DRAMATIS PERSONE. Sir ARTHUR CLARINGTON. Old THORNEY, a gentleman. CARTER, a rich yeoman. Old BANKS, a countryman. W. HAMLUC, and several other countrymen. WARBECK, SOMERTON, suitors to CARTER's daughters. FRANK, THORNEY's son. CUDDY BANKS, the clown. Morris-dancers. SAWGUT, an old fiddler. Justice, Constable, Officers, Serving-men, and Maids. Doo, a familiar A Spirit. Mother SAWYER, the WITCH. ANN, RATCLIFFE's wife. KATHERINE, CARTER's daughters. WINNIFREDE, Sir ARTHUR'S maid. SCENE the town and neighbourhood of Edmonton ; in the end of the last act, London. THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. ACT I. SCENE I. The Neighbourhood of Edmonton.-A Room in the House of Sir Arthur Clarington. Enter FRANK THORNEY and WINNIFREDE. Frank. Come, wench; why, here's a business soon despatch'd. Thy heart I know is now at ease; thou need'st not Fear what the tattling gossips in their cups Can speak against thy fame; thy child shall know Whom to call father now. Win. You have discharg'd The true part of an honest man; I cannot Than you have freely granted: yet methinks Frank. Had I fail'd In promise of my truth to thee, we must Is only but to gain a little time For our continuing thrift; that so, hereafter, Two devils that are occasions to enforce How shamefully thou hast undone a maid, Frank. So, sir, I might bring both myself and her to beggary; Your reason would have oversway'd the passion Frank. So you promised me Before, in case I married her. I know Sir Ar. It is but reason. Well, Frank, what think'st thou of two hundred pounds, And a continual friend? Frank. Though my poor fortunes Might happily prefer me to a choice Of a far greater portion; yet to right A wronged maid, and to preserve your favour, Sir Ar. Art thou? Frank. Sir, we shall every day have need to employ The use of what you please to give. Sir Ar. Thou shalt have it. Frank. Then I claim Your promise.-We are man and wife. Sir Ar. Already? Frank. And more than so, sir, I have promis'd her Free entertainment in her uncle's house Near Waltham-Abbey, where she may securely My father's love and liking. Sir Ar. Honest Frank! Frank. I hope, sir, you will think I cannot keep her, Without a daily charge. Sir Ar. As for the money, "T is all thine own; and though I cannot make thee A present payment, yet thou shalt be sure I will not fail thee. Frank. But our occasions Sir Ar. Nay, nay, Talk not of your occasions; trust my bounty, Frank. She is making ready : Her uncle stays for her. Sir Ar. Most provident speed. Frank, I will be thy friend, and such a friend!— Frank. Sir, I cannot; newly My father sent me word I should come to him. Frank. I have a suit to you. Sir Ar. What is it? Any thing, Frank; command it. By letters to assure my father that I am not married. Sir Ar. How? Frank. Some one or other Hath certainly inform'd him, that I purposed Lowly I crave your letters, which he seeing On such conditions as I'll frame, his lands Sir Ar. But what is there to quit A witness to it. Sir Ar. I conceive; and then His land confirm'd, thou wilt acquaint him tho roughly With all that's past. Frank. I mean no less. Sir Ar. Provided I never was made privy to 't. Frank. Alas, sir, Am I a talker? Sir Ar. Draw thyself the letter, I'll put my hand to 't. I commend thy policy, Frank. I shall write effectually. [Exit. Sir Ar. Go thy way, cuckoo!-have I caught the young man? One trouble then is freed. He that will feast Enter WINNIFREDE in a riding-suit. Win, I have heard the news, all now is safe; Farewell, for fashion's sake; but I will visit thee Ha! was 't not, Win? But come, wench, tell me, when Win. What to do? |