The Late Lancashire Witches Brome, Richard; Heywood, Thomas This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A03258 of text S104080 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 13373). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. Martin Mueller Incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by Nayoon Ahn Lydia Zoells Heejin Ro This text has not been fully proofread EarlyPrint Project Evanston IL, Notre Dame IN, St.Louis, Washington MO 2017 Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License A03258.xml The late Lancashire vvitches. A well received comedy, lately acted at the Globe on the Banke-side, by the Kings Majesties Actors. Written, by Thom. Heyvvood, and Richard Broome. Heywood, Thomas, d. 1641. 38 600dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Michigan, Digital Library Production Service Ann Arbor, Michigan 2003 January (TCP phase 1) 99839820 STC (2nd ed.) 13373. Greg, II, 494. 4275 A03258 2240876544

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 The late Lancashire vvitches. A well received comedy, lately acted at the Globe on the Banke-side, by the Kings Majesties Actors. Written, by Thom. Heyvvood, and Richard Broome. Late Lancashire witches Witches of Lancashire. Late Lancashire witches. Heywood, Thomas, d. 1641. Brome, Richard, d. 1652?. [80] p. Printed by Thomas Harper for Benjamin Fisher, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Talbot, without Aldersgate, London : 1634. 1634

In verse.

Signatures: [A]2 B-L4.

The last leaf contains a song and an epilogue.

Running title reads: The witches of Lancashire.

Reproduction of the original in the British Library.

 A03258 shc The Late Lancashire Witches Heywood, Thomas Brome, Richard Nayoon Ahn Lydia Zoells Heejin Ro 1634 play comedy shc no A03258 S104080 (STC 13373). 82 28247 0 0 0 2 0 0 0.70 B The rate of 0.70 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. Incorporated ~ 10,000 textual changes made to the SHC corpus by Hannah Bredar, Kate Needham, and Lydia Zoells between April and July 2015 during visits, separately or together, to the Bodleian, Folger and Houghton Libraries as well as the Rare Book Libraries at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Call Number IUA06704

The late Lancashire WITCHES .

A well received Comedy , lately Acted at the Globe on the Banke-side , by the Kings Majesties Actors .

WRITTEN , By THOM. HEYWOOD , AND RICHARD BROOME .

Aut prodesse solent , aut delectare .

LONDON , Printed by Thomas Harper for Benjamin Fisher , and are to be sold at his Shop at the Signe of the Talbot , without Aldersgate . 1634 .

THE PROLOGVE . COrrantoes sailing , and no foot post late Possessing us with Newe ; of forraine State , No accidents abroad worthy Relation Arriving here , we are forc'd from our owne Nation To ground the Scene that 's now in agitation . The Project unto many here well knowne ; Those Witches the fat Iaylor brought to Towne , An Argument so thin , persons so low Can neither yeeld much matter , nor great show . Expect no more than can from such be rais'd , So may the Scene passe pardoned , though not prais'd .
ACTVS , I. SCENA , I. Enter Master Arthur , Mr. Shakstone , Mr. Bantam : ( as from hunting . ) Arthur . Was ever sport of expectation , Thus crost in th' height . Shak.

Tush these are accidents , all game is ( subject to .

Arth. So you may call them Chances , or crosses , or what else you please , But for my part , I le hold them prodigies , As things transcending Nature . Bantam . O you speake this , Because a Hare hath crost you . Arth. A Hare ? a Witch , or rather a Divell I think . For tell me Gentlemen , was 't possible In such a faire course , and no covert neere , We in pursuit , and she in constant view , Our eyes not wandring but all bent that way , The Dogs in chase , she ready to be ceas'd , And at the instant , when I durst have layd My life to gage , my Dog had pincht her , then To vanish into nothing ! Shak.

Somewhat strange , but not as you inforce it ,

Arth. Make it plaine That I am in an error , sure I am That I about me have no borrow'd eyes . They are mine owne , and Matches . Bant. She might find some Muse as then not visible to us , And escape that way . Shak. Perhaps some Foxe had earth'd there , And though it be not common , for I seldome Have knowne or heard the like , there squat her selfe , And so her scape appeare but Naturall , Which you proclaime a Wonder . Arth. Well well Gentlemen , be you of your own faith , but ( what I see And is to me apparent , being in sence , My wits about me , no way tost nor troubled , to that will I give credit . Banth. Come , come , all men Were never of one minde , nor I of yours . Shak To leave this argument , are you resolv'd Where we shall dine to day ? Arth.

Yes where we purpos'd .

Banth.

That was with Master Generous .

Arth. True , the same . And where a loving welcome is presum'd , Whose liberall Table 's never unprepar'd , Nor he of guests unfurnisht , of his meanes , There 's none can beare it with a braver port , And keepe his state unshaken , one who sels not Nor covets he to purchase , holds his owne Without oppressing others , alwayes prest To indeere to him any knowne Gentleman In whom he finds good parts . Bantham .

A Character not common in this age .

Arth. I cannot wind him up Vnto the least part of his noble worth . T is far above my strength . Enter Whetstone . Shak. See who comes yonder , A fourth , to make us a full Messe of guests At Master Generous Table . Arth. Tush let him passe , He is not worth our luring , a meere Coxcombe , It is a way to call our wits in question , To have him seene amongst us . Bant.

He hath spy'd us , there is no way to evade him .

Arth.

That 's my griefe ; a most notorious lyar , out upon him .

Shak.

Let 's set the best face on 't .

Whet. What Gentlemen ? all mine old acquaintance ? A whole triplicity of friends together ? nay then 'T is three to one we shall not soone part Company . Shak.

Sweet Mr. Whetstone .

Bant.

Dainty Mr. Whetstone .

Arth.

Delicate Master Whetstone .

Whet.

You say right , Mr. Whetstone I have bin , Mr. Whetstone I am , and Mr. Whetstone I shall be , and those that know me , know withall that I have not my name for nothing , I am hee whom all the brave Blades of the Country use to whet their wits upon ; sweet Mr. Shakton , dainty Mr. Bantham , and dainty Mr. Arthur , and how , and how , what all lustick , all froligozone ? I know , you are going to my Vncles to dinner , and so am I too , What shall we all make one randevous there ,

You need not doubt of your welcome .

Shak.

No doubt at all kind Mr. Whetstone ; but we have not seene you of late , you are growne a great stranger amongst us , I desire sometimes to give you a visit ; I pray where do you lye ?

Whet.

Where doe I lye ? why sometimes in one place , and then againe in another , I love to shift lodgings ; but most constantly , wheresoere I dine or sup , there doe I lye ?

Arth. I never heard that word proceed from him I durst call truth till now . Whet. But where so euer I lye 't is no matter for that , I pray you say , and say truth , are not you three now Going to dinner to my Vncles ? Bant.

I thinke you are a Witch Master Whetstone .

Whet.

How ? A Witch Gentlemen ? I hope you doe not meane to abuse me , though at this time ( if report be true there are too many of them here in our Country ) but I am sure I look like no such ugly Creature .

Shak.

It seemes then you are of opinion that there are Witches , for mine own part , I can hardly be induc'd to think there is any such kinde of people .

Whet.

No such kinde of people ! I pray you tell me Gentlemen , did never any one of you know my Mother ?

Arth.

Why was your Mother a Witch ?

Whet.

I doe not say as Witches goe now a dayes , for they for the most part are ugly old Beldams , but she was a lusty young Lasse , and by her owne report , by her beauty and faire lookes bewitcht my Father .

Bant.

It seemes then your Mother was rather a yong wanton wench , than an old wither'd witch .

Whet.

You say right , and know withall I come of two ancient Families , for as I am a Whetstone by the Mother-side , so I am a By-blow by the Fathers .

Arth.

It appeares then by your discourse , that you came in at the window .

Whet. I would have you thinke I scorne like my Granams Cat to leape over the Hatch . Shak.

He hath confest himselfe to be a Bastard .

Arth.

And I beleeve 't as a notorious truth .

Whet. Howsoever I was begot , here you see I am , And if my Parents went to it without feare or wit , What can I helpe it . Arth. Very probable , for as he was got without feare , So it is apparent he was borne without wit . Whet.

Gentlemen , it seemes you have some private businesse amongst your selves , which I am not willing to interrupt , I know not how the day goes with you , but for mine owne part , my stomacke is now much upon 12. You know what houre my Vncle keeeps , and I love ever to bee set before the first grace , I am going before , speake , shall I acquaint him with your comming after ?

Shak

We meane this day to see what fare he keepes .

Whet. And you know it is his custome to fare well , And in that respect I think I may be his kinsman , And so farewell Gentlemen , I le be your fore-runner , To give him notice of your visite . Bant.

And so intyre us to you .

Shak.

Sweet Mr. Whetstone .

Arth.

Kind Mr. Byblow .

Whet.

I see you are perfect both in my name & sirname ; I have bin ever bound unto you , for which I will at this time be your Noverint , and give him notice that you Universi will bee with him per praesentes , and that I take to be presently .

Exit . Arth.

Farewell As in praesenti .

Shak.

It seemes hee 's peece of a Scholler .

Arth.

What because he hath read a little Scriveners Latine , hee never proceeded farther in his Accidence than to Mentiri non est meum ; and that was such a hard Lesson to learne , that he stucke at mentiri ; and cu'd never reach to non est meum : since , a meere Ignaro , and not worth acknowledgement .

Bant.

Are these then the best parts he can boast of ?

Arth.

As you see him now , so shall you finde him ever : all in one strain , there is one only thing which I wonder he left our .

Shak.

And what might that be :

Arth. Of the same affinity with the rest . At every second word , he his commonly boasting either of his Aunt or his Vncle . Enter Mr. Generous . Bant.

You name him in good time , see where he comes .

Gener. Gentlemen , Welcome , t' is a word I use , From me expect no further complement : Nor do I name it often at one meeting , Once spoke ( to those that understand me best , And know I alwaies purpose as I speake ) Hath ever yet suffiz'd : so iet it you ; Nor doe I love that common phrase of guests , As we make bold , or we are troublesome , Wee take you unprovided , and the like ; I know you understanding Gentlemen , And knowing me , cannot persuade your selves With me you shall be troublesome or bold , But still provided for my worthy friends , Amongst whom you are lifted . Arth. Noble sir , you generously instruct us , and to expresse We can be your apt schollers : in a word Wee come to dine with you . Gener. And Gentlemen , such plainnesse doth best please me , I had notice Of so much by my kinsman , and to show How lovingly I tooke it , instantly Rose from my chayre to meet you at the gate . And be my selfe your usher ; nor shall you finde Being set to meat , that i 'le excuse your fare , Or say , I am sory it falls out so poore ; And had I knowne your comming wee 'd have had Such things and such , nor blame my Cooke , to say This dish or that hath not bin sauc'st with care : Words , fitting best a common Hostesse mouth , When ther 's perhaps some just cause of dislike But not the table of a Gentleman ; Nor is it my wives custome ; in a word , take what you find , & so Arth. Sir without flattery You may be call'd the sole surviving sonne Of long since banisht Hospitality . Gener. In that you please me not : But Gentlemen I hope to be beholden unto you all , Which if I proove , I le be a gratefull debtor . Bant.

Wherein good sir .

Gener.

I ever studied plainenesse , and truth withall .

Shak.

I pray expresse your selfe .

Gener. In few I shall . I know this youth to whom my wife is Aunt Is ( as you needs must finde him ) weake and shallow : Dull , as his name , and what for kindred sake We note not , or at least , are loath to see , Is unto such well-knowing Gentlemen Most grossely visible : If for my sake You will but seeme to winke at these his wants , At least at table before us his friends , I shall receive it as a courtesie Not soone to be forgot . Arth.

Presume it sir .

Gener.

Now when you please pray Enter Gentlemen .

Arth. Would these my friends prepare the way before , To be resolved of one thing before dinner Would something adde unto mine appetite , Shall I intreat you so much . Bant.

O sir you may command us .

Gener. I' th meane time Prepare your stomackes with a bowle of Sacke . My Cellar can affoord it ; now Mr. Arthur Pray freely speake your thoughts . Exit Bant. & Shak. Arth. I come not sir To presse a promise from you , tak 't not so , Rather to prompt your memory in a motion Made to you not long since . Gener. Wast not about A Mannor , the best part of your estate , Morgag'd to one slips no advantages Which you would have redeem'd . Arth.

True sir the same .

Gener. And as I thinke , I promist at that time To become bound with you , or if the usurer ( A base , yet the best title I can give him ) Perhaps should question that security , To have the money ready . Wast not so ? Arth.

It was to that purpose wee discourst .

Gener. Provided , to have the Writings in my custody . Else how should I secure mine owne estate . Arth. To denie that I should appeare to th' World Stupid , and of no braine . Gener.

Your monie 's ready ,

Arth. And I remaine a man oblig'd to you . Beyond all utterance . Gener. Make then your word good By speaking it no further , onely this , It seemes your Vncle you trusted in so far Hath failed your expectation . Arth. Sir he hath , not that he is unwilling or unable . But at this time unfit to be solicited ; For to the Countries wonder and my sorrow , Hee is much to be pitied . Gener.

Why I intreat you .

Arth. Because hee 's late become the sole discourse Of all the countrey ; for of a man respected For his discretion and knowne gravitie , As master of a govern'd Family , The house ( as if the ridge were fixt below , And groundfils lifted up to make the roofe ) All now turn'd topsie turvy , Gener.

Strange , but how ?

Arth. In such a retrograde & preposterous way As seldome hath bin heard of . I thinke never . Gener.

Can you discourse the manner ?

Arth. The good man , in all obedience kneels vnto his son , Hee with an austere brow commands his father . The wife presumes not in the daughters sight Without a prepared courtesie . The girle , shee Expects it as a dutie ; chides her mother Who quakes and trembles at each word she speaks , And what 's as strange , the Maid she dominiers O're her yong mistris , who is aw'd by her . The son to whom the Father creeps and bends , Stands in as much feare of the groome his man . All in such rare disorder , that in some As it breeds pitty , and in others wonder ; So in the most part laughter . Gener.

How thinke you might this come .

Arth.

T' is thought by Witchcraft .

Gener. They that thinke so dreame , For my beliefe is , no such thing can be , A madnesse you may call it : Dinner stayes ; That done , the best part of the afternoone Wee 'le spend about your businesse . Exeunt . Enter old Seely and Doughty Seely .

Nay but vnderstand me neighbor Doughty .

Doughty .

Good master Seely I do understand you , and over and over understand you so much , that I could e'ene blush at your fondnesse ; and had I a sonne to serve mee so , I would conure a divell out of him .

See .

Alas he is my childe .

Dough.

No , you are his childe to live in feare of him , indeed they say old men become children againe , but before I would become my childes childe , and make my foot my head , I would stand upon my head , and kick my heels at the sides .

Enter Gregory . See .

You do not know what an only son is , O see , he comes now if you can appease his anger toward me , you shall doe an act of timely charity .

Dou. It is an office that I am but weakly versd in , To plead to a sonne in the fathers behalfe , Blesse me what lookes the devilish young Rascall Frights the poore man withall ! Greg.

I wonder at your confidence , and how you dare appeare before me .

Doug.

A brave beginning .

See .

O sonne be patient .

Greg.

It is right reverend councell , I thanke you for it , I shall study patience shall I , while you practice waies to begger mee , shall I ?

Dough.

Very handsome .

See .

If ever I trangresse in the like againe —

Greg.

I have taken your word too often sir and neither can nor will forbeare you longer .

Dough.

What not your Father Mr. Gregory ?

Greg.

What s that to you sir ?

Dough.

Pray tell me then sir , how many yeares has hee to serve you .

Gre. What do you bring your spokesman now , your advocat , What fee goes out of my estate now , for his Oratory ? Dou. Come I must tell you , you forget your selfe , And in this foule unnaturall strife wherein You trample on your father . You are falne Below humanitie . Y' are so beneath The title of a sonne , you cannot clayme To be a man , and let me tell you were you mine Thou shouldst not eat but on thy knees before me . See . O this is not the way . This is to raise Impatience into fury . I do not seek his quiet for my ease , I can beare all his chidings and his threats , And take them well , very exceeding well , And finde they do me good on my owne part , Indeed they do reclaim me from those errors That might impeach his fortunes , but I feare Th unquiet strife within him hurts himselfe , And wastes or weakens Nature , by the breach Of moderate sleepe and dyet ; and I can No lesse than grieve to finde my weaknesses To be the cause of his affliction , And see the danger of his health and being . Dou. Alas poore man ? Can you stand open ey'd Or dry ey'd either at this now in a Father ? Greg. Why , if it grieve you , you may look of ont , I have seen more than this twice twenty times , And have as often bin deceiv'd by his dissimulations I can see nothing mended . Dou.

He is a happy are that has brought vp his son to this .

See . All shall be mended son content your selfe , But this time forget but this last fault . Greg.

Yes , for a new one to morrow .

Dou. Pray Mr. Gregory forget it , you see how Submissive your poore penitent is , forget it , Forget it , put it out o' your head , knocke it Out of your braines . I protest , if my Father , Nay if my fathers dogge should have sayd As much to me , I should have embrac't him . What was the trespasse ? It c'ud not be so hainous . Greg. Wel Sir , you now shall be a Iudge for all your jeering . Was it a fatherly part thinke you having a sonne To offer to enter in bonds for his nephew , so to indanger My estate to redeeme his morgage . See .

But I did it not sonne ?

Gre. I know it very well , but your dotage had done it , If my care had not prevented it . Dou.

Is that the businesse : why if he had done it , had hee not bin sufficiently secur'd in having the morgage made over to himselfe .

Greg.

He does nothing but practice waies to undo himselfe , and me : a very spendthrift , a prodigall sire , hee was at the Ale but tother day , and spent a foure-penny club .

See .

'T is gone and past sonne .

Greg. Can you hold your peace sir ? And not long ago at the Wine he spent his teaster , and two pence to the piper , That was brave was it not ? See .

Truely we were civily merry . But I have left it .

Greg.

Your civility have you not ? For no longer agoe than last holiday evening he gam'd away eight double ring'd tokens on a rubbers at bowles with the Curate , and some of his idle companions .

Dou. Fie Mr. Gregory Seely is this seemely in a sonne . You 'le have a rod for the childe your father shortly I feare . Alasse did hee make it cry ? Give me a stroke and I le beat him , Blesse me , they make me almost as mad as themselves . Greg.

'T were good you would meddle with your own matters sir .

See .

Sonne , sonne .

Greg.

Sir , Sir , as I am not beholden to you for house or Land , for it has stood in the name of my ancestry the Seelyes above two hundred yeares , so will I look you leave all as you found it .

Enter Lawrence . Law .

What is the matter con yeow tell ?

Greg.

O Lawrence , welcom , Thou wilt make al wel I am sure .

Law .

Yie whick way con yeow tell , but what the foule evill doone yee , here s sick an a din .

Dou.

Art thou his man fellow ha ? that talkest thus to him ?

Law .

Yie sir , and what ma' yoew o'th at , he mainteynes me to rule him , and I 'le deu 't , or ma'the heart weary o' the weambe on him .

Dou.

This is quite upside downe , the sonne controlls the father , and the man overcrowes his masters coxscombe , sure they are all bewitch'd .

Greg.

'T was but so , truely Lawrence ; the peevish old man vex't me , for which I did my duty , in telling him his owne , and Doughty here maintaines him against me .

Law .

I forbodden yeow to meddle with the old carle , and let me alone with him , yet yeow still be at him , hee serv'd yeow but wee ll to bast ye for 't , an t he were stronk enough , but an I saw foule with yee an I swaddle yee not savorly may my girts brast .

