OVERREACH

Remember me to your Lady. Who have we here? I did once, but now I will not, Thou art no blood of mine. Avant thou beggar, If ever thou presume to own me more; I'll have thee caged, and whipped. 'Twas for these good ends I made him a Justice. He that bribes his belly, Is certain to command his soul. Thou art a fool; In being out of Office I am out of danger Where if I were a Justice, beside the trouble, I might, or out of wilfulness, or error, Run my self finely into a Praemunire, And so become a prey to the Informer. No, I'll have non of't; it's enough I keep Greedy at my devotion: so he serve My purposes, let him hang, or damn, I care not. Friendship is but a word. I would be worldly wise, for the other wisdom That does prescribe us a well-governed life, And to do right to others, as our selves, I valve not and Atom. I have thought on't, Marrall, And it shall take. I must have all men sellers, And I the only Purchaser. I'll therefore buy some Cottage near his, Manor, Which done, I'll make my men break open his fences; Ride over his standing corn, and in the night Set fire on his barns; or break his cattles legs. These Trespasses draw on Suits, and Suits expenses, Which I can spare, but will soon beggar Him. When I have harried him thus two, or three year, Though he sue in forma pauperis, in spite Of all his thrift, and care he'll grow behindhand. Then with the favour of my man of Law, I will pretend some title: Want will force him To put it to arbitrement: then if he fell For half the valve, he shall have ready money, And I possess his land. Well thought on. This varlet Marrall lives too long, to upbraid me With my close cheat put upon him. Will nor cold, Nor hunger kill him? That was something, Marrall, but thou must go further, And suddenly Marrall. I would have thee seek him out, and if thou canst Persuade him that it's better steal, than beg. Then if I prove he has but robbed a Henroost, Not all the world shall save him from the gallows. Do any thing to work him to despair, And it's thy Masterpeece. I am now on my main work with the Lord Lovel, The gallant minded, popular Lord Lovel; The minion of the peoples love. I hear He's come into the Country, and my aims are To infinuate my self into his knowledge, And then invite him to my house. She must partly with That humble title, and write honourable, Right honourable Marrall, my right honourable daughter; If all I have, or ever shall get will do it. I will have her well attended, there are Ladies Of errant Knights decayed, and brought so low, That for cast clothes, and meat, will gladly serve her. And it's my glory, though I come from the City, To have their issue, whom I have undone, To kneel to mine, as bondslaves. And therefore, I'll not have a Chambermaid That ties her shoes, orany meaner office, But such whose Father's were Right worshipful. It's a rich Men pride, there having ever been More than a Fewde, a strange Antipathy Between us, and true Gentry. Hence monster; Prodigy. Avoid my sighed, thy breath's infectious, Rogue. I shun thee as a Leprosy, or the Plague. Come hither Marrall, this is the time to work him. Sirrah, take my horse. I'll walk to get me and appetite? it's but a mile, And Exercise will keep me, from being pursy. Would! Marrall! is he conjuring! perhaps The knave has wrought the prodigal to do Some outrage on himself, and now he feels Compunction in his conscience for't: no matter So it be done, Marrall. How succeed we In our plot on Welborne? Has he hanged, or drowned himself? Art thou in thy wits? If thou art reveal this miracle, and briefly. With him? what Lady? Thou Dolt; how darest thou speak this? His Worship! Why thou Rascal, To tell me these impossibilities: Dine, at her table? and kiss him? or thee? Impudent Varlet. Have not I my self To whom great Countesses doors have oft flew open, Ten times attempted, since her husbands death In vain to see her, though I came --- a suitor; And yet your good Solicitor-ship, and rogue ---- Welborne, Were brought into her presence, feasted with her. But that I know thee a Dog, that cannot blush This most incredible lie would call up one On thy buttermilk cheeks. You shall feel me, if you give not over Sirrah, Recover your brains again, and be no more gulled With a beggars plot assisted by the aides Of serving men, and chambermaids; for beyond these Thou never sawest a Woman, or I'll quit you From my employments. Did you so I do? Strikes him down Was this the way to work him to despair Or rather to cross me? No, no; but driven the lying spirit out of you. I have done then: now forgetting, Your late imaginerie feast, and Lady. Know