ARDN ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM, ANONYMOUS. ) THE TRAGEDY OF MASTER ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM. THE LAMENTABLE AND TRUE TRAGEDY OF MASTER ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM IN KENT. WHO WAS MOST WICKEDLY MURDERED BY THE MEANS OF HIS DISLOYAL AND WANTON WIFE WHO FOR THE LOVE SHE BORE TO ONE MOSBIE, HIRED TWO DESPERATE RUFFIANS BLACKWILL AND SHAKEBAG TO KILL HIM. WHEREIN IS SHOWED THE GREAT MALICE AND DISSIMULATION OF A WICKED WOMAN, THE UNSATIABLE DESIRE OF FILTHY LUST AND THE SHAMEFUL END OF ALL MURDERERS. ENTER ARDEN AND FRANKLIN. FRANK. ARDEN, CHEER UP THY SPIRITS, AND DROOP NO MORE MY GRACIOUS LORD, THE DUKE OF SOMERSET, HATH FREELY GIVEN TO THEE AND TO THY HEIRS, BY LETTERS PATENT FROM HIS MAJESTY, ALL THE LANDS OF THE ABBEY OF FEVERSHAM. READ THEM, AND LEAVE THIS MELANCHOLY MOOD. ARDEN. FRANKLIN, THY LOVE PROLONGS MY WEARY LIFE; AND BUT FOR THEE HOW ODIOUS WERE THIS LIFE, THAT SHOWS ME NOTHING BUT TORMENTS MY SOUL, AND THOSE FOUL OBJECTS THAT OFFEND MINE EYES, WHICH MAKES ME WISH THAT FOR THIS VALE OF HEAVEN THE EARTH HUNG OVER MY HEAD AND COVERED ME. LOVE LETTERS PAST TWIXT MOSBIE AND MY WIFE, AND THEY HAVE PRIVY MEETINGS IN THE TOWN: NAY, ON HIS FINGER DID I SPY THE RING WHICH AT OUR MARRIAGE-DAY THE PRIEST PUT ON. CAN ANY GRIEF BE HALF SO GREAT AS THIS? FRANK. COMFORT THYSELF, SWEET FRIEND; IT IS NOT STRANGE THAT WOMEN WILL BE FALSE AND WAVERING. ARDEN. AY, BUT TO DOTE ON SUCH A ONE AS HE IS MONSTROUS, FRANKLIN, AND INTOLERABLE. FRANK. WHY, WHAT IS HE? ARDEN. A BOTCHER, AND NO BETTER AT THE FIRST; WHO, BY BASE BROKAGE GETTING SOME SMALL STOCK, CREPT INTO SERVICE OF A NOBLEMAN, AND BY HIS SERVILE FLATTERY AND FAWNING IS NOW BECOME THE STEWARD OF HIS HOUSE, AND BRAVELY JETS IT IN HIS SILKEN GOWN. ARDEN. YES, THE LORD CLIFFORD, HE THAT LOVES NOT ME, BUT THROUGH HIS FAVOR LET HIM NOT GROW PROUD, FOR WERE HE BY THE LORD PROTECTOR BACKED, HE SHOULD NOT MAKE ME TO BE POINTED AT. I AM BY BIRTH A GENTLEMAN OF BLOOD, AND THAT INJURIOUS RIVAL THAT ATTEMPTS TO VIOLATE MY DEAR WIFE'S CHASTITY (FOR DEAR I HOLD HER LOVE, AS DEAR AS HEAVEN) SHALL ON THE BED WHICH HE THINKS TO DEFILE SEE HIS DISSEVERED JOINTS AND SINEWS TORN, WHILST ON THE PLANCHERS PANTS HIS WEARY BODY, SMEARED IN THE CHANNELS OF HIS LUSTFUL BLOOD. FRANK. BE PATIENT, GENTLE FRIEND, AND LEARN OF ME TO EASE THY GRIEF AND SAVE HER CHASTITY: INTREAT HER FAIR; SWEET WORDS ARE FITTEST ENGINES TO RACE THE FLINT WALLS OF A WOMAN'S BREAST. IN ANY CASE BE NOT TOO JEALIOUS. NOR MAKE NO QUESTION OF HER LOVE TO THEE; BUT, AS SECURELY, PRESENTLY TAKE HORSE, AND LIE WITH ME AT LONDON ALL THIS TERM; FOR WOMEN, WHEN THEY MAY, WILL NOT, BUT, BEING KEPT BACK, STRAIGHT GROW OUTRAGEOUS. ARDEN. THOUGH THIS ABHORS FROM REASON, YET I'LL TRY IT AND CALL HER FORTH AND PRESENTLY TAKE LEAVE. HOW! ALICE! (HERE ENTERS ALICE. SUMMER NIGHTS ARE SHORT, AND YET YOU RISE ERE DAY. HAD I BEEN WAKE, YOU HAD NOT RISEN SO SOON. ARDEN. SWEET LOVE, THOU KNOWEST THAT WE TWO OVID-LIKE, HAVE OFTEN CHID THE MORNING WHEN IT 'GAN TO PEEP, AND OFTEN WISHED THAT DARK NIGHT'S PURBLIND STEEDS, WOULD PULL HER BY THE PURPLE MANTLE BACK, AND CAST HER IN THE OCEAN TO HER LOVE. BUT THIS NIGHT, SWEET ALICE, THOU HAST KILLED MY HEART, I HEARD THEE CALL ON MOSBIE IN THY SLEEP. ALICE. 'TIS LIKE I WAS ASLEEP WHEN I NAMED HIM, FOR BEING AWAKE HE COMES NOT IN MY THOUGHTS. ALICE. AND THEREOF CAME IT, AND THEREFORE BLAME NOT ME. ARDEN. I KNOW IT DID, AND THEREFORE LET IT PASS. I MUST TO LONDON, SWEET ALICE, PRESENTLY. ARDEN. NO LONGER THERE TILL MY AFFAIRS BE DONE. FRANK. HE WILL NOT STAY ABOVE A MONTH AT MOST. ALICE. A MONTH? AY ME! SWEET ARDEN, COME AGAIN WITHIN A DAY OR TWO, OR ELSE I DIE. ARDEN. I CANNOT LONG BE FROM THEE GENTLE ALICE. WHILST MICHAEL FETCH OUR HORSES FROM THE FIELD, FRANKLIN AND I WILL DOWN UNTO THE KEY; FOR I HAVE CERTAIN GOODS THERE TO UNLOAD. MEANWHILE PREPARE OUR BREAKFAST, GENTLE ALICE; FOR YET ERE NOON WE'LL TAKE HORSE AND AWAY. EXEUNT ARDEN AND FRANKLIN. ALICE. ERE NOON HE MEANS TO TAKE HORSE AND AWAY! SWEET NEWS IS THIS. O THAT SOME AIRY SPIRIT WOULD IN THE SHAPE AND LIKENESS OF A HORSE GALLOP WITH ARDEN 'CROSS THE OCEAN, AND THROW HIM FROM HIS BACK INTO THE WAVES! SWEET MOSBIE IS THE MAN THAT HATH MY HEART: AND HE USURPS IT, HAVING NOUGHT BUT THIS, THAT I AM TIED TO HIM BY MARRIAGE. LOVE IS A GOD, AND MARRIAGE IS BUT WORDS; AND THEREFORE MOSBIE'S TITLE IS THE BEST. TUSH! WHETHER IT BE OR NO, HE SHALL BE MINE, IN SPITE OF HIM, OF HYMEN, AND OF RITES. HERE ENTERS ADAM OF THE FLOWER-DE-LUCE AND HERE COMES ADAM OF THE FLOWER-DE-LUCE; I HOPE HE BRINGS ME TIDINGS OF MY LOVE. -HOW NOW, ADAM, WHAT IS THE NEWS WITH YOU? BE NOT AFRAID; MY HUSBAND IS NOW FROM HOME. ADAM. HE WHOM YOU WOT OF, MOSBIE, MISTRESS ALICE, IS COME TO TOWN, AND SENDS YOU WORD BY ME IN ANY CASE YOU MAY NOT VISIT HIM. ALICE. NOT VISIT HIM? ADAM. NO, NOR TAKE NO KNOWLEDGE OF HIS BEING HERE. ALICE. BUT TELL ME, IS HE ANGRY OR DISPLEASED? ADAM. SHOULD SEEM SO, FOR HE IS WONDROUS SAD. ALICE. WERE HE AS MAD AS RAVING HERCULES, I'LL SEE HIM, AY, AND WERE THY HOUSE OF FORCE, THESE HANDS OF MINE SHOULD RAZE IT TO THE GROUND, UNLESS THAT THOU WOULDST BRING ME TO MY LOVE. ADAM. NAY, AND YOU BE SO IMPATIENT, I'LL BE GONE. ASK MOSBIE HOW I HAVE INCURRED HIS WRATH; BEAR HIM FROM ME THESE PAIR OF SILVER DICE, WITH WHICH WE PLAYED FOR KISSES MANY A TIME, AND WHEN I LOST, I WON, AND SO DID HE; - SUCH WINNING AND SUCH LOSING JOVE SEND ME, AND BID HIM, IF HIS LOVE DO NOT DECLINE, COME THIS MORNING BUT ALONG MY DOOR, AND AS A STRANGER BUT SALUTE ME THERE: THIS MAY HE DO WITHOUT SUSPECT OR FEAR. ADAM. I'LL TELL HIM WHAT YOU SAY, AND SO FAREWELL. EXIT ADAM. ALICE. DO, AND ONE DAY I'LL MAKE AMENDS FOR ALL. I KNOW HE LOVES ME WELL, BUT DARES NOT COME, BECAUSE MY HUSBAND IS SO JEALIOUS, AND THESE MY MARROW PRYING NEIGHBORS BLAB, HINDER OUR MEETINGS WHEN WE WOULD CONFER. BUT, IF I LIVE, THAT BLOCK SHALL BE REMOVED, AND, MOSBIE, THOU THAT COMES TO ME BY STEALTH SHALT NEITHER FEAR THE BITING SPEECH OF MEN NOR ARDEN'S LOOKS; AS SURELY SHALL HE DIE AS I ABHOR HIM AND LOVE ONLY THEE. HERE ENTERS MICHAEL. HOW, NOW MICHAEL, WHITHER ARE YOU GOING? MICH. TO FETCH MY MASTER'S NAG. I HOPE YOU'LL THINK ON ME. ALICE. AY; BUT, MICHAEL, SEE YOU KEEP YOUR OATH, AND BE SECRET AS YOU ARE RESOLUTE. MICH. I'LL SEE HE SHALL NOT LIVE ABOVE A WEEK. ALICE. ON THAT CONDITION, MICHAEL, HERE IS MY HAND NONE SHALL HAVE MOSBIE'S SISTER BUT THYSELF. MICH. I UNDERSTAND THE PAINTER HERE HARD BY HATH MADE REPORT THAT HE AND SUE IS SURE. ALICE. THERE'S NO SUCH MATTER, MICHAEL; BELIEVE IT NOT. MICH. BUT HE HATH SENT A DAGGER STICKING IN A HEART, WITH A VERSE OR TWO STOLEN FROM A PAINTED CLOTH: THE WHICH I HEAR THE WENCH KEEPS IN HER CHEST. MICH. WHY, SAY I SHOULD BE TOOK, I'LL NE'ER CONFESS, THAT YOU KNOW ANYTHING; AND SUSAN, BEING A MAID, MAY BEG ME FROM THE GALLOWS OF THE SHERIFF. ALICE. TRUST NOT TO THAT, MICHAEL. MICH. YOU CANNOT TELL ME, I HAVE SEEN IT, AY, I'LL MAKE HER MORE WORTH THAN TWENTY PAINTERS CAN; FOR I WILL RID MINE ELDER BROTHER AWAY, AND THEN THE FARM OF BOLTON IS MINE OWN. WHO WOULD NOT VENTURE UPON HOUSE AND LAND, WHEN HE MAY HAVE IT FOR A RIGHT DOWN BLOW? (HERE ENTERS MOSBIE. ALICE. YONDER COMES MOSBIE. MICHAEL, GET THEE GONE, AND LET NOT HIM NOR ANY KNOW THY DRIFTS. (EXIT MICHAEL. MOSBIE, MY LOVE! MOS. AWAY, I SAY, AND TALK NOT TO ME NOW. ALICE. A WORD OR TWO, SWEET HEART, AND THEN I WILL. 'TIS YET BUT EARLY DAYS, THOU NEEDST NOT FEAR. MOS. WHERE IS YOUR HUSBAND? ALICE. 