See .

Prethee good Lawrence be gentle and do not fright thy Master so .

Law .

Yie , at your command anon .

Dough.

Enough good Lawrence , you have said enough .

Law .

How trow yeou that ? A fine World when a man cannot be whyet at heame for busie brain'd neighbors .

Dou. I know not what to say to any thing here , This cannot be but witchcraft . Enter Ioane and Winny . Win.

I cannot indure it nor I will not indure it .

Dou.

Hey day ! the daughter upon the mother too .

Win.

One of us two , chuse you which , must leave the house , wee are not to live together I see that , but I will know , if there be Law in Lancashire for 't , which is fit first to depart the house or the World , the mother or the daughter .

Ioane .

Daughter I say .

Win.

Do you say the daughter , for that word I say the mother , unlesse you can prove me the eldest , as my discretion almost warrant it , I say the mother shall out of the house or take such courses in it as shall sort with such a house and such a daughter .

Joan.

Daughter I say , I wil take any course so thou wilt leave thy passion ; indeed it hurts thee childe , I 'le sing and be merry , weare as fine clothes , and as delicate dressings as thou wilt have me , so thou wilt pacifie thy selfe , and be at peace with me .

Win.

O will yon so , in so doing I may chance to looke upon you . Is this a fit habite for a handsome young Gentlewomans mother , as I hope to be a Lady , you look like one o' the Scottish wayward sisters , O my hart has got the hickup , and all lookes greene about me , a merry song now mother , and thou shalt be my white girle .

Ioan.

Ha , ha , ha ! she 's overcome with joy at my conversion .

Dough.

She is most evidently bewitcht .

Joane . Song . There was a deft Lad and a Lasse fell in love , with a fa la la , fa la la , Langtidowne dilly ; With kissing and toying this Maiden did prove , with a fa la la , fa la la , Langtidowne dilly ; So wide i' th wast , and her Belly so high , That unto her mother the Maiden did cry , O Langtidowne dilly , O Langtidowne dilly , fa la la Langtidowne , Langtidowne dilly . Enter Parnell . Parn.

Thus wodden yeou doone and I were dead , but while I live yoeu fadge not on it , is this aw the warke yeou confine ?

Dough.

Now comes the Mayd to set her Mistresses to work .

Win.

Nay pri'thee sweet Parnell , I was but chiding the old wife for her unhandsomnesse , and would have been at my work presently , she tels me now she will weare fine things , and I shall dresse her head as I list .

Dough.

Here 's a house well govern'd ?

Parn.

Dresse me no dressings , lessen I dresse yeou beth , and learne a new lesson with a wainon right now , han I bin a servant here this halfe dozen o' yeares , and con I fee yeou idler then my selve !

Ioa. Win.

Nay prithee sweet Parnell content , & hark thee —

Dought.

I have knowne this , and till very lately , as well govern'd a Family as the Country yeilds , and now what a nest of severall humors it is growne , and all divellish ones , sure all the Witches in the Country , have their hands in this home-spun medley ; and there be no few 't is thought .

Parn.

Yie , yie , ye shall ye shall , another time , but not naw I thonke yeou , yeou shall as soone pisse and paddle in 't , as slap me in the mouth with an awd Petticoat , or a new paire o shoine , to be whyet , I cannot be whyet , nor I wonnot be whyet , to see sicky doings I .

Lawr.

Hold thy prattle Parnell , aw's com'd about as weene a had it , wotst thou what Parnell ? wotst thou what ? o deare , wotst thou what ?

Parn.

What 's the fond wexen waild trow I .

Lawr.

We han bin in love these three yeares , and ever wee had not enough , now is it com'd about that our love shall be at an end for ever , and a day , for wee mun wed may hunny , we mun wed .

Parn.

What the Deowl ayles the lymmer lowne , bin thy braines broke lowse trow I .

Lawr.

Sick a waddin was there never i' Loncoshire as ween couple at on Monday newst .

Par.

Awa awaw , sayn yeou this sickerly , or done you but jaum me ?

Lawr.

I jaum thee not nor flam thee not , 't is all as true as booke , here 's both our Masters have consented and concloyded , and our Mistresses mun yeild to yt , to put aw house and lond and aw they have into our hands .

Parn.

Awa , awaw .

Lawr.

And we mun marry and be master and dame of aw .

Parn.

Awa , awaw .

Lawr.

And theyn be our Sijourners , because they are weary of the world , to live in frendiblenesse , and see what will come on 't .

Par.

Awa , awaw , agone .

Seel. & Greg.

Nay 't is true Parnell , here 's both our hands on 't , and give you joy .

Ioan. & Win.

And ours too , and 't will be fine Ifackins .

Parn.

Whaw , whaw , whaw , whaw !

Dou.

Here 's a mad businesse towards .

Seel.

I will bespeake the Guests .

Greg.

And I the meat :

Ioan.

I 'le dresse the dinner , though I drip my sweat .

Law .

My care shall sumptuous parrelments provide .

Win.

And my best art shall trickly trim the Bride .

Parn.

Whaw , whaw , whaw , whaw .

Greg.

I le get choyce musick for the merriment .

Dough.

And I will waite with wonder the event .

Parn.

Whaw , whaw , whaw , whaw .

ACTVS , II. SCAENA , I. Enter 4. Witches : ( severally . ) All . HOe ! well met , well met . Meg . What new devise , what dainty straine More for our myrth now then our gaine , Shall we in practice put . Meg. Nay dame , Before we play another game . We must a little laugh and thanke Our feat familiars for the pranck They playd us last . Mawd. Or they will misse Vs in our next plot , if for this They find not their reward . Meg.

'T is right .

Gil. Therefore sing Mawd , and call each spright . Come away , and take thy duggy , Enter foure Spirits . Meg.

Come my Mamilion like a Puggy ,

Mawd. And come my puckling take thy teat , Your travels have deserv'd your meat . Meg. Now upon the Churles ground On which we 're met , le ts dance a round ; That Cocle , Darnell , Poppia wild , May choake his graine , and fill the field . Gil. Now spirits fly about the taske , That we projected in our Maske . Exit Spirits . Meg. Now let us laugh to thinke upon The feat which we have so lately done , In the distraction we have set In Seelyes house ; which shall beget Wonder and sorrow 'mongst our foes , Whilst we make laughter of their woes . All .

Ha , ha , ha !

Meg . I can but laugh now to foresee , The fruits of their perplexity . Gil.

Of Seely's family ?

Meg. I , I , I , the Father to the Sonne doth cry , The Sonne rebukes the Father old ; The Daughter at the mother Scold , The wife the husband check and chide , But that 's no wonder , through the wide World 't is common . Gil. But to be short , The wedding must bring on the sport Betwixt the hare-brayn'd man and mayd , Master and dame that over-sway'd . All .

Ha , ha , ha !

Meg. Enough , enough , Our sides are charm'd , or else this stuffe Would laughter-cracke them ; let 's away About the Iig . we dance to day , To spoyle the Hunters sport . Gil.

I that , be now the subject of our chat .

Meg. Then list yee well , the Hunters are This day by vow to kill a Hare , Or else the sport they will forsweare ; And hang their Dogs up . Mawd. Stay , but where Must the long threatned hare be found ? Gill.

They 'l search in yonder Meadow ground .

Meg. There will I be , and like a wily Wat , Vntill they put me up ; i le squat . Gill. I and my puckling will a brace Of Greyhounds be , fit for the race ; And linger where we may be tane Vp for the course in the by-lane ; Then will we lead their Dogs a course , And every man and every horse ; Vntill they breake their necks , and say — All .

The Divell on Dun is rid this way . Ha . ha , ha , ha .

Meg. All the doubt can be but this , That if by chance of me they misse , And start another Hare . Gil. Then we 'll not run But finde some way how to be gone . I shal know thee Peg , by thy grissel'd gut , Meg. And I you Gilian by your gaunt thin gut . But where will Mawd bestow her selfe today ? Mawd.

O' th' Steeple top ; I le sit & see you play .

Exeunt . Enter Mr. Generous , Arthur , Bantam , Shakstone , and Whetstone . Gener. At meeting , and at parting Gentlemen , I onely make use of that generall word , So frequent at all feasts , and that but once ; y' are welcome . You are so , all of you , and I intreat you Take notice of that speciall businesse , Betwixt this Gentleman my friend , and I . About the Morgage , to which writings drawne , Your hands are witnesse . Baxt. & Shak.

We acknowledge it .

Whet.

My hand is there too , for a man cannot set to his Marke , but it may be call'd his hand ; I am a Gentleman both wayes , and it hath been held that it is the part of a Gentleman , to write a scurvie hand .

Bant.

You write Sir like your selfe .

Gener. Pray take no notice of his ignorance , You know what I foretold you . Arth. 'T is confest , but for that word by you so seldome spoke By us so freely on your part perform'd , We hold us much ingag'd . Gener. I pray , no complement , It is a thing I doe not use my selfe , Nor doe I love 't in others . Arth. For my part , could I at once dissolve my selfe to words And after turne them into matter ; such And of that strength , as to attract the attention Of all the curious , and most itching eares Of this our Crittick age ; it cou'd not make A theame amounting to your noble worth : You seeme to me to super-arrogate , Supplying the defects of all your kindred To innoble your own name : I now have done Sir . Whet. Hey day , this Gentleman speakes likes a Country Parson that had tooke his text out of Ovids Metamorphosis . Gener. Sir , you Hyperbolize ; And I coo'd chide you for 't , but whil'st you connive At this my Kinsman , I shall winke at you ; 'T wil prove an equall match . Gener. Your name proclaimes To be such as it speakes , you , Generous . Gener.

Still in that straine !

Arth. Sir , sir , whilst you persever to be good I must continue gratefull . Gener. Gentlemen , the greatest part of this day you see is spent In reading deeds , conveyances , and bonds , With sealing and subscribing ; will you now Take part of a bad Supper . Arth. We are like travellers And where such bayt , they doe not use to Inne . Our love and service to you . Gener. The first I accept , The Last I entertaine not , farewell Gentlemen . Arth. We 'l try if we can finde in our way home When Hares come from their coverts , to reliffe , A course or too . Whet.

Say you so Gentlemen , nay then I am for your company still , 't is sayd Hares are like Hermophrodites , one while Male , and another Female , and that which begets this yeare , brings young ones the next ; which some think to be the reason that witches take their shapes so oft : Nay if I lye Pliny lyes too , but come , now I have light upon you , I cannot so lightly leave you farewell Vnckle .

Gener. Cozen I wish you would consort your selfe , With such men ever , and make them your President , For a more Gentile carriage . Arth.

Good Master Generous —

Exeunt , manet Generous . Enter Robert . Gen.

Robin .

Rob.

Sir .

Gen.

Goe call your Mistresse hither .

Rob.

My Mistresse Sir , I doe call her Mistresse , as I doe call you Master , but if you would have me call my Mistresse to my Master , I may call lowd enough before she can heare me .

Gener. Why she 's not deafe I hope , I am sure since Dinner She had her hearing perfect . Rob.

And so she may have at Supper too for ought I know , but I can assure you she is not now within my call .

Gener. Sirrah you trifle , give me the Key o th' Stable , I will goe see my Gelding ; i' th' meane time Goe seeke her out , say she shall finde me there . Rob.

To tell you true sir , I shall neither finde my Mistresse here , nor you your Gelding there .

Gener.

Ha! how comes that to passe ?

Rob.

Whilst you were busie about your writings , she came and commanded me to saddle your Beast , and sayd she would ride abroad to take the ayre .

Gener.

Which of your fellowes did she take along to wayte on her ?

Rob.

None sir .

Gener.

None ! hath she us'd it often ?

Rob.

Oftner I am sure then she goes to Church , and leave out Wednesdayes and Fridayes .

Gener.

And still alone ?

Rob.

If you call that alone , when no body rides in her company .

Gen.

But what times hath she sorted for these journeyes ?

Rob.

Commonly when you are abroad , and sometimes when you are full of businesse at home .

Gener. To ride out often and alone , what sayth she When she takes horse , and at her backe returne ? Rob.

Onely conjures me that I shall keepe it from you , then clappes me in the fist with some small piece of silver , and then a Fish cannot be more silent then I .

Gen. I know her a good woman and well bred , Of an unquestion'd carriage , well reputed Amongst her neighbors , reckon'd with the best And ore me most indulgent ; though in many Such things might breed a doubt and jealousie , Yet I hatch no such phrensie . Yet to prevent The smallest jarre that might betwixt us happen ; Give her no notice that I know thus much . Besides I charge thee , when she craves him next He be deny'd : if she be vext or mov'd Doe not thou feare , I le interpose my selfe Betwixt thee and her anger , as you tender Your duty and my service , see this done . Rob.

Now you have exprest your minde , I know what I have to doe ; first , not to tell her what I have told you & , next to keep her side-saddle from comming upon your Gueldings backe ; but how soever it is like to hinder me of many a round tester .

Gener. As oft as thou deny'st her , so oft clayme That teaster from me , 't shall be roundly payd . Rob.

You say well in that sir , I dare take your word , you are an honest Gentleman , and my Master ; and now take mine as I am your true servant , before she shall backe your Guelding again in your absence , while I have the charge of his keeping ; she shall ride me , or I le ride her .

Gen. So much for that . Sirrah my Butler tels me My Seller is drunke dry , I meane those Bottles Of Sack and Claret , are all empty growne And I have guests to morrow , my choyse friends . Take the gray Nag i' th' stable , and those Bottles Fill at Lancaster , There where you use to fetch it . Rob.

Good newes for me , I shall sir .

Gen. O Robin , it comes short of that pure liquor We drunke last Terme in London at the Myter In Fleet-street , thou remembrest it ; me thought It was the very spirit of the Grape , Meere quintessence of Wine . Rob.

Yes sir , I so remember it , that most certaine it is I never shal forget it , my mouth waters ever since when I but think on 't , whilst you were at supper above , the drawer had me down into the Cellar below , I know the way in againe if I see 't , but at that time to finde the way out againe , I had the help of more eies than mine owne : is the taste of that Ipsitate stil in your pallat sir ?

Gener. What then ? But vaine are wishes , take those bottles And see them fil'd where I command you sir . Rob.

I shall : never c'ud I have met with such a faire opportunitie : for iust in the mid way lies my sweet-heart , as lovely a lasse as any is in Lancashire , and kisses as sweetly : I 'le see her going or comming , i 'le have one smouch at thy lips , and bee with thee to bring Mal Spencer .

Exit . Gen. Go hasten your return , what he hath told me Touching my wife is somewhat strange , no matter Bee 't as it will , it shall not trouble me . Shee hath not lyen so long so neere my side , That now I should be jealous . Enter a souldier . Sold.

You seeme sir a Gentleman of quality , and no doubt but in your youth have beene acquainted with affaires military , in your very lookes there appeares bounty , and in your person humanity . Please you to vouchsafe the tender of some small courtesie to help to beare a souldier into his countrey .

Gen. Though I could tax you friend , & justly too For begging 'gainst the Statute in that name , Yet I have ever bin of that compassion , Where I see want , rather to pittie it Than to use power . Where hast thou serv'd ? Sold.

With the Russian against the Polack , a heavy war , and hath brought me to this hard fate . I was tooke prisoner by the Pole , & after some few weeks of durance , got both my freedom and passe . I have it about me to show , please you to vouchsafe the perusall .

Gener.

It shall not need . What Countreyman .

Sold.

Yorkeshire sir . Many a sharp battell by land , and many a sharpe storme at sea , many a long mile , and many a short meale , I have travel'd and suffer'd ere I c'ud reach thus far , I beseech you sir take my poore & wretched case into your worships noble consideration .

Gener. Perhaps thou lov'st this wandring life To be an idle loitering begger , than To eat of thine owne labour . Sold.

I sir ! Loitering I defie sir , I hate lazinesse as I do leprosie : It is the next way to breed the scurvie , put mee to hedge , ditch , plow , thresh , dig , delve , any thing : your worship shal find that I love nothing lesse than loitering .

Gener.

Friend thou speakest well .

Enter Miller ( his hands and face scratcht , and bloudy . Miller .

Your Mill quoth he , if ever you take me in your mill againe , i 'le give you leave to cast my flesh to the dogges , and grinde my flesh to pouder , betwixt the Milstones . Cats do you call them , for their hugenesse they might bee cat a mountaines , and for their clawes , I thinke I have it here in red and white to show , I pray looke here sir , a murreine take them , i le be sworne they have scratcht , where I am sure it itcht not .

Gener.

How cam'st thou in this pickle ?

Ml.

Yoiu see sir , and what you see , I have felt , & am come to give you to understand I 'le not indure such another night if you would give mee your mill for nothing , they say we Millers are theeves : but I c'ud as soone bee hangd as steale one piece of a nap all the night long , good Landlord provide your selfe of a new tenant , the noise of such catterwawling , & such scratching and clawing , before I would indure againe , i 'le bee tyed to the saile when the winde blowes sharpest , and they flie swiftest , till I be torne into as many fitters as I have toes and fingers .

Sold.

I was a Miller my selfe before I was a souldier . What one of my own trade should be so poorely spirited frighted with cats ?

Sir trust me with the Mill that he forsakes . Here is a blade that hangs upon this belt That spight of all these Rats , Cats , Wezells , Witches Or Dogges , or Divels , Shall so coniure them I 'le quiet my possession . Gener. Well spoke Souldier . I like thy resolution . Fellow , you then Have given the Mill quite over . Mil.

Over and over , here I utterly renounce it ; nor would I stay in it longer , if you would give me your whole estate ; nay if I say it , you may take my word Landlord .

Sold.

I pray sir dare you trust your mill with me .

Gener. I dare , but I am loth , my reasons these . For many moneths , scarce any one hath lien there But have bin strangely frighted in his sleepe , Or from his warme bed drawne into the floore , Or clawd and scratcht , as thou seest this poore man , So much , that it stood long untenanted , Till he late undertooke it , now thine eies Witnesse how he hath sped . Sold.

Give me the keies , i le stand it all danger .

Gener.

'T is a match : deliver them .

Mil.

Mary with all my heart , and I am glad , I am so rid of em .

Exeunt . Enter Boy with a switch . Boy .

Now I have gathered Bullies , and fild my bellie pretty well , i 'le goe see some sport . There are gentlemen coursing in the medow hard by ; and 't is a game that I love better than going to Schoole ten to one .

Enter an invisible spirit . I. Adson with a brace of grey-hounds .

What have we here a brace of Greyhounds broke loose from their masters : it must needs be so , for they have both their Collers and slippes about their neckes . Now I looke better upon them , me thinks I should know them , and so I do : these are Mr. Robinsons dogges , that dwels some two miles off , i 'le take them up , & lead them home to their master ; it may be somthing in my way , for he is as liberall a gentleman , as any is in our countrie , Come Hector , come . Now if I c'ud but start a Hare by the way , kill her , and carry her home to my supper , I should thinke I had made a better afternoones worke of it than gathering of bullies . Come poore curres along with me .

Exit . Enter Arthur , Bantam , Shakstone , and Whestone . Arth.

My Dog as yours .

Shak.

For what ?

Arth.

A piece .

Shak.

'T is done .

Bant.

I say the pide dog shall outstrip the browne .

Whe.

And i le take the brown dogs part against the pide

Bant.

Yes when hee 's at his lap you le take his part .

Arth.

Bantam forbeare him prethee .

Bant.