my Lord Lovel dins with me to morrow, Be careful nought, be wanting to receive him, And bid my daughters women trimne her up, Though they paint her, so she catch the Lord, Ple thank they, There's a piece for my late blows. Do you grumble? That proverb fitts your stomach Master Greedy. And let no plate be seen, but what's pure gold, Or such whose workmanship exceeds the matter That it is made of, let my choicest linen Perfume the room, and when we wash the water With precious powders mixed, so please my Lord, That he may with envy wish to both so ever. Avant you Drudge: Now all my laboured ends are at the stake, I'st a time to think of thrift? call in my daughter, And master. Justice, since you love choice dishes, And plenty of they. I do confer that providence, with my power Of absolute command to have abundance, To your best care. I must be so: should the foolish girl prove more dest. Exit Greedy. She may spoil all, she had it not from me, But from her mother, I was ever forward, As she must be, and therefore I'll prepare her. Alone, and let your Women wait without. Margaret. Would, this is a neat dressing! These orient pearls, and diamonds well placed too! The Gown affects me not, it should have been Embroidered over, and over with flowers of gold, But these rich Jewels, and quaint fashion help it. And how below? since oft the wanton eye The face observed, descends unto the foot; Which being well proportioned, as yours is, Invites as much as perfect white, and read, Though without art, how Like you, your new Woman The Lady Downefalne? Is she humble Meg? And careful too; her Ladyship forgotten? Pity her? Trample on her. I took her up in and old tamin gown, (Even starved for want of two penny chops) to serve thee: And if I understand, she but repines To do thee any duty, though never so servile, I'll pack her to her Knight, where I have lodged him, Into the Counter, and there let they howl together. In birth? Why art thou not my daughter? The blessed child of my industry, and wealth? Why foolish girl, wast not to make thee great, That I have ran, and still pursue those ways That hale down curses on me, which I mind not, Partly with these humble thoughts, and apt thy self To the noble state I labour to advance thee, Or by my Hope's to see thee honourable, I will adopt a stranger to my heir, And throw thee from my care, do not provoke me. How interrupted? Would it were whole in thy belly To stuff it out; Cook it any way, prithee leave me Let it be dumpled Which way thou wilt, or tell him I will scall'd him In his own Caldron. But to our business Meg, you have herd who dines here? It's and honourable man, A Lord, Meg, and commands a regiment Of Soldiers, and what's rare is one himself; A bold, and understanding one; and to be A Lord, and a good leader in one volume, Is granted unto few, but such as rise up The Kingdoms glory. Slight, art thou frantic? Make thy self Thirteen, the bakers dozen. Cook, Rogue obey him. I have given the word, pray you now remove your self, To a collar of brawn, and trouble me no farther. And as I said Meg, when this gull disturbed us; This honourable Lord, this Colonel I would have thy husband. I more then hope't, and doubt not to effect it, Be thou no enemy to thy self, my wealth Shall weigh his titles down, and make you equals. Now for the means to assure him thine; observe me; Remember he's a Courtier, and a Soldier And not to be trifled with, and therefore when He comes to woe you, see you, do not coy it. This mincing modesty hath spoiled many a match By a first refusal, in vain after hoped for. Virgin me no Virgins. I must have you loose that name, or you loose me, I will have you private, start not, I say private, If thou art my true daughter, not a bastard Thou wilt venture alone with one man, though he came Like Jupiter to Semele, and come off too. And therefore when he kisses you, kiss close. Learn any thing, And from any creature that may make thee great; From the Devil himself. Or if his blood grow hight, suppose he offer Beyond this, do not you stay Till it cool, But meet his ardor, if a couch be near, Fit down on't, and invite him. Stand not on form, Words are no substances. How? forsake thee? Do I wear a sword for fashion? or is this arm Shrunk up? or withered? does there live a man Of that large list I have encountered with. Can truly say I ever gave inch of ground, Not purchased with his blood, that did oppose me? Forsake thee when the thing is done? he dares not. Give me but proof, he has enjoyed thy person, Though all his Captains, Echo's to his will, Stood armed by his side to justify the wrong, And he himself in the