Of the rich Tyrian dye: a canopy To cover the brat's cradle; you in state, Like Pompey's Julia. Lady. No more, I pray you. Luke. Of this be sure you shall not. I'll cut off Whatever is exorbitant in you, Or in your daughters; and reduce you to Your natural forms and habits: not in revenge Of your base usage of me; but to fright Others by your example. [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. A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS: A COMEDY. BY PHILIP MASSINGER. Overreach (a cruel extortioner) treats about marrying his daughter with Lord Lovell. LOVELL. OVERREACH. 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? Lov. 'Tis a wholesome air, And well built, and she,* that is mistress of it, Over. She the mistress ? It may be so for a time: but let my 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, Nor the engines that I work by. 'Tis not alone The lady Allworth's lands: but point out any man's In all the shire, and say they lie convenient And useful for your lordship; and once more I say aloud, they are yours. Lov. I dare not own What's by unjust and cruel means extorted: Over. You run, my lord, no hazard : Nor can my actions, though condemn'd for ill, Shall e'er be sullied with one taint or spot As for possessions and annual rents, I do remove that burden from your shoulders, The scourge of prodigals (want) shall never find you. Over. Yes, as rocks are When foamy billows split themselves against When wolves, with hunger pined, howl at her brightness. I am of a solid temper, and, like these, Steer on a constant course: with mine own sword, If call'd into the field, I can make that right, Nay, when my ears are pierc'd with widows' cries. Or the least sting of conscience. Lov. I admire The toughness of your nature. Over. "Tis for you, My lord and for my daughter, I am marble. THE PICTURE: A TRAGI-COMEDY. BY PHILIP MASSINGER. Matthias, a knight of Bohemia, going to the wars; in parting with his wife, shows ner suostantial reasons why he should go. MATTHIAS. SOPHIA. Mat. Since we must part, Sophia, to pass further Is not alone impertinent, but dangerous. We are not distant from the Turkish camp Above five leagues; and who knows but some party May fall upon us? Be now, as thy name Soph. You put me, sir, To the utmost trial of it. Mat. Nay, no melting: Since the necessity, that now separates us, I grant that you in birth were far above me, Join'd by true love, hath made us one and equal : Or to be cried up by the public voice How narrow our demeans are; and what's more, Soph. In you alone, sir, I have all abundance. Mat. For my mind's content, In your own language I could answer you. * Sophia; wisdom. You have been an obedient wife, a right one; We have long enjoy'd the sweets of love, and though We must not live such dotards on our pleasures, As still to hug them to the certain loss Of profit and preferment. Competent means Soph. Have you found in me, sir, For want of what's superfluous? Mat. No, Sophia; Nor shalt thou ever have cause to repent My honest undertakings. 'Tis for thee, That I turn soldier, and put forth, dearest, To trade for rich materials to adorn Thy noble parts, and show 'em in full lustre. And outward form, but, in the harmony While you, to whose sweet innocence both Indies Soph. If I am so rich, Or in your opinion so, why should you borrow Mat. Why? I should be censur'd In a few words know my pleasure, and obey me; |