Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (3 of 10): The Loyal Subject. Beaumont Francis

You have overthrown the enemy, we know it,

      And we rejoyce in't; ye have done like honest Subjects,

      You have done handsomely and well.

      Theo. But well, Sir?

      But handsomely and well? what are we juglers?

      I'le do all that in cutting up a Capon.

      But handsomely and well? does your Lordship take us

      For the Dukes Tumblers? we have done bravely, Sir,

      Ventur'd our lives like men.

      Bor. Then bravely be it.

      Theo. And for as brave rewards we look, and graces,

      We have sweat and bled for't, Sir.

      Bor. And ye may have it,

      If you will stay the giving. Men that thank themselves first

      For any good they do, take off the lustre,

      And blot the benefit.

      Theo. Are these the welcomes,

      The Bells that ring out our rewards? pray heartily,

      Early and late, there may be no more Enemies:

      Do my good Lord, pray seriously, and sigh too,

      For if there be —

      Bor. They must be met, and fought with.

      Theo. By whom? by you? they must be met and flatter'd.

      Why, what a Devil ail'd ye to do these things?

      With what assurance dare ye mock men thus?

      You have but single lives, and those I take it

      A Sword may find too: why do ye dam the Duke up?

      And choak that course of love, that like a River

      Should fill our empty veins again with comforts?

      But if ye use these knick knacks,

      This fast and loose, with faithful men and honest,

      You'l be the first will find it.

Enter Archas, Souldiers, Putskey, Ancient, and others

      Boros. You are too untemperate.

      Theo. Better be so, and thief too, than unthankful:

      Pray use this old man so, and then we are paid all.

      The Duke thanks ye for your service, and the Court thanks ye,

      And wonderful desirous they are to see ye;

      Pray Heaven we have room enough to march for May-games,