The Works of John Dryden | Page 6

all honest, 'cause himself is so, and therefore none suspects.
Fisc. I like him well for that; this fault of his great mind, as Beamont calls it, may give him cause to wish he was more wary, when it shall be too late. [Aside.
Har. I was in some small hope, this ship had been of our own country, and brought back my son; for much about this season I expect him. Good-morrow, gentlemen; I go to fill a brendice to my noble captain's health, pray tell him so; the youth of our Amboyna I'll send before, to welcome him.
Col. We'll stay, and meet him here.
[Exeunt_ HARMAN, FISCAL, _and VAN HERRING.
Beam. I do not like these fleering Dutchmen, they overact their kindness.
Col. I know not what to think of them; that old fat governor, Harman van Spelt, I have known long; they say he was a cooper in his country, and took the measure of his hoops for tuns by his own belly: I love him not, he makes a jest of men in misery; the first fat merry fool I ever knew, that was ill-natured.
Beam. He's absolutely governed by this Fiscal, who was, as I have heard, an ignorant advocate in Rotterdam, such as in England we call a petty-fogging rogue; one that knows nothing, but the worst part of the law, its tricks and snares: I fear he hates us English mortally. Pray heaven we feel not the effects on't.
Col. Neither he, nor Harman, will dare to shew their malice to us, now Towerson is come. For though, 'tis true, we have no castle here, he has an awe upon them in his worth, which they both fear and reverence.
Beam. I wish it so may prove; my mind is a bad prophet to me, and what it does forbode of ill, it seldom fails to pay me. Here he comes.
Col. And in his company young Harman, son to our Dutch governor. I wonder how they met.
Enter_ TOWERSON, HARMAN _Junior, and a Skipper.
Tow. [Entering, to the Skipper.] These letters see conveyed with speed to our plantation. This to Cambello, and to Hitto this, this other to Loho. Tell them, their friends in England greet them well; and when I left them, were in perfect health.
Skip. Sir, you shall be obeyed. [Exit Skipper.
Beam. I heartily rejoice that our employers have chose you for this place: a better choice they never could have made, or for themselves, or me.
Col. This I am sure of, that our English factories in all these parts have wished you long the man, and none could be so welcome to their hearts.
Har. Jun. And let me speak for my countrymen, the Dutch; I have heard my father say, he's your sworn brother: And this late accident at sea, when you relieved me from the pirates, and brought my ship in safety off, I hope will well secure you of our gratitude.
Tow. You over-rate a little courtesy: In your deliverance I did no more, than what I had myself from you expected: The common ties of our religion, and those, yet more particular, of peace and strict commerce betwixt us and your nation, exacted all I did, or could have done. [To BEAMONT.] For you, my friend, let me ne'er breathe our English air again, but I more joy to see you, than myself to have escaped the storm that tossed me long, doubling the Cape, and all the sultry heats, in passing twice the Line: For now I have you here, methinks this happiness should not be bought at a less price.
Har. Jun. I'll leave you with your friends; my duty binds me to hasten to receive a father's blessing. [Exit_ HARMAN _Junior.
Beam. You are so much a friend, that I must tax you for being a slack lover. You have not yet enquired of Isabinda.
Tow. No; I durst not, friend, I durst not. I love too well, and fear to know my doom; there's hope in doubt; but yet I fixed my eyes on yours, I looked with earnestness, and asked with them: If aught of ill had happened, sure I had met it there; and since, methinks, I did not, I have now recovered courage, and resolve to urge it from you.
Beam. Your Isabinda then--
Tow. You have said all in that, my Isabinda, if she still be so.
Beam. Enjoys as much of health, as fear for you, and sorrow for your absence, would permit. [Music within.
Col. Hark, music I think approaching.
Beam. 'Tis from our factory; some sudden entertainment I believe, designed for your return.
_Enter Amboyners, Men and Women, with Timbrels before them. A Dance._
After the Dance,
Enter_ HARMAN _Senior,_ HARMAN _Junior,_ FISCAL, _and VAN HERRING.
Har. Sen. [Embracing TOWERSON.] O my sworn brother, my dear captain Towerson! the man whom I love better than a stiff gale, when