'TIS NOW HIGH WATER, AND HE IS AT THE KEY. MOS. THERE LET HIM BE; HENCE FORWARD KNOW ME NOT. ALICE. IS THIS THE END OF ALL THY SOLEMN OATHS? IS THIS THE FRUIT THY RECONCILEMENT BUDS? HAVE I FOR THIS GIVEN THEE SO MANY FAVORS, INCURRED MY HUSBAND'S HATE, AND, OUT ALAS, MADE SHIPWRECK OF MINE HONOR FOR THY SAKE? AND DOST THOU SAY 'HENCE FORWARD KNOW ME NOT'? REMEMBER, WHEN I LOCK'D THEE IN MY CLOSET, WHAT WERE THY WORDS AND MINE; DID WE NOT BOTH DECREE TO MURDER ARDEN IN THE NIGHT? THE HEAVENS CAN WITNESS, AND THE WORLD CAN TELL, BEFORE I SAW THAT FALSEHOOD LOOK OF THINE, 'FORE I WAS TANGLED WITH THY 'TICING SPEECH, ARDEN TO ME WAS DEARER THAN MY SOUL, AND SHALL BE STILL: BASE PEASANT, GET THEE GONE, AND BOAST NOT OF THY CONQUEST OVER ME, GOTTEN BY WITCH-CRAFT AND MERE SORCERY! FOR WHAT HAST THOU TO COUNTENANCE MY LOVE, BEING DESCENDED OF A NOBLE HOUSE, AND MATCHED ALREADY WITH A GENTLEMAN WHOSE SERVANT THOU MAY'ST BE! - AND SO FAREWELL. MOS. UNGENTLE AND UNKIND ALICE, NOW I SEE THAT WHICH I EVER FEARED, AND FIND TOO TRUE: A WOMAN'S LOVE IS AS THE LIGHTNING FLAME, WHICH EVEN IN BURSTING FORTH CONSUMES ITSELF. TO TRY THY CONSTANCY HAVE I BEEN STRANGE; WOULD I HAD NEVER TRIED, BUT LIVED IN HOPE! MOS. YET PARDON ME, FOR LOVE IS JEALOUS. ALICE. SO LISTS THE SAILOR TO THE MERMAID'S SONG, SO LOOKS THE TRAVELLER TO THE BASILISK. I AM CONTENT FOR TO BE RECONCILED, AND THAT I KNOW, WILL BE MINE OVERTHROW. MOS. THINE OVERTHROW? FIRST LET THE WORLD DISSOLVE. ALICE. NAY, MOSBIE, LET ME STILL ENJOY THY LOVE, AND HAPPEN WHAT WILL, I AM RESOLUTE. MY SAVING HUSBAND HOARDS UP BAGS OF GOLD TO MAKE OUR CHILDREN RICH, AND NOW IS HE GONE TO UNLOAD THE GOODS THAT SHALL BE THINE, AND HE AND FRANKLIN WILL TO LONDON STRAIGHT. MOS. TO LONDON, ALICE? IT THOU'LT BE RUL'D BY ME WE'LL MAKE HIM SURE ENOUGH FOR COMING THERE. ALICE. AH, WOULD WE COULD! MOS. I HAPPENED ON A PAINTER YESTERNIGHT, THE ONLY CUNNING MAN OF CHRISTENDOM; FOR HE CAN TEMPER POISON WITH HIS OIL, THAT WHOSO LOOKS UPON THE WORK HE DRAWS SHALL, WITH THE BEAMS THAT ISSUE FROM HIS SIGHT, SUCK VENOM TO HIS BREAST AND SLAY HIMSELF. SWEET ALICE HE SHALL DRAW THY COUNTERFEIT, THAT ARDEN MAY BY GAZING ON IT PERISH. ALICE. AY, BUT MOSBIE THAT IS DANGEROUS, FOR THOU OR I, OR ANY OTHER ELSE, COMING INTO THE CHAMBER WHERE IT HANGS MAY DIE. MOS. AY, BUT WE'LL HAVE IT COVERED WITH A CLOTH, AND HUNG UP IN THE STUDY FOR HIMSELF. ALICE. IT MAY NOT BE, FOR WHEN THE PICTURE'S DRAWN, ARDEN, I KNOW, WILL COME AND SHOW IT ME. MOS. FEAR NOT; WE'LL HAVE THAT SHALL SERVE THE TURN. THIS IS THE PAINTER'S HOUSE; I'LL CALL HIM FORTH. ALICE. BUT MOSBIE, I'LL HAVE NO SUCH PICTURE, I. USE HUMBLE PROMISE TO THEIR SACRED MUSE, SO WE THAT ARE THE POETS' FAVORITES MUST HAVE A LOVE: AY, LOVE IS THE PAINTER'S MUSE, THAT MAKES HIM FRAME A SPEAKING COUNTENANCE, A WEEPING EYE THAT WITNESSES HEART'S GRIEF. THEN TELL ME, MASTER MOSBIE, SHALL I HAVE HER? ALICE. 'TIS PITY BUT HE SHOULD; HE'LL USE HER WELL. CLARKE. THEN, BROTHER, TO REQUITE THIS COURTESY, YOU SHALL COMMAND MY LIFE, MY SKILL, AND ALL. ALICE. AH, THAT THOU COULDST BE SECRET. MOS. FEAR HIM NOT; LEAVE; I HAVE TALKED SUFFICIENT. CLARKE. YOU KNOW NOT ME THAT ASK SUCH QUESTIONS. LET IT SUFFICE I KNOW YOU LOVE HIM WELL, AND FAIN WOULD HAVE YOUR HUSBAND MADE AWAY; WHEREIN, TRUST ME, YOU SHOW A NOBLE MIND, THAT RATHER THAN YOU'LL LIVE WITH HIM YOU HATE, YOU'LL VENTURE LIFE, AND DIE WITH HIM YOU LOVE. THE LIKE WILL I DO FOR MY SUSAN'S SAKE. ALICE. YET NOTHING COULD INFORCE ME TO THE DEED BUT MOSBIE'S LOVE. MIGHT I WITHOUT CONTROL, ENJOY THEE STILL, THEN ARDEN SHOULD NOT DIE: BUT SEEING I CANNOT, THEREFORE LET HIM DIE. MOS. ENOUGH, SWEET ALICE; THY KIND WORDS MAKE ME MELT. YOUR TRICK OF POISONED PICTURES WE DISLIKE; SOME OTHER POISON WOULD DO BETTER FAR. ALICE. AY, SUCH AS MIGHT BE PUT INTO HIS BROTH, AND YET IN TASTE NOT TO BE FOUND AT ALL. CLARKE. I KNOW YOUR MIND, AND HERE I HAVE IT FOR YOU. PUT BUT A DRAM OF THIS INTO HIS DRINK, OR ANY KIND OF BROTH THAT HE SHALL EAT, AND HE SHALL DIE WITHIN AN HOUR AFTER. ALICE. AS I AM A GENTLEWOMAN, CLARKE, NEXT DAY THOU AND SUSAN SHALL BE MARRIED. MOS. AND I'LL MAKE HER DOWRY MORE THAN I'LL TALK OF, CLARKE. CLARKE. YONDER'S YOUR HUSBAND. MOSBIE, I'LL BE GONE. (HERE ENTERS ARDEN AND FRANKLIN. ALICE. IN GOOD TIME; SEE WHERE MY HUSKAND COMES, MASTER MOSBIE, ASK HIM THE QUESTION YOURSELF. EXIT CLARKE MOS. MASTER ARDEN, BEING AT LONDON YESTERNIGHT, THE ABBEY LANDS, WHEREOF YOU ARE NOW POSSESSED, WERE OFFERED ME ON SOME OCCASION BY GREENE, ONE OF SIR ANTONY AGER'S MEN: I PRAY YOU, SIR, TELL ME, ARE NOT THE LANDS YOURS? HATH ANY OTHER INTEREST HEREIN? ARDEN. MOSBIE, THAT QUESTION WE'LL DECIDE ANON. AS FOR THE LANDS, MOSBIE, THEY ARE MINE BY LETTERS PATENT FROM HIS MAJESTY. BUT I MUST HAVE A MANDATE FOR MY WIFE; THEY SAY YOU SEEK TO ROB ME OF HER LOVE: VILLAIN, WHAT MAKES THOU IN HER COMPANY? SHE'S NO COMPANION FOR SO BASE A GROOM. MOS. ARDEN, I THOUGHT NOT ON HER, I CAME TO THEE, BUT RATHER THAN I POCKET UP THIS WRONG. FRANK. WHAT WILL YOU DO, SIR? MOS. REVENGE IT ON THE PROUDEST OF YOU BOTH. (THEN ARDEN DRAWS FORTH MOSBIE'S SWORD. ARDEN. SO, SIRRAH, YOU MAY NOT WEAR A SWORD, THE STATUTE MAKES AGAINST ARTIFICERS. I WARRANT THAT I DO. NOW USE YOUR BODKIN, YOUR SPANISH NEEDLE, AND YOUR PRESSING IRON, FOR THIS SHALL GO WITH ME; AND MARK MY WORDS, YOU GOODMAN BUTCHER, 'TIS TO YOU I SPEAK: THE NEXT TIME THAT I TAKE THEE NEAR MY HOUSE, INSTEAD OF LEGS I'LL MAKE THEE CRAWL ON STUMPS. MOS. AH, MASTER ARDEN, YOU HAVE INJURED ME: I DO APPEAL TO GOD AND TO THE WORLD. FRANK. WHY, CANST THOU DENY THOU WERT A BUTCHER ONCE? MOS. MEASURE ME WHAT I AM, NOT WHAT I WAS. ARDEN. WHY, WHAT ART THOU NOW BUT A VELVET DRUDGE, A CHEATING STEWARD, AND BASE MINDED PEASANT. MOS. ARDEN, NOW THOU HAST BELCHED AND VOMITED THE RANCOROUS VENOM OF THY MIS-SWOLL'N HEART, HEAR ME BUT SPEAK: AS I INTEND TO LIVE WITH GOD AND HIS ELECTED SAINTS IN HEAVEN, I NEVER MEANT MORE TO SOLICIT HER; AND THAT SHE KNOWS, AND ALL THE WORLDSHALL SEE, I LOVED HER ONCE; - SWEET ARDEN, PARDON ME, I COULD NOT CHOOSE, HER BEAUTY FIRED MY HEART! FORGET THEM, MOSBIE: I HAD CAUSE TO SPEAK, WHEN ALL THE KNIGHTS AND GENTLEMEN OF KENT MAKE COMMON TABLE-TALK OF HER AND THEE. MOS. WHO LIVES THAT IS NOT TOUCHED WITH SLANDEROUS TONGUES. FRANK. THEN, MOSBIE, TO ESCHEW THE SPEECH OF MEN, UPON WHOSE GENERAL BRUIT ALL HONOR HANGS, FORBEAR HIS HOUSE. ARDEN. FORBEAR IT! NAY, RATHER FREQUENT IT MORE. TO WARN HIM ON THE SUDDEN FROM MY HOUSE WERE TO CONFIRM THE RUMOR THAT IS GROWN. MOS. BY MY FAITH, SIR, YOU SAY TRUE, AND THEREFORE WILL I SOJOURN HERE A WHILE, UNTIL OUR ENEMIES HAVE TALKED THEIR FILL. AND THEN, I HOPE, THEY'LL CEASE, AND AT LAST CONFESS HOW CAUSELESS THEY HAVE INJURED HER AND ME. ARDEN. AND I WILL LIE AT LONDON ALL THIS TERM TO LET THEM SEE HOW LIGHT I WEIGH THEIR WORDS. (HERE ENTERS ALICE. ALICE. HUSBAND SIT DOWN, YOUR BREAKFAST WILL BE COLD. ARDEN. COME, MASTER MOSBIE, WILL YOU SIT WITH US? MOS. I CAN NOT EAT, BUT I'LL SIT FOR COMPANY. ARDEN. SIRRAH MICHAEL, SEE OUR HORSE BE READY. ALICE. HUSBAND, WHY PAUSE YE? WHY EAT YOU NOT? ARDEN. I AM NOT WELL; THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE BROTH THAT IS NOT WHOLESOME: DIDST THOU MAKE IT, ALICE? ALICE. I DID, AND THAT'S THE CAUSE IT LIKES NOT YOU. (THEN SHE THROWS DOWN THE BROTH ON THE GROUND. THERE'S NOTHING THAT I DO CAN PLEASE YOUR TASTE; YOU WERE BEST TO SAY I WOULD HAVE POISONED YOU. I CANNOT SPEAK OR CAST ASIDE MY EYE, BUT HE IMAGINES I HAVE STEPPED AWRY. HERE'S HE THAT YOU CAST IN MY TEETH SO OFT: NOW WILL I BE CONVINCED OR PURGE MYSELF. I CHARGE THEE SPEAK TO THIS MISTRUSTFUL MAN, THOU THAT WOULDST SEE ME HANG, THOU, MOSBIE, THOU, WHAT FAVOR HAST THOU HAD MORE THAN A KISS AT COMING OR DEPARTING FROM THE TOWN? MOSB. YOU WRONG YOURSELF AND ME TO CAST THESE DOUBTS, YOUR LOVING HUSBAND IS NOT JEALOUS. ARDEN. WHY, GENTLE MISTRESS ALICE, CAN NOT I BE ILL, BUT YOU'LL ACCUSE YOURSELF? FRANKLIN, THOU HAST A BOX OF MITHRIDATE. I'LL TAKE A LITTLE TO PREVENT THE WORST. FRANK. DO SO, AND LET US PRESENTLY TAKE HORSE; MY LIFE FOR YOURS, YE SHALL DO WELL ENOUGH. ALICE. GIVE ME A SPOON, I'LL EAT OF IT MYSELF; WOULD IT WERE FULL OF POISON TO THE BRIM, THEN SHOULD MY CARES AND TROUBLES HAVE AN END. ARDEN. BE PATIENT, SWEET LOVE; I MISTRUST NOT THEE. ALICE. GOD WILL REVENGE IT, ARDEN, IF THOU DOST; FOR NEVER WOMAN LOVED HER HUSBAND BETTER THAN I DO THEE. ARDEN. I KNOW IT, SWEET ALICE; CEASE TO COMPLAIN, LEST THAT IN TEARS I ANSWER THEE AGAIN. FRANK. COME, LEAVE THIS DALLYING, AND LET US AWAY. ALICE. FORBEAR TO WOUND ME WITH THAT BITTER WORD, ARDEN SHALL GO TO LONDON IN MY ARMS. ARDEN. LOATH AM I TO DEPART, YET I MUST GO. ALICE. WILT THOU TO LONDON, THEN, AND LEAVE ME HERE? AH, IF YOU LOVE ME, GENTLE ARDEN, STAY. YET, IF THY BUSINESS BE OF GREAT IMPORT GO, IF THOU SILT, I'LL BEAR IT AS I MAY; BUT WRITE FROM LONDON TO ME EVERY WEEK, NAY, EVERY