The Beaux-Stratagem | Page 8

fortunes; those that, by sacrificing all to one appetite, shall starve all the rest. You shall have some that live only in their palates, and in their sense of tasting shall drown the other four: others are only epicures in appearances, such who shall starve their nights to make a figure a days, and famish their own to feed the eyes of others: a contrary sort confine their pleasures to the dark, and contract their specious acres to the circuit of a muff-string. {228}
Arch. Right! But they find the Indies in that spot where they consume 'em, and I think your kind keepers have much the best on't: for they indulge the most senses by one expense, there's the seeing, hearing, and feeling, amply gratified; and, some philosophers will tell you, that from such a commerce there arises a sixth sense, that gives infinitely more pleasure than the other five put together, {237}
Aim. And to pass to the other extremity, of all keepers I think those the worst that keep their money.
Arch. Those are the most miserable wights in being, they destroy the rights of nature, and disappoint the blessings of Providence. Give me a man that keeps his five senses keen and bright as his sword, that has 'em always drawn out in their just order and strength, with his reason as commander at the head of 'em, that detaches 'em by turns upon whatever party of pleasure agreeably offers, and commands 'em to retreat upon the least appearance of disadvantage or danger! For my part, I can stick to my bottle while my wine, my company, and my reason, hold good; I can be charmed with Sappho's singing without falling in love with her face: I love hunting, but would not, like Act?on, be eaten up by my own dogs; I love a fine house, but let another keep it; and just so I love a fine woman. {255}
Aim. In that last particular you have the better of me.
Arch. Ay, you're such an amorous puppy, that I'm afraid you 'll spoil our sport; you can't counterfeit the passion without feeling it.
Aim. Though the whining part be out of doors in town, 'tis still in force with the country ladies: and let me tell you, Frank, the fool in that passion shall-outdo the knave at any time.
Arch. Well, I won't dispute it now; you command for the day, and so I submit: at Nottingham, you know, I am to be master. {266}
Aim. And at Lincoln, I again.
Arch. Then, at Norwich I mount, which, I think, shall be our last stage; for, if we fail there, we'll embark for Holland, bid adieu to Venus, and welcome Mars.
Aim. A match!--Mum!
Re-enter Boniface.
Bon. What will your worship please to have for supper?
Aim. What have you got?
Bon. Sir, we have a delicate piece of beef in the pot, and a pig at the fire.
Aim. Good supper-meat, I must confess. I can't eat beef, landlord. {278}
Arch. And I hate pig.
Aim. Hold your prating, sirrah! do you know who you are?
Bon. Please to bespeak something else; I have everything in the house.
Aim. Have you any veal?
Bon. Veal! sir, we had a delicate loin of veal on Wednesday last.
Aim. Have you got any fish or wildfowl? {287}
Bon. As for fish, truly, sir, we are an inland town, and indifferently provided with fish, that 's the truth on't; and then for wildfowl--we have a delicate couple of rabbits. {291}
Aim. Get me the rabbits fricasseed.
Bon. Fricasseed! Lard, sir, they 'll eat much better smothered with onions.
Arch. Psha! Damn your onions!
Aim. Again, sirrah!--Well, landlord, what you please. But hold, I have a small charge of money, and your house is so full of strangers that I believe it may be safer in your custody than mine; for when this fellow of mine gets drunk he tends to nothing.--Here, sirrah, reach me the strong-box. {301}
Arch. Yes, sir.--[Aside.] This will give us a reputation.
[Brings Aimwell the box.
Aim. Here, landlord; the locks are sealed down both for your security and mine; it holds somewhat above two hundred pound: if you doubt it I'll count it to you after supper; but be sure you lay it where I may have it at a minute's warning; for my affairs are a little dubious at present; perhaps I may be gone in half an hour, perhaps I may be your guest till the best part of that be spent; and pray order your ostler to keep my horses always saddled. But one thing above the rest I must beg, that you would let this fellow have none of your Anno Domini, as you call it; for he's the most insufferable sot--Here, sirrah, light me to my chamber.
[Exit, lighted by Archer.
Bon. Cherry! daughter Cherry! {315}
Re-enter Cherry.
Cher. D'ye call, father?
Bon. Ay, child, you must lay by this box