That flow'd about the room, conceal'd itself. 'To draw in more. The extravagance of the City Madams aping court fushions reprehended. Luke, having come into the possession of his brother Sir John Frugal's estates. Lady, wife to Sir John Frugal, and two daughters, in homely attire. Luke. Save you, sister; I now dare stile you so. You were before Too glorious to be look'd on: now you appear Such things As they were born and bred there. Why should you ape Lady Luke. Fie, no; with judgment. I make good My promise, and now shew you like yourselves, In your own natural shapes. Lady. We acknowledge We have deserv'd ill from you,' 105 yet despair not, Though we're at your disposure, you'll maintain us Like your brother's wife and daughters. Luke. 'Tis my purpose. Lady. And not make us ridiculous. Luke. Admir'd rather, As fair examples for our proud city dames Your father was An honest country farmer, Goodman Humble, By his neighbours ne'er call'd master. Did your pride A velvet hood, rich borders, and sometimes A dainty miniver cap, a silver pin Headed with a pearl worth threepence; and thus far It being for the city's honour that There should be distinction between The wife of a patrician and a plebeian. But when the height And dignity of London's blessings grew Contemptible, and the name lady mayoress Became a by-word, and you scorn'd the means By which you were rais'd (my brother's fond indulgence 105 In his dependant state they had treated him very cruelly. They are now dependant on him. Giving the reins to't) and no object pleas'd you To buz into your ears, what shape this countess The young lord's eyes upon her: and this usher Succeeded in the eldest 'prentice's place, To walk before you. Then, as I said, (The reverend hood cast off) your borrow'd hair, And roses worth a family. You were serv'd Stirr'd not a foot without a coach; and going Your pomp, you were tickled when the beggars cried An absolute princess (since they have no more) To cover the brat's cradle; you in state, Lady. No more, I pray you. Luke. Luke. Of this be sure you shall not. I'll cut off Or in your daughters; and reduce you to A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. A COMEDY. BY PHILIP MASSINGER. Over-reach, (a cruel extortioner) treats about marrying his daughter with Lord Lovell. Over. To my wish we are private. I come not to make offer with my daughter In lands or leases, ready coin or goods, With her, my lord, comes to you; nor shall you have I live too long, since every year I'll add Something unto the heap, which shall be yours too. Over. You shall have reason To think me such. How do you like this seat? 105 This bitter satire against the city women for aping the fashions of the court ladies must have been peculiarly gratifying to the females of the Herbert family and the rest of Massinger's noble patrons and patronesses. Το To entertain your friends in a summer's progress? Lov. 'Tis a wholesome air, And well built, and she, that is mistress of it, It Over. She the mistress? my be may so for a time: but let lord Say only that he but like it, and would have it; I say, ere long 'tis his. Lov. Impossible. Over. You do conclude too fast; not knowing me, Lov. I dare not own What's by unjust and cruel means extorted: Over. You run, my lord, no hazard : In all good men's opinions as now: Nor can my actions, though condemn'd for ill, Nor your unquestioned integrity, your fame, Shall e'er be sullied with one taint or spot A young lord Lovell, born by her unto you, 106 The Lady Allworth. I write |