DAY, AND STAY NO LONGER THERE THAN THOU MUST NEEDS, LEST THAT I DIE FOR SORROW. ARDEN. I'LL WRITE UNTO THEE EVERY OTHER TIDE, AND SO , FAREWELL, SWEET ALICE, TILL WE MEET NEXT. ALICE. FAREWELL, HUSBAND, SEEING YOU'LL HAVE IT SO. AND, MASTER FRANKLIN, SEEING YOU TAKE HIM HENCE, IN HOPE YOU'LL HASTEN HIM HOME, I'LL GIVE YOU THIS. (AND THEN SHE KISSETH HIM. FRANK. AND IF HE STAY, THE FAULT SHALL NOT BE MINE. MOSBIE, FAREWELL, AND SEE YOU KEEP YOUR OATH. MOS. I HOPE HE IS NOT JEALOUS OF ME NOW. ARDEN. NO, MOSBIE, NO; HEREAFTER THINK OF ME AS OF YOUR DEAREST FRIEND, AND SO FAREWELL. EXEUNT ARDEN, FRANKLIN, AND MICHAEL. ALICE. I AM GLAD HE IS GONE; HE WAS ABOUT TO STAY, BUT DID YOU MARK ME THEN HOW I BRAKE OFF? MOS. AY, ALICE, AND IT WAS CUNNINGLY PERFORMED. NEVER HEREAFTER TO SOLICIT THEE, OR, WHILST HE LIVES, ONCE MORE IMPORTUNE THEE. ALICE. THOU SHALT NOT NEED, I WILL IMPORTUNE THEE. WHAT? SHALL AN OATH MAKE THEE FORSAKE MY LOVE? AS IF I HAVE NOT SWORN AS MUCH MYSELF AND GIVEN MY HAND UNTO HIM IN THE CHURCH! TUSH, MOSBIE; OATHS ARE WORDS, AND WORDS IS WIND, 'TIS CHILDISHNESS TO STAND UPON AN OATH. MOS. WELL PROVED, MISTRESS ALICE; YET BY YOUR LEAVE, I'LL KEEP MINE UNBROKEN WHILST HE LIVES. ALICE. AY, DO, AND SPARE NOT, HIS TIME IS BUT SHORT, FOR IF THOU BE'ST AS RESOLUTE AS I, WE'LL HAVE HIM MURDERED AS HE WALKS THE STREETS. IN LONDON MANY ALEHOUSE RUFFIANS KEEP, WHICH , AS I HEAR, WILL MURDER MEN FOR GOLD. THEY SHALL BE SOUNDLY FEE'D TO PAY HIM HOME. (HERE ENTERS GREENE. MOS. ALICE, WHAT'S HE THAT COMES YONDER? KNOWEST THOU HIM? ALICE. MOSBIE, BE GONE: I HOPE 'TIS ONE THAT COMES TO PUT IN PRACTICE OUR INTENDED DRIFTS. (EXIT MOSBIE. GREENE. MISTRESS ARDEN, YOU ARE WELL MET. I AM SORRY THAT YOUR HUSBAND IS FROM HOME, WHEN AS MY PURPOSED JOURNEY WAS TO HIM: YET ALL MY LABOR IS NOT SPENT IN VAIN, FOR I SUPPOSE THAT YOU CAN FULL DISCOURSE AND FLAT RESOLVE ME OF THE THING I SEEK. ALICE. WHAT IS IT, MASTER GREENE? IF THAT I MAY OR CAN WITH SAFETY, I WILL ANSWER YOU. GREENE. I HEARD YOUR HUSBAND HAD THE GRANT OF LATE, CONFIRMED BY LETTERS PATENT FROM THE KING. OF ALL THE LANDS OF THE ABBEY OF FEVERSHAM, GENERALLY INTITLED, SO THAT ALL FORMER GRANTS ARE CUT OFF; WHEREOF I MYSELF HAD ONE; BUT NOW MY INTEREST BY THAT IS VOID. THIS IS ALL, MISTRESS ARDEN; IS IT TRUE OR NO? ALICE. TRUE, MASTER GREENE; THE LANDS ARE HIS IN STATE, AND WHATSOEVER LEASES WERE BEFORE ARE VOID FOR TERM OF MASTER ARDEN'S LIFE; HE HATH THE GRANT UNDER THE CHANCERY SEAL. GREENE. PARDON ME, MISTRESS ARDEN, I MUST SPEAK FOR I AM TOUCHED. YOUR HUSBAND DOTH ME WRONG TO WRING ME FROM THE LITTLE LAND I HAVE. MY LIVING IS MY LIFE, ONLY THAT RESTETH REMAINDER OF MY PORTION. DESIRE OF WEALTH IS ENDLESS IN HIS MIND, AND HE IS GREEDY GAPING STILL FOR GAIN; NOR CARES HE THOUGH YOUNG GENTLEMEN DO BEG, AND SO, AS HE SHALL WISH THE ABBEY LANDS HAD RESTED STILL, WITHIN THEIR FORMER STATE. BUT SEEING HE HATH TAKEN MY LANDS, I'LL VALUE LIFE AS CARELESS, AS HE IS CAREFUL FOR TO GET, AND TELL HIM THIS FROM ME, I'LL BE REVENGED, AND SO, AS HE SHALL WISH THE ABBEY LANDS HAD RESTED STILL, WITHIN THEIR FORMER STATE. ALICE. ALAS, POOR GENTLEMAN, I PITY YOU, AND WOE IS ME THAT ANY MAN SHOULD WANT, GOD KNOWS 'TIS NOT MY FAULT, BUT WONDER NOT THOUGH HE BE HARD TO OTHERS, WHEN TO ME, AH MASTER GREENE, GOD KNOWS HOW I AM USED. GREENE. WHY, MISTRESS ARDEN, CAN THE CRABBED CHURL USE YOU UNKINDLY, RESPECTS HE NOT YOUR BIRTH, YOUR HONORABLE FRIENDS, NOR WHAT YOU BROUGHT? WHY, ALL KENT KNOWS YOUR PARENTAGE, AND WHAT YOU ARE. ALICE. AH, MASTER GREENE, BE IT SPOKEN IN SECRET HERE, I NEVER LIVE GOOD DAY WITH HIM ALONE: WHEN HE IS AT HOME, THEN HAVE I FORWARD LOOKS, HARD WORDS AND BLOWS, TO MEND THE MATCH WITHAL; AND THOUGH I MIGHT CONTENT AS GOOD A MAN, YET DOTH HE KEEP IN EVERY CORNER TRULLS, AND WEARY WITH HIS TRUGS AT HOME, THEN RIDES HE STRAIGHT TO LONDON, THERE FORSOOTH HE REVELS IT AMONG SUCH FILTHY ONES, AS COUNSEL HIM TO MAKE AWAY HIS WIFE; THUS LIVE I DAILY IN CONTINUAL FEAR, IN SORROW, SO DISPAIRING OF REDRESS AS EVERY DAY I WISH WITH HEARTY PRAYER, THAT HE OR I WERE TAKEN FORTH THE WORLD. GREENE. NOW TRUST ME MISTRESS ALICE, IT GRIEVETH ME, GREENE. AY, GOD'S MY WITNESS, I MEAN PLAIN DEALING, FOR I HAD RATHER DIE THEN LOSE MY LAND. ALICE. THEN MASTER GREENE BE COUNSELLED BY ME: ENDANGER NOT YOUR SELF FOR SUCH A CHURL, BUT HIRE SOME CUTTER FOR TO CUT HIM SHORT, AND HERE'S TEN POUND, TO WAGER THEM WITH ALL, WHEN HE IS DEAD YOU SHALL HAVE TWENTY MORE. AND THE LANDS WHEREOF MY HUSBAND IS POSSESS'D, SHALL BE INTITLED AS THEY WERE BEFORE. GREENE. WILL YOU KEEP PROMISE WITH ME? GREENE. THEN HERE'S MY HAND I'LL HAVE HIM SO DISPATCH'D, I'LL UP TO LONDON STRAIGHT, I'LL THITHER POST, AND NEVER REST, TILL I HAVE COMPASS'D IT, TILL THEN FAREWELL. AND WHOSOEVER DOTH ATTEMPT THE DEED, A HAPPY HAND I WISH, AND SO FAREWELL. - ALL THIS GOES WELL: MOSBIE, I LONG FOR THEE TO LET THEE KNOW ALL THAT I HAVE CONTRIVED. (HERE ENTERS MOSBIE AND CLARKE. MOS. HOW NOW, ALICE, WHAT'S THE NEWS? ALICE. SUCH AS WILL CONTENT THEE WELL, SWEET HEART. MOS. WELL, LET THEM PASS A WHILE, AND TELL ME ALICE, HOW HAVE YOU DEALT AND TEMPERED WITH MY SISTER, WHAT, WILL SHE HAVE MY NEIGHBOR, CLARKE, OR NO? ALICE. WHAT, MASTER MOSBIE! LET HIM WOO HIM SELF. THINK YOU THAT MAIDS LOOK NOT FOR FAIR WORDS? GO TO HER, CLARKE; SHE'S ALL ALONE WITHIN; MICHAEL MY MAN IS CLEAN OUT OF HER BOOKS. CLARKE. I THANK YOU, MISTRESS ARDEN, I WILL IN; AND IF FAIR SUSAN AND I CAN MAKE AGREE, YOU SHALL COMMAND ME TO THE UTTERMOST, AS FAR AS EITHER GOODS OR LIFE MAY STRETCH. (EXIT CLARKE. MOS. NOW, ALICE, LET'S HEAR THY NEWS. ALICE. THEY BE SO GOOD THAT I MUST LAUGH FOR JOY, BEFORE I CAN BEGIN TO TELL MY TALE. MOS. LET'S HEAR THEM, THAT I MAY LAUGH FOR COMPANY. ALICE. THIS MORNING, MASTER GREENE, DICK GREENE I MEAN, FROM WHOM MY HUSBAND HAD THE ABBEY LAND, CAME HITHER, RAILING, FOR TO KNOW THE TRUTH WHETHER MY HUSBAND HAD THE LANDS BY GRANT. I TOLD HIM ALL, WHEREAT HE STORMED AMAIN AND SWORE HE WOULD CRY QUITTANCE WITH THE CHURL, AND, IF HE DID DENY HIS INTEREST, STAB HIM, WHATSOEVER DID BEFALL HIMSELF. WHEN AS I SAW HIS CHOLER THUS TO RISE, I WHETTED ON THE GENTLEMAN WITH WORDS; AND, TO CONCLUDE, MOSBIE, AT LAST WE GREW TO COMPOSITION FOR MY HUSBAND'S DEATH. I GAVE HIM TEN POUND TO HIRE KNAVES, BY SOME DEVICE TO MAKE AWAY THE CHURL; WHEN HE IS DEAD, HE SHOULD HAVE TWENTY MORE ON THIS WE 'GREED, AND HE IS RIDDEN STRAIGHT TO LONDON, FOR TO BRING HIS DEATH ABOUT. MOS. BUT CALL YOU THIS GOOD NEWS? ALICE. AY, SWEETHEART, BE THEY NOT? MOS. 'TWERE CHEERFUL NEWS TO HEAR THE CHURL WERE DEAD; BUT TRUST ME, ALICE, I TAKE IT PASSING ILL YOU WOULD BE SO FORGETFUL OF OUR STATE TO MAKE RECOUNT OF IT TO EVERY GROOM. WHAT, TO ACQUAINT EACH STRANGER WITH OUR DRIFTS, CHIEFLY IN CASE OF MURDER, WHY, 'TIS THE WAY TO MAKE IT OPEN UNTO ARDEN'S SELF AND BRING THYSELF AND ME TO RUIN BOTH. FOREWARNED, FOREARMED; WHO THREATS HIS ENEMY, LENDS HIM A SWORD TO GUARD HIMSELF WITH ALL. ALICE. I DID IT FOR THE BEST. MOS. WELL, SEEING 'TIS DONE, CHEERLY LET IT PASS. YOU KNOW THIS GREENE; IS HE NOT RELIGIOUS? A MAN, I GUESS, OF GREAT DEVOTION? ALICE. HE IS. MOS. THEN, SWEET ALICE, LET IT PASS: I HAVE A DRIFT WILL QUIET ALL, WHATEVER IS AMISS. (HERE ENTERS CLARKE AND SUSAN. ALICE. HOW NOW, CLARKE? HAVE YOU FOUND ME FALSE? DID I NOT PLEAD THE MATTER HARD FOR YOU? CLARKE. YOU DID. MOS. AND WHAT, WILT BE A MATCH? CLARKE. A MATCH, I' FAITH, SIR: AY, THE DAY IS MINE. BUT, SO YOU'LL GRANT ME ONE THING I SHALL ASK, I AM CONTENT MY SISTER SHALL BE YOURS. CLARKE. WHAT IS IT, MASTER MOSBIE? MOS. I DO REMEMBER ONCE IN SECRET TALK YOU TOLD ME HOW YOU COULD COMPOUND BY ART A CRUCIFIX IMPOISONED, THAT WHOSO LOOK UPON IT SHOULD WAX BLIND, AND WITH THE SCENT BE STIFLED, THAT ERE LONG HE SHOULD DIE POISONED THAT DID VIEW IT WELL. I WOULD HAVE YOU MAKE ME SUCH A CRUCIFIX, AND THEN I'LL GRANT MY SISTER SHALL BE YOURS. CLARKE. THOUGH I AM LOTH, BECAUSE IT TOUCHETH LIFE, YET, RATHER OR I'LL LEAVE SWEET SUSAN'S LOVE, I'LL DO IT, AND WITH ALL THE HASTE I MAY. BUT FOR WHOM IS IT? ALICE. LEAVE THAT TO US. WHY, CLARKE, IS IT POSSIBLE THE COLORS BEING BALEFUL AND IMPOISONED, AND NO WAYS PREJUDICE YOURSELF WITH ALL? MOS. WELL QUESTIONED, ALICE. CLARKE, HOW ANSWER YOU THAT? CLARKE. VERY EASILY: I'LL TELL YOU STRAIGHT HOW I DO WORK OF THESE IMPOISONED DRUGS. I FASTEN ON MY SPECTACLES SO CLOSE AS NOTHING CAN ANY WAY OFFEND MY SIGHT; THEN, AS I PUT A LEAF WITHIN MY NOSE, SO PUT I RHUBARB TO AVOID THE SMELL, AS SOFTLY AS ANOTHER WORK I PAINT. MOS. 