He talks so like an Asse I have not patience to indure his non sence .

Whet.

The browne dogge for two peeces .

Bant.

Of what ?

Whet. Of what you dare ; name them from the last Farthings with the double rings , to the late Coy'nd peeces which they say are all counterfeit . Bant.

Well sir , I take ●ou : will you cover these , give them into the hands of either of those two gentlemen .

Whet.

What needs that ? doe you thinke my word and my money is not all one ?

Bant.

And weigh alike : both many graines too light .

Shak.

Enough of that , I presume Mr. Whetstone , you are not ignorant what belongs to the sport of hunting .

Whet.

I thinke I have reason , for I have bin at the death of more Hares .

Bant.

More then you shed the last fall of the leafe .

Whet.

More then any man here I am sure . I should be loath at these yeares to be ignorant of hairing or whoring . I know a hare close hunted , clime a tree .

Bant.

To finde out birds nests

Whet.

Another leap into a river , nothing appearing above water , save onely the tip of her nose to take breath .

Shak.

Nay that 's verie likely , for no man can fish with an angle but his Line must be made of hare .

Whet. You say right , I know another , who to escape the Dogges hath taken a house , and leapt in at a window . Bant.

It is thought you came into the World that way .

Whet.

How meane you that ?

Bant.

Because you are a bastard .

Whet.

Bastard ! O base .

Bant.

And thou art base all over .

Arth. Needs must I now condemne your indiscretion , To set your wit against his . Whet.

Bastard ? that shall be tried ; well Gentlemen concerning Hare-hunting you might have hard more , if he had had the grace to have said lesse , but for the word Bastard , if I do not tell my Vncle , I and my Aunt too , either when I would speake ought or goe of the skore for any thing , let me never be trusted , they are older than I , and what know I , but they might bee by when I was begot ; but if thou Bantam do'st not heare of this with both thine eares , if thou hast them still , and not lost them by scribling , instead of Whet-stone call me Grinde-stone , and for By-blow , Bulfinch . Gentlemen , for two of you your companie is faire and honest ; but for you Bantam , remember and take notice also , that I am a bastard , and so much i 'le testifie to my Aunt and Vncle .

Exit . Arth.

What have you done , 't will grieve the good old Gentleman , to heare him baffled thus .

Bant. I was in a cold sweat ready to faint The time he staid amongst us . Shak. But come , now the Hare is found and started , She shall have Law , so to our sport . Exit . Enter Boy with the Greyhounds .

A Hare , a Hare , halloe , halloe , the Divell take these curres , will they not stir , halloe , halloe , there , there , there , what are they growne so lither and so lazie ? Are Mr. Robinsons dogges turn'd tykes with a wanion ? the Hare is yet in sight , halloe , halloe , mary hang you for a couple of mungrils ( if you were worth hanging , & have you serv'd me thus ? nay then I le serve you with the like sauce , you shall to the next bush , there will I tie you , and use you like a couple of curs as you are , & though not lash you , yet lash you whilest my switch will hold , nay since you have left your speed , i le see if I can put spirit into you , and put you in remembrance what halloe , halloe meanes .

As he beats them , there appeares before him , Gooddy Dickison , and the Boy upon the dogs , going in .

Now blesse me heaven , one of the Greyhounds turn'd into a woman , the other into a boy ! The lad I never saw before , but her I know well ; it is my gammer Dickison .

G. Dick. Sirah , you have serv'd me well to swindge me thus . You yong rogue , you have vs'd me like a dog . Boy .

When you had put your self into a dogs skin , I pray how c'ud I help it ; but gammer are not you a Witch ? if you bee , I beg upon my knees you will not hurt me .

Dickis. Stand up my boie , for thou shalt have no harme , Be silent , speake of nothing thou hast seene . And here 's a shilling for thee . Boy .

I le have none of your money gammer , because you are a Witch : and now she is out of her foure leg'd shape , i le see if with my two legs I can out-run her .

Dickis.

Nay sirra , though you be yong , and I old , you are not so nimble , nor I so lame , but I can overtake you .

Boy . But Gammer what do you meane to do with me Now you have me ? Dickis. To hugge thee , stroke thee , and embrace thee thus , And teach thee twentie thousand prety things . So thou tell no tales ; and boy this night Thou must along with me to a brave feast . Boy .

Not I gammer indeed la , I dare not stay on t late , My father is a fell man , and if I bee out long , will both chide and beat me .

Dickis. Not sirra , then perforce thou shalt along , This bridle helps me still at need , And shall provide us of a steed . Now sirra , take your shape and be Prepar'd to hurrie him and me . Now looke and tell mee wher 's the lad become . Exit . Boy . The boy is vanisht , and I can see nothing in his stead But a white horse redie sadled and bridled . Dickis. And that s the horse we must bestride , On which both thou and I must ride , Thou boy before and I behinde , The earth we tread not , but the winde , For we must progresse through the aire , And I will bring thee to such fare As thou ne're saw'st , up and away , For now no longer we can stay . She catches him up , & turning round . Exit Boy .

Help , help .

Enter Robin and Mall .

Thanks my sweet Mall for thy courteous entertainment , thy creame , thy cheese-cakes , and every good thing , this , this , & this for all .

kisse . Mal.

But why in such hast good Robin ?

Robin .

I confesse my stay with thee is sweet to mee , but I must spur Cutt the faster for 't , to be at home in the morning , I have yet to Lancaster to ride to night , and this my bandileer of bottles , to fill to night , and then halfe a score mile to ride by currie-combe time , i' the morning , or the old man chides Mal.

Mal.

Hee shall not chide thee , feare it not .

Robin .

Pray Bacchus I may please him with his wine , which will be the hardest thing to do ; for since hee was last at London and tasted the Divinitie of the Miter , scarce any liquour in Lancashire will go downe with him , sure , sure he will never be a Puritane , he holds so well with the Miter .

Mal.

Well Robert , I find your love by your haste from me , i le undertake you shal be at Lancaster , & twise as far , & yet at home time enough , and be rul'd by me .

Rob.

Thou art a witty rogue , and thinkst to make me believe any thing , because I saw thee make thy broome sweepe the house without hands t'other day .

Mal.

You shall see more than that presently , because you shall beleeve me ; you know the house is all a bed here : and I dare not be mist in the morning . Besides , I must be at the wedding of Lawrence and Parnell to morrow .

Rob.

I your old sweet heart Lawrence ? Old love will not be forgotten

Mal.

I care not for the losse of him , but if I fit him not hang me : but to the point , if I goe with you to night , and help you to as good wine as your master desires , and you keepe your time with him , you will give me a pinte for my company .

Rob.

Thy belly full wench .

Mal.

I 'le but take up my milk payle and leave it in the field , till our comming backe in the morning , and wee 'll away .

Rob.

Goe fetch it quickly then .

Mal.

No Robert , rather than leave your company so long , it shall come to me .

Rob.

I would but see that .

The Payle goes . Mal.

Looke yonder , what do you thinke on 't .

Rob.

Light , it comes ; and I do thinke there is so much of the Divell in 't as will turne all the milke shall come in 't these seven yeares , and make it burne too , till it stinke worse than the Proverbe of the Bishops foot .

Mal.

Looke you sir , heere I have it , will you get up and away .

Rob.

My horse is gone , nay prithee Mal. thou hast set him away , leave thy Roguerie .

Mal.

Looke againe .

Rob.

There stands a blacke long-sided jade : mine was a truss'd gray .

Mal. Yours was too short to carrie double such a journey . Get up I say , you shall have your owne againe i' th morning . Rob.

Nay but , nay but .

Mal.

Nay , and you stand butting now , i 'le leave you to look your horse . Payle on afore to the field , and staie till I come .

Rob.

Come away then , hey for Lancaster : stand up .

Exeunt
ACTVS , III. SCENA , I. Enter old Seely and Ióane his Wife . Seely .

COme away wife , come away , and let us be ready to breake the Cake over the Brides head at her entrance ; we will have the honour of it , we that have playd the Steward and Cooke at home , though we lost Church by 't , and saw not Parson Knit-knot doe his office , but wee shall see all the house rites perform'd ; and . — oh what a day of jollity and tranquility is here towards ?

Ioane .

You are so frolick and so cranck now , upon the truce is taken amongst us , because our wrangling shall not wrong the Wedding , but take heed ( you were best ) how ye behave your selfe , lest a day to come may pay for all .

Seel.

I feare nothing , and I hope to dye in this humor .

Joan.

Oh how hot am I ! rather then I would dresse such another dinner this twelve moneth , I would wish Wedding quite out of this yeares Almanack .

Seel.

I le fetch a Cup of Sack Wife —

Ioan.

How brag he is of his liberty , but the holy day carries it .

Seel.

Here , here sweet-heart , they are lóng me thinks a comming , the Bels have rung out this halfe houre , harke now the wind brings the sound of them sweetly againe .

Ioan.

They ring backwards me thinks .

Seel.

I fack they doe , sure the greatest fire in the Parish is in our Kitchin , and there 's no harme done yet , no 't is some merry conceit of the stretch-ropes the Ringers , now they have done , and now the Wedding comes , hearke , the Fidlers and all , now have I liv'd to see a day , come , take our stand , and be ready for the Bride-cake , which we will so cracke and crumble upon her crowne : o they come , they come .

Enter Musitiane , Lawrence , Parnell , Win. Mal. Spencer , two Country Lasses Doughty , Greg. Arthur , Shakton , Bantam , and Whetstone . All .

Ioy , health ; and children to the married paire .

Lawr.

& Parn . We thanke you all .

Lawr.

So pray come in and fare .

Parn.

As well as we and taste of every cate :

Lawr.

With bonny Bridegroome and his love mate .

Arth.

This begins bravely .

Doug.

They agree better then the Bels eene now , 'slid they sung tunably till we were all out of the Church , and then they clatter'd as the divell had beene in the Bellfry : on in the name of Wedlocke , Fidlers on .

Lawr.

On with your melody .

Bant . Enter the Gates with joy , And as you enter play the sack of Troy . The Fidlers passe through , and play the battle . The Spirit appeares . Ioan.

Welcome Bride Parnell .

Seel. Bridegroome Lawrence eke , In you before , for we this cake must breake . Over the Bride — Forgi' me - what 's become O' th' Cake wife ! Exit Lawrence . As they lift up the Cake , the Spirit snatches it , and powres down bran . Ioan .

It slipt out of my hand , and is falne into crums I think .

Dought.

Crums ? the divell of crum is here , but bran ; nothing but bran , what prodigie is this ?

Parn.

Is my best Brides Cake come to this ! o wea warth it .

Exit Parn Seely , Joane , and Maides . Whet.

How daintily the Brides haire is powder'd with it .

Arth .

My haire stands an end to see it .

Bant .

And mine .

Shak.

I was never so amaz'd !

Dougb.

What can it meane ?

Greg.

Pax , I think not on 't , 't is but some of my Father and Mothers roguery , this is a Law-day with 'em , to doe what they list .

Whet.

I never feare any thing , so long as my Aunt has but bidden me thinke of her , and she 'll warrant me .

Dough.

Well Gentlemen , let 's follow the rest in , and feare nothing yet , the house smels well of good cheere .

Seel.

Gentlemen , will it please you draw neere , the guests are now all come , and the house almost full , meat 's taken up .

Dough.

We were now comming .

Seel.

But sonne Gregory , Nephew Arthur , and the rest of the young Gentlemen , I shall take it for a favor if you will ( it is an office which very good Gentlemen doe in this Country ) accompane the Bridegroome in serving the meat .

All .

With all our hearts .

Seely .

Nay neighbor Doughty , your yeares shall excuse you .

Dough.

Peugh , I am not so old but I can carry more meate then I can eate , if the young rascals coo'd carry their drinke as well , the Country would be quieter —

Knock within , as at dresser . Seel.

Well fare your hearts , — the dresser calls in Gentlemen ,

Exeunt Gentlemen .

'T is a busie time , yet will I review the Bill of fare , for this dayes dinner — ( Reades ) for 40 . people of the best quality , 4. messes of meat ; viz. a leg of Mutton in plum-broth , a dish of Marrow-bones , a Capon in white-broth , a Surlovne of beefe , a Pig , a Goose , a Turkie , and two Pyes : for the second course , to every messe 4. Chickens in a dish , a couple of Rabbets , Custard , Flawn , Florentines , and stewd pruines , — all very good Country fare , and for my credit , —

Enter Musitians playing before , Lawrence , Doughty , Arthur , Shakton Bantam , Whetstone , and Gregory , with dishes : A Spirit ( over the doore ) does some action to the dishes as they enter .

The service enters , O well sayd Musicke , play up the meat to the Table till all be serv'd in , I le see it passe in answer to my bill .

Dough.

Hold up your head Mr. Bridegroome .

Lawr.

On afore Fidlers , my double cewles in my honds .

Seely .

Inprime , a leg of Mutton in plum-broth , — how now Mr. Bridegroome , what carry you ?

Lawr.

'T were hot eene now , but now it 's caw'd as a stoane .

Seel.

A stone , 't is horne man .

Lawr.

Aw —

Exit Fidlers . Seely .

It was Mutton , but now 't is the horns on 't .

Lawr.

Aw where 's my Bride —

Exit . Dough.

'Zookes , I brought as good a Surloyne of Beefe from the Dresser as Knife coo'd be put to , and see — I le stay i' this house no longer .

Arth.

And if this were not a Capon in white broth , I am one i' the Coope .

Shak.

All , all 's transform'd , looke you what I have !

Bant.

And I .

Whet.

And I ! Yet I feare nothing thank my Aunt .

Greg.

I had a Pie that is not open'd yet , I le see what 's in that — live Birds as true as I live , look where they flye !

Exit Spirit . Dough.

Witches , live Witches , the house is full of witches , if we love our lives let 's out on 't .

Enter Joane and Win. Ioan.

O husband , O guests , O sonne , O Gentlemen , such a chance in a Kitchin was never heard of , all the meat is flowne out o' the chimney top I thinke , and nothing instead of it , but Snakes , Bates , Frogs , Beetles , Hornets , and Humble-bees ; all the Sallets are turn'd to Iewes-eares , Mushromes , and Puck fists ; and all the Custards into Cow sheards !

Dought.

What shall we doe , dare we stay any longer ?

Arth.

Dare we ! why not , I defie all Witches , and all their workes ; their power on our meat , cannot reach our persons .

Whet.

I say so too , and so my Aunt ever told me , so long I will feare nothing ; be not afrayd Mr. Doughty .

Dough.

Zookes , I feare nothing living that I can see more then you , and that 's nothing at all , but to thinke of these invisible mischiefes , troubles me I confesse .

Arth.

Sir I will not goe about to over-rule your reason , but but for my part I will not out of a house on a Bridall day , till I see the last man borne .

Dough.

Zookes thou art so brave a fellow that I will stick to thee , and if we come off handsomely , I am an old Batchelour thou know'st , and must have an heyre , I like thy spirit , where 's the Bride ? where 's the Bridegroome ? where 's the Musicke ? where be the Lasses ? ha' you any wine i' the house , though we make no dinner , le ts try if we can make an afternoone .

Ioan.

Nay sir if you please to stay , now that the many are frighted away , I have some good cold meates , and halfe a dozen bottles of Wine .

Seel.

And I will bid you welcome .

Dough.

Say you me so , but will not your sonne be angry , and your daughter chide you .

Greg.

Feare not you that sir , for look you I obey my Father .

Win.

And I my Mother .

Ioan.

And we are all at this instant as well and as sensible of our former errors , as you can wish us to be .

Dough.

Na , if the Witches have but rob'd of your meat , and restor'd your reason , here has beene no hurt done to day , but this is strange , and as great a wonder as the rest to me .

Arth.

It seemes though these Hags had power to make the Wedding cheere a Deceptio visus , the former store has scap'd 'em .

Dough.

I am glad on 't , but the divell good 'hem with my Surloyne , I thought to have set that by mine owne Trencher — But you have cold meat you say ?

Joan.

Yes Sir .

Dought.

And Wine you say ?

Ioane .

Yes sir .

Dought.

I hope the Country wenches and the Fidlers are not gone .

Win.

They are all here , and one the merriest Wench ; that makes all the rest so laugh and tickle .

Seel.

Gentlemen will you in ?

All .

Agreed on all parts .

Dought,

If not a Wedding we will make a Wake on 't , and away with the Witch ; I feare nothing now you have your wits againe : but look you , hold 'em while you have 'em .

Exeunt . Enter Generous , and Robin , with a Paper . Gener.

I confesse thou hast done a Wonder in fetching me so good Wine , but my good Servant Robert , goe not about to put a Myracle upon me , I will rather beleeve that Lancaster affords this Wine , which I thought impossible till I tasted it , then that thou coo'dst in one night fetch it from London .

Rob.

I have known when you have held mee for an honest fellow , and would have beleev'd me .

Gener.

Th' art a Knave to wish me to beleeve this , forgi me , I would have sworne if thou had'st stayd but time answerable for the journey ( to his that flew to Paris and back to London in a day ) it had been the same Wine , but it can never fall within the compasse of a Christians beleefe , that thou cou'dst ride above three hundred miles in 8. houres : You were no longer out , and upon one Horse too , and in the Night too !

Rob.

And carry a Wench behind me too , and did something else too , but I must not speak of her lest I be divell-torne .

Gen.

And fill thy bottles too , and come home halfe drunke too , for so thou art , thou wouldst never a had such a fancy else !

Rob.

I am sorry I have sayd so much , and not let Lancaster have the credit o' the Wine .

Gen.

O are you so ! and why have you abus'd me and your selfe then all this while , to glorifie the Myter in Fleet-street ?

Rob.

I could say sir , that you might have the better opinion of the Wine , for there are a great many pallats in the Kingdome that can relish no Wine , unlesse it be of such a Taverne , and drawne by such a Drawer —

Gen.

I sayd , and I say againe , if I were within ten mile of London , I durst sweare that this was Myter Wine , and drawn by honest Iacke Paine .

Rob.

Nay then sir I swore , and I sweare againe , honest Iack Paine drew it .

Gener.

Ha , ha , ha , if I coo'd beleeve there were such a thing as Witchcraft , I should thinke this slave were bewitch'd now with an opinion .

Rob.

Much good doe you sir , your Wine and your mirth , and my place for your next Groome , I desire not to stay to be laught out of my opinion .

Gen.

Nay be not angry Robin , we must not part so , and how does my honest Drawer ? ha , ha , ha ; and what newes at London , Robin ? ha , ha , ha ; but your stay was so short I think you coo'd heare none , and such your haste home that you coo'd make none : is 't not so Robin ? ha , ha , ha , what a strange fancy has good Wine begot in his head ?

Rob.

Now will I push him over and over with a peece of paper : Yes sir , I have brought you something from London .

Gen.

Come on , now let me heare .

Rob.

Your honest Drawer sir , considering that you consider'd him well for his good wine —

Gen.

What shall we heare now ?

Rob.

Was very carefull to keepe or convay this paper to you , which it seemes you dropt in the roome there .

Gener.

Blesse me ! this paper belongs to me indeed , 't is an acquittance , and all I have to show for the payment of one hundred pound , I tooke great care for 't , and coo'd not imagine where or how I might loose it , but why may not this bee a tricke ? this Knave may finde it when I lost it , and conceale it till now to come over me withall . I will not trouble my thoughts with it further at this time , well Robin looke to your businesse , and have a care of my Guelding .

Exit Generous . Robin .