head of his bold troop, Spite of his Lordship, and his Collonelship, Or the Judges favour, I will make him render A bloody and a strict account, and force him By marrying thee, to cure thy wounded honour; I have said it. In; without reply And do as I command, or thou art lost. Exit Marg. Is the loud music I gave order for Ready to receive him? Let'em found A princely welcome, Roughness a while leave me, For fawning now, a stranger to my nature Must make way for me. What you are pleased to style so is and honour Above my worth, and Fortune's. A justice of peace my Lord. Presents Greedy to him. Room for my Lord. May it please my Lord To taste a glass of Greek wine first, and suddenly She shall attend my Lord. It's to my wish; assoon as come ask for her! Why, Meg? Meg Overreach. how! tears in your eyes! Would! drie'em quickly, or I'll digge'em out. Is this a time to whimper? meet that Greatness That flies into thy bosom, think what'tis For me to say, My honourable daughter. And thou, when I stand bore, to say put on, Or father you forget your self, no more, But be instructed, or expect, he comes. A black-browed girl my Lord, That kiss, Came twanging off I Like it, quit the room: The rest off. A little bashful my good Lord, but you I hope will teach her boldness. I am passed learning. And therefore leave you to your selves: remember--- to his daughter. Close at it! whispering! this is excellent! And by their postures, a consent on both parts. The great fiend stop that clapper. I shall powder you. Marry and shall: you Barathrum of the sham Bells'. strikes him. Leave your balling Sir, or I shall commit you; Where you shall not dine to day, disturb my Lord, When he is in discourse? Mum, villain, vanish: shall we break a bar gain Almost made up. Thrust Greedy off. My noble Lord; and how Does your Lordship find her? So do I too. With all my soul, a towardly Gentleman, Your hand good master Alworth, know my house Is ever open to you. Well done, well done, my honourable daughter: Th'art so already: know this gentle youth, And cherish him my honourable daughter. A Coach. And thus attended! Peace Patch, It's more than wonder! and astonishment That does possess me wholly! My nephew. He has been too long a stranger: faith you have: Pray let it be mended, Lovel conferring with Welborne. Well Sirrah, we shall reckon For this here after. Your dinner waits you. No matter, I'll excuse it, prithee Marrall, Watch and occasion to invite my Nephew To speak with me in private. You are a Wag There's and arbour too If your Ladieship please to use it Grosser, and grosser, now I believe the Poet Feigned not but was historical, when he wrote. Pasiphae was enamoured of a bull, This Ladies lust's more monstrous. My good Lord, Excuse my manners. She shall seal to it my Lord, and make me happy. It's your Nobleness To think it such. Rob me not Madam, of allioyes at once Let my Nephew stay behind: he shall have my coach, (And after some small conference between us) Soon overtake your Ladyship. Daughter to your chamber. You may wonder Ne phew, After so long and enmity between us. I should desire your friendship? Well: so I do Sir It's strange to me. But I'll make it no wonder, And what is more unsold my nature to you, We worldly men, when we see friends, and kinsmen, Passed hope sunk in their Fortune's, lend no hand To lift'em up, but rather set our fear Upon their heads, to presse'em to the bottom; As I must yield, with you I practised it. But now, I see you in a way to rise, I can and will assist you, this rich Lady (And I am glad of't) is enamoured of you; It's too apparent Nephew. Well in a word, Because your stay is short, I'll have you seen No more in this base shape; nor shall she say She married you Like a beggar, or in debt. You have a trunk of rich clothes, not far hence In pawn, I will redeeme'em, and that no clam May taint your credit for your petty debts, You shall have a thousand pounds to cut'em off, And go a freeman to the wealthy Lady. As it is Nephew. No compliments; you are stayed for ever y'aue supped You shall hear from me, my coach Knaves for my Nephew: To morrow I will visit you. My deeds nephew Shall speak my love, what men report, I weigh not. A good day to my Lord. And reason to attend your Lordship. Why some four mile. How now Sirrah? prating Before my Lord: no difference? go to my Nephew; See all his debts discharged, and help his Worship To fit on his rich suit. It'll fire her, for she's wholly yours already: Sweet master Alworth, take my ring it'll carry you To her presence I dare warrant you, and there plead For my good Lord, if you shall find occasion. That done, pray