land in West-ham, by Essex: master Ranges, that dwells by Enfield, sent him hither. He likes Kate well; I may tell you, I think she likes him as well: if they agree, I'll not hinder the match for my part. But that Warbeck is such another-I use him kindly for master Somerton's sake; for he came hither first as a companion of his honest men, master Thorney, may fall into knaves' company now and then.

War. Three hundred a year jointure, Sue.
Sus. Where lies it!

By sea or land? I think by sea.

War. Do I look like a captain?

Sus. Not a whit, sir.

Should all that use the seas be reckon'd cap

tains,

There's not a ship should have a scullion in her To keep her clean.

War. Do you scorn me, mistress Susan? Am I a subject to be jeer'd at?

Am I a property for you to use

As stale to your fond wanton loose discourse :7
Pray, sir, be civil.

War. Wilt be angry, wasp?

Car. God-a-mercy, Sue! she'll firk him on my life, if he fumble with her.

As stale to your fond wanton loose discourse:] i. e. as a pretence, a stalking-horse, under cover or which you may vent your licentious language, &c. Be civil, in the next line, means,-assume the manners of decent, cultivated society.

Enter FRANK.

Master Francis Thorney, you are welcome indeed; your father expected your coming. How does the right worshipful knight, Sir Arthur Clarington, your master?

Frank. In health this morning. Sir, my duty. Thor. Now

You come as I could wish.

War. Frank Thorney? ha!

Sus. You must excuse me.

Frank. Virtuous mistress Susan.

[Aside.

Kind mistress Katherine.

[Kisses them.

Gentlemen, to both

Good time o' th' day.

Som. The like to you.

War. 'Tis he:

A word, friend. (Aside to Soм.) On my life, this

is the man

Stands fair in crossing Susan's love to me.

Som. I think no less; be wise and take no notice

on't;

He that can win her, best deserves her.

War. Marry

A serving man? mew!

Som. Prithee, friend, no more.

Car. Gentlemen all, there's within a slight dinner ready, if you please to taste of it., Master Thorney, master Francis, master Somerton!Why, girls! what, huswives! will you spend all

your forenoon in tittle-tattles? away; it's well, i'faith. Will you go in, gentlemen ?

Thor. We'll follow presently; my son and I Have a few words of business.

Car. At your pleasure.

[Exeunt all but THORNEY and FRANK.

Thor. I think you guess the reason, Frank, for which

I sent for you.

Frank. Yes, sir.

Thor. I need not tell you

With what a labyrinth of dangers daily
The best part of my whole estate's encumber'd;
Nor have I any clue to wind it out,

But what occasion proffers me; wherein,

If you should falter, I shall have the shame,
And you the loss. On these two points rely
Our happiness or ruin. If you marry

With wealthy Carter's daughter, there's a portion
Will free my land; all which I will instate,
Upon the marriage, to you: otherwise
I must be of necessity enforced

To make a present sale of all; and yet,
For ought I know, live in as poor distress,

Or worse, than now I do; you hear the sum:
I told you thus before; have you consider'd on't?
Frank. I have, sir; and however I could wish
To enjoy the benefit of single freedom,
For that I find no disposition in me
To undergo the burden of that care

That marriage brings with it; yet to secure

And settle the continuance of

your credit,

I humbly yield to be directed by you

In all commands.

Thor. You have already used

Such thriving protestations to the maid,

That she is wholly your's; and speak the truth,

You love her, do you not?

Frank. Twere pity, sir,

I should deceive her.

Thor. Better you had been unborn.
But is your love so steady that you mean,
Nay more, desire, to make her your wife?
Frank. Else, sir,

It were a wrong not to be righted.

Thor. True,

It were: and you will marry her?
Frank. Heaven prosper it,

I do intend it.

Thor. Oh, thou art a villain!

A devil like a man! Wherein have I
Offended all the powers so much, to be

Father to such a graceless, godless son?

Frank. To me, sir, this! oh, my cleft heart! Thor. To thee,

Son of my curse. Speak truth and blush, thou monster!

Hast thou not married Winnifrede, a maid

Was fellow-servant with thee?

Frank. Some swift spirit

Has blown this news abroad; I must outface

it.

[Aside.

Thor. Do you study for excuse? why all the

country

Is full on't.

Frank. With your license, 'tis not charitable, I'm sure it is not fatherly, so much

To be o'ersway'd with credulous conceit
Of mere impossibilities; but fathers

Are privileged to think and talk at pleasure.

Thor. Why, canst thou yet deny thou hast no wife?

Frank. What do you take me for? an atheist? One that nor hopes the blessedness of life Hereafter, neither fears the vengeance due To such as make the marriage-bed an inn, Which * After a toilsome lodging, leave at pleasure? Am I become so insensible of losing The glory of creation's work, my soul? Oh, I have lived too long!

travellers, day and night,

Thor. Thou hast, dissembler.

Dar'st thou perséver yet, and pull down wrath As hot as flames of hell, to strike thee quick Into the grave of horror? I believe thee not; Get from my sight!

Frank. Sir, though mine innocence

Needs not a stronger witness than the clearness
Of an unperish'd conscience; yet for that
I was inform'd, how mainly you had been