'TIS VERY WELL; BUT AGAINST WHEN SHALL I HAVE IT? CLARKE. WITHIN THIS TEN DAYS. MOS. 'TWILL SERVE THE TURN. NOW, ALICE, LET'S IN AND SEE WHAT CHEER YOU KEEP. I HOPE, NOW MASTER ARDEN IS FROM HOME, YOU'LL GIVE ME LEAVE TO PLAY YOUR HUSBAND'S PART. ALICE. MOSBIE, YOU KNOW, WHO'S MASTER OF MY HEART, HE WELL MAY BE THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE. (EXEUNT. (HERE ENTER GREENE AND BRADSHAW. BRAD. SEE YOU THEM THAT COME YONDER, MASTER GREENE? GREENE. AY, VERY WELL: DO YOU KNOW THEM? (HERE ENTER BLACK WILL AND SHAKEBAG. BRAD. THE ONE I KNOW NOT, BUT HE SEEMS A KNAVE CHIEFLY FOR BEARING THE OTHER COMPANY; FOR SUCH A SLAVE, SO VILE A ROGUE AS HE, LIVES NOT AGAIN UPON THE EARTH. BLACK WILL IS HIS NAME. I TELL YOU, MASTER GREENE, AT BOULOGNE HE AND I WERE FELLOW SOLDIERS, WHERE HE PLAYED SUCH PRANKS AS ALL THE CAMP FEARED HIM FOR HIS VILLAINY; I WARRANT YOU HE BEARS SO BAD A MIND THAT FOR A CROWN HE'LL MURDER ANY MAN. GREENE. THE FITTER IS HE FOR MY PURPOSE, MARRY! WILL. HOW NOW, FELLOW BRADSHAW? WHITHER AWAY SO EARLY? BRAD. O WILL, TIMES ARE CHANGED: NO FELLOWS NOW, THOUGH WE WERE ONCE TOGETHER IN THE FIELD; YET THY FRIEND TO DO THEE ANY GOOD I CAN. WILL. WHY, BRADSHAW, WAS NOT THOU AND I FELLOW-SOLDIERS AT BOULOGNE, WHERE I WAS A CORPORAL, AND THOU BUT A BASE MERCENARY GROOM? AND HAVE A LITTLE PLATE IN YOUR SHOP; YOU WERE GLAD TO CALL ME FELLOW WILL, AND WITH A CURTSEY TO THE EARTH, ONE SNATCH, GOOD CORPORAL, WHEN I STOLE THE HALF OX FROM JOHN THE VICTUALER. AND DOMINEER'D WITH IT AMONGST GOOD FELLOWS, IN ONE NIGHT. BRAD. AY, WILL, THOSE DAYS ARE PAST WITH ME. WILL. AY, BUT THEY BE NOT PAST WITH ME. FOR I KEEP THAT SAME HONORABLE MIND STILL. GOOD NEIGHBOR BRADSHAW, YOU ARE TOO PROUD TO BE MY FELLOW, BUT WERE IT NOT THAT I SEE MORE COMPANY COMING DOWN I WOULD BE FELLOWS WITH YOU ONCE MORE. AND SHARE CROWNS WITH YOU TOO. BUT LET THAT PASS, AND TELL ME WHITHER YOU GO. BRAD. TO LONDON, WILL, ABOUT A PIECE OF SERVICE, WHEREIN HAPPILY THOU MAYST PLEASURE ME. WILL. WHAT IS IT? BRAD. OF LATE LORD CHENEY LOST SOME PLATE, BRAD. A LEAN FACED WRITHEN KNAVE, HAWK NOSED AND VERY HOLLOW EYED, WITH MIGHTY FURROWS IN HIS STORMY BROWS, LONG HAIR DOWN HIS SHOULDERS CURLED; HIS CHIN WAS BARE, BUT ON HIS UPPER LIP A MUTCHADO, WHICH HE WOUND ABOUT HIS EAR. WILL. WHAT APPAREL HAD HE? BRAD. A WATCHET SATIN DOUBLET ALL TOO TORN, THE INNER SIDE DID BEAR THE GREATER SHOW; A PAIR OF THREAD-BARE VELVET HOSE, SEAM RENT, A WORSTED STOCKING RENT ABOVE THE SHOE, A LIVERY CLOAK, BUT ALL THE LACE WAS OFF; 'TWAS BAD, BUT YET IT SERVED TO HIDE THE PLATE. WILL. SIRRAH SHAKEBAG, CANST THOU REMEMBER SINCE WE TROLLED THE BOWL AT SITTINGBURGH WHERE I BROKE THE TAPSTER'S HEAD OF THE LION WITH A CUDGEL-STICK? SHAKE. AY, VERY WELL, WILL. WILL. WHY, IT WAS WITH THE MONEY THAT THE PLATE WAS SOLD FOR. SIRRAH BRADSHOW, WHAT WILT THOU GIVE HIM THAT CAN TELL THEE WHO SOLD THY PLATE? BRAD. WHO, I PRAY THEE, GOOD WILL? WILL. WHY, 'TWAS ONE JACK FITTEN. HE'S NOW IN NEWGATE FOR STEALING A HORSE, AND SHALL BE ARRAIGNED THE NEXT 'SIZE. FOR I'LL BACK AND TELL HIM WHO ROBBED HIM OF HIS PLATE. THIS CHEERS MY HEART; MASTER GREENE, I'LL LEAVE YOU, FOR I MUST TO THE ISLE OF SHEPPY WITH SPEED. GREENE. BEFORE YOU GO, LET ME INTREAT YOU TO CARRY THIS LETTER TO MISTRESS ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM, AND HUMBLY RECOMMEND ME TO HER SELF. BRAD. THAT WILL I, MASTER GREENE, AND SO FAREWELL. HERE, WILL, THERE'S A CROWN FOR THY GOOD NEWS. (EXIT BRADSHAW. WILL. FAREWELL, BRADSHAW, I'LL DRINK NO WATER FOR THY SAKE WHILST THIS LASTS. NOW GENTLEMEN, SHALL WE HAVE YOUR COMPANY TO LONDON? GREENE. NAY, STAY, SIRS: A LITTLE MORE I NEEDS MUST USE YOUR HELP, AND IN A MATTER OF GREAT CONSEQUENCE, WHEREIN IF YOU'LL BE SECRET AND PROFOUND, I'LL GIVE YOU TWENTY ANGELS FOR YOUR PAINS. WILL. HOW? TWENTY ANGELS? GIVE MY FELLOW GEORGE SHAKEBAG AND ME TWENTY ANGELS? AND IF THOU'LT HAVE THY OWN FATHER SLAIN, THAT THOU MAY'ST INHERIT HIS LAND, WE'LL KILL HIM. SHAKE. AY, THY MOTHER, THY SISTER, THY WITH MIGHTY FURROWS IN HIS STORMY BROWS; GREENE. WELL, THIS IT IS: ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM HATH HIGHLY WRONGED ME ABOUT THE ABBEY LAND, THAT NO REVENGE BUT DEATH WILL SERVE THE TURN. WILL YOU TWO KILL HIM? HERE'S THE ANGELS DOWN, AND I WILL LAY THE PLATFORM OF HIS DEATH. WILL. PLAT ME NO PLATFORMS; GIVE ME THE MONEY AND I'LL STAB HIM AS HE STANDS PISSING AGAINST A WALL, BUT I'LL KILL HIM. SHAKE. WHERE IS HE? GREENE. HE IS NOW AT LONDON, IN ALDERSGATE STREET. SHAKE. HE'S DEAD AS IF HE HAD BEEN CONDEMNED BY AN ACT OF PARLIAMENT, IF ONCE BLACK WILL AND I SWEAR HIS DEATH. GREENE. HERE IS TEN POUND, AND WHEN HE IS DEAD, YE SHALL HAVE TWENTY MORE. WILL. MY FINGERS ITCH TO BE AT THE PEASANT. AH, THAT I MIGHT BE SET A WORK THUS THROUGH THE YEAR AND THAT MURDER WOULD GROW TO AN OCCUPATION, THAT A MAN MIGHT, WITHOUT DANGER OF LAW, COME, LET US BE GOING, AND WE'LL BATE AT ROCHESTER, WHERE I'LL GIVE THEE A GALLON OF SACK, TO HANDSEL THE MATCH WITH ALL. (EXEUNT. HERE ENTERS MICHAEL. MICH. I HAVE GOTTEN SUCH A LETTER, AS WILL TOUCH THE PAINTER: AND THUS IT IS... (HERE ENTER ARDEN AND FRANKLIN AND HEAR MICHAEL READ THIS LETTER. 'MY DUTY REMEMBERED, MISTRESS SUSAN, HOPING IN GOD YOU BE IN GOOD HEALTH, AS I, MICHAEL WAS AT THE MAKING HEREOF. THIS IS TO CERTIFY YOU THAT AS THE TURTLE TRUE, WHEN SHE HATH LOST HER MATE, SITTETH ALONE SO I, MOURNING FOR YOUR ABSENCE, DO WALK UP AND DOWN PAUL'S TILL ONE DAY I FELL ASLEEP AND LOST MY MASTER'S PANTOFLES. AH, MISTRESS SUSAN, ABOLISH THAT PALTRY PAINTER, CUT HIM OFF BY THE SHINS WITH A FROWNING LOOK OF YOUR CRABBED COUNTENANCE, AND THINK AND DO YE SLACK HIS BUSINESS FOR YOUR OWN? ARDEN. WHERE IS THE LETTER, SIRRAH? LET ME SEE IT. ( THEN HE GIVES HIM THE LETTER. SEE, MASTER FRANKLIN, HERE'S PROPER STUFF: SUSAN MY MAID, THE PAINTER, AND MY MAN, A CREW OF HARLOTS, ALL IN LOVE, FORSOOTH; SIRRAH, LET ME HEAR NO MORE OF THIS, NOR FOR THY LIFE ONCE WRITE TO HER A WORD. (HERE ENTER GREENE, WILL, AND SHAKEBAG. WILT THOU BE MARRIED TO SO BASE A TRULL? 'TIS MOSBIE'S SISTER: COME I ONCE AT HOME, I'LL ROUSE HER FROM REMAINING IN MY HOUSE. NOW, MASTER FRANKLIN, LET US GO WALK IN PAUL'S, COME BUT A TURN OR TWO, AND THEN AWAY. (EXEUNT. GREENE. THE FIRST IS ARDEN, AND THAT'S HIS MAN. THE OTHER IS FRANKLIN, ARDEN'S DEAREST FRIEND. WILL. ZOUNDS, I'LL KILL THEM ALL THREE. GREENE. HAY, SIRS, TOUCH NOT HIS MAN IN ANY CASE, BUT STAND CLOSE, AND TAKE YOU FITTEST STANDING, AND AT HIS COMING FORTH, SPEED HIM: TO THE NAG'S HEAD, THERE'S THIS COWARD'S HAUNT. SHAKE. IF HE BE NOT PAID HIS OWN, NE'ER TRUST SHAKEBAG. WILL. SIRRAH SHAKEBAG, AT HIS COMING FORTH I'LL RUN HIM THROUGH, AND THEN TO THE BLACKFRIARS, AND THERE TAKE WATER AND AWAY. SHAKE. WHY, THAT'S THE BEST; BUT SEE THOU MISS HIM NOT. WILL. HOW CAN I MISS HIM, WHEN I THINK ON THE FORTY ANGELS I MUST HAVE MORE? (HERE ENTERS A PRENTICE. PREN. 'TIS VERY LATE; I WERE BEST SHUT UP MY STALL, FOR HERE WILL BE OLD FILCHING, WHEN THE PRESS COMES FORTH OF PAUL'S. (THEN LETS DOWN HIS WINDOW, AND IT BREAKS BLACK WILL'S HEAD. WILL. ZOUNDS, DRAW, SHAKEBAG, DRAW, I AM ALMOST KILL'D. PREN. WE'LL TAME YOU, I WARRANT. WILL. ZOUNDS, I AM TAME ENOUGH ALREADY. (HERE ENTER ARDEN, FRANKLIN, AND MICHAEL. ARDEN. WHAT TROUBLESOME FRAY OR MUTINY IS THIS? FRANK. 