ride to Nottingham, get a licence, Still by this token, I'll have it dispatched, And suddenly my Lord, that I may say My honourable, nay, right honourable daughter, Some Furies in that gut: Hungry again! did you not devour this morning, A shield of Brawn, and a barrel of Colchesier oysters? To my wish, we are private. I come not to make offer with my daughter A certain portion, that were poor, and trivial. In one word I pronounce all that is mine, In lands, or leases, ready coin, or goods, With her, my Lord comes to you, nor shall you have One motive to induce you to believe, I live too long, since every year I'll add Something unto the heap, which shall be yours too. You shall have reason To think me such, how do you Like this seat? It is well wooded, and well watered, the Acres Fertile, and rich; would it not serve for change To entertain your friends in a Summer progress? What thinks my noble Lord? 'Shee the mistress? It may be so for a time: but let my Lord Say only that he likes it, and would have it, I say ever long it's his. You do conclude too fast, not knowing me; Nor the engines that I work by, it's not alone The Lady Alworths Lands, for those once Welbornes, (As by her dotage on him, I know they will be,) Shall soon be mine. but point out any men In all the Shire, and say they lie convenient, And useful for your Lordship, and once more I say aloud, They are yours. You run my Lord no hazard. Your reputation shall stand as fair In all good men's opinions as now: Nor can my actions, though condemned for ill, Cast any foul aspersion upon yours; For though I do contemn report my self, As a mere found, I still will be so tender Of what concerns you in all points of Honour, That the immaculate whiteness of your Fame, Nor your unquestioned integrity Shall ever be sullied with one taint, or spot That may take from your innocence, and candor, All my ambition is to have my daughter Right honourable, which my Lord can make her. And might I live to dance upon my knee A young Lord Lovel, born by her unto you, I write nil ultra to my proudest Hope's. As for possessions, and annual rends Equivalent to maintain you in the port, Your noble birth, and present state requires, I do remove that burden from your shoulders, And take it on mine own: for though I me The Country to supply your riotous wast, The scourge of prodigals want shall never find you. Yes as rocks are When foamy billows split themselves against Their flinty ribs; or as the Moon is moved, 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 called into the field, I can make that right, Which fearful enemies murmured at as wrong. Now for, these other piddling complaints Breathed out in bitterness, as when they call me Extortioner, Tyrant, Cormorant, or Intruder On my poor Neighbours right, or grand incloser Of what was common, to my private use; Nay, when my cares are pierced with Widow's cries, And undone Orphans wash with tears my threshold; I only think what it's to have my daughter Right honourable; and it's a powerful charm Makes me insensible of remorse, or pity, Or the least sting of Conscience. It's for you My Lord, and for my daughter, I am marble Nay more more if you will have my character In little, I enjoy more true delight In my arrival to my wealth, these dark, And crooked ways, than you shall ever take pleasure In spending what my industry hath compassed. My hast commands me hence, In one word therefore Is it a Match? Then rest secure, not the hate of all mankind here; Nor fear of what can fallen on me hereafter, Shall make me study ought but your advancement, One story higher. And Earl! if gold can do it. Dispute not my religion, nor my faith, Though I am born thus headlong by my will, You may make choice of what belief you please, To me they are equal, so my Lord good morrow. I Like this obedience. But whatsoever my Lord writes, must, and shall be Accepted, and embraced. Sweet master Alworth, You show your self a true, and faithful servant To your good Lord, he has a jewel of you. How? frowning Meg? are these looks to receive A messenger from my Lord? what's this? give me it. Overreach read the letter. Fair mistress from your sir vant learn, all joys That we can hope for, if deferred, prove toys; Therefore this instant, and in private meet A Husband, that will gladly at your feet Lay down his Honours, tendering them to you With all content, the Church being paid her endue. Is this the arrogant piece of paper? Fool, Will you still be one? in the name of madness, what Could his good Honour write more to content you? Is there ought else to be wished after these two, That are already