A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Xi Part 20

OMNES. Yes, very well.

KATH. O sister, here's the villain slander'd me.

STRANGE. You see he cannot stand to't.

ABRA. Is he hurt in the arm, too?

STRANGE. Yes.

ABRA. Why, then, by G.o.d's-lid, thou art a base rogue. I knew I should live to tell thee so.

L. NIN. Sir Abraham, I say!

OMNES. Heaven is just.

CAPT. POUTS. What a rogue are you!

Is this the surgeon you would carry me to?

STRANGE. Confess your slander, and I will, I swear.

CAPT. POUTS. Nay, 'tis no matter, I'll cry quittance with you.

Forgive me, Mistress Kate, and know, all people, I lied not with her, but belied her once; And to my recantation that same soldier Enforc'd my hand.

STRANGE. Yes, here 'tis, Mistress Kate.

[_They all look on the paper._

CAPT. POUTS. I see now how I am cheated. Love him well.

He has redeem'd your honour with his sword.

Sir J. Wor. But where is Strange my son? O, were he here, He should be married new to make all sure.

KATH. O my divining spirit, he's gone to sea!

CAPT. POUTS. This cunning in her is exceeding good.

Your son--your husband Strange is murdered.

OMNES. How?

STRANGE. Peace, peace! For heaven's sake, peace!

Come, sir, I'll carry you to a surgeon.

Here's gold to stop thy throat. For G.o.d's sake, peace!

CAPT. POUTS. Sirrah, you have brought me to a surgeon already: I'll be even with you.

KATH. Of all men living I could marry thee, Were not my heart given to another man.

Sir, you did speak of Strange?

CAPT. POUTS. These women are as crafty as the devil.

Yes, I did speak of him: Sir John, my lord, Know Strange is murder'd by that villain's hand, And by his wife's consent.

OMNES. How?

SIR J. WOR. G.o.d forbid!

CAPT. POUTS. Search presently the closet and the vault, There you shall find his body: 'tis too true.

The reason all may guess: her husband, wanting Spirit to do on me what he hath done, In hope to marry her, he hath murder'd him.

KATH. To marry me! No, villain: I do hate him On this report worse than I do thyself; And may the plagues and tortures of a land Seize me if this be not an innocent hand.

SIR J. WOR. 'Fore G.o.d, 'tis most like truth.

Son Scudmore, pray Look to this fellow: gentlemen, a.s.sist.

Torches! some torches! I'll go search myself.

SIR INN. I will a.s.sist you.

C. FRED. But I pray, sir, how came you unto this knowledge?

CAPT. POUTS. From his mouth.

STRANGE. I'll save your labour, and discover all.

Thou perjur'd villain, didst not swear thou wouldst not Discover me?

CAPT. POUTS. I but swore in jest.

STRANGE. Nay, but remember, thou didst wish Strange living, If ever thou didst tell.

CAPT. POUTS. Sir, all is true,[64]

And would my punishment would ease my conscience.

SIR J. WOR. To Newgate with him! hence! take her along.

Out, murderers! wh.o.r.e, thou art no child of mine!

Fetch constable and officers. Away!

STRANGE. Sir, do but hear me speak.

SIR J. WOR. Fetch officers!

CAPT. POUTS. Go fetch a surgeon.

STRANGE. Sir, you are then too violent. I will bail her.

[_Discovers himself._

KATH. O my dear Strange!

SIR J. WOR. My son!

SCUD., LUC., BEL. Brother!