'TIS NOTHING BUT SOME BRABLING PALTRY FRAY, DEVISED TO PICK MEN'S POCKETS IN THE THRONG. ARD. IS'T NOTHING ELSE? COME FRANKLIN LET US AWAY. (EXEUNT. WILL. WHAT MENDS SHALL I HAVE FOR MY BROKEN HEAD? PREN. MARRY, THIS 'MENDS, THAT IF YOU GET YOU NOT AWAY ALL THE SOONER, YOU SHALL BE WELL BEATEN AND SENT TO THE COUNTER. (EXIT PRENTICE. WILL. WELL, I'LL BE GONE, BUT LOOK TO YOUR SIGNS, FOR I'LL PULL THEM DOWN ALL. SHAKEBAG, MY BROKEN HEAD GRIEVES ME NOT SO MUCH AS BY THIS MEANS ARDEN HATH ESCAPED. (HERE ENTERS GREENE. I HAD A GLIMPSE OF HIM AND HIS COMPANION. GREENE. WHY, SIRS, ARDEN'S AS WELL AS I; I MET HIM AND FRANKLIN GOING MERRILY TO THE ORDINARY. WHAT, DARE YOU NOT DO IT? WILL. YES, SIR, WE DARE DO IT; BUT, WERE MY CONSENT TO GIVE AGAIN, WE WOULD NOT DO IT UNDER TEN POUND MORE. I VALUE EVERY DROP OF MY BLOOD AT A FRENCH CROWN. I HAVE HAD TEN POUNDS TO STEAL A DOG, AND WE HAVE NO MORE HERE TO KILL A MAN; YOU SHOULD DO IT YOUR SELF. GREENE. I PRAY THEE, HOW CAME THY HEAD BROKE? WILL. WHY, THOU SEEST IT IS BROKE, DOST THOU NOT? SHAKE. STANDING AGAINST A STALL, WATCHING ARDEN'S COMING, WHEREUPOM AROSE A BRAWL, AND IN THE TUMULT ARDEN ESCAPED US AND PASSED BY UNTHOUGHT ON. BUT FORBEARANCE IS NO ACQUITTANCE; ANOTHER TIME WE'LL DO IT, I WARRANT THEE. GREENE. I PRAY THEE, WILL, MAKE CLEAN THY BLOODY BROW, AND LET US BETHINK US ON SOME OTHER PLACE WHERE ARDEN MAY BE MET WITH HANDSOMELY. REMEMBER HOW DEVOUTLY THOU HAST SWORN TO KILL THE VILLAIN; THINK UPON THINE OATH. WILL. TUSH, I HAVE BROKEN FIVE HUNDRED OATHS! BUT WOULDST THOU CHARM ME TO EFFECT THIS DEED, TELL ME OF GOLD, MY RESOLUTION'S FEE; SAY THOU SEEST MOSBIE KNEELING AT MY KNEES, OFFERING ME SERVICE FOR MY HIGH ATTEMPT, AND SWEET ALICE ARDEN, WITH A LAP OF CROWNS, COMES WITH A LOWLY CURTSEY TO THE EARTH, SAYING 'TAKE THIS BUT FOR THE QUARTERAGE, SUCH YEARLY TRIBUTE WILL I ANSWER THEE.' SHAKE. I CANNOT PAINT MY VALOR OUT WITH WORDS: BUT, GIVE ME PLACE AND OPPORTUNITY, SUCH MERCY AS THE STARVEN LIONESS, WHEN SHE IS DRY SUCKED OF HER EAGER YOUNG, SHOWS TO THE PREY THAT NEXT ENCOUNTERS HER, ON ARDEN SO MUCH PITY WOULD I TAKE. GREENE. SO SHOULD IT FARE WITH MEN OF FIRM RESOLVE. AND NOW, SIRS, SEEING THAT THIS ACCIDENT OF MEETING HIM IN PAUL'S HATH NO SUCCESS, LET US BETHINK US OF SOME OTHER PLACE WHOSE EARTH MAY SWALLOW UP THIS ARDEN'S BLOOD. (HERE ENTERS MICHAEL. SEE, YONDER COMES HIS MAN: AND WOT YOU WHAT THE FOOLISH KNAVE'S IN LOVE WITH MOSBIE'S SISTER, AND FOR HER SAKE, WHOSE LOVE HE CANNOT GET UNLESS MOSBIE SOLICIT HIS SUIT, THE VILLAIN HATH SWORN THE SLAUGHTER OF HIS MASTER. WE'LL QUESTION HIM, FOR HE MAY STEAD US MUCH. HOW NOW, MICHAEL, WHITHER ARE YOU GOING? AND I AM GOING TO PREPARE HIS CHAMBER. GREENE. WHERE SUPPED MASTER ARDEN? MICH. AT THE NAG'S HEAD, AT THE EIGHTEEN PENCE ORDINARY. HOW NOW, MASTER SHAKEBAG, WHAT BLACK WILL! GOD'S DEAR LADY, HOW CHANCE YOUR FACE IS SO BLODDY? WILL. GO TO, SIRRAH, THERE IS A CHANCE IN IT; THIS SAUCINESS IN YOU WILL MAKE YOU BE KNOCKED. MICH. NAY, AND YOU BE OFFENDED, I'LL BE GONE. GREENE. STAY, MICHAEL, YOU MAY NOT 'SCAPE US SO. MICHAEL, I KNOW YOU LOVE YOUR MASTER WELL. MICH. WHY, SO I DO; BUT WHEREFORE URGE YOU THAT? GREENE. BECAUSE I THINK YOU LOVE YOUR MISTRESS BETTER. MICH. SO THINK NOT I; BUT SAY, I' FAITH, WHAT IF I SHOULD? SHAKE. COME TO THE PURPOSE, MICHAEL; WE HEAR YOU HAVE A PRETTY LOVE IN FEVERSHAM. MICH. WHY, HAVE I TWO OR THREE, WHAT'S THAT TO THEE? WILL. YOU DEAL TOO MILDLY WITH THE PEASANT, THUS IT IS: 'TIS KNOWN TO US THAT YOU LOVE MOSBIE'S SISTER; WE KNOW BESIDES THAT YOU HAVE TA'EN YOUR OATH TO FURTHER MOSBIE TO YOUR MISTRESS' BED, AND KILL YOUR MASTER FOR HIS SISTER'S SAKE. NOW, SIR, A POORER COWARD THAN YOURSELF WAS NEVER FOSTERED IN THE COAST OF KENT: HOW COMES IT THEN THAT SUCH A KNAVE AS YOU DARE SWEAR A MATTER OF SUCH CONSEQUENCE? GREENE. AH, WILL. WILL. TUSH, GIVE ME LEAVE, THERE'S NO MORE BUT THIS: SITH THOU HAST SWORN, WE DARE DISCOVER ALL. AND HADST THOU OR SHOULD'ST THOU UTTER IT, WE HAVE DEVISED A COMPLAT UNDER HAND, WHAT EVER SHALL BETIDE TO ANY OF US, TO SEND THEE ROUNDLY TO THE DEVIL OF HELL. AND THEREFORE THUS: I AM THE VERY MAN, MARKED IN MY BIRTH HOUR BY THE DESTINIES, TO GIVE AN END TO ARDEN'S LIFE ON EARTH; THOU BUT A MEMBER BUT TO WHET THE KNIFE WHOSE EDGE MUST SEARCH THE CLOSET OF HIS BREAST. THY OFFICE IS BUT TO APPOINT THE PLACE, AND TRAIN THY MASTER TO HIS TRAGEDY; MINE TO PERFORM IT WHEN OCCASION SERVES. HOW AND WHAT WAY WE MAY CONCLUDE HIS DEATH. SHAKE. SO SHALT THOU PURCHASE MOSBIE FOR THY FRIEND, AND BY HIS FRIENDSHIP GAIN HIS SISTER'S LOVE. GREENE. SO SHALL THY MISTRESS BE THY FAVORER, AND THOU DISBURDENED OF THE OATH THOU MADE. MICH. WELL, GENTLEMEN, I CANNOT BUT CONFESS, SITH YOU HAVE URGED ME SO APPARENTLY, THAT I HAVE VOWED MY MASTER ARDEN'S DEATH, AND HE WHOSE KINDLY LOVE AND LIBERAL HAND DOTH CHALLENGE NOUGHT BUT FOOD DESERTS OF ME, I WILL DELIVER OVER TO YOUR HANDS. THIS NIGHT COME TO HIS HOUSE AT ALDERSGATE: THE DOORS I'LL LEAVE UNLOCK'D AGAINST YOU COME. NO SOONER SHALL YE ENTER THROUGH THE LATCH, OVER THE THRESHOLD TO THE INNER COURT, BUT ON YOUR LEFT HAND SHALL YOU SEE THE STAIRS THAT LEADS DIRECTLY TO MY MASTER'S CHAMBER. THERE TAKE HIM AND DISPOSE HIM AS YE PLEASE. NOW IT WERE GOOD WE PARTED COMPANY; THAT THUS THY GENTLE LIFE IS LEVELLED AT? THE MANY GOOD TURNS THAT THOU HAST DONE TO ME. NOW MUST I QUITTANCE WITH BETRAYING THEE. I THAT SHOULD TAKE THE WEAPON IN MY HAND AND BUCKLER THEE FROM ILL INTENDING FOES, DO LEAD THEE WITH A WICKED FRAUDFUL SMILE, AS UNSUSPECTED, TO THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE. SO HAVE I SWORN TO MOSBIE AND MY MISTRESS, SO HAVE I PROMISED TO THE SLAUGHTERMEN; AND SHOULD I NOT DEAL CURRENTLY WITH THEM, THEIR LAWLESS RAGE WOULD TAKE REVENGE ON ME. TUSH, I WILL SPURN AT MERCY FOR THIS ONCE. LET PITY LODGE WHERE FEEBLE WOMEN LIE, I AM RESOLVED, AND ARDEN NEEDS MUST DIE. (EXIT MICHAEL. (HERE ENTERS ARDEN AND FRANKLIN. ARDEN. NO, FRANKLIN, NO: IF FEAR OR STORMY THREATS, IF LOVE OF ME OR CARE OF WOMANHOOD, IF FEAR OF GOD OR COMMON SPEECH OF MEN, WHO MANGLE CREDIT WITH THEIR WOUNDING WORDS, AND COUCH DISHONOR AS DISHONOR BUDS, MIGHT JOIN REPENTANCE IN HER WANTON THOUGHTS, NO QUESTION THEN BUT SHE WOULD TURN THE LEAF, BUT SHE IS ROOTED IN HER WICKEDNESS, PERVERSE AND STUBBORN, NOT TO BE RECLAIMED; GOOD COUNSEL IS TO HER AS RAIN TO WEEDS, AND REPREHENSION MAKES HER VICE TO GROW AS HYDRA'S HEAD THAT PLENISH'D BY DECAY. HER FAULTS, METHINK, ARE PAINTED IN MY FACE, FOR EVERY SEARCHING EYE TO OVERREAD; AND MOSBIE'S NAME, A SCANDAL UNTO MINE, IS DEEPLY TRENCHED IN MY BLUSHING BROW. AH, FRANKLIN, FRANKLIN, WHEN I THINK ON THIS, MY HEART'S GRIEF RENDS MY OTHER POWERS WORSE THAN THE CONFLICT AT THE HOUR OF DEATH. FRANK. GENTLE ARDEN, LEAVE THIS SAD LAMENT: SHE WILL AMEND, AND SO YOUR GRIEFS WILL CEASE; OR ELSE SHE'LL DIE, AND SO YOUR SORROWS END. IF NEITHER OF THESE TWO DO HAPPILY FALL, YET LET YOUR COMGORT BE, THAT OTHERS BEAR YOUR WOES, TWICE DOUBLED ALL, WITH PATIENCE. ARDEN. MY HOUSE IS IRKSOME; THERE I CANNOT REST. FRANK. THEN STAY WITH ME IN LONDON; GO NOT HOME. ARDEN. THEN THAT BASE MOSBIE DOTH USURP MY ROOM, AND MAKES HIS TRIUMPH OF MY BEING THENCE. AT HOME OR NOT AT HOME, WHERE'ER I BE. HERE, HERE IT LIES, AH FRANKLIN, HERE IT LIES THAT WILL NOT OUT TILL WRETCHED ARDEN DIES. (HERE ENTERS MICHAEL. FRANK. FORGET YOUR GRIEFS A WHILE; HERE COMES YOUR MAN. ARDEN. WHAT O'CLOCK IS'T, SIRRAH? MICH. ALMOST TEN. ARDEN. SEE, SEE, HOW RUNS AWAY THE WEARY TIME! COME, MASTER FRANKLIN, SHALL WE GO TO BED? (EXEUNT ARDEN AND MICHAEL. MANET FRANKLIN. FRANK. I PRAY YOU, GO BEFORE: I'LL FOLLOW YOU. -AH, WHAT A HELL IS FRETFUL JEALOUSY! WHAT PITY-MOVING WORDS, WHAT DEEP FETCH'D SIGHS! WHAT GRIEVOUS GROANS AND OVERLADING WOES ACCOMPANIES THIS GENTLE GENTLEMAN! NOW WILL HE SHAKE HIS CARE OPPRESSED HEAD THEN FIX HIS SAD EYES ON THE SULLEN EARTH, ASHAMED TO GAZE UPON THE OPEN WORLD; NOW WILL HE CAST HIS EYES UP TOWARDS THE HEAVENS, SOMETIMES HE SEEKETH TO BEGUILE HIS GRIEF AND TELLS A STORY WITH HIS CAREFUL TONGUE; THEN COMES HIS WIFE'S DISHONOR IN HIS THOUGHTS AND IN THE MIDDLE CUTTETH OFF HIS TALE, POURING FRESH SORROW ON HIS WEARY LIMBS. SO WOE-BEGONE, SO INLY CHARGED WITH WOE, WAS NEVER ANY LIVED AND BARE IT SO. (HERE ENTERS MICHAEL. MICH. MY MASTER WOULD DESIRE YOU COME TO BED. FRANK. IS HE HIMSELF ALREADY IN HIS BED? (EXIT FRANKLIN. MANET MICHAEL. MICH. HE IS, AND FAIN WOULD HAVE THE LIGHT AWAY. CONFLICTING THOUGHTS, ENCAMPED IN MY BREAST, AWAKE ME WITH THE ECHO OF THEIR STROKES, AND I, A JUDGE TO CENSURE EITHER SIDE, CAN GIVE TO NEITHER WISHED VICTORY. STARING AND GRINNING IN THY GENTLE FACE, AND IN THEIR RUTHLESS HANDS THEIR DAGGERS DRAWN, INSULTING O'ER THERE WITH A PECK OF OATHS, WHILST THOU SUBMISSIVE, PLEADING FOR RELIEF, ART MANGLED BY THEIR IREFUL INSTRUMENTS. ME