offered? Marriage first, And lawful pleasure after: what would you more? He tells you true; it's the fashion on my know ledge Yet the good Lord to please your peevishness Must put it off forsooth, and loose a night In which perhaps he might get two boys on thee. Tempt me no farther, if you do, this good Shall prick you to him. So my Lord have you What do I care who gives you since my Lord Does purpose to be private, I'll not cross him. I know not master Alworth how my Lord May be provided, and therefore there's a purse Of gold it'll serve this nights expense, to morrow I'll furnish him with any sums: in the mean time Use my ring to my Chaplain; he is beneficed At my Manor of Gotam, and called parson Will-doe It's no matter for a licence, I'll bear him out in't. Still perverse? I say again I will not cross my Lord, Yet I'll prevent you too. Paper and ink there? I thank you, I can write then. Well advised Margaret kneels. It's done, away my blessing Girl? thou hast it. Nay, no reply begone, good master Alworth. This shall be the best nights work, you ever made Farewell, now all's cocksure: Me thinks I hear already, Knights, and Ladies, Say Sir Giles Overreach, how is it with Your Honourable daughter? has her Honour Slept well to night? or will her Honour please To accept this Monkey? Dog? or Paraquit? This is state in Ladies. or my eldest son To be her page, and wait upon her trencher? My ends! my ends are compassed! then for Welborne And the lands; were he once married to the widow, I have him here, I can scarce contain my self, I am so full of joy; nay joy all over. Would! find her Booby thou huge lump of nothing I'll boar thine eyes out else. I shall solemnizing fa you Rogue. Cause slave why I am angry, And thou a subject only fit for beating, And so to cool my choler, look to the writing Let but the seal be broke upon the box, That has slept in my cabinet these three years; I'll rack thy soul for't. Lady, by your leave, did you see my Daughter Lady? And the Lord her husband? Are they in your house? If they are, discover, that I may bid'em joy; And as and entrance to her place of Honour, See your Ladyship on her left hand, and make courseis When she nodds on you; which you must receive As a special favour. When you once see her Supported, and led by the Lord her Husband You'll be taught better. Nephew. No more. His fortune swells him It's rank he's married. Sir, in calm language (though I seldom use it) I am familiar with the cause, that makes you Bear up thus bravely, there's a certain buz Of a stolen marriage, do you hear of a stolen marriage? In which it's said there's some body hath been coozin'd. I name no parties. Marry this; Since you are peremptory: remember Upon mere hope of your great match, I lent you A thousand pounds: put me in good security, And suddenly my Mortgage, or by Statute Of some of your new possessions, or I'll have you Dragged in your lavender robes to the Gaol, you know me, And therefore do not trifle. End me no ends: engage the whole estate, And force your Spouse to sign it, you shall have Three, or four thousand more to roar, and swagger, And revel in bawdy taverns. My thoughts are mine, and free. Shall I have security? But my deeds shall: Outbraved? That I had thee But single in the field. Were't in a Church By heaven, and hell, I'll do't. I in thy debt! Oh impudence! did I not purchase The land left by thy father? that rich land, That had continued in Welbornes name Twenty descents; which Like a riotous fool Thou didst make sale of? is not here enclosed The deed that does confirm it mine? Good! Good! conspire With your new Husband Lady; second him In his dishonest practises; but when This Manor is extended to my use, You'll speak in and humbler key, and sue for favour. Yet to shut up thy mouth, and make thee give Thy self the lie, the loud lie: I draw out The precious evidence; if thou canst forswear Thy hand, and seal, and make a forfeit of Thy ears to the pillory: see here's that will make My interest clear. Would! I am overwhelmed with wonder! What prodigy is this what subtle devil Hath razed out the inscription the wax Turned into dust! the rest of my deeds whole, As when they were delivered! and this only Made nothing! do you deal with witches Rascal? There is a statute for you, which will bring Your neck in a hempen circle yes, there is. And now'tis better thought, for Cheater know This juggling shall not save you Marrall. flattering him Though the witnesses are dead, your testimony Help with and oath or two, and for thy master, Thy liberal master, my good honest servant. I know, you will swear any thing to dash This cunning slight: beside, I know thou art A public notary, and such stand in law For a dozen witnesses; the deed being drawn too By thee, my careful Marrall, and delivered When thou Wertenberg present will make good my title Wilt thou not swear this? Wilt thou betray me? Mine own Varlet Rebel against me? Oh that I had thee in my gripe, I would tear thee Joint, after joint. But that I will live, Rogue, to torture thee, And make thee wish, and kneel in vain to die, These swords that keep thee from me, should fix here Although they made my body but one wound, But I would reach thee. I play the fool, And make my anger but ridiculous. There will be a time, and place, there will be cowards, When you shall feel what I dare do. They are words I know not, Nor ever will learn. Patience, the beggars virtue. Enter Greedy and person Will-doe. Shall find no harbour here, after these storms At length a calm appears. Welcome, most welcome: There's comfort in thy looks, is the deed done? Is my daughter married? say but so my Chaplain And I am tame. Then vanish all sad thoughts; there's more gold for thee. My doubts, and fears are in the titles drowned Of my right honourable, my right honourable daughter Instantly be here? Whispering to Will-doe. To my wish, to my wish, now you that plot against me And hoped to trip my heals up; that contemned me; Loud music. Think on't and tremble, they come I hear the music. A lane there for my Lord. Make way there for my Lord. How! Devil: are they married? Confusion, and ruin, speak, & speak quickly, Or thou art dead. Thou hadst better Have made a contract with the King of fiends Than these, my brain turns! It cannot: Nor will I ever believe it's death I will not, That I, that in all passages I touched At worldly profit, have not left a print Where I have trod for the most curious search To trace my footsteps, should be gu'lld by children, Baffull'd, and fooled, and all my Hope's, and labours, Defeated, and made void. Village Nurse's Revenge their wrongs with curses, I'll not wast A syllable, but thus I take the life Which wretched I gave to thee. Lord, thus I spit at thee, And at thy counsel; and again desire thee And as chou art a soldier, if thy valour Dares show it self where multitude, and example Led not the way, lets quit the house, and change Six words in private. Are you pale? Borrow his help, though Hercules call it odds I'll stand against both, as I am hemmed in thus. Since Like Libian-Lyon in the toil, My fury cannot reach the coward hunter's And only spends it self, I'll quit the place, Alone I can do nothing: but I have servants And friends to second me, and if I make not This house a heap of ashes (by my wrongs, What I have spoke I will make good) or leaned One throat uncut, if it be possible Hell and to my afflictions. Why is not the whole world Included in my self? to what use then Are friends, and servants? say there were a squadron Of pikes, lined through with shot, when I am mounted Upon my injuries, shall I fear to charge they? No: I'll through the battalions, and that routed, I'll fallen to execution. Would! I am feeble: Flourishing his sword unsheathed. Some undone widow sits upon mine arm, And takes away the use of't; and my sword Glued to my scabbard, with wronged orphans tears Will not be drawn. Would! what are these? sure hangmen, That come to bind my hands, and then to drag me Before the judgement seat now they are new shapes And do appear Like furies, with steel whips To scourge my ulcerous soul? shall I then fallen Ingloriously, and yield? no spite of fate I will be forced to hell Like to my self, Though you were legions of accursed spirits. Spare for no cost, let my Dressers crack with the weight Of curious viands. She's caught! Oh Women! she neglects my Lord, And all her compliments applied to Well born! The garments of her widowhood laid by, She now appears as glorious as the spring, Her eyes fixed on him; in the wine she drinks, He being her pledge; she sends him burning kisses, And sits on thorns, till she be private with him. She leaves my meat to feed upon his looks; And if in our discourse he be but'tnam'd From her a deep sighs follows, but why grieve I At this? it makes for me, if she prove his All that is hers is mine, as I will work him. Still cloistered up? Her rea son, I hope assures her, though she make her self Close prisoner ever for her husbands lose, It'll not recover him. You know we cannot. Fie Master Greedy. Will you lose me a thousand pounds for a dinner? No more for shame. We must forget the belly, When we think of profit. He's gone I warrant thee; this Commission crushed him. within. Is my Lord stirring?