Yes Sir . I think I have netled him now , but not as I was netled last night , three hundred Miles a Night upon a Rawbon'd Divell , as in my heart it was a Divell , and then a Wench that shar'd more o' my backe then the sayd Divell did o' my Bum , this is ranke riding my Masters : but why had I such an itch to tell my Master of it , and that he should beleeve it ; I doe now wish that I had not told , and that hee will not beleeve it , for I dare not tell him the meanes : 'Sfoot my Wench and her friends the Fiends , will teare me to pieces if I discover her ; a notable rogue , she 's at the Wedding now , for as good a Mayd as the best o 'em — O my Mistresse .

Enter Mrs. Generous , with a Bridle . Mrs.

Robin .

Rob.

I Mistresse .

Mrs.

Quickly good Robin , the gray Guelding .

Rob.

What other horse you please Mistresse .

Mrs.

And why not that ?

Rob.

Truly Mistresse pray pardon me , I must be plaine with you , I dare not deliver him you ; my master has tane notice of the ill case you have brought him home in divers times .

Mrs.

O is it so , and must he be made acquainted with my actions by you , and must I then be controll'd by him , and now by you ; you are a sawcey Groome .

Rob.

You may say your pleasure .

He turnes from her , Mrs.

No sir , I le doe my pleasure .

She Bridles him . Rob.

Aw .

Mrs. Horse , horse , see thou be , And where I point thee carry me . Exeunt Neighing . Enter Arthur , Shakston , and Bantam . Arth.

Was there ever such a medley of mirth , madnesse , and drunkennesse , shuffled together .

Shak.

Thy Vnckle and Aunt , old Mr. Seely and his wife , doe nothing but kisse and play together like Monkeyes .

Arth.

Yes , they doe over-love one another now .

Bant.

And young Gregory and his sister doe as much overdoe their obedience now to their Parents .

Arth.

And their Parents as much over-doat upon them , they are all as farre beyond their wits now in loving one another , as they were wide of them before in crossing .

Shak.

Yet this is the better madnesse .

Bant.

But the married couple that are both so daintily whitled , that now they are both mad to be a bed before Supper-time , and by and by he will , and she wo' not ; streight she will and he wo' not , the next minute they both forget they are married , and defie one another .

Arth.

My sides eene ake with laughter .

Shak.

But the best sport of all is , the old Batchelour Master Doughty , that was so cautious , & feat'd every thing to be witchcraft , is now wound up to such a confidence that there is no such thing , that hee dares the Divell doe his worst , and will not out o' the house by all persuasion , and all for the love of the husbandmans daughter within , Mal Spencer .

Arth.

There I am in some danger , he put me into halfe a beliefe I shall be his heire , pray love shee be not a witch to charme his love from mee . Of what condition is that wench do'st thou know her ?

Sha.

A little , but Whetstone knowes her better .

Arth.

Hang him rogue , he 'le belye her , and speak better than she deserves , for he 's is love with her too . I saw old Doughty give him a box o' the eare for kissing her , and hee turnd about as he did by thee yesterday , and swore his Aunt should know it .

Bant.

Who would ha' thought that impudent rogue would have come among us after such a baffle .

Sha.

He told me , hee had complain'd to his Aunt on us , and that she would speak with us .

Arth.

Wee will all to her to patch vp the businesse , for the respect I beare her husband , noble Generous .

Bant.

Here he comes .

Enter Whetstone . Arth. Hearke you Mr. Byblow do you know the lasse within ? What do you call her , Mal Spencer ? Whet.

Sir , what I know i 'le keepe to my selfe , a good civile merry harmlesse rogue she is , and comes to my Aunt often , and that s all I know by her .

Arth.

You doe well to keepe it to your selfe sir .

Whet.

And you may do well to question her if you dare . For the testy old coxcombe that will not let her goe out of his hand .

Sha.

Take heed , he 's at your heels .

Enter Doughty , Mal , two countrey Lasses Dough. Come away Wenches , where are you Gentlemen ? Play Fidlers : le ts have a dance , ha my little rogue . Zookes what ayles thy nose . Kisses Mal. Mal.

My nose ! Nothing sir . — turnes about — Yet mee thought a flie toucht it . Did you see any thing ?

Dou.

No , no , yet I would almost ha' sworn , I would not have sprite or goblin blast thy face , for all their kingdome . But han gt there is no such thing : Fidlers will you play ?

Selengers Round .

Gentlemen will you dance ?

All .

With all our hearts .

Arth. But stay where s this houshold ? This Family of love ? Let 's have them into the revels . Dou.

Hold a little then .

Sha. Here they come all In a True-love knot . Enter Seely , Ioane , Greg , Win. Greg.

O Father twentie times a day is too little to aske you blessing .

See .

Goe too you are a rascall : and you houswife teach your daughter better manners : i 'le ship you all for new England els .

Bant.

The knot 's untied , and this is another change .

Ioane .

Yes I will teach her manners , or put her out to spin two penny tow : so you deare husband will but take mee into favor : i 'le talke with you dame when the strangers are gone .

Greg.

Deare Father .

Win.

Deare Mother .

Greg. Win.

Deare Father and Mother pardon us but this time .

See . Ioa.

Never , and therefore hold your peace .

Dough.

Nay that s unreasonable .

Greg. Win.

Oh! — Weepe .

See .

But for your sake i 'le forbeare them , and beare with any thing this day .

Arth.

Doe you note this ? Now they are all worse then ever they were , in a contrary vaine : What thinke you of Witchcraft now ?

Dou.

They are all naturall fooles man , I finde it now .

Art thou mad to dreame of Witchcraft ?

Arth.

He 's as much chang'd and bewitcht as they I feare .

Dough.

Hey day ! Here comes the payre of boyld Lovers in Sorrell sops .

Enter Lawrence and Parnell . Lawr.

Nay deare hunny , nay hunny , but eance , eance .

Par.

Na , na , I han' swarne , I han' swarne , not a bit afore bed , and look yeou it 's but now dauncing time .

Dough.

Come away Bridegroome , wee 'll stay your stomack with a daunce . Now masters play a good : come my Lasse wee 'l shew them how 't is

Musicke . Selengers round . As they beginne to daunce , they play another tune , then fall into many . Ar. Ban. Sha.

Whether now , hoe ?

Dou.

Hey day ! why you rogues .

Whet.

What do's the Divell ride o' your Fiddlestickes .

Dou.

You drunken rogues , hold , hold , I say , and begin againe soberly the beginning of the World

Musicke . Every one a severall tune . Arth. Bant. Shak

Ha , ha , ha , How 's this ?

Bant.

Every one a severall tune

Dou.

This is something towards it . I bad them play the beginning o' the World , and they play , I know not what .

Arth.

No 't is running o' the country severall waies .

But what do you thinke on 't .

Musicke cease . Dough

Thinke ! I thinke they are drunke Prithee doe not thou thinke of Witchcraft ; for my part , I shall as soone thinke this maid one , as that there s any in Lancashire .

Mal.

Ha , ha ha .

Dough.

Why do'st thou laugh ?

Mal.

To thinke this Bridegroome should once ha' bin mine , but he shall rue it , i le hold him this point on 't , and that s all I care for him .

Dough.

A witty Rogue .

Whet.

I tell you sir , they say shee made a payle follow her t'other day up two payre of stayres .

Dough.

You lying Rascall .

Arth.

O sir forget your anger .

Mal.

Looke you Mr. Bridegroome , what my care provides for you

Lawrence .

What , a point ?

Mal.

Yes put it in your pocket it may stand you instead anon , when all your points be tane away , to trusse up your trinkits , I meane your slopes withall .

Lawr.

Mal for awd acquaintance I will ma' thy point a point of preferment . It shan bee the Foreman of a haell Iewrie o'points , and right here will I weare it .

Par.

Wy'a , wy'a , awd leove wo no be forgetten , but ay 's never be jealous the mare for that .

Arth.

Play fidlers any thing .

Dou.

I , and le ts see your faces , that you play fairely with us .

Musitians shew themselves above . Fid.

We do sir , as loud as we can possibly .

Sha.

Play out that we may heare you .

Fid.

So we do sir , as loud as we can possibly .

Dough.

Doe you heare any thing ?

All .

Nothing not we sir .

Dough. 'T is so , the rogues are brib'd to crosse me , And their Fiddles shall suffer , I will breake em as small as the Bride cake was to day . Arth.

Looke you sir , they 'l save you a labour , they are doing it themselves .

Whet.

Oh brave Fidlers , there was never better scuffling for the Tudberry Bull .

Mal.

This is mother Iohnson and Gooddy Dickisons roguerie , I finde it but I cannot helpe it , yet I will have musicke : sir there s a Piper withour , would be glad to earne money .

Whet.

She has spoke to purpose , & whether this were witchcraft or not : I have heard my Aunt say twentie times , that no Witchcraft can take hold of a Lancashire Bag-pipe , for it selfe is able to charme the Devell , i le fetch him .

Dough.

Well said , a good boy nów ; come bride and bridegroome , leave your kissing and fooling , and prepare to come into the daunce . Wee 'le have a Horne-pipe , and then a posset and to bed when you please . Welcome Piper , blow till thy bagge cracke agen , a lusty Horne-pipe , and all into the daunce , nay young and old .

Daunce . Lawrence and Parnell reele in the daunce . At the end , Mal vanishes , & the piper . All .

Bravely performd .

Dou.

Stay , where s my lasse ?

Arth. Ban. Shak

Vanisht , she and the Piper both vanisht , no bodie knowes how .

Dou.

Now do I plainly perceive again , here has bin nothing but witcherie all this day ; therfore into your posset , & agree among your selves as you can , i le out o' the house . And Gentlemen , if you love me or your selves , follow me .

Ar. Bant. Sha. Whet.

I , I , Away , away .

Exeunt . See .

Now good son , wife , and daughter , let me intreat you be not angry .

Win.

O you are a trim mother are you not ?

Ioa.

Indeed childe , i le do so no more .

Greg.

Now sir , i 'le talke with you , your champions are al gon .

Lawr.

Wee ll sir , and what wun yeou deow than ?

Par.

Whay , whay , what s here to doe ? Come awaw , and whickly , and see us into our Brayd Chember , & delicatly ludgd togeder , or wee 'l whap you out o'dores i th morne to sijourne in the common , come away .

All .

Wee follow yee .

Exeunt .
ACTVS , IIII. SCAENA , I. Enter Mistresse Generous and Robin .

KNow you this gingling bridle , if you see 't agen ? I wanted but a paire of gingling spurs to make you mend your pace , and put you into a sweat .

Robin .

Yes , I have reason to know it after my hard journey , they say there be light women , but for your owne part , though you be merry . Yet I may be sorry for your heavinesse .

Mrs. Gener.

I see thou art not quite tyr'd by shaking of thy selfe , 't is a signe that as thou hast brought mee hither , so thou art able to beare mee backe , and so you are like good Robert . You will not let me have your masters gelding , you will not . Wel fir , as you like this journey , so deny him to me hereafter .

Rob.

You say well mistresse , you have jaded me ( a pox take you for a jade . ) Now I bethinke my selfe how damnably did I ride last night , and how divellishly have I bin rid now .

Mrs.

Doe you grumble you groome ? Now the bridl 's of , I turne thee to grazing gramercy my good horse , I have no better provender for thee at this time , thou hadst best like Aesops Asse to feed upon Thistles , of which this place will affoord thee plenty . I am bid to a better banquet , which done , i le take thee up from grasse , spur cutt , and take a short cutt home . Farewell .

Robin .

A pox upon your tayle .

Enter all the Witches and Mal , at severall dores . All .

The Lady of the feast is come , welcome , welcome .

Mrs.

Is all the cheare that was prepared to grace the wedding feast , yet come ?

Gooddy Dick part of it 's here . The other we must pull for . But what s hee ? Mrs.

My horse , my horse , ha , ha , ha .

All .

Ha , ha , ha .

Exeunt Rob.

My horse , my horse , I would I were now some country Major , and in authority , to see if I would not venter to rowze your Satanicall sisterhood : Horse , horse , see thou be , & where I point thee , carry me : is that the trick on 't ? the divel himselfe shall be her carrier next if I can shun her : & yet my Mr. will not beleeve there s any witches : there s no running away ; for I neither know how nor whether , besides to my thinking , there s a deepe ditch , & a hye quick-set about mee , how shall I passe the time ? What place is this ? it looks like an old barne : i le peep in at some cranny or other , and try if I can see what they are doing . Such a bevy of beldames did I never behold ; and cramming like so many Cormorants : Marry choke you with a mischiefe .

Gooddy Dickison .

Whoope , whurre , here s a sturre , never a cat , never a curre , but that we must have this demurre .

Mal.

A second course .

Mrs. Gen. Pull , and pull hard For all that hath lately bin prepar'd For the great wedding feast . Mal. As chiefe . Of Doughtyes Surloine of rost Beefe . All .

Ha , ha , ha .

Meg.

'T is come , 't is come .

Mawd.

Where hath it all this while beene ?

Meg Some Delay hath kept it , now 't is here , For bottles next of wine and beere , The Merchants cellers they shall pay for 't . Mrs. Gener. Well , What sod or rost meat more , pray tell . Good . Dick Pul for the Poultry , Foule , & Fish , For emptie shall not be a dish . Robin .

A pox take them , must only they feed upon hot meat , and I upon nothing but cold sallads

Mrs. Gener. This meat is tedious , now some Farie , Fetch what belongs unto the Dairie . Mal. That s Butter , Milk , Whey , Curds and Cheese , Wee nothing by the bargaine leese . All .

Ha , ha , ha .

Goody Dickison .

Boy , there s meat for you .

Boy .

Thanke you .

Gooddy Dickis

And drinke too .

Meg.

What Beast was by thee hither rid ?

Mawd.

A Badger nab .

Meg. And I bestrid A Porcupine that never prickt . Mal. The dull sides of a Beare I kickt . I know how you rid Lady Nan , Mrs. Gen ,

Ha , ha , ha , upon the knave my man .

Rob.

A murrein take you , I am sure my hoofes payd for 't .

Boy .

Meat lie there , for thou hast no taste , and drinke there , for thou hast no relish , for in neither of them is there either salt or savour .

All .

Pull for the posset , pull .

Robin .

The brides posset on my life , nay if they come to their spoone meat once , I hope thei l breake up their feast presently .

Mrs. Gen. So those that are our waiters nere , Take hence this Wedding cheere . We will be lively all , and make this barn our hall . Gooddy Dick. You our Familiers , come . In speech let all be dumbe , And to close up our Feast , To welcome every gest A merry round let 's daunce . Meg. Some Musicke then i th aire Whilest thus by paire and paire , We nimbly foot it ; strike . Musick . Mal.

We are obeyd .

Sprite .

And we hels ministers shall lend our aid .

Dance and Song together . In the time of which the Boy speakes . Boy .

Now whilest they are in their jollitie , and do not mind me , i le steale away , and shift for my selfe , though I lose my life for 't .

Exit . Meg. Enough , enough , now part , To see the brides vext heart , The bridegroomes too and all , That vomit up their gall For lacke o' th wedding chere . Gooddy Dickison .

But stay , where s the Boy , looke out , if he escape us , we are all betrayed .

Meg. No following further , yonder horsemen come , In vaine is our pursuit , let 's breake up court . Gooddy Dickison .

Where shall we next met ?

Mawd.

At Mill .

Meg.

But when ?

Mrs.

At Night .

Meg. To horse , to horse . 2. Where 's my Mamilian . 1. And my Mamilian . 3. My Tyger to bestri'd . Robin stands amaz'd at this . Mal.

My Puggie .

Mrs. Gen. My horse . The night we have Feasted , now comes on the day . All .

Away , away ,

Mrs. Come sirrah , stoope your head like a tame jade , Whil'st I put on your Bridle . Rob.

I pray Mistresse ride me as you would be rid .

Mrs.

That 's at full speed ,

Rob. Nay then I le try Conclusions . Mare Mare , see thou be , And where I point thee carry me . A great noyse within at their parting . Exeunt . Enter Mr. Generous , making him ready . Gen. I see what Man is loath to entertaine , Offers it selfe to him most frequently , And that which we most covet to embrace , Doth seldome court us , and proves most averse ; For I , that never coo'd conceive a thought Of this my woman worthy a rebuke , ( As one that in her youth bore her so fairely That she was taken for a seeming Saint ) To render me such just occasion , That I should now distrust her in her age ; Distrust ! I cannot , that would bring me in The poore aspersion of fond jealousie ; Which even from our first meeting I abhorr'd . The Gentile fashion sometimes we observe To sunder beds ; but most in these hot monthes Iune , Iuly August , so we did last night . Now I ( as ever tender of her health ) And therefore rising early as I use , Entring her Chamber to bestow on her A custom'd Visite ; finde the Pillow swell'd , Vnbruis'd with any weight , the sheets unruffled , The Curtaines neither drawne , nor bed layd down ; Which showes , she slept not in my house to night . Should there be any contract betwixt her And this my Groome , to abuse my honest trust ; I should not take it well , but for all this Yet cannot I be jealous . Robin — Enter Robin . Gen. Is my horse safe , lusty , and in good plight ? What , feeds he well ? Rob.

Yes sir , he 's broad buttock'd and full flanck'd , he doth not bate an ace of his flesh .

Gen.

When was he rid last ?

Rob.

Not sir since you backt him .

Gen. Sirrah , take heed I finde you not a Knave , Have you not lent him to your Mistresse late ? So late as this last Night ? Rob.

Who I sir , may I dye sir , if you finde me in a lye sir .

Gener.

Then I shall finde him where I left him last .

Robin .

No doubt Sir .

Gener.

Give me the Key o' th Stable .

Robin .

There Sir .

Gen. Sirrah , your Mistresse was abroad all night , Nor is she yet come home , if there I finde him not , I shall finde thee , what to this present houre I never did suspect ; and I must tell theee Will not be to thy profit . Exit . Rob.

Well sir , finde what you can , him you shall finde , and what you finde else ; it may befor that , instead of Gramercy horse , you may say Gramercy Robin ; you will beleeve there are no Witches ! had I not been late brideled , I coo'd have sayd more , but I hope she is ty'd to the racke that will confesse something , and though not so much as I know , yet no more then I dare justifie —

Enter Generous .

Have you found your Gelding sir ?

Gen.

Yes , I have .

Rob.

I hope not spurr'd , nor put into a sweat , you may see by his plump belly and sleeke legs he hath not bin sore travail'd .

Gener. Y' are a sawcy Groome to receive horses Into my Stable , and not aske me leave . Is 't for my profit to buy Hay and Oates For every strangers jades ? Rob.

I hope sir you finde none feeding there but your owne , if there be any you suspect , they have nothing to champeon , but the Bridle .

Gener.

Sirrah , whose jade is that ty'd to the Racke ?

Rob.

The Mare you meane sir ?

Gener.

Yes , that old Mare .

Rob.

Old doe you call her ? You shall finde the marke still in her mouth , when the Bridle is out of it ? I can assure you 't is your owne Beast .

Gen. A beast thou art to tell me so , hath the wine Not yet left working ? not the Myter wine ? That made thee to beleeve Witcheraft ? Prithee perswade me , To be a drunken Sot like to thy selfe ; And not to know mine owne . Rob.

I le not perswade you to any thing , you will beleeve nothing but what you see , I say the Beast is your owne , and you have most right to keepe her , shee hath cost you more the currying , then all the Combs in your Stable are worth . You have paid for her Provender this twentie yeares and upwards , and furnisht her with all the Caparisons that she hath worne , of my Knowledge , and because she hath been ridden hard the last Night , doe you renounce her now ?

