The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, vol 2 | Page 4

Francis and John Fletcher Beaumont
in any Christian Language? Were it Greek I could interpret
for you, but indeed I'm gone no farther.
Bri. And in Greek you can lie with your smug Wife Lilly.
And. If I keep her from your French Dialect, as I hope I shall, Sir;
however she is your Landress, she shall put you to the charge of no
more Soap than usual for th'washing of your Sheets.
Bri. Take in the Knave, and let him eat.
And. And drink too, Sir.
Bri. And drink too Sir, and see your Masters Chamber ready for him.
But. Come, Dr Andrew, without Disputation thou shalt Commence i'the
Cellar.
And. I had rather Commence on a cold Bak'd meat.
Cook. Thou shalt ha't, Boy.

Bri. Good Monsieur Lewis, I esteem my self much honour'd in your
clear intent, to joyn our ancient Families, and make them one; and 'twill
take from my age and cares, to live and see what you have purpos'd but
in act, of which your visit at this present is a hopeful Omen; I each
minute expecting the arrival of my Sons; I have not wrong'd their Birth
for want of Means and Education, to shape them to that course each
was addicted; and therefore that we may proceed discreetly, since
what's concluded rashly seldom prospers, you first shall take a strict
perusal of them, and then from your allowance, your fair Daughter
m[a]y fashion her affection.
Lew. Monsieur Brisac, you offer fair and nobly, and I'le meet you in the
same line of Honour; and I hope, being blest but with one Daughter, I
shall not appear impertinently curious, though with my utmost
vigilance and study, I labour to bestow her to her worth: Let others
speak her form, and future Fortune from me descending to her; I in that
sit down with silence.
Bri. You may, my Lord, securely, since Fame aloud proclaimeth her
perfections, commanding all mens tongues to sing her praises; should I
say more, you well might censure me (what yet I never was) a Flatterer.
What trampling's that without of Horses?
Enter Butler.
But. Sir, my young Masters are newly alighted.
Bri. Sir, now observe their several dispositions.
Enter Charles.
Char. Bid my Supsiser carry my Hackney to the Butt'ry, and give him
his Bever; it is a civil and sober Beast, and will drink moderately; and
that done, turn him into the Quadrangle.
Bri. He cannot out of his University tone.
Enter Eustace, Egremont, Cowsy.

Eust. Lackey, take care our Coursers be well rubb'd, and cloath'd; they
have out-stripp'd the Wind in speed.
Lew. I marry, Sir, there's metal in this young Fellow! What a Sheep's
look his elder Brother has!
Char. Your blessing, Sir.
Bri. Rise, Charles, thou hast it.
Eust. Sir, though it be unusual in the Court, (since 'tis the Courtiers
garb) I bend my knee, and do expert what follows.
Bri. Courtly begg'd. My blessing, take it.
Eust. (to Lew.) Your Lordship's vow'd adorer. What a thing this Brother
is! yet I'le vouchsafe him the new Italian shrug-- How clownishly the
Book-worm does return it!
Char. I'm glad ye are well. [Reads.
Eust. Pray you be happy in the knowledge of this pair of accomplish'd
Monsieurs; they are Gallants that have seen both Tropicks.
Bri. I embrace their love.
Egr. Which we'll repay with servulating.
Cow. And will report your bounty in the Court.
Bri. I pray you make deserving use on't first. Eustace, give
entertainment to your Friends; what's in my house is theirs.
Eust. Which we'll make use of; let's warm our brains with half a dozen
Healths, and then hang cold discourse, for we'll speak Fire-works. [Ex.
Lew. What, at his Book already?
Bri. Fie, fie, Charles, no hour of interruption?

Char. Plato differs from Socrates in this.
Bri. Come, lay them by; let them agree at leisure.
Char. Man's life, Sir, being so short, and then the way that leads unto
the knowledge of our selves, so long and tedious, each minute should
be precious.
Bri. In our care to manage worldly business, you must part with this
Bookish contemplation, and prepare your self for action; to thrive in
this Age is held the blame of Learning: You must study to know what
part of my Land's good for the Plough, and what for Pasture; how to
buy and sell to the best advantage; how to cure my Oxen when they're
o'er-grown with labour.
Char. I may do this from what I've read, Sir; for, what concerns Tillage,
who better can deliver it than Virgil in his Georgicks? and to cure your
Herds, his Bucolicks is a Masterpiece; but when he does describe the
Commonwealth of Bees, their industry, and knowledge of the herbs
from which they gather Honey, with their care to place it with decorum
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