THINKS I HEAR THEM ASK WHERE MICHAEL IS, AND PITILESS BLACK WILL CRIES: 'STAB THE SLAVE! THE PEASANT WILL DETECT THE TRAGEDY!' THE WRINKLES IN HIS FOUL DEATH THREAT'NING FACE GAPE OPEN WIDE, LIKE GRAVES TO SWALLOW MEN. MY DEATH TO HIM IS BUT A MERRIMENT, AND HE WILL MURDER ME TO MAKE HIM SPORT. HE COMES, HE COMES! AH, MASTER FRANKLIN, HELP! CALL UP THE NEIGHBORS, OR WE ARE BUT DEAD! (HERE ENTER FRANKLIN AND ARDEN. FRAN. WHAT DISMAL OUTCRY CALLS ME FROM MY REST? ARDEN. WHAT HATH OCCASIONED SUCH A FEARFUL CRY? SPEAK, MICHAEL: HATH ANY INJURED THEE? MICH. NOTHING, SIR; BUT AS I FELL ASLEEP, UPON THE THRESHOLD LEANING TO THE STAIRS, I HAD A FEARFUL DREAM THAT TROUBLED ME, AND IN MY SLUMBER THOUGHT I WAS BESET WITH MURDERER THIEVES THAT CAME TO RIFLE ME. MY TREMBLING JOINTS WITNESS MY INWARD FEAR: I CRAVE YOUR PARDONS FOR DISTURBING YOU. WHAT? ARE THE DOORS FAST LOCKED AND ALL THINGS SAFE? MICH. I CANNOT TELL; I THINK I LOCKED THE DOORS. ARDEN. I LIKE NOT THIS, BUT I'LL GO SEE MYSELF. - NE'ER TRUST ME BUT THE DOORS WERE ALL UNLOCKED. THIS NEGLIGENCE NOT HALF CONTENTETH ME. GET YOU TO BED, AND IF YOU LOVE MY FAVOR, LET ME HAVE NO MORE SUCH PRANKS AS THESE. COME, MASTER FRANKLIN, LET US GO TO BED. FRANK. AY, BY MY FAITH; THE AIR IS VERY COLD. (EXEUNT. MICHAEL, FAREWELL; I PRAY THEE DREAM NO MORE. (HERE ENTER WILL, GREENE, AND SHAKEBAG. SHAKE. BLACK NIGHT HATH HID THE PLEASURES OF THE DAY, AND SHEETING DARKNESS OVERHANGS THE EARTH, AND WITH THE BLACK FOLD OF HER CLOUDY ROBE OBSCURES US FROM THE EYESIGHT OF THE WORLD, IN WHICH SWEET SILENCE SUCH AS WE TRIUMPH. THE LAZY MINUTES LINGER ON THEIR TIME, LOTH TO GIVE DUE AUDIT TO THE HOUR, TILL IN THE WATCH OUR PURPOSE BE COMPLETE AND ARDEN SENT TO EVERLASTING NIGHT. GREENE, GET YOU GONE, AND LINGER HERE ABOUT, AND AT SOME HOUR HENCE COME TO US AGAIN, WHERE WE WILL GIVE YOU INSTANCE OF HIS DEATH. GREENE. SPEED TO MY WISH, WHOSE WILL SO E'ER SAYS NO; AND SO I'LL LEAVE YOU FOR AN HOUR OR TWO. (EXIT GREENE. WILL. I TELL THEE, SHAKEBAG, WOULD THIS THERY WERE DONE, I AM SO HEAVY THAT I CAN SCARCE GO; THIS DROWSINESS IN ME BODES LITTLE GOOD. SHAKE. HOW NOW, WILL? BECOME A PRECISIAN? NAY, THEN LET'S GO SLEEP, WHEN BUGS AND FEARS SHALL KILL OUR COURAGES WITH THEIR FANCY'S WORK. WILL. WHY, SHAKEBAG, THOU MISTAKES ME MUCH, AND WRONGS ME TOO IN TELLING ME OF FEAR. WERE'T NOT A SERIOUS THING WE GO ABOUT, IT SHOULD BE SLIPT TILL I HAD FOUGHT WITH THEE, TO LET THEE KNOW I AM NO COWARD, I. I TELL THEE, SHAKEBAG, THOU ABUSEST ME. SHAKE. WHY, THY SPEECH BEWRAYED AN INLY KIND OF FEAR, AND SAVORED OF A WEAK RELENTING SPIRIT. AND AFTERWARDS ATTEMPT ME WHEN THOU DAREST. WILL. AND IF I DO NOT, HEAVEN CUT ME OFF! BUT LET THAT PASS, AND SHOW ME TO THIS HAVE, WHERE THOU SHALT SEE I'LL DO AS MUCH AS SHAKEBAG. SHAKE. THIS IS THE DOOR; BUT SOFT, ME THINKS 'TIS SHUT. THE VILLAIN MICHAEL HATH DECEIVED US. WILL. SOFT, LET ME SEE, SHAKEBAG; 'TIS SHUT INDEED. KNOCK WITH THY SWORD, PERHAPS THE SLAVE WILL HEAR. SHAKE. IT WILL NOT BE; THE WHITE LIVERED PEASANT IS GONE TO BED AND LAUGHS US BOTH TO SCORN. WILL. AND HE SHALL 'BY HIS MERRIMENT AS DEAR AS EVER COISTRIL BOUGHT SO LITTLE SPORT: NE'ER LET THIS SWORD ASSIST ME WHEN I NEED, BUT RUST AND CANKER AFTER I HAVE SWORN, AND TRAMPLE ON IT FOR THIS VILLAINY. WILL. COME, LET'S GO SEEK OUT GREENE; I KNOW HE'LL SWEAR. SHAKE. HE WERE A VILLAIN, AND HE WOULD NOT SWEAR. 'TWOULD MAKE A PEASANT SWEAR AMONG HIS BOYS, THAT NE'ER DURST SAY BEFORE BUT 'YEA' OR 'NO', TO BE THUS FLOUTED BY A COISTRIL. WILL. SHAKEBAG, LET'S SEEK OUT GREENE, AND IN THE MORNING AT THE ALEHOUSE BUTTING ARDEN'S HOUSE WATCH THE OUT COMING OF THAT PRICKEAR'D CUR, AND THEN LET ME ALONE TO HANDLE HIM. (EXEUNT. (HERE ENTER ARDEN, FRANKLIN, AND MICHAEL. ARDEN. SIRRAH, GET YOU BACK TO BILLINGSGATE AND LEARN WHAT TIME THE TIDE WILL SERVE OUR TURN, COME TO US IN PAUL'S. FIRST GO MAKE THE BED, AND AFTERWARDS GO HEARKEN FOR THE FLOOD. (EXIT MICHAEL. COME, MASTER FRANKLIN, YOU SHALL GO WITH ME. THIS NIGHT I DREAM'D THAT, BEING IN A PARK, A TOIL WAS PITCHED TO OVERTHROW THE DEER, AND I UPON A LITTLE RISING HILL STOOD WHISTLY WATCHING FOR THE HERD'S APPROACH. EVEN THERE, METHOUGHTS, A GENTLE SLUMBER TOOK ME, AND SUMMONED ALL MY PARTS TO SWEET REPOSE; BUT IN THE PLEASURE OF THIS GOLDEN REST AN ILL THEWED FOSTER HAD REMOVED THE TOIL WHICH LATE, METHOUGHT, WAS PITCHED TO CAST THE DEER. WITH THAT HE BLEW AN EVIL SOUNDING HORN, AND AT THE NOISE ANOTHER HERDMAN CAME, WITH FALCHION DRAWN, AND BENT IT AT MY BREAST, CRYING ALOUD, 'THOU ART THE GAME WE SEEK!' WITH THIS I WAK'D AND TREMBLED EVERY JOINT, LIKE ONE OBSCURED IN A LITTLE BUSH, THAT SEES A LION FORAGING ABOUT, AND, WHEN THE DREADFUL FOREST KING IS GONE, HE PRIES ABOUT WITH TIMOROUS SUSPECT THROUGHOUT THE THORNY CASEMENTS OF THE BRAKE, AND WILL NOT THINK HIS PERSON DANGERLESS, BUT QUAKES AND SHIVERS, THOUGH THE CAUSE BE GONE. SO, TRUST ME, FRANKLIN, WHEN I DID AWAKE, I STOOD IN DOUBT WHETHER I WAKED OR NO: SUCH GREAT IMPRESSION TOOK THIS FOND SURPRISE. GOD GRANT THIS VISION BEDEEM ME ANY GOOD. FRANK. THIS FANTASY DOTH RISE FROM MICHAEL'S FEAR, WHO BEING AWAKED WITH THE NOISE HE MADE, HIS TROUBLED SENSES YET COULD TAKE NO REST; AND THIS, I WARRANT YOU, PROCURED YOUR DREAM. ARDEN. IT MAY BE SO, GOD FRAME IT TO THE BEST: BUT OFTEN TIMES MY DREAMS PRESAGE TOO TRUE. FRANK. TO SUCH AS NOTE THEIR NIGHTLY FANTASIES, SOME ONE IN TWENTY MAY INCUR BELIEF; BUT USE IT NOT, 'TIS BUT A MOCKERY. ARDEN. COME, MASTER FRANKLIN, WE'LL NOW WALK IN PAUL'S AND DINE TOGETHER AT THE ORDINARY, AND BY MY MAN'S DIRECTION DRAW TO THE KEY, AND WITH THE TIDE GO DOWN TO FEVERSHAM. SAY, MASTER FRANKLIN, SHALL IT NOT BE SO? FRANK. AT YOUR GOOD PLEASURE SIR, I'LL BEAR YOU COMPANY. SHAKEBAG AT ANOTHER DOOR. (HERE ENTERS MICHAEL AT ONE DOOR. HERE ENTER GREENE, WILL, AND WILL. DRAW, SHAKEBAG, FOR HERE'S THAT VILLAIN MICHAEL. GREENE. FIRST, WILL, LET'S HEAR WHAT HE CAN SAY. WILL. SPEAK, MILKSOP SLAVE, AND NEVER AFTER SPEAK. MICH. FOR GOD'S SAKE, SIRS, LET ME EXCUSE MYSELF. FOR HERE I SWEAR, BY HEAVEN AND EARTH AND ALL, I DID PERFORM THE UTMOST OF MY TASK, BUT SEE THE CHANCE: FRANKLIN AND MY MASTER WERE VERY LATE CONFERRING IN THE PORCH, AND FRANKLIN LEFT HIS NAPKIN WHERE HE SAT WITH CERTAIN GOLD KNIT IN IT, AS HE SAID. BEING IN BED, HE DID BETHINK HIMSELF, AND COMING DOWN HE FOUND THE DOORS UNSHUT: HE LOCKED THE GATES, AND BROUGHT AWAY THE KEYS, FOR WHICH OFFENCE MY MASTER RATED ME. BUT NOW I AM GOING TO SEE WHAT FLOOD IT IS, FOR WITH THE TIDE MY MASTER WILL AWAY; WHERE YOU MAY FRONT HIM WELL ON RAINHAM DOWN, A PLACE WELL FITTING SUCH A STRATAGEM. WILL. YOUR EXCUSE HATH SOMEWHAT MOLLIFIED MY CHOLER, MOS. DISTURBED THOUGHTS DRIVES ME FROM COMPANY, AND DRIES MY MARROW WITH THEIR WATCHFULNESS; CONTINUAL TROUBLE OF MY MOODY BRAIN FEEBLES MY BODY BY EXCESS OF DRINK, AND NIPS ME AS THE BITTER NORTHEAST WIND DOTH CHECK THE TENDER BLOSSOMS IN THE SPRING. WELL FARES THE MAN, HOWE'ER HIS CATES DO TASTE, THAT TABLES NOT WITH FOUL SUSPICION; AND HE BUT PINES AMONGST HIS DELICATES, WHOSE TROUBLED MIND IS STUFFED WITH DISCONTENT. THOUGHT THEN I WANTED, YET I SLEPT SECURE; MY DAILY TOIL BEGAT ME NIGHT'S REPOSE, BUT SINCE I CLIMBED THE TOP BOUGH OF THE TREE AND SOUGHT TO BUILD MY NEST AMONG THE CLOUDS, EACH GENTLE STIRRY GALE DOTH SHAKE MY BED, AND MAKES ME DREAD MY DOWNFALL TO THE EARTH. BUT WHITHER DOTH CONTEMPLATION CARRY ME? THE WAY I SEEK TO FIND, WHERE PLEASURE DWELLS, IS HEDGED BEHIND ME THAT I CANNOT BACK, BUT NEEDS MUST ON, ALTHOUGH TO DANGER'S GATE. THEN, ARDEN, PERISH THOU BY THAT DECREE; FOR GREENE DOTH EAR THE LAND AND WEED THEE UP TO MAKE MY HARVEST NOTHING BUT PURE CORN. AND FOR HIS PAINS I'LL HIVE HIM UP A WHILE, AND AFTER SMOTHER HIM TO HAVE HIS WAX: SUCH BEES AS GREENE MUST NEVER LIVE TO STING. THEN IS THERE MICHAEL AND THE PAINTER TOO, CHIEF ACTORS TO ARDEN'S OVERTHROW; THEY WILL INSULT UPON ME FOR MY MEED, OR FRIGHT ME BY DETECTING OF HIS END. I'LL NONE OF THAT, FOR I CAN CAST A BONE TO MAKE THESE CURS PLUCK OUT EACH OTHER'S THROAT, AND THEN AM I SOLE RULER OF MINE OWN. YET MISTRESS ARDEN LIVES; BUT SHE'S MY SELF, AND HOLY CHURCH RITES MAKES US TWO BUT ONE. BUT WHAT FOR THAT? I MAY NOT TRUST YOU, ALICE, YOU HAVE SUPPLANTED ARDEN FOR MY SAKE, AND WILL EXTIRPEN ME TO PLANT ANOTHER. 