ACT V

SCENE I

A Room in Lady Allworth's House.

Enter Lord Lovell, Lady Allworth, and Amble.

L. All. By this you know how strong the motives were
That did, my lord, induce me to dispense

A little, with my gravity, to advance,
In personating some few favours to him,
The plots and projects of the down-trod Wellborn.
Nor shall I e'er repent, although I suffer

In some few men's opinions for't, the action ;
For he that ventured all for my dear husband
Might justly claim an obligation from me
To pay him such a courtesy; which had I
Coyly or over-curiously denied,

It might have argued me of little love

To the deceased.

Lov. What you intended, madam,

For the poor gentleman hath found good success;
For, as I understand, his debts are paid,

And he once more furnished for fair employment :

IO

But all the arts that I have used to raise

20

The fortunes of your joy and mine, young Allworth,
Stand yet in supposition, though I hope well :
For the young lovers are in wit more pregnant

Than their years can promise; and for their desires,
On my knowledge, they are equal.

L. All. As my wishes

Are with yours, my lord; yet give me leave to
fear

The building, though well grounded: to deceive
Sir Giles, that's both a lion and a fox

In his proceedings, were a work beyond
The strongest undertakers; not the trial
Of two weak innocents.

Lov. Despair not, madam :

30

Hard things are compassed oft by easy means;
And judgment, being a gift derived from Heaven,
Though sometimes lodged in the hearts of worldly

men,

That ne'er consider from whom they receive it,
Forsakes such as abuse the giver of it.

Which is the reason that the politic

And cunning statesman, that believes he fathoms
The counsels of all kingdoms on the earth,

Is by simplicity oft over-reached.

L. All. May he be so! yet, in his name to express it,

Is a good omen.

Lov. May it to myself

40

Prove so, good lady, in my suit to you!
What think you of the motion?

L. All. Troth, my lord,

My own unworthiness may answer for me;
For had you, when that I was in my prime,
My virgin flower uncropped, presented me
With this great favour; looking on my lowness
Not in a glass of self-love, but of truth,

I could not but have thought it, as a blessing
Far, far beyond my merit.

Lou. You are too modest,

And undervalue that which is above
My title, or whatever I call mine.

I grant, were I a Spaniard, to marry

50

A widow might disparage me; but being

A true-born Englishman, I cannot find

60

How it can taint my honour : nay, what's more,

That which you think a blemish is to me

The fairest lustre. You already, madam,

Have given sure proofs how dearly you can cherish
A husband that deserves you; which confirms

me,

That, if I am not wanting in my care

To do you service, you'll be still the same

That you were to your Allworth in a word,
Our years, our states, our births are not unequal,
You being descended nobly, and allied so;
If then you may be won to make me happy,

70

But join your lips to mine, and that shall be

A solemn contract.

L. All. I were blind to my own good,

Should I refuse it ; [Kisses him] yet, my lord, receive

me

As such a one, the study of whose whole life Shall know no other object but to please you. Lov. If I return not, with all tenderness,

Equal respect to you, may I die wretched! L. All. There needs no protestation, my lord, To her that cannot doubt.

Enter Wellborn, handsomely apparelled.

Now you look like yourself.

Well. And will continue

You are welcome, sir. 80

Such in my free acknowledgment, that I am
Your creature, madam, and will never hold

My life mine own, when you please to command it. Lov. It is a thankfulness that well becomes you;

You could not make choice of a better shape

To dress your mind in.

L. All. For me, I am happy

That my endeavours prospered. Saw you of late 90
Sir Giles, your uncle?

Well. I heard of him, madam,

By his minister, Marrall; he's grown into strange passions

About his daughter: this last night he looked for
Your lordship at his house, but missing you,
And she not yet appearing, his wise head

Is much perplexed and troubled.

Lov. It may be,

Sweetheart, my project took.

L. All. I strongly hope.

100

Over. [within.] Ha! find her, booby, thou huge lump

of nothing,

I'll bore thine eyes out else.

Well. May it please your lordship,

For some ends of mine own, but to withdraw

A little out of sight, though not of hearing,

You may, perhaps, have sport.

Lov. You shall direct me.

[Steps aside. 110

Enter Overreach, with distracted looks, driving in Marrall before him, with a box.

Over. I shall sol fa you, rogue !

Mar. Sir, for what cause

Do you use me thus ?

Over. Cause, slave! why, I am angry,

And thou a subject only fit for beating,

And so to cool my choler. Look to the writing;

Let but the seal be broke upon the box

That hast slept in my cabinet these three years,
I'll rack thy soul for't.