Gener. Sirrah , I feare some stolne jade of your owne That you would have me keepe . Rob.

I am sure I found her no iade the last time I rid her , she carried me the best part of a hundred Miles in lesse then a quarter of an houre .

Gener.

The divell she did !

Robin .

Yes so I say , either the diuell or she did ; an 't please you walke in and take off her Bridle , and then tell me who hath more right to her , you or I .

Gen. Well Robert , for this once I le play the Groome , And doe your office for you . Exit . Rob.

I pray doe Sir , but take heed lest when the Bridle is out of her mouth , she put it not into yours ; if she doe , you are a gone man : if she but say once — Horse , horse , see thou be . Be you rid ( if you please ) for me .

Enter Mr. Generous and Mrs. Generous , he with a Bridle . Gen. My blood is turn'd to Ice , and my all vitals Have ceas'd their working ! dull stupidity Surpriseth me at once , and hath arrested That vigorous agitation ; Which till now Exprest a life within me : I me thinks Am a meere Marble statue , and no man ; Vnweave my age O time , to my first thread ; Let me loose fiftie yeares in ignorance spent : That being made an infant once againe , I may begin to know , what ? or where am I To be thus lost in wonder . Mrs. Gen.

Sir .

Gen. Amazement still pursues me , how am I chang'd Or brought ere I can understand my selfe , Into this new World . Rob.

You will beleeve no Witches ?

Gen. This makes me beleeve all , I any thing ; And that my selfe am nothing : prithee Robin Lay me to my selfe open , what art thou , Or this new transform'd Creature ? Rob.

I am Robin , and this your wife , my Mrs.

Gen , Tell me the Earth Shall leave it's seat , and mount to kisse the Moone ; Or that the Moone enamour'd of the Earth , Shall leave her spheare , to stoope to us thus low . What ? what 's this in my hand , that at an instant Can from a foure leg'd Creature , make a thing So like a wife ? Rob.

A Bridle , jugling Bridle Sir .

Gen. A Bridle , hence inchantment , A Viper were more safe within my hand Then this charm'd Engine Casts it away . Robin takes it up . Rob.

Take heed Sir what you do , if you cast it hence , and she catch it up , we that are here now , may be rid as far as the Indies within these few houres , Mistresse down of your Mares bones , or your Mary-bones whether you please , and confesse your selfe to be what you are ; and that 's in plaine English a Witch , a grand notorius Witch .

Gen.

A Witch ! my wife a Witch !

Rob.

So it appeares by the storie .

Gener. The more I strive to unwinde My selfe from this Meander , I the more Therein am intricated ; prithee woman Art thou a Witch ? Mrs.

It cannot be deny'd , I am such a curst Creature .

Gen. Keep aloofe , and doe not come too neare me , O my trust ; Have I since first I understood my selfe , Bin of my soule so charie , still to studie What best was for it's health , to renounce all The workes of that black Fiend with my best force And hath that Serpent twin'd me so about , That I must lye so often and so long With a Divell in my bosome ! Mrs.

Pardon sir .

Gen. Pardon ! Can such a thing as that be hop'd ? Lift up thine eyes ( lost woman ) to yon Hils ; It must be thence expected : look not down Vnto that horrid dwelling , which thou hast sought At such deare rate to purchase , prithee tell me , ( For now I can beleeve ) art thou a Witch ? Mrs.

I am .

Gen. With that word I am thunderstrooke , And know not what to answer , yet resolve me Hast thou made any contract with that Fiend The Enemy of Mankind ? Mrs.

O I have .

Gen.

What ? and how farre ?

Mrs.

I have promis'd him my soule .

Gen. Ten thousand times better thy Body had Bin promis'd to the Stake , I and mine too , To have suffer'd with thee in a hedge of flames : Then such a compact ever had bin made . Oh — Rob.

What cheese sir , show your selfe a man , though she appear'd so late a Beast ; Mistresse confesse all , better here than in a worse place , out with it .

Gen.

Resolve me , how farre doth that contract stretch ?

Mrs. What interest in this Soule , my selfe coo'd claime I freely gave him , but his part that made it I still reserve , not being mine to give . Gen. O cunning Divell , foolish woman know Where he can clayme but the least little part , He will usurpe the whole ; thou art a lost woman . Mrs.

I hope not so .

Gen.

Why hast thou any hope ?

Mrs.

Yes Sir I have .

Gen.

Make it appeare to me .

Mrs. I hope I never bargain'd for that fire , Further then penitent teares have power to quench . Gen.

I would see some of them .

Mrs. You behold them now . ( If you looke on me with charitable eyes ) Tinctur'd in blood , blood issuing from the heart , Sir I am sorry ; when I looke towards Heaven I beg a gracious Pardon ; when on you Me thinkes your Native goodnesse should not be Lesse pittifull than they : 'gainst both I have err'd , From both I beg attonement . Gener.

May I presum 't ?

Mrs.

I kneele to both your Mercies .

Gener.

Know'st thou what a Witch is ?

Mrs. Alas , None better , Or after mature recollection can be More sad to thinke on 't . Gen. Tell me , are those teares As full of true hearted penitence , As mine of sorrow , to behold what state What desperate state th' art falne in . Mrs.

Sir they are .

Gen. Rise , and as I doe , so heaven pardon me ; We all offend , but from such falling off , Defend us . Well , I doe remember wife , When I first tooke thee , 't was for good and bad ; O change thy bad to good , that I may keep thee , As then we past our faiths , till Death us sever . I will not aggravate thy griefe too much , By Needles iteration : Robin hereafter Forget thou hast a tongue , if the least Syllable Of what hath past be rumour'd , you loose me ; But if I finde you faithfull , you gaine me ever . Rob. A match sir , you shall finde me as mute as if I had the Bridle still in my mouth . Gen. O woman thou had'st need to weepe thy selfe Into a fountaine , such a penitent spring As may have power to quench invisible flames In which my eyes shall ayde ; too little all , If not too little , all 's forgiven , forgot ; Only thus much remember , thou had'st extermin'd Thy selfe out of the blest society Of Saints and Angels , but on thy repentance I take thee to my Bosome , once againe , My wife , sister , and daughter : saddle my Gelding , Some businesse that may hold me for two dayes Calls me aside . Exeunt . Rob.

I shall Sir , well now my Mistresse hath promis'd to give over her Witchery , I hope though I still continue her man , yet she will make me no more her journey-man ; to prevent which the first thing I doe shall be to burne the Bridle , and then away with the Witch .

Exit . Enter Arthur and Doughty . Arth

Sir you have done a right noble courtesie , which deserves a memory , as long as the name of friendship can beare mention .

Dough.

What I have done , I ha' done , if it be well , 't is well , J doe not like the bouncing of good Offices , if the little care I have taken shall doe these poore people good , I have my end in 't , and so my reward .

Enter Bantam . Bant.

Now Gentlemen , you seeme very serious .

Arth.

'T is true we are so , but you are welcome to the knowledge of our affayres .

Bant.

How does thine Vncle and Aunt , Gregory and his sister , the Families of Seelyes agree yet , can you tell ?

Arth.

That is the businesse , the Seely houshold is divided now .

Bant.

How so I pray ?

Arth. You know , and cannot but with pitty know Their miserable condition , how The good old couple were abus'd , and how The young abus'd themselves ; if we may say That any of hem are their selves at all Which sure we cannot , nor approve them fit To be their owne disposers , that would give The governance of such a house and living Into their Vassailes hands , to thrust them out on 't Without or Law or order , this consider'd This Gentleman and my selfe have taken home By faire entreaty , the old folkes to his house , The young to mine , untill some wholesome order By the judicious of the Common-wealth , Shall for their persons and estate be taken . Bant. But what becomes of Lawrénce and his Parnell ? The lusty couple , what doe they now ? Dough.

Alas poore folks , they are as farre to seeke of how they doe , or what they doe , or what they should doe , as any of the rest , they are all growne Ideots , and till some of these damnable jades , with their divellish devises bee found out , tod scharme them , no remedy can be found , I mean to lay the Country for their Hagships , and if J can anticipate the purpose , of their grand Mr. Divell to confound 'em before their lease be out , be sure i le do 't .

A shout within . Cry .

A Skimington , a Skimmington , a Skimington .

Dough.

What s the matter now , is Hell broke loose ?

Enter Mr Shakstone . Arth.

Tom Shakstone , how now , canst tell the newes ?

Sha.

The news , ye heare it up i' th aire , do you not ?

Within .

A Skimington , a Skimington , a Skimington .

Sha.

Hearke ye , do you not heare it ? there s a Skimington , towards gentlemen .

Dou.

Ware Wedlocke hoe .

Bant.

At whose suit I prithee is Don Skimington come to towne .

Sha.

I le tell you gentlemen , since you have taken home old Seely and his wife to your house , and you their son and daughter to yours , the house-keepers Lawrence , and his late bride Parnell are fallen out by themselves .

Arth.

How prithee ?

Sha.

The quarell began they say upon the wedding night , and in the bride bed .

Bant.

For want of bedstaves ?

Sha.

No but a better implement it seemes the bridegroome was unprovided of , a homely tale to tell .

Dou.

Now out upon her shee has a greedy worme in her , I have heard the fellow complain'd on , for an over mickle man among the maids .

Arth.

Is his haste to goe to bed at afternoone come to this now ?

Dough.

Witchery , witchery , more witcherie still flat and plaine witchery . Now do I thinke upon the codpeece point the young jade gave him at the wedding : shee is a witch , and that was a charme , if there be any in the World .

Arth.

A ligatory point .

Bant.

Alas poore Lawrence .

Sha.

He 's comming to make his mone to you about it , and she too , since you have taken their masters & mistresses to your care , you must do them right too .

Dough.

Marry but i le not undertake her at these yeares , if lusty Lawrence cannot do 't .

Bant.

But has she beaten him ?

Sha.

Grievously broke his head in I know not how many places : of which the hoydens have taken notice , and will have a Skimmington on horse-backe presently . Looke ye , here comes both plaintiffe and defendant .

Enter Lawrence and Parnell . Dough

How now Lawrence , what has thy wedlock brought thee already to thy night-cap ?

Lawr.

Yie gadwat sir , I ware wadded but aw to seun .

Par.

Han yeou reeson to complayne or ay trow yeou gaffer Downought ? Wa warth the day that ever I wadded a Downought .

Ar. Ban. Sha.

Nay hold Parnel hold .

Dough.

We have heard enough of your valour already , wec know you have beaten him , let that suffice .

Parn.

Ware ever poore mayden betrayed as ay ware unto a swagbellied Carle that cannot aw waw that cannot .

Dou.

What saies she ?

Dou.

I know not , she catterwawles I think . Parnel be patient good Parnell , and a little modest too , 't is not amisse , wee know not the relish of every eare that heares vs , le ts talke within our selves . What s the defect ? What s the impediment ? Lawrence has had a lusty name among the Batchellors .

Par.

What he ware when he ware a Batchelor , I know better than the best maid i th tawne . I wad I had not .

Ar. Ba. Sha.

Peace Parnell .

Par.

'T ware that , that cossen'd me , he has not now as he had than ?

Ar. Ba. Sha.

Peace good Parnell .

Parn.

For then he could , but now he connot , he connot .

Ar. Ba. Sha

Fie Parnel fie .

Par.

I say agean and agean , hee connot , he connot .

Ar. Ba Sha.

Alas poore Parnel .

Par.

I am not a bit the better for him sin wye ware wad . Cries

Dou.

Here s good stuffe for a jurie of women to passe upon .

Arth. But Parnel , why have you beaten him so grievously ? What would you have him doe in this case ? Dou.

He 's out of a doing case it seemes .

Par.

Marry sir , and beat him will I into his grave , or backe to the Priest , and be unwaddded agone , for I wonot bee baund to lig with him and live with him the laife of an honest woman for aw the layves good i' Loncoshire .

Dou.

An honest woman : that s a good mind Parnel What say you to this Lawrence ?

Law .

Keepe her of o' me , and I shan teln yeou , and she be by I am no body : But keep her off and search me , let me be searcht as never witch was searcht , and finde ony thing mor or lasse upo me than a sufficient mon shold have , and let me be honckt by 't .

Art .

Do you heare this Parnell ?

Par.

Ah leear , leear , deell tacke the leear , troist yee and hong yee .

Dou. Alasse it is too plaine , the poore fellow is bewitcht . Here s a plaine Maleficium versus hanc now . Ar.

And so is she bewitcht too into this immodesty .

Ban.

She would never talke so else

Law .

I prayn yeow gi' me the lere o'th at Latine sir .

Dough.

The meaning is , you must get halfe a dozen bastards Within this twelvemoneth , and that will mend your next mariage .

Law .

And I thought it would ma' Parnel , love me i 'd be sure on 't , and gang about it now right .

Sha.

Y' are soone provided it seems for such a journey .

Dou

Best tarry till thy head be whole Lawrence .

Pa. Nay , nay , ay's white casten away ent I be vnwadded agen ▪ And then ine undertack to find 3 better husbands in a bean cod . Sha.

Hearke gentlemen , the shew is comming .

Ar.

What shall we stay & see 't .

Ban.

O by all means Gent.

Dou.

'T is best to have these away first .

Par.

Nay mary shan eou not sir , I heare yeou well enogh , & I con the meaning o' the show well enogh , & I stay not the show & see not the show , & ma' one i' the show , let me be honckt up for a show i le ware them to mel or ma with a woman that mels or mae's with a testril a longie , a dow little losell that connot , & if I skim not their skimingtons cockskeam for 't , ma that warplin boggle me a week lonker , & that s a curse eno' for any wife I tro . from the boord , and yet for ought I can see I am never a whit the neerer What not one kisse at parting Mal ?

Mrs. Well Cozen this is all you have to do : Retire the Gallants to some privat roome , Where call for wine , and junckets what you please , Then thou shalt need to do no other thing Than what this note directs thee , observe that An trouble me no farther . Whet.

Very good , I like this beginning well : for where they sleighted me before , they shall finde me a man of note .

Exit . Mal.

Of this the meaning

Mrs. Marry Lasse To bring a new conceit to passe . Thy Spirit must borrow more , To fill the number three or foure ; Whom we will use to no great harm , Only assist me with thy charme . This night wee 'l celebrate to sport : 'T is all for mirth , we mean no hurt . Mal. My Spirit and my selfe command ; Mamillion , & the rest at hand , shall all assist . Mrs. Withdraw then , quicke , Now gallants , ther 's for you a trick . Exeunt Enter Whetstone , Arthur , Shakstone , Bantam . Whet.

Heer 's a more privat roome gentlemen , free from the noise of the Hall . Here we may talke , and throw the chamber out of the casements . Some wine and a short banquet .

Enter with a boquet , Wine , and two Tapers . Whet.

So now leave us .

Arth. Wee are much bound to you master Whetstone . For this great entertainment : I see you command The house in the absence of your vnkle . Whet.

Yes , I thanke my Aunt ; for though I be but a daily guest yet I can be welcome to her at midnight .

Shak.

How shall we passe the time ?

Bant.

In some discourse .

Whet.

But no such discourse as we had last , beseech you .

Bant. Now master Whetstone you reflect on me . 'T is true , at our last meeting some few words Then past my lips , which I could wish forgot : I thinke I call'd you Bastard . Whet.

I thinke so too ; but what s that amongst friends , for I would faine know which amongst you all knowes his owne father .

Bant.

You are merrie with your friends , good master By-Blow , and wee are guests here in your Vnckles house , and therefore priviledged .

Enter Mistresse Generous , Mal and Spirits . Whet.

I presume you had no more priviledge in your getting than I . But tell me gentlemen , is there any man here amongst you , that hath a minde to see his father ?

Bant.

Why , who shall shew him ?

Whet.

That s all one ; if any man here desire it , let him but speake the word , and 't is sufficient .

Bant.

Why , I would see my father .

Mistresse Gener.

Strike .

Musique . Enter a Pedant dauncing to the musique ; the strain don , he points at Bantam , & looks full in his face . Whet.

Doe you know him that lookes so full in your face ;

Bant. Yes well , a pedant in my fathers house . Who beeing young , taught me my A , B , C. Whet.

In his house , that goes for your father you would say : For know one morning , when your mothers husband rid early to have a Nisi prius tryed at Lancaster Syzes , hee crept into his warme place , lay close by her side , and then were you got . Then come , your heeles and tayle together , and kneele unto your own deare father .

All .

Ha , ha , ha .

Bant.

I am abused .

Whet.

Why laugh you Gentlemen ? It may be more mens cases than his or mine . Bant . To be thus geer'd .

Arth. Come , take it as a jest For presume 't was meant no otherwise . Whet.

Would either of you two now see his father in earnest

Shak

Yes , canst thou shew me mine ?

Mrs. Gen.

Strike .

Enter a nimble Taylor dauncing , using the same posture to Shakstone . Whet

Hee lookes on you speake , doe you know him ?

Shak.

Yes , he was my mothers Taylor , I remember him ever since I was a childe .

Whet.

Who when hee came to take measure of her upper parts had more minde to the lower , whilest the good man was in the fields hunting , he was at home whoring .

Then , since no better comfort can be had , Come downe , come downe , aske blessing of your dad . All

Ha , ha , ha

Bant.

This cannot be indur'd .

Arth. It is plaine Witchcraft . Nay since we all are bid unto one feast , Le ts fare alike , come shew me mine too . Mrs Gener.

Strike .

Enter Robin with a switch and a Currycombe , he points at Arthur . Whet

He points at you .

Arth.

What then ?

Whet.

You know him .

Arth.

Yes , Robin the groome belonging to this house .

Whet.

And never served your father ?

Arth.

In 's youth I thinke he did .

Whet.

Who when your supposed father had businesse at the Lord Presidents Court in Yorke , stood for his Atturney at home , & so it seems you were got by deputy : what all a mort ? if you will have but a little patience , stay & you shall see mine too :

And know I shew you him the rather , To finde who hath the best man to his Father . Mrs.

Strike —

Musicke . Enter a Gallant , as before to him . Whet.

Now Gentlemen make me your President , learne your duties , and doe as I doe — A blessing Dad .

Whet. Come , come , let 's home , we 'l finde some other time , When to dispute of these things — Whet.

: Nay Gent. no parting in spleene , since we have begun in mirth , let 's not end in melancholy ; you see there are more By-blowes than beare the name ; It is growne a great kindred in the Kingdome . Come , come , all friends ; Let 's into the Cellar and conclude our Revels in a lusty health .

Shak.

I faine would strike , but cannot .

Bant .

Some strange fate holds me .

Arth. Here then all anger end , Let none be mad at what they cannot mend . Exeunt . Mal.

Now say what 's next ?

Mrs. I' th' Mill there lyes A Souldier yet with unscratcht eyes , Summon the Sister-hood together For we with all our Spirits will thither ; And such a Catterwalling keepe , That he in vaine shall thinke to sleepe . Call Meg , and Doll , Tib , Nab , and Iug , Let none appeare without her Pug . We 'l try our utmost Art and skill . To fright the stout Knave in the Mill . Exeunt .
ACTVS , V. SCENA , I. Enter Doughty , Miller , Boy in a Cap . Doughty. .

THou art a brave Boy , the honour of thy Country ; thy Statue shall be set up in brasse upon the Market Crosse in Lancaster , I blesse the time that I answered at the Font for thee : 'Zookes did I ever think that a Godson of mine should have fought hand to fist with the Divell !

Mil.

