Beggars Bush: A Comedy. Beaumont Francis

eight; so, in the payment of

      Three thousand sterling, you fall only in

      Two hundred pound.

      4 Mer. You know, they are so cheap.—

      Gos. Why look you; I'le deal fa[ir]ly, there's in prison,

      And at your suit, a Pirat, but unable

      To make you satisfaction, and past hope

      To live a week, if you should prosecute

      What you can prove against him: set him free,

      And you shall have your mony to a Stiver,

      And present payment.

      4 Mer. This is above wonder,

      A Merchant of your rank, that have at Sea

      So many Bottoms in the danger of

      These water-Thieves, should be a means to save 'em,

      It more importing you for your own safety

      To be at charge to scour the Sea of them

      Than stay the sword of justice, that is ready

      To fall on one so conscious of his guilt

      That he dares not deny it.

      Gos. You mistake me,

      If you think I would cherish in this Captain

      The wrong he did to you, or any man;

      I was lately with him, (having first, from others

      True testimony been assured a man

      Of more desert never put from the shore)

      I read his letters of Mart from this State granted

      For the recovery of such losses, as

      He had receiv'd in Spain, 'twas that he aim'd at,

      Not at three tuns of wine, bisket, or beef,

      Which his necessity made him take from you.

      If he had pillag'd you near, or sunk your ship,

      Or thrown your men o'r-board, then he deserv'd

      The Laws extreamest rigour. But since want

      Of what he could not live without, compel'd him

      To that he did (which yet our State calls death)

      I pity his misfortune; and to work you

      To some compassion of them, I come up

      To your own price: save him, the goods are mine;

      If not, seek else-where, I'le not deal for them.

      4 Mer. Well Sir, for your love, I will once be led

      To change my purpose.

      Gos. For your profit rather.

      4 Mer. I'le presently make means for his discharge,

      Till when, I leave you.

      2 Mer. What do you think of this?

      1 Mer. As of a deed of noble pity: guided

      By a strong judgement.

      2 Mer. Save you Master Goswin.

      Goswin. Good day to all.

      2 Mer. We bring you the refusal

      Of more Commodities.

      Gos. Are you the owners

      Of the ship that last night put into the Harbour?

      1 Mer. Both of the ship, and lading.

      Gos. What's the fraught?

      1 Mer. Indico, Cochineel, choise Chyna stuffs.

      3 Mer. And cloath of Gold brought from Cambal.

      Gos. Rich lading,

      For which I were your Chapman, but I am

      Already out of cash.

      1 Mer. I'le give you day

      For the moiety of all.

      Gos. How long?

      3 Mer. Six months.

      Gos. 'Tis a fair offer: which (if we agree

      About the prices) I, with thanks accept of,

      And will make present payment of the rest;

      Some two hours hence I'le come aboard.

      1 Mer. The Gunner shall speak you welcom.

      Gos. I'le not fail.

      3 Mer. Good morrow. [Ex. Merch.

      Gos. Heaven grant my Ships a safe return, before

      The day of this great payment: as they are

      Expected three months sooner: and my credit

      Stands good with all the world.

      Enter Gerrard.

      Ger. Bless my good Master,

      The prayers of your poor Beads-man ever shall

      Be sent up for you.

      Gos. God o' mercy Clause,

      There's something to put thee in mind hereafter

      To think of me.

      Ger. May he that gave it you

      Reward you for it, with encrease, good Master.

      Gos. I thrive the better for thy prayers.

      Ger. I hope so.

      This three years have I fed upon your bounties,

      And by the fire of your blest charity warm'd me,

      And yet, good Master, pardon me, that must,

      Though I have now receiv'd your alms, presume

      To make one sute more to you.

      Gos. What is't Clause?

      Ger. Yet do not think me impudent I beseech you,

      Since hitherto your charity hath prevented

      My begging your relief, 'tis not for mony

      Nor cloaths (good Master) but your good word for me.

      Gos. That thou shalt have, Clause, for I think thee honest.

      Ger. To morrow then (dear M'r.) take the trouble

      Of walking early unto Beggars Bush,

      And as you see me, among others (Brethren

      In my affliction) when you are demanded

      Which you like best among us, point out me,

      And then pass by, as if you knew me not.

      Gos. But what will that advantage thee?

      Ger. O much Sir,

      'Twill give me the preheminence of the rest,

      Make me a King among 'em, and protect me

      From all abuse, such as are stronger, might

      Offer my age; Sir, at your better leisure

      I will inform you further of the good

      It may do to me.

      Gos. 'Troth thou mak'st me wonder;

      Have you a King and