'TIS FEARFUL SLEEPING IN A SERPENT'S BED, AND I WILL CLEANLY RID MY HANDS OF HER. (HERE ENTERS ALICE. BUT HERE SHE COMES, AND I MUST FLATTER HER. - HOW NOW, ALICE? WHAT, SAD AND PASSIONATE? MAKE ME PARTAKER OF THY PENSIVENESS: FIRE DIVIDED BURNS WITH LESSER FORCE. ALICE. BUT I WILL DAM THAT FIRE IN MY BREAST TILL BY THE FORCE THEREOF MY PART CONSUME, AH, MOSBIE! MOS. SUCH DEEP PATHAIRES, LIKE TO A CANNON'S BURST DISCHARGED AGAINST A RUINATED WALL, BREAKS MY RELENTING HEART IN THOUSAND PIECES. UNGENTLE ALICE, THY SORROW IS MY SORE; THOU KNOW'ST IT WELL, AND 'TIS THY POLICY TO FORGE DISTRESSFUL LOOKS TO WOUND A BREAST WHERE LIES A HEART THAT DIES WHEN THOU ART SAD. IT IS NOT LOVE THAT LOVES TO ANGER LOVE. ALICE. IT IS NOT LOVE THAT LOVES TO MURDER LOVE. MOS. HOW MEAN YOU THAT? ALICE. THOU KNOWEST HOW DEARLY ARDEN LOVED ME. MOS. AND THEN? ALICE. AND THEN - CONCEAL THE REST, FOR 'TIS TOO BAD, LEST THAT MY WORDS BE CARRIED WITH THE WIND, AND PUBLISHED IN THE WORLD TO BOTH OUR SHAMES. I PRAY THEE, MOSBIE, LET OUR SPRINGTIME WITHER; OUR HARVEST ELSE WILL YIELD BUT LOATHSOME WEEDS. FORGET, I PRAY THEE, WHAT HATH PASSES BETWIXT US, FOR NOW I BLUSH AND TREMBLE AT THE THOUGHTS! MOS. WHAT? ARE YOU CHANGED? ALICE. AY, TO MY FORMER HAPPY LIFE AGAIN, FROM TITLE OF AN ODIOUS STRUMPET'S NAME TO HONEST ARDEN'S WIFE, NOT ARDEN'S HONEST WIFE. AND MADE ME SLANDEROUS TO ALL MY KIN; EVEN IN MY FOREHEAD IS THY NAME INGRAVEN, A MEAN ARTIFICER, THAT LOW BORN NAME. I WAS BEWITCHED: WOE WORTH THE HAPLESS HOUR AND ALL THE CAUSES THAT ENCHANTED ME! MOS. NAY, IF THOU BAN, LET ME BREATHE CURSES FORTH, AND IF YOU STAND SO NICELY AT YOUR FAME, LET ME REPENT THE CREDIT I HAVE LOST. AND THOU UNHALLOWED HAST ENCHANTED ME. BUT I WILL BREAK THY SPELLS AND EXORCISMS, AND PUT ANOTHER SIGHT UPON THESE EYES THAT SHOWED MY HEART A RAVEN FOR A DOVE. THOU ART NOT FAIR, I VIEWED THEE NOT TILL NOW; THOU ART NOT KIND, TILL NOW I KNEW THEE NOT; AND NOW THE RAIN HATH BEATEN OFF THY GILT, THY WORTHLESS COPPER SHOWS THEE COUNTERFEIT. IT GRIEVES ME NOT TO SEE HOW FOUL THOU ART, BUT MADS ME THAT EVER I THOUGHT THEE FAIR. GO, GET THEE GONE, A COPESMATE FOR THY HINDS; I AM TOO GOOD TO BE THY FAVORITE. ALICE. AY, NOW I SEE, AND TOO SOON FIND IT TRUE, WHICH OFTEN HATH BEEN TOLD ME BY MY FRIENDS, THAT MOSBIE LOVES ME NOT BUT FOR MY WEALTH, WHICH, TOO INCREDULOUS, I NE'ER BELIEVED. NAY, HEAR ME SPEAK, MOSBIE, A WORD OR TWO; I'LL BITE MY TONGUE IF IT SPEAK BITTERLY. LOOK ON ME, MOSBIE, OR I'LL KILL MYSELF: NOTHING SHALL HIDE ME FROM THY STORMY LOOK, IF THOU CRY WAR, THERE IS NO PEACE FOR ME; I WILL DO PENANCE FOR OFFENDING THEE, AND BURN THIS PRAYER BOOK, WHERE I HERE USE THE HOLY WORD THAT HAD CONVERTED ME. SEE, MOSBIE, I WILL TEAR AWAY THE LEAVES, AND ALL THE LEAVES, AND IN THIS GOLDEN COVER SHALL THY SWEET PHRASES AND THY LETTERS DWELL; AND THEREON WILL I CHIEFLY MEDITATE, AND HOLD NO OTHER SECT BUT SUCH DEVOTION. WILT THOU NOT LOOK? IS ALL THY LOVE O'ERWHELMED? WILT THOU NOT HEAR? WHAT MALICE STOPS THINE EARS? WHY SPEAKS THOU NOT? WHAT SILENCE TIES THY TONGUE? THOU HAST BEEN SIGHTED AS THE EAGLE IS, AND HEARD AS QUICKLY AS THE FEARFUL HARE, WHEN I HAVE BID THEE HEAR OR SEE OR SPEAK, AND ART THOU SENSIBLE IN NONE OF THESE? WEIGH ALL THY GOOD TURNS WITH THIS LITTLE FAULT, AND I DESERVE NOT MOSBIE'S MUDDY LOOKS. A FONT ONCE TROUBLED IS NOT THICKENED STILL: BE CLEAR AGAIN, I'LL NE'ER MORE TROUBLE THEE. MOS. O NO, I AM A BASE ARTIFICER: MY WINGS ARE FEATHERED FOR A LOWLY FLIGHT. MOSBIE? FIE! NO, NOT FOR A THOUSAND POUND. MAKE LOVE TO YOU? WHY, 'TIS UNPARDONABLE; WE BEGGARS MUST NOT BREATHE WHERE GENTLES ARE. ALICE. SWEET MOSBIE IS AS GENTLE AS A KING, AND I TOO BLIND TO JUDGE HIM OTHERWISE. FLOWERS DO SOMETIMES SPRING IN FALLOW LANDS, WEEDS IN GARDENS, ROSES GROW ON THORNS; SO, WHATSOE'ER MY MOSBIE'S FATHER WAS, HIMSELF IS VALUED GENTLE BY HIS WORTH. MOS. AH, HOW YOU WOMEN CAN INSINUATE, AND CLEAR A TRESPASS WITH YOUR SWEET SET TONGUE! I WILL FORGET THIS QUARREL, GENTLE ALICE, PROVIDED I'LL BE TEMPTED SO NO MORE. (HERE ENTERS BRADSHAW. ALICE. THEN WITH THY LIPS SEAL UP THIS NEW MADE MATCH. MOS. SOFT, ALICE, HERE COMES SOME BODY. ALICE. HOW NOW, BRADSHAW, WHAT'S THE NEWS WITH YOU? BRAD. I HAVE LITTLE NEWS, BUT HERE'S A LETTER THAT MASTER GREENE IMPORTUNED ME TO GIVE YOU. ALICE. GO IN, BRADSHAW; CALL FOR A CUP OF BEER; (EXIT. 'TIS ALMOST SUPPER TIME, THOU SHALT STAY WITH US. (THEN SHE READS THE LETTER. 'WE HAVE MISSED OF OUR PURPOSE AT LONDON BUT SHALL PERFORM IT BY THE WAY. WE THANK OUR NEIGHBOR BRADSHAW. YOURS, RICHARD GREENE. HOW LIKES MY LOVE THE TENOR OF THIS LETTER? MOS. WELL, WERE HIS DATE COMPLETED AND EXPIRED. ALICE. AH, WOULD IT WERE! THEN COMES MY HAPPY HOUR: TILL THEN MY BLISS IS MIXED WITH BITTER GALL. COME, LET US IN TO SHUN SUSPICION. (HERE ENTER GREENE, WILL, AND SHAKEBAG. SHAKE. COME, WILL, SEE THY TOOLS BE IN A READINESS! IS NOT THY POWDER DANK, OR WILL THY FLINT STRIKE FIRE? WILL. THEN ASK ME IF MY NOSE BE ON MY FACE, THAN E'ER THOU HANDLEDST PISTOLS IN THY LIFE. SHAKE. AY, HAPLY THOU HAS PICKED MORE IN A THRONG: BUT SHOULD I BRAG WHAT BOOTIES I HAVE TOOK, I THINK THE OVERPLUS THAT'S MORE THAN THINE WOULD MOUNT TO A GREATER SUM OF MONEY THAN EITHER THOU OR ALL THY KIN ARE WORTH. ZOUNDS, I HATE THEM AS I HATE A TOAD THAT CARRY A MUSCADO IN THEIR TONGUE, AND SCARCE A HURTING WEAPON IN THEIR HAND. WILL. O GREENE INTOLERABLE! IT IS NOT FOR MINE HONOR TO BEAR THIS. WHY, SHAKEBAG, I DID SERVE THE KING AT BOULOGNE AND THOU CANST BRAG OF NOTHING THAT THOU HAST DONE. SHAKE. WHY, SO CAN JACK OF FEVERSHAM, THAT SOUNDED FOR A FILLIP ON THE NOSE, WHEN HE THAT GAVE IT HIM HOLLOWED IN HIS EAR, AND HE SUPPOSED A CANNON BULLET HIT HIM. (THEN THEY FIGHT. GREENE. I PRAY YOU, SIRS, LIST TO AESOP'S TALK: WHILST TWO STOUT DOGS WERE STRIVING FOR A BONE, THERE COMES A CUR AND STOLE IT FROM THEM BOTH; SO, WHILE YOU STAND STRIVING ON THESE TERMS OF MANHOOD, ARDEN ESCAPES US, AND DECEIVES US ALL. SHAKE. WHY, HE BEGUN. WILL. AND THOU SHALT FIND I'LL END. I DO BUT SLIP IT UNTIL BETTER TIME. GREENE. WELL, TAKE YOUR FITTEST STANDINGS, AND ONCE MORE LIME WELL YOUR TWIGS TO CATCH THIS WARY BIRD. I'LL LEAVE YOU, AND AT YOUR DAG'S DISCHARGE MAKE TOWARDS LIKE THE LONGING WATER DOG, THAT COUCHETH TILL THE FOWLING PIECE BE OFF, THEN SEIZETH ON THE PREY WITH EAGER MOOD. AH, MIGHT I SEE HIM STRETCHING FORTH HIS LIMBS, AS I HAVE SEEN THEM BEAT THEIR WINGS ERE NOW! SHAK. WHY THAT THOU SHALT SEE IF HE COME THIS WAY. GREENE. YES, THAT HE DOTH, SHAKEBAG, I WARRANT THEE: BUT, SIRS, BE SURE TO SPEED HIM WHEN HE COMES, AND IN THAT HOPE I'LL LEAVE YOU FOR AN HOUR. (EXIT GREENE. (HERE ENTER ARDEN, FRANKLIN, AND MICHAEL. MICH. 'TWERE BEST THAT I WENT BACK TO ROCHESTER: THE HORSE HALTS DOWN RIGHT; IT WERE NOT GOOD HE TRAVELLED IN SUCH PAIN TO FEVERSHAM; REMOVING OF A SHOE MAY HAPLY HELP IT. ARDEN. WELL, GET YOU BACK TO ROCHESTER; BUT SIRRAH SEE YE O'ERTAKE US ERE WE COME TO RAINHAM DOWN, FOR IT WILL BE VERY LATE ERE WE GET HOME. MICH. AY, GOD HE KNOWS, AND SO DOTH WILL END SHAKEBAG THAT THOU SHALT NEVER GO FURTHER THAN THAT DOWN; AND THEREFORE HAVE I PRICKED THE HORSE ON PURPOSE BECAUSE I WOULD NOT VIEW THE MASSACRE. (EXIT MICHAEL. ARDEN. COME, MASTER FRANKLIN, ONWARDS WITH YOUR TALE. FRANK. I DO ASSURE YOU, SIR, YOU TASK ME MUCH: A HEAVY BLOOD IS GATHERED AT MY HEART, AND ON THE SUDDEN IS MY WIND SO SHORT AS HINDERETH THE PASSAGE OF MY SPEECH; SO FIERCE A QUALM YET NE'ER ASSAILED ME. ARDEN. COME, MASTER FRANKLIN, LET US GO ON SOFTLY: THE ANNOYANCE OF THE DUST OR ELSE SOME MEAT YOU ATE AT DINNER CANNOT BROOK WITH YOU. I HAVE BEEN OFTEN SO, AND SOON AMENDED. FRANK. DO YOU REMEMBER WHERE MY TALE DID LEAVE? ARDEN. AY, WHERE THE GENTLEMAN DID CHECK HIS WIFE. FRANK. SHE BEING REPREHENDED FOR THE FACT, WITNESS PRODUCED THAT TOOK HER WITH THE DEED, HER GLOVE BROUGHT IN WHICH THERE SHE LEFT BEHIND, AND MANY OTHER ASSURED ARGUMENTS, HER HUSBAND ASKED HER WHETHER IT WERE NOT SO. ARDEN. HER ANSWER THEN? I WONDER HOW SHE LOOKED, HAVING FORSWORN IT WITH SUCH VEHEMENT OATHS, AND AT THE INSTANT SO APPROVED UPON HER. FRANK. FIRST DID SHE CAST HER EYES DOWN TO THE EARTH, WATCHING THE DROPS THAT FELL AMAIN FROM