He was ever an unhappy Boy Sir , and like enough to grow acquainted with him ; and friends may fall out sometimes .

Dought.

Thou art a dogged Sire , and doest not know the vertue of my Godsonne , my sonne now ; he shall be thy sonne no longer : he and I will worry all the Witches in Lancashire .

Mil.

You were best take heed though .

Dough.

I care not , though we leave not above three untainted women in the Parish , we 'll doe it .

Mil.

Doe what you please Sir , there 's the Boy stout enough to justifie any thing he has sayd . Now 't is out , he should be my Sonne still by that : Though he was at Death's dore before he would reveale any thing , the damnable jades had so threatned him , and as soone as ever he had told he mended .

Dought.

'T is well he did so , we will so swing them in two-penny halters Boy .

Mil.

For my part I have no reason to hinder any thing that may root them all out ; I have tasted enough of their mischiefe , witnesse my usage i' th Mill , which could be nothing but their Roguerie . One night in my sleepe they set me a stride stark naked a top of my Mill , a bitter cold night too ; 't was day light before I waked , and I durst never speake of it to this houre , because I thought it impossible to be beleeved .

Dought.

Villanous Hags

Mil.

And all last Summer , my Wife could not make a bit of butter .

Dough.

It would not come , would it ?

Mill.

No Sir , we could not make it come , though she and I both together , churn'd almost our harts out , and nothing would come , but all ran into thin waterish geere : the Pigges would not drinke it .

Dought.

Is 't possible ?

Mil.

None but one , and he ran out of his wits upon 't , till we bound his head , and layd him a sleepe , but he has had a wry mouth ever since .

Dought.

That the Divell should put in their hearts to delight in such Villanies ! I have sought about these two dayes , and heard of a hundred such mischievous tricks , though none mortall , but could not finde whom to mistrust for a Witch till now this boy , this happy boy informes me .

And they should neere have been sought for me if their affrightments and divelish devices , had not brought my Boy into such a sicknesse ; Whereupon indeed I thought good to acquaint your worship , and bring the Boy unto you being his Godfather , and as you now stick not to say his Father .

Dought.

After you I thanke yon Gossip . But my Boy thou hast satisfied me in their names , and thy knowledge of the women , their turning into shapes , their dog-trickes , and their horse trickes , and their great Feast in the Barne ( a pox take them with my Surloyne , I say still . ) But a little more of thy combat with the Divell , I prithee ; he came to thee like a Boy thou sayest , about thine owne bignesse ?

Boy .

Yes Sir , and he asked me where I dwelt , and what my name was .

Dough.

Ah Rogue !

Boy .

But it was in a quarrelsome way ; Whereupon I was as stout , and ask'd him who made him an examiner ?

Dough.

Ah good Boy .

Mil.

In that he was my Sonne .

Boy . He told me he would know or beat it out of me , And I told him he should not , and bid him doe his worst ; And to 't we went . Dough.

In that he was my sonne againe , ha boy ; I see him at it now .

Boy .

We fought a quarter of an houre , till his sharpe nailes made my eares bleed .

Dough.

O the grand Divell pare 'em .

Boy .

I wondred to finde him so strong in my hands , seeming but of mine owne age and bignesse , till I looking downe , perceived he had clubb'd cloven feet like Oxe feet ; but his face was as young as mine .

Dought.

A pox , but by his feet , he may be the Club-footed Horse-coursers father , for all his young lookes .

Boy .

But I was afraid of his feet , and ran from him towards a light that I saw , and when I came to it , it was one of the Witches in white upon a Bridge , that scar'd me backe againe , and then met me the Boy againe , and he strucke me and layd mee for dead .

Mil.

Till I wondring at his stay , went out and found him in the Trance ; since which time , he has beene haunted and frighted with Goblins , 40. times , and never durst tell any thing ( as I sayd ) because the Hags had so threatned him till in his sicknes he revealed it to his mother .

Dough.

And she told no body but folkes on 't . Well Gossip Gretty , as thou art a Miller , and a close thiefe , now let us keepe it as close as we may till we take 'hem , and see them handsomly hanged o' the way : Ha my little Cusse-divell , thou art a made man . Come , away with me .

Exeunt . Enter Souldier . Sould. These two nights I have slept well and heard no noise Of Cats , or Rats ; most sure the fellow dream't , And scratcht himselfe in 's sleep . I have traveld' Desarts , Beheld Wolves , Beares , and Lyons : Indeed what not ? Of horrid shape ; And shall I be afrayd Of Cats in mine owne Country ? I can never Grow so Mouse-hearted . It is now a Calme And no winde stirring , I can beare no sayle ; Then best lye downe to sleepe . Nay rest by me Good Morglay , my Comrague and Bedfellow That never fayl'd me yet ; I know thou did'st not . If I be wak'd , see thou be stirring too ; Then come a Gib as big as Ascapart We 'l make him play at Leap-frog . A brave Souldiers lodging , The floore my Bed , a Milstone for my Pillow , The Sayles for Curtaynes . So good night . Lyes downe . Enter Mrs. Generous , Mall , all the Witches and their Spirits ( at severall dores . ) Mrs.

Is Nab come ?

Mal.

Yes .

Mrs.

Where 's Jug ?

Mal. On horseback yet , Now lighting from her Broome-staffe . Mrs.

But where 's Peg ?

Mal.

Entred the Mill already .

Mrs.

Is he fast ?

Mal.

As sencelesse as a Dormouse .

Mrs. Then to work , to work my pretty Laplands Pinch , here , scratch , Doe that within , without we 'l keep the watch . The Witches retired : the Spirits come about him with a dreadfull noise : he starts . Sold. Am I in Hell , then have among'st you divels ; This side , and that side , what behinde , before ? I le keep my face unscratch'd dispight you all : What , doe you pinch in private , clawes I feele But can see nothing , nothing pinch me thus ? Have at you then , I and have at you still ; And stil have at you . Beates them off , followes them in , and Enters againe . One of them I have pay'd In leaping out o th' hole a foot or eare Or something I have light on . What all gone ? All quiet ? not a Cat that 's heard to mew ? Nay then I le try to take another nap , Though I sleepe with mine eyes open . Exit . Enter Mr. Generous , and Robin . Gen. Robin , the last night that I lodgd at home My Wife ( if thou remembrest ) lay abroad , But no words of that . Rob.

You have taught me silence .

Gen. I rose thus early much before my houre , To take her in her bed ; 'T is yet not five : The Sunne scarce up . Those horses take and lead 'em Into the Stable , see them rubb'd and drest , We have rid hard . Now in the interim I Will step and see how my new Miller fares , Or whether he slept better in his charge , Than those which did precede him . Rob.

Sir I shall .

Gen.

But one thing more —

Whispers . Enter Arthur . Arth. Now from the last nights witchcraft we are freed , And I that had not power to cleare my selfe From base aspersion , am at liberty For vow'd revenge : I cannot be at peace ( The night-spell being took of ) till I have met With noble Mr. Generous : in whose search The best part of this morning I have spent , His wife now I suspect . Rob.

By your leave Sir .

Arth. O y' are well met , pray tell me how long is 't Since you were first my Father ? Rob

Be patient I beseech you , what doe you meane Sir ?

Arth. But that I honour Thy Master , to whose goodnesse I am bound , And still must remaine thankfull , I should prove Worse than a Murderer , a meere Paricide By killing thee my Father . Rob. I your Father ? he was a man I alwayes lov'd And honour'd . He bred me . Arth.

And you begot me ? oh you us'd me finely last night ?

Gen.

Pray what 's the matter Sir ?

Arth. My worthy friend , but that I honour you As one to whom I am so much obligd , This Villaine could not stirre a foot from hence Till perisht by my sword . Gener. How hath he wrong'd you ? Be of a milder temper I intreat , Relate what and when done ? Arth. You may command me , If aske me what wrongs , know this Groome pretends He hath strumpeted my mother , if when , blaz'd Last night at midnight . If you aske me further Where , in your own house ; when he pointed to me As had I been his Bastard . Rob.

I doe this ? I am a horse agen if I got you , Master , why Master .

Gen. I know you Mr. Arthur , for a Gentleman Of faire endowments , a most solid braine , And setled understanding . Why this fellow These two dayes was scarce sundred from my side , And for the last night I am most assur'd He slept within my Chamber , 12. miles off , We have nere parted since . Arth, You tell me wonders . Since all your words to me are Oracles , And such as I most constantly beleeve . But Sir , shall I be bold and plaine withall , I am suspitious all 's not well at home ; I dare proceed no farther without leave , Yet there is something lodged within my breast Which I am loath to utter . Gen. Keepe it there , I pray doe a season ( O my feares ) Whet. In my Vncles absence who but I should comfort my Aunt , Am I not of the Bloud , am not I next of Kin ? Why Aunt ? Mrs. Gen

Good Nephew leave me .

Whet.

The Divell shall leave you ere i le forsake you , Aunt , you know , Sic is So , and being so sicke doe you thinke i le leave you , what know I but this Bed may prove your death-bed , and and then I hope you will remember me , that is , remember me in your Will .

( Knocke within . )

Who 's that knocks with such authority . Ten to one my Vncle s come to towne .

Mrs. Gen.

If it be so , excuse my weaknes to him , say I can speake with none .

Mal.

I will , and scape him if I can ; by this accident all must come out , and here 's no stay for me

( Knock again )

Againe , stay you here with your Aunt , and i le goe let in your Vncle .

Whet.

Doe good Mal , and how , and how sweet Aunt ?

Enter Mr. Gener. Mal , Arthur , Soldier , and Robin . Gen. Y' are well met here , I am told you oft frequent This house as my Wives choyse companion , Yet have I seldome seene you . Mal. Pray , by your leave Sir , Your wife is taken with a suddaine qualme She hath sent me for a Doctor . Gen. But that labour i le save you , Soldier take her to your charge . And now where 's this sicke woman . Whet.

O Vncle you come in good time , my Aunt is so suddainly taken as if she were ready to give up the spirit .

Gen. 'T is almost time she did , speake how is 't wife My Nephew tels me you were tooke last night With a shrewd sicknesse , which this Mayde confirmes . Mrs. Yes sir , but now desire no company . Noyse troubles me , and I would gladly sleepe . Gener. In company there 's comfort , prithee wife Lend me thy hand , and let me feele thy pulse , Perhaps some Feaver , by their beating I May guesse at thy disease . Mrs. Gen.

My hand , 't is there .

Gen. A dangerous sicknes , and I feare t death , 'T is oddes you will not scape it . Take that backe And let me prove the t'other , if perhaps I there can finde more comfort . Mrs. Gen.

I pray excuse me .

Gener. I must not be deny'd , Sick folkes are peevish , and must be ore-rul'd , and so shall you . Mrs. Gen.

Alas I have not strength to lift it up .

Gener. If not thy hand Wife , shew me but thy wrist , And see how this will match it , here 's a Testate That cannot be out-fac'd . Mrs. Gener.

I am undone .

Whet.

Hath my Aunt bin playing at handee dandee , nay then if the game goe this way I feare she 'l have the worst hand on 't .

Arth. 'T is now apparant How all the last nights businesse came about , In this my late suspicion , is confirm'd . Gen. My heart hath bled more for thy curst relapse Than drops hath issu'd from thy wounded arme . But wherefore should I preach to one past hope ? Or where the divell himselfe claimes right in all , Seeke the least part or interest ? Leave your Bed , Vp , make you ready ; I must deliver you Into the hand of Iustice . O deare friend It is in vaine to guesse at this my griefe 'T is so inundant . Soldier take away that young But old in mischiefe . And being of these Apostat's rid so well , I le see my house no more be made a Hell . Away with them . Exeunt . Enter Bantam , and Shakston . Ban.

I le out o' the Country , and as soone live in Lapland as Lancashire hereafter .

Shak.

What for a false illusive apparition ? I hope the divell is not able to perswade thee thou art a Bastard .

Bant

No , but I am afflicted to thinke that the divell should have power to put such a trick upon us , to countenance a Rascal , that is one .

Shak

J hope Arthur has taken a course with his Vncle about him by this time , who would have thought such a foole as hee could have beene a Witch ?

Bant.

Why doe you thinke there 's any wise folks of the quality ; Can any but fooles be drawne into a Covenant with the greatest enemy of mankind ? yet J cannot thinke that Whetstone is the Witch ? The young Queane that was at the Wedding was i' th house yee know .

Enter Lawrence and Parnell , in their first Habits . Shak.

See Lawrence and Parnell civilly accorded againe it seems , and accoutred as they were wont to be when they had their wits .

Lawr.

Blest be the houre I say may hunny , may sweet Pall , that Ay 's becom'd thaine agone , and thou's becom'd maine agone , and may this ea kisse ma us tway become both eane for ever and a day .

Parn.

Yie marry Lall , and thus shadden it be , there is nought getten by fawing out , we mun faw in or we get nought .

Bant.

The world 's well mended here ; we cannot but rejoyce to see this , Lawrence .

Lawr.

And you been welcome to it Gentlemen .

Parn.

And we been glad we han it for you .

Shak.

And I protest I am glad to see it .

Parn.

And thus shan yeou see 't till our deeing houre .

Ween eon leove now for a laife time , the Dewle shonot ha the poore to put us to peeces agone .

Bant.

Why now all 's right and straight and as it should be .

Lawr.

Yie marry that is it , the good houre be blessed for it , that put the wit into may head , to have a mistrust of that pestilent Codpeece-point , that the witched worch Mal Spencer go me , ah woe worth her , that were it that made aw so nought .

Bant. & Shak.

Is 't possible ?

Parn.

Yie marry it were an Inchauntment , and about an houre since it come intill our hearts to doe , what yeou thinke , and we did it .

Bant.

What Parnell ?

Parn.

Marry we take the point , and we casten the point into the fire , and the point spitter'd and spatter'd in the fire , like an it were ( love blesse us ) a laive thing in the faire ; and it hopet and skippet , and riggled , and frisket in the faire , and crept about laike a worme in the faire , that it were warke enough for us both with all the Chimney tooles to keepe it into the faire , and it stinket in the faire , worsen than ony brimstone in the faire .

Bant.

This is wonderfull as all the rest .

Lawr.

It wolld ha scar'd ony that hadden their wits till a seen 't , and we werne mad eoht it were deone .

Parn.

And this were not above an houre since , and you connot devaise how we han lov'd t' on t'other by now , yeou woud een blisse your seln to see 't .

Lawr.

Yie an han pit on our working geere , to swinke and serve our Master and Maistresse like intill painfull servants agone , as we shudden .

Bant.

'T is wondrous well .

Shak.

And are they well agen ?

Parn.

Yie and weel's laike heane blisse them , they are awas wee l becom'd as none ill had ever beene aneast'hem ; Lo ye , lo ye , as they come .

Enter Seely , Ioane , Gregory and Win. Greg. Sir , if a contrite heart strucke through with sence Of it's sharpe errors , bleeding with remorse The blacke polluted staine it had conceived Of foule unnaturall disobedience May yet by your faire mercy finde Remission ; You shall upraise a Sonne out o' the gulph Of horrour and despaire , unto a blisse That shall for ever crowne your goodnesse , and Instructive in my after life to serve you , In all the duties that be fit a sonne . Seel. Enough , enough , good boy , 't is most apparant We all have had our errors , and as plainly It now appeares , our judgments , yea our reason Was poyson'd by some violent infection , Quite contrary to Nature . Bant.

This sounds well .

Seely . I feare it was by Witchcraft : for I now ( Blest be the power that wrought the happy means Of my delivery ) remember that Some 3. months since I crost a way ward woman ( One that I now suspect ) for bearing with A most unseemly disobedience , In an untoward ill-bred sonne of hers , When with an ill looke and an hollow voyce She mutter'd out these words . Perhaps erelong Thy selfe shalt be obedient to thy sonne . She has play'd her pranke it seemes . Greg.

Sir I have heard , that Witches apprehended under hands of lawfull authority , doe loose their power ; And all their spels are instantly dissolv'd .

Seel. If it be so , then at this happy houre , The Witch is tane that over us had power . Joane .

Enough Childe , thou art mine and all is well .

Win. Long may you live the well-spring of my blisse , And may my duty and my fruitfull Prayers , Draw a perpetuall streame of blessings from you . Seely . Gentlemen welcome to my best friends house , You know the unhappy cause that drew me hether . Bant.

And cannot but rejoyce to see the remedy so neere at hand .

Enter Doughty , Miller , and boy . Dought.

Come Gossip , come Boy — Gentlemen you are come to the bravest discovery — Mr. Seely and the rest , how is 't with you ? you look reasonable well me thinkes .

Seely .

Sir , we doe find that we have reason enough to thank you for your Neighbourly and pious care of us .

Doughty .

Is all so well with you already ? goe to , will you know a reason for 't Gentlemen : I have catcht a whole Kennel of Witches . It seemes their Witch is one of 'hem , and so they are discharm'd , they are all in Officers hands , and they will touch here with two or three of them for a little private parley , before they goe to the Iustices . Master Generous is comming hither too , with a supply that you dreame not of , and your Nephew Arthur .

Bant.

You are beholden Sir to Master Generous in behalfe of your Nephew for saving his land from forfeiture in time of your distraction .

Seely .

I will acknowledge it most thankfully .

Shak.

See he comes .

Enter Mr. Generous , Mrs. Generous , Arthur , Wherstone , Mal , Soldier , and Robin . Seel. O Mr. Generous , the noble favour you have shew'd My Nephew for ever bindes me to you . Gener. I pittyed then your misery , and now Have nothing left but to bewayle mine owne In this unhappy woman . Seel.

Good Mistresse Generous —

Arth.

Make a full stop there Sir , sides , sides , make sides , You know her not as I doe , stand aloofe there Mistresse with your darling Witch , your Nephew too if you please , because though he be no witch , he is a wel-willer to the infernal science .

Gener. I utterly discard him in her blood And all the good that I intended him I will conferre upon this vertuous Gentleman . Whet.

Well Sir , though you be no Vnckle , yet mine Aunt 's mine Aunt , and shall be to her dying day .

Doug.

And that will be about a day after next Sizes I take it ,

Enter Witches , Constable , and Officers .

O here comes more o' your Naunts , Naunt Dickenson & Naunt Hargrave , ods fish and your Granny Johnson too ; we want but a good fire to entertaine 'em .

Arth.

See how they lay their heads together ?

Witches charme together . Gill.

No succour .

Maud .

No reliefe .

Peg.

No comfort !

All .

Mawsy , my Mawsy , gentle Mawsy come ,

Maud .

Come my sweet Puckling .

Peg.

My Mamilion .

Arth.

What doe they say ?

Bant.

They call their Spirits I thinke .

Dought.

Now a shame take you for a fardell of fooles , have you knowne so many of the Divels tricks , and can be ignorant of that common feate of the old Iugler ; that is , to leave you all to the Law , when you are once seized on by the tallons of Authority ? I le undertake this little Demigorgon Constable with these Common-wealth Characters upon his staffe here , is able inspite of all your bugs-words , to stave off the grand Divell for doing any of you good till you come to his Kingdome to him , and there take what you can finde .

Arth.

But Gentlemen , shall we try if we can by examination get from them something that may abbreviate the cause unto the wiser in Commission for the peace before wee carry them before 'em .

Gen. & Seel.

Let it be so .

Dought.

Well say , stand out Boy , stand out Miller , stand out Robin , stand out Soldier , and lay your accusation upon 'em .

Bant.

Speake Boy doe you know these Creatures , women I dare not call 'em ?

Boy .

