The knave has wrought the prodigal to do

Some outrage on himself, and now he feels
Compunction in his conscience for't: no matter, 80
So it be done. Marrall !

Mar. Sir.

Over. How succeed we

In our plot on Wellborn?

Mar. Never better, sir.

Over. Has he hanged or drowned himself?
Mar. No, sir, he lives ;

Lives once more to be made a prey to you,
A greater prey than ever.

Over. Art thou in thy wits?

If thou art, reveal this miracle, and briefly. Mar. A lady, sir, is fallen in love with him. Over. With him? what lady?

Mar. The rich Lady Allworth.

Over. Thou dolt! how dar'st thou speak this?
Mar. I speak truth.

And I do so but once a year, unless

It be to you, sir: we dined with her ladyship,
I thank his worship.

Over. His worship!
Mar. As I live, sir,

I dined with him, at the great lady's table,

90

100

Simple as I stand here; and saw when she kissed

him,

And would, at his request, have kissed me too :

But I was not so audacious as some youths are,

That dare do anything, be it ne'er so absurd,
And sad after performance.

Over. Why, thou rascal!

To tell me these impossibilities.

Dine at her table! and kiss him! or thee !

Impudent varlet, have not I myself,

11Ο

To whom great countesses' doors have oft flew open,
Ten times attempted, since her husband's death,
In vain, to see her, though I came a suitor?
And yet your good solicitorship, and rogue Well-
born,

Were brought into her presence, feasted with

her!

But that I know thee a dog that cannot blush,
This most incredible lie would call up one
On thy buttermilk cheeks.

Mar. Shall I not trust my eyes, sir,

Or taste? I feel her good cheer in my belly. Over. You shall feel me, if you give not over, sirrah : Recover your brains again, and be no more gulled With a beggar's plot, assisted by the aids

120

Of serving-men and chambermaids, for beyond these
Thou never saw'st a woman, or I'll quit you

From my employments.

Mar. Will you credit this yet?

On my confidence of their marriage, I offered Wellborn

I would give a crown now I durst say his worship

My nag and twenty pounds.

Over. Did you so, idiot!

[Aside. 130

[Strikes him down.

Was this the way to work him to despair,

Or rather to cross me?

Mar. Will your worship kill me?

Over. No, no; but drive the lying spirit out of you.

Mar. He's gone.

Over. I have done then : now, forgetting

Your late imaginary feast and lady,

Know, my Lord Lovell dines with me to-morrow.'140

Be careful nought be wanting to receive him ;

And bid my daughter's women trim her up,

Though they paint her, so she catch the lord, I'll

thank them :

There's a piece for my late blows.

Mar. I must yet suffer :

But there may be a time

Over. Do you grumble?

Mar. No, sir.

[Aside.

[Exeunt.

ACT III

SCENE I

The Country near Overreach's House.

Enter Lord Lovell, Allworth, and Servants.

Lov. Walk the horses down the hill: something in

private

I must impart to Allworth.

All. O, my lord,

[Exeunt Servants.

What a sacrifice of reverence, duty, watching,
Although I could put off the use of sleep,
And ever wait on your commands to serve them;
What dangers, though in ne'er so horrid shapes,
Nay death itself, though I should run to meet it,
Can I, and with a thankful willingness suffer!
But still the retribution will fall short
Of your bounties showered upon me.

Lov. Loving youth,

Till what I purpose be put into act,

Do not o'erprize it; since you have trusted me
With your soul's nearest, nay, her dearest secret,

10

Rest confident 'tis in a cabinet locked

Treachery shall never open. I have found you
(For so much to your face I must profess,

20

Howe'er you guard your modesty with a blush for't)
More zealous in your love and service to me
Than I have been in my rewards.

All. Still great ones,

Above my merit.

Lov. Such your gratitude calls them:

Nor am I of that harsh and rugged temper

As some great men are taxed with, who imagine
They part from the respect due to their honours
If they use not all such as follow them,

Without distinction of their births, like slaves
I am not so conditioned: I can make
A fitting difference between my footboy

And a gentleman by want compelled to serve me.
All. 'Tis thankfully acknowledged ; you have been
More like a father to me than a master:

Pray you, pardon the comparison.

Lov. I allow it:

And, to give you assurance I am pleased in't,
My carriage and demeanour to your mistress,
Fair Margaret, shall truly witness for me

I can command my passions.

All. 'Tis a conquest

30

40

Few lords can boast of when they are tempted—Oh ! Lov. Why do you sigh? can you be doubtful of me?