon.

Bess Bridges:Thus I pay ’t.

Clem:Must your black face be smooching my Mistress’s white lips with a moorian. I would you had kissed her a —

Alcade:Ha, how is that sir?

Clem:I know what I say sir, I would he had kissed her a —

Alcade:A what?

Clem:A thousand times to have done him a pleasure.

Enter Spencer and Goodlacke.

Mullisheg:That kiss was worth the ransom of a King. What’s he of that brave presence?

Bess Bridges:A Gentleman of England, and my friend, do him some grace for my sake.

Mullisheg:For thy sake what would not I perform? He shall have grace and honor. Joffer, go And see him gelded to attend on us, He shall be our chief Eunuch.

Bess Bridges:Not for ten worlds. Behold great king I stand Betwixt him and all danger. Have I found thee? Seize what I have, take both my ship and goods, Leave naught that’s mine unrifled: spare me him. And have I found my Spencer!

Clem:Please your Majesty, I see all men are not capable of honor, what he refuseth, may it please you to bestow on me.

Mullisheg:With all my heart. Go bear him hence Alcade, Into our Alkedavy, honor him, And let him taste the razor.

Clem:There’s honor for me.

Alcade:Come follow.

Clem:No sir, I’ll go before you for mine honor.

Exit.

Spencer:Oh show yourself renowned king the same Fame blazons you: bestow this Maid on me, ’Tis such a gift as kingdoms cannot buy: She is a precedent of all true love, And shall be registered to after times, That ne’er shall pattern her.

Goodlack:Heard you the story of their constant love. ’Twould move in you compassion.

Master Roughman:Let not intemperate love sway you ’bove pity, That foreign nation that ne’er heard your name, May chronicle your virtues.

Mullisheg:You have wakened in me an heroic spirit: Lust shall not conquer virtue. Till this hour We graced thee for thy beauty English woman, But now we wonder at thy constancy.

Bess Bridges:Oh were you of our faith, I’d swear great Mullisheg To be a god on earth. And lives my Spencer? In troth I thought thee dead.

Spencer:In hope of thee I lived to gain both life and liberty.

Enter Clem running.

Clem:No more of your honor if you love me. Is this your Moorish preferment to rob a man of his best jewels?

Mullisheg:Hast thou seen our Alkedavy?

Clem:Davy do you call him? he may be called shavee I am sure he hath tickled my current commodity, No more your cutting honor if you love me.

Mullisheg:All your strange fortunes we will hear discoursed And after that your fair espousals grace, If you can find a man of your belief To do that grateful office.

Spencer:None more fit Than this religious and grave Gentleman Late rescued from death’s sentence.

Preacher:None more proud To do you that poor service.

Mullisheg:Noble Englishman, I cannot fasten bounty to my will, Worthy thy merit, move some suit to us.

Spencer:To make you more renowned great king, and us The more indebted, there’s an Englishman Hath forfeited his ship for goods uncustomed.

Mullisheg:Thy suit is granted ere it be half begged, Dispose them at thy pleasure.

Spencer:Mighty king We are your Highness’ servants,

Mullisheg:Come beauteous Maid, we’ll see thee crowned a bride, At all our pompous banquets these shall wait. Thy followers and thy servants press with gold, And not the mean’st that to thy train belongs, But shall approve our bounty. Lead in state, And wheresoever thy fame shall be enrolled, The world report thou art a Girl worth gold.