Yes Sir , and saw them all in the Barne together , and many more at their Feast and Witchery .

Rob.

And so did I , by a Divellish token , I was rid thither , though I rid home againe as fast without switch or spur .

Mill.

I was ill handled by them in the Mill .

Sold.

And I sliced off a Cats foot there , that is since a hand , who ever wants it .

Seel.

How I and all my family have suffered you all know .

Lawr.

And how I were betwitched my Pall . here knowes .

Parn.

Yie Lall , and the Witch I knaw , an I prayen yeou goe me but leave to scrat her well-favorely .

Bant.

Hold Parnell .

Parn.

Yeou can blame no honest woman , I trow , to scrat for the thing she leoves .

Mal.

Ha , ha , ha .

Dough.

Doe you laugh Gentlewoman ? what say you to all these matters ?

Mrs. Gen. I will say nothing , but what you know you know , And as the law shall finde me let it take me . Gil.

And so say I .

Mawd.

And I .

Mal.

And I , other confession you get none from us .

Arth.

What say you Granny ?

Peg.

Mamilion , ho Mamilion , Mamilion .

Arth.

Who 's that you call ?

Peg.

My friend , my Sweet-heart , my Mamilion .

Witches .

You are not mad ?

Dought.

Ah ha , that 's her Divell , her Incubus I warrant ; take her off from the rest they 'l hurt her . Come hether poore old woman . I le dandle a Witch a little , thou wilt speake , and tell the truth , and shalt have favour doubt not . Say art not thou a Witch ?

They storme . Peg.

'T is folly to dissemble yie sir , I am one .

Dought. And that Mamilion which thou call'st upon Is thy familiar Divell is 't not ? Nay prithee speake . Peg.

Yes Sir .

Dough.

That 's a good woman , how long hast had 's acquaintance , ha ?

Peg.

A matter of sixe yeares Sir .

Dought.

A pretty matter . What was he like a man ?

Peg.

Yes when I pleas'd .

Dought.

And then he lay with thee , did he not sometimes ?

Peg.

T is folly to dissemble ; twice a Weeke he never fail'd me .

Dough.

Humh — and how ? and how a little ? was he a good Bedfellow ?

Peg.

T is folly to speake worse of him than he is .

Dough.

I trust me is 't . Give the Divell his due .

Peg.

He pleas'd me well Sir , like a proper man .

Dought.

There was sweet coupling .

Peg.

Onely his flesh felt cold .

Arth.

He wanted his great fires about him that he has at home .

Dough.

Peace , and did he weare good clothes ?

Peg.

Gentleman like , but blacke blacke points and all .

Dought.

I , very like his points were blacke enough . But come we 'l trifle w 'yee no longer . Now shall you all to the Iustices , and let them take order with you till the Sizes , and then let Law take his course , and Uivat Rex . Mr. Generous I am sorry for your cause of sorrow , we shall not have your company ?

Gener. No sir , my Prayers for her soules recovery . Shall not be wanting to her , but mine eyes Must never see her more . Rob.

Mal , adiew sweet Mal , ride your next journey with the company you have there .

Mal.

Well Rogue I may live to ride in a Coach before I come to the Gallowes yet .

Rob.

And Mrs. the horse that stayes for you rides better with a Halter than your gingling bridle .

Exeunt Gen. & Robin . Dought.

Mr. Seely I rejoyce for your families attonement .

Seel.

And I praise heaven for you that were the means to it .

Dough.

On afore Drovers with your untoward Cattell .

Exeunt severally Bant. Why doe not you follow Mr. By-blow . I thanke your Aunt for the tricke she would have father'd us withall . Whet.

Well Sir , mine Aunt 's mine Aunt , and for that trick I will not leave her till I see her doe a worse .

Bant.

Y' are a kinde Kinsman .

