Fair Em Part 12

SOLDIER.

Well, sir, we will deal for that.

But here comes one will remedy all this.

[Enter Demarch.]

My Lord, watching this night in the camp, We took this man, and know not what he is: And in his company was a gallant dame, A woman fair in outward shew she seemed, But that her face was masked, we could not see The grace and favour of her countenance.

DEMARCH.

Tell me, good fellow, of whence and what thou art.

SOLDIER.

Why do you not answer my Lord?

He takes scorn to answer.

DEMARCH.

And takest thou scorn to answer my demand?

Thy proud behaviour very well deserves This misdemeanour at the worst be construed.

Why doest thou neither know, nor hast thou heard, That in the absence of the Saxon Duke Demarch is his especial Subst.i.tute To punish those that shall offend the laws?

WILLIAM.

In knowing this, I know thou art a traitor; A rebel, and mutinous conspirator.

Why, Demarch, knowest thou who I am?

DEMARCH.

Pardon, my dread Lord, the error of my sense, And misdemeaner to your princely excellencie.

WILLIAM.

Why, Demarch, What is the cause my subjects are in arms?

DEMARCH.

Free are my thoughts, my dread and gratious Lord, From treason to your state and common weal; Only revengement of a private grudge By Lord Dirot lately profered me, That stands not with the honor of my name, Is cause I have a.s.sembled for my guard Some men in arms that may withstand his force, Whose settled malice aimeth at my life.

WILLIAM.

Where is Lord Dirot?

DEMARCH.

In arms, my gratious Lord, Not past two miles from hence, as credibly I am a.s.sertained.

WILLIAM.

Well; come, let us go.

I fear I shall find traitors of you both.

[Exit.]

ACT IV.

SCENE I.

Chester. Before the Citizen's House.

[Enter the Citizen of Chester, and his daughter Elner, and Manville.]

CITIZEN.

In deed, sir, it would do very well if you could intreat your father to come hither: but if you think it be too far, I care not much to take horse and ride to Manchester. I am sure my daughter is content with either. How sayest thou, Elner, art thou not?

ELNER.

As you shall think best I must be contented.

MANVILLE.

Well, Elner, farewell. Only thus much, I pray: make all things in a readiness, either to serve here, or to carry thither with us.

CITIZEN.

As for that, sir, take you no care; and so I betake you to your journey.

[Exit Manville.]

[Enter Valingford.]

But soft, what gentleman is this?

VALINGFORD.

G.o.d speed, sir. Might a man crave a word or two with you?

CITIZEN.

G.o.d forbid else, sir; I pray you speak your pleasure.

VALINGFORD.

The gentleman that parted from you, was he not of Manchester, his father living there of good account?

CITIZEN.

Yes, marry is he, sir. Why do you ask? Belike you have had some acquaintance with him.

VALINGFORD.

I have been acquainted in times past, but, through his double dealing, I am growen weary of his company. For, be it spoken to you, he hath been acquainted with a poor millers daughter, and diverse times hath promist her marriage. But what with his delays and flouts he hath brought her into such a taking that I fear me it will cost her her life.

CITIZEN.

To be plain with you, sir, his father and I have been of old acquaintance, and a motion was made between my daughter and his son, which is now throughly agreed upon, save only the place appointed for the marriage, whether it shall be kept here or at Manchester; and for no other occasion he is now ridden.

ELNER.

What hath he done to you, that you should speak so ill of the man?

VALINGFORD.

Oh, gentlewoman, I cry you mercy: he is your husband that shall be.

ELNER.