Exeunt . Flourish . FINIS .
Song . II. Act . 1 Come Mawsy , come Puckling , And come my sweet Suckling , My pretty Mamillion , my Ioy , Fall each to his Duggy , While kindly we buggie , As tender as Nurse over Boy . Then suck our blouds freely , and with it be jolly , While merrily we sing , hey Trolly Lolly . 2 We 'l dandle and clip yee , We 'l stroke yee , and leape yee , And all that we have is your due ; The feates you doe for us , And those which you store us Withall , tyes us onely to you . Then suck our blouds freely , and with it be jolly , While merrily we sing , hey Trolly Lolly .
THE EPILOGVE . NOw while the Witches must expect their due By lawfull Iustice , we appeale to you For favourable censure ; what their crime May bring upon 'em , ripenes yet of time Has not reveal'd . Perhaps great Mercy may After just condemnation give them day Of longer life . We represent as much As they have done , before Lawes hand did touch Upon their guilt ; But dare not hold it fit , That we for Iustices and Iudges sit . And personate their grave wisedomes on the Stage Whom we are bound to honour ; No , the Age Allowes it not . Therefore unto the Lawes We can but bring the Witches and their cause , And there we leave 'em , as their Divels did , Should we goe further with 'em ? Wit forbid ; What of their storie , further shall ensue , We must referre to time , our selves to you .
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l●te Corrantoes sailing , and no foot post late Possessing us with Newe ; of forraine State pardon●d from such be rais'd , So may the Scene passe pardoned , though not prais'd . thoug● rais'd , So may the Scene passe pardoned , though not prais'd . th ▪ ever sport of expectation , Thus crost in th' height . cros●es So you may call them Chances , or crosses , or what else you please , But for my part ▪ Hare ? a Witch , or rather a Divell I think . For tell me Gentlemen , was't possible In ●hen She might find some Muse as then not visible to us , And escape that way y●u Well well Gentlemen , be you of your own faith , but ( what I see And ●o wits about me , no way tost nor troubled , to that will I give credit . its meere Coxcombe , It is a way to call our 〈◊〉 wits in question , To have him seene amongst Swcet Sweet Mr. Whetstone . D●licate Delicate Master Whetstone . ●o you are going to my Vncles to dinner , and so am I too , What shall we all make one randevous ●ot that , I pray you say , and say truth , are not you three now Going to dinner to my Vncles ●ow How ? A Witch Gentlemen ? I hope you doe not 〈◊〉 , I can hardly be induc'd to think there is any such kinde of people . Belda●s , for they for the most part are ugly old Beldams , but she was a lusty young Lasse , and Bybl●w Kind Mr. Byblow . 〈◊〉 perfect both in my name & sirname ; I have bin ever bound unto you , for which I will at n●ver hath read a little Scriveners Latine , hee never proceeded farther in his Accidence than ment●ri hard Lesson to learne , that he stucke at mentiri ; and cu'd never reach to non est meum : expr●sse sir , you generously instruct us , and to expresse We can be your apt schollers : in a word plainene●e I ever studied plainenesse , and truth withall . No● friends , I shall receive it as a courtesie Not soone to be forgot . ●hinke And as I thinke , I promist at that time To become bound es●e custody . Else how should I secure mine owne estate . sho●d To denie that I should appeare toth' World Stupid , and of no braine 〈◊〉 word good By speaking it no further , onely this ▪ It seemes your Vncle you trusted in so ▪ good By speaking it no further , onely 〈◊〉 , It seemes your Vncle you trusted in so far B●t hath , not that he is unwilling or unable . But at 〈◊〉 time unfit to be solicited ; For 〈◊〉 not that he is unwilling or unable . But at this time unfit to be solicited ; For to the ●fit is unwilling or unable . But at 〈◊〉 time unfit to be solicited ; For to the Co●ries wonder so●cited unwilling or unable . But at 〈◊〉 time unfit to be solicited ; For to the Co●ries wonder and my sorrow Co●ries 〈◊〉 time unfit to be solicited ; For to the Countries wonder and my sorrow , Hee is much to be sor●ow solicited ; For to the Co●ries wonder and my sorrow , Hee is much to be pitied . ●ee For to the Co●ries wonder and my sorrow , Hee is much to be pitied . hin retrograde & preposterous way As seldome hath bin heard of . I thinke never . ▪ others wonder ; So in the most part laughter . ●in this twice twenty times , And have as often bin deceiv'd by his dissimulations I can see ●re He is a happy are that has brought vp his son to this . careh●d well , but your dotage had done it , If my care had not prevented it . ag● Can you hold your peace sir ? And not long ago at the Wine he spent his teaster , and two ●ir good you would meddle with your own matters sir . neighpors cannot be whyet at heame for busie brain'd neighbors . passton wil take any course so thou wilt leave thy passion ; indeed it hurts thee childe , I'le sing yo● O will yon so , in so doing I may chance to looke upon look 〈◊〉 , O my hart has got the hickup , and all lookes greene about 〈◊〉 ; a merry song now 〈◊〉 the hickup , and all look 〈◊〉 greene about me ; a merry song now mother , and thou shalt ; hickup , and all look 〈◊〉 greene about 〈◊〉 , a merry song now mother , and thou shalt Ma●den Langtidowne dilly ; With kissing and toying this Maiden did prove , with a fa la la , fa la la , ● ' th , fa la la , Langtidowne dilly ; So wide i'th wast , and her Belly so high , That unto Lang●idowne Langtidowne dilly , fa la la Langtidowne , Langtidowne dilly . con ●ine fadge not on it , is this aw the warke yeou confine ? Mis●sses Now comes the Mayd to set her Mistresses to work . p●i'thee Nay pri'thee sweet Parnell , I was but chiding the old unhandsomnes●e , I was but chiding the old wife for her unhandsomnesse , and would have been at my work presently pritheesweet Nay prithee sweet Parnell content , & hark thee — ●lap shall as soone pisse and paddle in't , as slap me in the mouth with an awd Petticoat , 〈◊〉 mouth with an awd Petticoat , or a new paire o shoine , to be whyet , I cannot be whyet no● shoine , to be whyet , I cannot be whyet , nor I wonnot be whyet , to see sicky doings wo●st what Parnell ? wotst thou what ? o deare , wotst thou what ? P●rn. Parn. toyt concloyded , and our Mistresses mun yeild to yt , to put aw house and lond and aw they fo●s shall beget VVonder and sorrow 'mongst our foes , VVhilst we make laughter of their woes VVhil●t beget VVonder and sorrow 'mongst our foes , VVhilst we make laughter of their woes . M●g Meg . ●eely's Of Seely's family ? w●dding But to be short , The wedding must bring on the sport Betwixt the hare-brayn'd Ibe There will I be , and like a wily VVat , Vntill they th●ir course in the by-lane ; Then will we lead their Dogs a course , And every man and every Ex●unt Exeunt . Ba●tam Enter Mr. Generous , Arthur , Bantam , Shakstone , and VVhetstone . Art●. Arth. innob le Supplying the defects of all your kindred To innoble your own name : I now have done Sir . contiuue sir , whilst you persever to be good I must continue gratefull . gr●atest Gentlemen , the greatest part of this day you see is spent In reading do● Mistresse Sir , I doe call her Mistresse , as I doe call you Master , but if you would have Dinn●r she's not deafe I hope , I am sure since Dinner She had her hearing perfect . ●ake honest Gentleman , and my Master ; and now take mine as I am your true servant , before ri●e his keeping ; she shall ride me , or Ile ride her . w●re since when I but think on't , whilst you were at supper above , the drawer had me down s●il mine owne : is the taste of that Ipsitate stil in your pallat sir ? 〈◊〉 is in Lancashire , and kisses as sweetly : i'le see her going or comming , i'le have one vou●ase have it about me to show , please you to vouchsafe the perusall . 〈◊〉 and suffer'd ere I c'ud reach thus far , I beseech you sir take my poore & wretched case into ● , any thing : your worship shal find that I love nothing lesse than loitering . ●oitering shal find that I love nothing lesse than loitering . ●ands Enter Miller ( his hands and face scratcht , and bloudy . sh●w thinke I have it here in red and white to show , I pray looke here sir , a murreine take ● I have it here in red and white to show , I pray looke here sir , a murreine take them 〈◊〉 murreine take them , ile be sworne they have scratcht , where I am sure it itcht not . ●ure ile be sworne they have 〈◊〉 , where I am sure it itcht not . unde●stand , I have felt , & am come to give you to understand i'le not indure such another night if you ●ap soone bee hangd as steale one piece of a nap all the night long , good Landlord provide ●aile would indure againe , i'le bee tyed to the saile when the winde blowes sharpest , and they H●re trust me with the Mill that he forsakes . Here is a blade that hangs upon this belt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here is a blade that hangs upon this belt That spight of all these Rats , Cats , Wezells ▪ Well spoke Souldier . I like thy resolution . Fellow , you then Have given the Mill quite ●oneths but I am loth , my reasons these . For many moneths , scarce any one hath lien there But have withall Mary with all my heart , and I am glad , I am so rid of ●ill Now if I c'ud but start a Hare by the way , kill her , and carry her home to my supper , ● carry her home to my supper , I should thinke I had made a better afternoones worke of it afternooones supper , I should thinke I had made a better afternoones worke of it than gathering of bullies . bu●lies afternoones worke of it than gathering of bullies . Come poore curres along with me . partagainst And ile take the brown dogs part against the pide ●oule Yes when hee's at his lap youle take his part . 〈◊〉 Of what you dare ; name them from the last Farthings with the double rings , to the late Coy'nd 〈◊〉 with the double rings , to the late Coy'nd peeces which they say are all counterfeit . 〈◊〉 Well sir , I take ●ou : will you cover these , give them into ●ou Well sir , I take 〈◊〉 : will you cover these , give them into the hands of 〈◊〉 that , I presume Mr. Whetstone , you are not ignorant what belongs to the sport of hunting . 〈◊〉 reason , for I have bin at the death of more Hares . 〈◊〉 Whet. . kn●w to be ignorant of hairing or whoring . I know a hare close hunted , clime a tree . hunred hairing or whoring . I know a hare close hunted , clime a tree . 〈◊〉 To finde out birds nests 〈◊〉 Another leap into a river , nothing appearing above water 〈◊〉 Shak. 〈◊〉 verie likely , for no man can fish with an angle but his Line must be made of hare . W●et. Whet. kn●w You say right , I know another , who to escape the Dogges hath s●ore either when I would speake ought or goe of the skore for any thing , let me never be trusted Grind●-stone scribling , instead of Whet-stone call me Grinde-stone , and for By-blow , Bulfinch . Gentlemen By-bl●w Whet-stone call me Grinde-stone , and for By-blow , Bulfinch . Gentlemen , for two of you gri●ve What have you done , 'twill grieve the good old Gentleman , to heare him baffled ▪ come , now the Hare is found and started , She shall have Law , so to our sport . hall●e A Hare , a Hare , halloe , halloe , the Divell take these curres 〈◊〉 they growne so lither and so lazie ? Are Mr. Robinsons dogges turn'd tykes with a wanion ? the sigh● tykes with a wanion ? the Hare is yet in sight , halloe , halloe , mary hang you for a ●or in sight , halloe , halloe , mary hang you for a couple of 〈◊〉 ( if you were worth hāging 〈◊〉 , halloe , mary hang you for a couple of mungrils ( if you were worth hāging , & have you i● halloe , mary hang you for a couple of 〈◊〉 ( if you were worth hāging , & have you serv'd 〈◊〉 worth hāging , & have you serv'd me thus ? nay 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 serve you with the like sauce , 〈◊〉 hāging , & have you serv'd me thus ? 〈◊〉 then 〈◊〉 serve you with the like sauce , you 〈◊〉 hāging , & have you serv'd me thus ? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ile serve you with the like sauce , you shall ●erve , & have you serv'd me thus ? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 serve you with the like sauce , you shall to the 〈◊〉 you shall to the next bush , there will I tie you , and use you like a couple of curs tho●gh you like a couple of curs as you are , & though not lash you , yet lash you whilest my switch selfinto When you had put your self into a dogs skin , I pray how c'ud I help it indeedla Not I gammer indeed la l, I dare not stay ont late , My father tho● the horse we must bestride , On which both thou and I must ride , Thou boy before and I turnin● She catches him up , & turning round ▪ 〈◊〉 ▪ She catches him up , & turning round . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 She catches him up , & turning round ▪ Exit 〈◊〉 Lancaster to ride to night , and this my bandileer of bottles , to fill to night , and then 〈◊〉 care not for the losse of him , but if I fit him not hang me : but to the point , if awa● gone , nay prithee Mal . thou hast set him away , leave thy Roguerie . ●ou carrie double such a journey . Get up I say , you shall have your owne againe i'th morning ▪ away then , hey for Lancaster : stand up . 〈◊〉 away , and let us be ready to breake the Cake over the Brides head at her entrance ; we do● Church by't , and saw not Parson Knit-knot doe his office , but wee shall see all the house ●hall Parson Knit-knot doe his office , but wee shall see all the house rites perform'd ; and . shall see all the house rites perform'd ; and .— 〈◊〉 what a day of jollity and tranquility 〈◊〉 see all the house rites perform'd ; and . oh what a day of jollity and tranquility is ▪ Ioane . ● Oh how hot am I ! rather then I would dresse such another ▪ Wedding quite out of this yeares Almanack . ar● Here , here sweet-heart , they are lóng me thinks a comming , the Bels have swe●tly harke now the wind brings the sound of them sweetly againe . 〈◊〉 Kitchin , and there's no harme done yet , no 'tis some merry conceit of the stretch ▪ ropes stretch ▪ ropes done yet , no 〈◊〉 some merry conceit of the stretch-ropes the Ringers , now they have done ▪ Fidlers and all , now have I liv'd to see a day , come , take 〈◊〉 stand , and be ready for 〈◊〉 now have I liv'd to see a day ▪ come , take our stand , and be ready for the Bride-cake Musitian● Enter Musitiane , Lawrence , Parnell , Win. Mal. Spencer Parn●ll Enter Musitiane , Lawrence , Parnell , Win. Mal. Spencer , two Country Lasses Bant 〈◊〉 Lasses Doughty , Greg. Arthur , Shakton , Bantam and Whetstone . 〈◊〉 Lasses Doughty , Greg. Arthur , Shakton , Bant , and Whetstone . Whe●stone Doughty , Greg. Arthur , Shakton , Bant 〈◊〉 and Whetstone . bon●y With bonny Bridegroome and his love mate . lov● With bonny Bridegroome and his love mate . ●ung better then the Bels eene now , 'slid they sung tunably till we were all out of the Church Bel●ry clatter'd as the divell had beene in the Bellfry : on in the name of Wedlocke , Fidlers on 〈◊〉 Bant . 〈◊〉 The Spirit appeares . ●arnell Welcome Bride Parnell . Brideg●ome Bridegroome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , In you before , for we this cake 〈◊〉 Bridegroome Lawrence 〈◊〉 , In you before , for we this cake must 〈◊〉 Bridegroome 〈◊〉 eke , In you before , for we this cake must l●ft As they lift up the Cake , the Spirit snatches it , and snatche● As they lift up the Cake , the Spirit snatches it , and powres down 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 the Spirit snatches it , and powres down bran . 〈◊〉 Ioan . 〈◊〉 It slipt out of my hand , and is 〈◊〉 into 〈◊〉 I think 〈◊〉 It 〈◊〉 out of my hand , and is falne into 〈◊〉 I think . 〈◊〉 It 〈◊〉 out of my hand , and is 〈◊〉 into crums I think . Dough●. Dought. 〈◊〉 Crums ? the divell of crum is here , but bran 〈◊〉 but bran ; nothing but bran , what prodigie is this ? 〈◊〉 Exit Parn 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , and Maides . 〈◊〉 Exit 〈◊〉 Seely , 〈◊〉 , and Maides . 〈◊〉 Exit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Joane , and Maides . 〈◊〉 Whet. 〈◊〉 Arth . 〈◊〉 My haire stands 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to see it . 〈◊〉 My 〈◊〉 stands an 〈◊〉 to see it . 〈◊〉 My 〈◊〉 stands 〈◊〉 end to see it . 〈◊〉 Bant . 〈◊〉 Shak. . 〈◊〉 What can it meane ? 〈◊〉 Greg. . 〈◊〉 Pax , I think not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but some of my Father and Mothers 〈◊〉 Pax , I think 〈◊〉 on't, 〈◊〉 but some of my Father and Mothers roguery 〈◊〉 Pax , I think 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 'tis but some of my Father and Mothers roguery m● Pax , I think 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but some of my Father and Mothers roguery , this is a Law-day ●oguery 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but some of my Father and Mothers roguery , this is a Law-day with 'em , to 〈◊〉 what 〈◊〉 roguery , this is a Law-day with 'em , to doe what they list . 〈◊〉 Whet. . 〈◊〉 I never feare any thing , so long as my Aunt 〈◊〉 but bidden me thinke of her , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 never feare any thing , so long as my 〈◊〉 has but bidden me thinke of her , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●idden feare any thing , so long as my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but bidden me thinke of her , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 me . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but bidden me thinke of her , and she'll 〈◊〉 me . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but bidden me thinke of her , and 〈◊〉 warrant me . 〈◊〉 Well Gentlemen , let's follow the rest in , and feare nothing yet , the house smels 〈◊〉 nothing yet , the house smels well of good cheere . son●e But sonne Gregory , Nephew Arthur , and the rest of Greg● But sonne Gregory , Nephew Arthur , and the rest of the young 〈◊〉 more meate then I can eate , if the young rascals coold carry their drinke as well , the Country coo●d meate then I can eate , if the young 〈◊〉 coo'd carry their drinke as well , the Country 〈◊〉 Knock within , as at dresser . ▪ for this dayes dinner — ( Reades ) for 40 . people of the best quality , 4. messes of dis● ; viz. a leg of Mutton in plum-broth , a dish of Marrow-bones , a 〈◊〉 white-broth , a 〈◊〉 in plum-broth , a dish of Marrow-bones , a Capon in white-broth , a Surlovne of beefe , a Pig Turki● a Surlovne of beefe , a Pig , a Goose , a Turkie , and two Pyes : for the second course , 〈◊〉 Enter Musitians playing before , Lawrence , Doughty , Arthur 〈◊〉 playing before , Lawrence , Doughty , Arthur , Shakton Bantam , Whetstone , and Gregory , with Wh●tstone Lawrence , Doughty , Arthur , 〈◊〉 Bantam , Whetstone , and Gregory , with dishes : A Spirit ( 〈◊〉 The service enters , O well sayd Musicke , play up the meat to the Table till all ●e meat to the Table till all be serv'd in , Ile see it passe in answer to my bill . 〈◊〉 On afore Fidlers , my double 〈◊〉 in my honds . 〈◊〉 On afore Fidlers , my 〈◊〉 cewles in my honds . Inprim● Inprime , a leg of Mutton in plum-broth , — how ●ne 'Twere hot eene now , but now it's caw'd as a stoane . steane 'Twere hot eene now , but now it's caw'd as a stoane . 〈◊〉 It was Mutton , but now 'tis the horns on't . what'● had a Pie that is not open'd yet , Ile see what's in that — live Birds as true as I live , Bat●s and nothing instead of it , but Snakes , Bates , Frogs , Beetles , Hornets , and Humble-bees ▪ wine i' the house , though we make no dinner , lets try if we can make an afternoone . Laneaster Myracle upon me , I will rather beleeve that Lancaster affords this Wine , which I thought impossible 〈◊〉 Kingdome that can relish no Wine , unlesse it be of such a Taverne , and drawne by such again● Nay then sir I swore , and I sweare againe , honest Iack Paine drew it . sawey controll'd by him , and now by you ; you are a sawcey Groome . ●ides My sides eene ake with laughter . witehcraft so cautious , & feat'd every thing to be witchcraft , is now wound up to such a confidence that do● no such thing , that hee dares the Divell doe his worst , and will not out o'the house rogu● Who would ha'thought that impudent rogue would have come among us after such a baffle c●vile what I know i'le keepe to my selfe , a good civile merry harmlesse rogue she is , and comes ro●e my selfe , a good civile merry harmlesse rogue she is , and comes to my Aunt often , and Ma● Enter Doughty , Mal , two countrey Lasses ▪ Gentlemen ? Play Fidlers : lets have a dance , ha my little rogue . Zookes what ayles thy ▪ Kisses Mal . ha'sworn No , no , yet I would almost ha' sworn , I would not have sprite or goblin ●ops comes the payre of boyld Lovers in Sorrell sops . ma'thy Mal for awd acquaintance I will ma' thy point a point of preferment . It shan Bu●t was never better scuffling for the Tudberry Bull . Par●ell Daunce . Lawrence and Parnell reele in the daunce . At the end , Mal vanishes ●herfore bin nothing but witcherie all this day ; therfore into your posset , & agree among your selves ●utt done , ile take thee up from grasse , spur cutt , and take a short cutt home . Farewell ●ake take thee up from grasse , spur cutt , and take a short cutt home . Farewell . ● sisterhood : Horse , horse , see thou be , & where I point thee , carry me : is that the trick ca●y horse , see thou be , & where I point thee , carry me : is that the trick on't ? the divel ru●ning not beleeve theres any witches : theres no running away ; for I neither know how nor whether di●ch , besides to my thinking , theres a deepe ditch , & a hye quick-set about mee , how shall 〈◊〉 bevy of beldames did I never behold ; and cramming . like so many Cormorants : Marry choke fo●'t beere , The Merchants cellers they shall pay for't . ●en. Mrs. Gen. 〈◊〉 Some Musicke then ith aire Whilest thus by paire and paire , We i●he But stay , wheres the Boy , looke out , if he escape us , we are all betrayed . Mil● At Mill ▪ ▪ But when ? ●e Nay then Ile try Conclusions . Mare Mare , see thou be Gen●rous Enter Mr. Generous , 〈◊〉 him ready . 〈◊〉 Enter Mr. Generous , making him ready . so 〈◊〉 meeting I abhorr'd . The Gentile fashion sometimes we observe To sunder beds ; but most ● Iuly August , so we did last night . Now I ( as ever tender of her health ) And therefore Vi●ite Entring her Chamber to bestow on her A custom'd Visite ; finde the Pillow swell'd , Vnbruis'd with Robin● but for all this Yet cannot I be jealous . Robin▪ ▪ ▪ all this Yet cannot I be jealous . Robin — ●irrah Sirrah , take heed I finde you not a Knave , Have fleeke sweat , you may see by his plump belly and sleeke legs he hath not bin sore travail'd . asawcy Y'are a sawcy Groome to receive horses Into my Stable find● I hope sir you finde none feeding there but your owne , if there VVitchera●t the Myter wine ? That made thee to beleeve VVitcheraft ? Prithee perswade me , To be a drunken d unken VVitcheraft ? Prithee perswade me , To be a drunken Sot like to thy selfe ; And not to know 〈◊〉 and upwards , and furnisht her with all the Caparisons that she hath worne , of my Knowledge , ●ade I am sure I found her no iade the last time I rid her , she carried me l●st I am sure I found her no iade the last time I rid her , she carried me the best ●ither Yes so I say , either the diuell or she did ; an't please you d●ell Yes so I say , either the diuell or she did ; an't please you 〈◊〉 in and 〈◊〉 either the diuell or she did ; an't please you walke in and take off her 〈◊〉 , and then tell 〈◊〉 ; an't please you 〈◊〉 in and take off her Bridle , and then tell me who hath more right to ● tell me who hath more right to her , you or I . ▪ you are a gone man : if she but say once — Horse , horse , see thou be . Be you rid 〈◊〉 my selfe am nothing : prithee Robin Lay me to my selfe open , what art thou , Or this new transform'd ●●ugling A Bridle , jugling Bridle Sir . ● not come too neare me , O my trust ; Have I since first I understood my selfe , Bin yo● hop'd ? Lift up thine eyes ( lost woman ) to yon Hils ; It must be thence expected : look mad● what to answer , yet resolve me Hast thou made any contract with that Fiend The Enemy of ●ver in a hedge of flames : Then such a compact ever had bin made . Oh — chee●e What cheese sir , show your selfe a man , though she inter●st What interest in this Soule , my selfe coo'd claime I th● little part , He will usurpe rhe whole ; thou art a lost woman . th●n thy bad to good , that I may keep thee , As then we past our faiths , till Death us sever ayd● quench invisible flames In which my eyes shall ayde ; too little all , If not too little , all's Ex●unt Exeunt . A●th. Arth ●oung entreaty , the old folkes to his house , The young to mine , untill some wholesome order By ●as Alas poore folks , they are as farre to seeke ▪ before their lease be out , be sure ile do 't . ●ours house , and you their son and daughter to yours , the house-keepers Lawrence , and his late m●n fellow complain'd on , for an over mickle man among the maids . witcher● Witchery , witchery , more witcherie still flat and plaine witchery th● him at the wedding : shee is a witch , and that was a charme , if there be any in the World sh● comming to make his mone to you about it , and she too , since you have taken their masters Ski●mington hoydens have taken notice , and will have a Skimmington on horse-backe presently . Looke ye , here 〈◊〉 Par. . a● Ware ever poore mayden betrayed as ay ware unto a swagbellied Carle that cannot ●ou. Dou. relifh too , 'tis not amisse , wee know not the relish of every eare that heares vs , lets talke Batch●llors ? Lawrence has had a lusty name among the Batchellors . ●nt For then he could , but now he connot , he connot . ●arnel Alas poore Parnel . be●ter I am not a bit the better for him sin wye ware wad . Cries stuff● Heres good stuffe for a jurie of women to passe upon . ● Marry sir , and beat him will I into his grave , or backe to the Priest ●eou Keepe her of o'me , and I shan teln yeou , and she be by I am no body : But keep hon● sufficient mon shold have , and let me be honckt by't . agen● ay's white casten away ent I be vnwadded agen▪ ▪ And then ine undertack to find 3 better Hear●e Hearke gentlemen , the shew is comming . gentleme● Hearke gentlemen , the shew is comming . e●ogh mary shan eou not sir , I heare yeou well enogh , & I con the meaning o'the show well enogh ●a'one stay not the show & see not the show , & ma'one i'the show , let me be honckt up for a show eno'for boggle me a week lonker , & thats a curse eno' for any wife I tro . from the boord , and 〈◊〉 the neerer What not one kisse at parting Mal ? Th●n for wine , and junckets what you please , Then thou shalt need to do no other thing Than ●ther you please , Then thou shalt need to do no other thing Than what this note directs thee , 〈◊〉 thy charme . This night wee'l celebrate to sport : 'Tis all for mirth , we mean no hurt . 〈◊〉 quicke , Now gallants , ther's for you a trick . 〈◊〉 Exeunt 〈◊〉 ●alke from the noise of the Hall . Here we may talke , and throw the chamber out of the casements B●quet Enter with a boquet , Wine , and two Tapesr . T●pers Enter with a boquet , Wine , and two Tapers . ma●er VVee are much bound to you master Whetstone . For this great entertainment A●nt Yes , I thanke my Aunt ; for though I be but a daily guest yet w●lcome though I be but a daily guest yet I can be welcome to her at midnight . 〈◊〉ech But no such discourse as we had last , beseech you . 〈◊〉 , at our last meeting some few words Then past my lips , which I could wish forgot : I wis● few words Then 〈◊〉 my lips , which I could wish forgot : I thinke I call'd you Bastard . ●Blow are merrie with your friends , good master By-Blow , and wee are guests here in your Vnckles 〈◊〉 Enter Mistresse Generous , Mal and Spirits . 〈◊〉 had no more priviledge in your getting than I . But tell me gentlemen , is there any man 〈◊〉 Enter a Pedant dauncing to the musique ; the strain don , he points at Bantam , 〈◊〉 father you would say : For know one morning , when your mothers husband rid early to have a 〈◊〉 you got . Then come , your heeles and tayle together , and kneele 〈◊〉 your own deare father . 〈◊〉 , your heeles and tayle 〈◊〉 , and kneele unto your own deare father . 〈◊〉 cases than his or mine . Bant . To be thus geer'd . 〈◊〉 Strike . 〈◊〉 was in the fields hunting , he was at home whoring . 〈◊〉 Then , since no better comfort can be had , Come downe , come downe , aske 〈◊〉 Yes , Robin the groome belonging to this house . 〈◊〉 Strike — 〈◊〉 Musicke . Enter a Gallant , 〈◊〉 before to him . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Enter a Gallant , as before to him . 〈◊〉 your President , learne your duties , and doe 〈◊〉 I doe — A blessing Dad . 〈◊〉 President , learne your duties , and 〈◊〉 as I doe — A blessing Dad . 〈◊〉 Come , come , let's home , we'l finde some other time , When to dispute of these things 〈◊〉 : Nay Gent. no parting in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 begun in 〈◊〉 , let's 〈◊〉 : Nay Gent. no 〈◊〉 in spleene, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 begun in 〈◊〉 , let's not end 〈◊〉 : Nay Gent. no 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 since 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 begun in 〈◊〉 , let's not end in 〈◊〉 : Nay Gent. no 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we 〈◊〉 begun in 〈◊〉 , let's not end in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Nay Gent. no 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 have begun in 〈◊〉 , let's not end in 〈◊〉 ; you 〈◊〉 Gent. no 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 begun in mirth , let's not end in 〈◊〉 ; you see 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 begun in 〈◊〉 , let's not end in melancholy ; you see 〈◊〉 are more By-blowes than beare 〈◊〉 begun in 〈◊〉 , let's not end in 〈◊〉 ; you see there are more By-blowes than beare the 〈◊〉 ; 〈◊〉 see 〈◊〉 are more By-blowes than beare the name ; It is growne a great kindred in the Kingdome 〈◊〉 Bant . ●eepe Spirits will thither ; And such a Catterwalling keepe , That 〈◊〉 in vaine shall thinke to sleepe 〈◊〉 thither ; And such a Catterwalling keepe , That he in vaine shall thinke to sleepe . Call Meg vai●e such a Catterwalling keepe , That 〈◊〉 in vaine shall thinke to sleepe . Call Meg , and 〈◊〉 thinke to sleepe . Call Meg , and Doll , Tib , 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 Iug , Let none appeare without 〈◊〉 thinke to sleepe . Call Meg , and Doll , 〈◊〉 , Nab , 〈◊〉 Iug , Let none appeare without her 〈◊〉 sleepe . Call Meg , and Doll , 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , and Iug , Let none appeare without her Pug . 〈◊〉 skill . To fright the stout Knave in the Mill . Exeu● Exeunt . C●p Enter Doughty , Miller , Boy in a Cap ▪ ▪ Enter Doughty , Miller , Boy in a Cap . Doughty▪ Doughty. ▪ Doughty . Coun try _THou art a brave Boy , the honour of thy Country ; thy Statue shall be set up in brasse upon 〈◊〉 I blesse the time that I answered at the Font 〈◊〉 thee : 'Zookes did I ever think that 〈◊〉 blesse the time that I answered at the 〈◊〉 for thee : 'Zookes did I ever think that a Godson ●okes time that I answered at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thee : 'Zookes did I ever think that a Godson of mine should thin● at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thee : 'Zookes did I ever think that a Godson of mine should have fought min● 'Zookes did I ever think that a Godson of mine should have fought hand to fist with the ●ought ever think that a Godson of mine should have fought hand to fist with the Divell ! doestnot Thou art a dogged Sire , and doest not know the vertue of my Godsonne , my 〈◊〉 still by that : Though he was at Death's dore before he would reveale any thing , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Death's 〈◊〉 before he would reveale any thing , the damnable jades had so threatned him , and ●nable 〈◊〉 before he would reveale any thing , 〈◊〉 damnable jades had so threatned him , and as soone men●ed him , and as soone as ever he had told he mended . w aked cold night too ; 'twas day light before I waked , and I durst never speake of it to this H●gs Villanous Hags Wise And all last Summer , my wife could not make a bit of butter . 〈◊〉 It would not come , would it ? 〈◊〉 and I both together , churn'd almost our harts out , and nothing would come , but all ran 〈◊〉 waterish geere : the Pigges would not drinke it . ▪ Is't possible ? 〈◊〉 delight in such Villanies ! I have sought about these two dayes , and her of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he● ! I have sought 〈◊〉 these two dayes , and heard of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , though none mortall 〈◊〉 sought 〈◊〉 these two dayes , and her of a hundred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , though none mortall , but 〈◊〉 sought 〈◊〉 these two dayes , and her of a 〈◊〉 such 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , though none mortall , but could 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 these two dayes , and her of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mischievous 〈◊〉 , though none mortall , but could not 〈◊〉 these two dayes , and her of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tricks , though none mortall , but could not finde dive● sought for me if their affrightments and divelish devices , had not brought my Boy into such yo● After you I thanke yon Gossip . But my Boy thou hast satisfied ha● you I thanke yo● Gossip . But my Boy thou hast satisfied me in their names , and thy knowledge 〈◊〉 fied thanke yo● Gossip . But my Boy thou hast satisfied me in their names , and thy knowledge of Cu●●e-divell handsomly hanged o' the way : Ha my little Cusse-divell , thou art a made man . Come , away with ▪ before my houre , To take her in her bed ; 'Tis yet not five : The Sunne scarce up ●ow'd my selfe From base aspersion , am at liberty For vow'd revenge : I cannot be at peace ( The night-spell le●ve By your leave Sir . th●n remaine thankfull , I should prove VVorse than a Murderer , a meere Paricide By killing strumpe● wrongs , know this Groome pretends He hath strumpeted my mother , if when , blaz'd Last night ●ic you ere ile forsake you , Aunt , you know , Sic is So , and being so sicke doe you thinke s●ldome as my Wives choyse companion , Yet have I seldome seene you . han● goe this way I feare she'l have the worst hand on't . the● house no more be made a Hell . Away with them . i● false illusive apparition ? I hope the divell is not able to perswade thee thou art a Bastard Vnclc J hope Arthur has taken a course with his Vncle about him by this time , who would have sine And this were not above an houre since , and you connot devaise how we han lov'd ●en han lov'd t'on t'other by now , yeou woud een blisse your seln to see't . ●rrors , 'tis most apparant We all have had our errors , and as plainly It now appeares , our judgments nee●e And cannot but rejoyce to see the remedy so neere at hand . ●and but rejoyce to see the remedy so neere at hand . offooles Now a shame take you for a fardell of fooles , have you knowne so many of the kno● Speake Boy doe you know these Creatures , women I dare not call ●ou Doe you laugh Gentlewoman ? what say you to all le●pe dandle and clip yee , We'l stroke yee , and leape yee , And all that we have is your due ; blo●ds Withall , tyes us onely to you . Then suck our blouds freely , and with it be jolly , While merrily Ha● crime May bring upon'em , ripenes yet of time Has not reveal'd . Perhaps great Mercy may After con●mnation reveal'd . Perhaps great Mercy may After just condemnation give them day Of longer life . We represent long●r After just condemnation give them day Of longer life . We represent as much As they have I●dges not hold it fit , That we for Iustices and Iudges sit . And personate their grave wisedomes w● bring the Witches and their cause , And there we leave'em , as their Divels did , Should