THENCE; THEN SOFTLY DRAWS SHE FORTH HER HAND KERCHER, AND MODESTLY SHE WIPES HER TEAR STAINED FACE; AND WITH A MAJESTY ADDRESSED HER SELF TO ENCOUNTER ALL THEIR ACCUSATIONS. - PARDON, ME, MASTER ARDEN, I CAN NO MORE; THIS FIGHTING AT MY HEART MAKES SHORT MY WIND. YOU ARE A STRANGER, MAN, IN THE ISLE OF SHEPPY. ARDEN. YOUR HONOR'S ALWAYS BOUND, TO DO YOU SERVICE. LORD. COME YOU FROM LONDON AND NE'ER A MAN WITH YOU? ARDEN. MY MAN'S COMING AFTER, BUT HERE'S MY HONEST FRIEND THAT CAME ALONG WITH ME. LORD. MY LORD PROTECTOR'S MAN I TAKE YOU TO BE. FRANK. AY, MY GOOD LORD, AND HIGHLY BOUND TO YOU. LORD. YOU AND YOUR FRIEND COME HOME AND SUP WITH ME. ARDEN. I BESEECH YOUR HONOR PARDON ME; I HAVE MADE A PROMISE TO A GENTLEMAN, MY HONEST FRIEND, TO MEET HIM AT MY HOUSE; THE OCCASION IS GREAT, OR ELSE WOULD I WAIT ON YOU. LORD. WILL YOU COME TO MORROW AND DINE WITH ME, AND BRING YOUR HONEST FRIEND ALONG WITH YOU? I HAVE DIVERS MATTERS TO TALK WITH YOU ABOUT. ARDEN. TO MORROW WE'LL WAIT UPON YOUR HONOR. LORD. ONE OF YOU STAY MY HORSE AT THE TOP OF THE HILL. - WHAT! BLACK WILL? FOR WHOSE PURSE WAIT YOU? THOU WILT BE HANGED IN KENT, WHEN ALL IS DONE. WILL. NOT HANGED, GOD SAVE YOUR HONOR; I AM YOUR BEDESMAN, BOUND TO PRAY FOR YOU. LORD. I THINK THOU NE'ER SAID'ST PRAYER IN ALL THY LIFE. - ONE OF YOU GIVE HIM A CROWN: - AND, SIRRAH, LEAVE THIS KIND OF LIFE. IF THOU BEEST TAINTED FOR A PENNY MATTER, AND COME IN QUESTION, SURELY THOU WILT TRUSS. - COME, MASTER ARDEN, LET US BE GOING; YOUR WAY AND MINE LIES FOUR MILES TOGETHER. (EXEUNT. (MANET BLACK WILL AND SHAKEBAG. WILL. THE DEVIL BREAK ALL YOUR NECKS AT FOUR MILES' END! ZOUNDS, I COULD KILL MYSELF FOR VERY ANGER! HIS LORDSHIP CHOPS ME IN, EVEN WHEN MY DAG WAS LEVELLED AT HIS HEART. I WOULD HIS CROWN WERE MOLTEN DOWN HIS THROAT. SHAKE. ARDEN, THOU HAST WONDROUS HOLY LUCK. WELL, I'LL DISCHARGE MY PISTOL AT THE SKY, FOR BY THIS BULLET ARDEN MIGHT NOT DIE. (HERE ENTERS GREENE. GREENE. WHAT IS HE DOWN? IS HE DISPATCHED? SHAKE. AY, IN HEALTH TOWARDS FEVERSHAM, TO SHAME US ALL. GREENE. THE DEVIL HE IS! WHY, SIRS, HOW ESCAP'D HE? SHAKE. WHEN WE WERE READY TO SHOOT, COMES MY LORD CHENEY TO PREVENT HIS DEATH. GREENE. THE LORD OF HEAVEN HATH PRESERVED HIM. WILL. PRESERVED A FIG! THE LORD CHENEY HATH PRESERVED HIM, AND BIDS HIM TO A FEAST TO HIS HOUSE AT SHORLOW. BUT BY THE WAY ONCE MORE I'LL MEET WITH HIM, AND, IF ALL THE CHENEYS IN THE WORLD SAY NO, I'LL HAVE A BULLET IN HIS BREAST TOMORROW. THEREFORE COME, GREENE, AND LET US TO FEVERSHAM. GREENE. AY, AND EXCUSE OURSELVES TO MISTRESS ARDEN: O, HOW SHE'LL CHAFE WHEN SHE HEARS OF THIS! SHAKE. WHY, I'LL WARRANT YOU SHE'LL THINK WE DARE NOT DO IT. WILL. WHY, THEN LET US GO, AND TELL HER ALL THE MATTER. AND PLAT THE NEWS TO CUT HIM OFF TO MORROW. (EXEUNT. (HERE ENTER ARDEN AND HIS WIFE, FRANKLIN, AND MICHAEL. ARDEN. SEE HOW THE HOURS, THE GARDEANT OF HEAVEN'S GATE HAVE BY THEIR TOIL REMOVED THE DARKSOME CLOUDS, THAT SOL MAY WELL DISCERN THE TRAMPLED PACE WHEREIN HE WONT TO GUIDE HIS GOLDEN CAR; THE SEASON FITS; COME, FRANKLIN, LET'S AWAY. ALICE. I THOUGHT YOU DID PRETEND SOME SPECIAL HUNT, THAT MADE YOU THUS CUT SHORT THE TIME OF REST. ARDEN. IT WAS NO CHASE THAT MADE ME RISE SO EARLY, BUT, AS I TOLD THEE YESTERNIGHT, TO GO TO THE ISLE OF SHEPPEY, TO THE ISLE OF SHEPPY, THERE TO DINE WITH MY LORD CHENEY, FOR SO HIS HONOR LATE COMMANDED ME. ALICE. AY, SUCH KIND HUSBANDS SELDOM WANT EXCUSES HOME IS A WILD CAT TO A WANDERING WIT. THE TIME HATH BEEN, - WOULD GOD IT WERE NOT PAST, - THAT HONOR'S TITLE NOR A LORD'S COMMAND BUT MY DESERTS OR YOUR DESIRES DECAY, OR BOTH; YET IF TRUE LOVE MAY SEEM DESERT, I MERIT STILL TO HAVE THY COMPANY. FRANK. WHY, I PRAY YOU SIR, LET HER GO ALONG WITH US; I AM SURE HIS HONOR WILL WELCOME HER AND US THE MORE FOR BRINGING HER ALONG. ARDEN. CONTENT; SIRRAH, SADDLE YOUR MISTRESS' NAG. ARDEN. AND THAT SHALL BE ERE NIGHT, AND IF I LIVE. FAREWELL, SWEET ALICE, WE MIND TO SUP WITH THEE. (EXIT ALICE. FRANK. COME, MICHAEL, ARE OUR HORSES READY? MICH. AY, YOUR HORSE ARE READY, BUT I AM NOT READY, FOR I HAVE LOST MY PURSE, WITH SIX AND THIRY SHILLINGS IN IT, WITH TAKING UP OF MY MASTER'S NAG. FRANK. WHY, I PRAY YOU, LET US GO BEFORE, WHILST HE STAYS BEHIND TO SEEK HIS PURSE. ARDEN. GO TO, SIRRAH, SEE YOU FOLLOW US TO THE ISLE OF SHEPPEY, TO MY LORD CHENEY'S, WHERE WE MEAN TO DINE. (EXEUNT ARDEN AND FRANKLIN. MANET MICHAEL. MICH. SO, FAIR WEATHER AFTER YOU, FOR BEFORE YOU LIES BLACK WILL AND SHAKEBAG IN THE BROOM CLOSE, TOO CLOSE FOR YOU: THEY'LL BE YOUR FERRYMEN TO LONG HOME. (HERE ENTERS THE PAINTER. BUT WHO IS THIS, THE PAINTER, MY CORRIVAL, THAT WOULD NEEDS WIN MISTRESS SUSAN. CLARKE. HOW NOW, MICHAEL, HOW DOTH MY MISTRESS, AND ALL AT HOME? MICH. WHO, SUSAN MOSBIE? SHE'S YOUR MISTRESS TOO? CLARKE. AY, HOW DOTH SHE AND ALL THE REST? MICH. ALL'S WELL BUT SUSAN; SHE IS SICK. CLARKE. SICK? OF WHAT DISEASE? MICH. OF A GREAT FEAR. CLARKE. A FEAR OF WHAT? MICH. A GREAT FEVER. CLARKE. A FEVER, GOD FORBID! MICH. YES, FAITH, AND OF A LORDAINE, TOO, AS BIG AS YOUR SELF. CLARKE. O, MICHAEL, THE SPLEEN PRICKLES YOU. GO TO, YOU CARRY AN EYE OVER MISTRESS SUSAN. MICH. I'FAITH, TO KEEP HER FROM THE PAINTER. CLARKE. WHY MORE FROM A PAINTER THAN FROM A SERVING CREATURE LIKE YOUR SELF? OF A PRETTY WENCH, AND SPOIL HER BEAUTY WITH BLOTTING. CLARK. WHAT MEAN YOU BY THAT? MICH. WHY THAT YOU PAINTERS, PAINT LAMBS IN THE LINING OF WENCHES' PETTICOATS, AND WE SERVING MEN PUT HORNS TO THEM TO MAKE THEM BECOME SHEEP. CLARKE. SUCH ANOTHER WORD WILL COST YOU A CUFF OR A KNOCK. MICH. WHAT, WITH A DAGGER MADE OF A PENCIL? FAITH, 'TIS TOO WEAK, AND THEREFORE THOU TOO WEAK TO WIN SUSAN. CLARKE. WOULD SUSAN'S LOVE LAY UPON THIS STROKE. (THEN HE BREAKS MICHAEL'S HEAD. HERE ENTER MOSBIE, GREENE AND ALICE. ALICE. I'LL LAY MY LIFE, THIS IS FOR SUSAN'S LOVE. STAYED YOU BEHIND YOUR MASTER TO THIS END? HAVE YOU NO OTHER TIME TO BRABLE IN BUT NOW WHEN SERIOUS MATTERS ARE IN HAND? - SAY, CLARKE, HAST THOU DONE THE THING THOU PROMISED? CLARKE. AY, HERE IT IS; THE VERY TOUCH IS DEATH. ALICE. THEN THIS, I HOPE, IF ALL THE REST DO FAIL WILL CATCH MASTER ARDEN, AND MAKE HIM WISE IN DEATH THAT LIVED A FOOL. WHY SHOULD HE THRUST HIS SICKLE IN OUR CORN, OR WHAT HATH HE TO DO WITH THEE, MY LOVE, OR GOVERN ME THAT AM TO RULE MYSELF? FORSOOTH, FOR CREDIT SAKE, I MUST LEAVE THEE! NAY, HE MUST LEAVE TO LIVE THAT WE MAY LOVE, MAY LIVE, MAY LOVE; FOR WHAT IS LIFE BUT LOVE? AND LOVE SHALL LAST AS LONG AS LIFE REMAINS, AND LIFE SHALL END BEFORE MY LOVE DEPART. MOS. WHY, WHAT'S LOVE WITHOUT TRUE CONSTANCY? LIKE TO A PILLAR BUILT OF MANY STONES, YET NEITHER WITH GOOD MORTAR WELL COMPACT NOR WITH CEMENT TO FASTEN IT IN THE JOINTS, BUT THAT IT SHAKES WITH EVERY BLAST OF WIND, AND, BEING TOUCHED, STRAIGHT FALLS UNTO THE EARTH, AND BURIES ALL HIS HAUGHTY PRIDE IN DUST. NO, LET OUR LOVE BE ROCKS OF ADAMANT, WHICH TIME NOR PLACE NOR TEMPEST CAN ASUNDER. GREENE. MOSBIE, LEAVE PROTESTATIONS NOW, AND LET US BETHINK US WHAT WE HAVE TO DO, BLACK WILL AND SHAKEBAG I HAVE PLACED LET'S TO THEM AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE DONE. (HERE ENTERS ARDEN AND FRANKLIN. ARDEN. OH, FERRYMAN, WHERE ART THOU? FRANK. FRIEND, WHAT'S THY OPINION OF THIS MIST? FERR. I THINK 'TIS LIKE TO A CURST WIFE IN A LITTLE HOUSE, THAT NEVER LEAVES HER HUSBAND TILL SHE HAVE DRIVEN HIM OUT AT DOORS WITH A WET PAIR OF EYES, THEN LOOKS HE AS IF HIS HOUSE WERE A FIRE, OR SOME OF HIS FRIENDS DEAD. ARDEN. SPEAKS THOU THIS OF THINE OWN EXPERIENCE? FERR. PERHAPS, AY; PERHAPS, NO: FOR MY WIFE IS AS OTHER WOMEN ARE, THAT IS TO SAY, GOVERNED BY THE MOON. FRANK. BY THE MOON? HOW, I PRAY THEE? FERR. NAY, THEREBY LIES A BARGAIN, AND YOU SHALL NOT HAVE IT FRESH AND FASTING. ARDEN. YES, I PRAY THEE, GOOD FERRYMAN. FERR. THEN FOR THIS ONCE; LET IT BE MIDSUMMER MOON, BUT YET MY WIFE HAS ANOTHER MOON. FRANK. ANOTHER MOON? FERR. AY, AND IT HATH INFLUENCES AND ECLIPSES. ARDEN. WHY, THEN, BY THIS RECKONING YOU SOMETIMES PLAY THE MAN IN THE MOON. FERR. AY, BUT YOU HAD NOT BEST TO MEDDLE WITH THAT MOON LEST I SCRATCH YOU BY THE FACE, WITH MY BRAMBLE BUSH. ARDEN. I AM ALMOST STIFLED WITH THIS FOG, COME LET'S AWAY. FRANK. AND, SIRRAH, AS WE GO, LET US HAVE SOME MORE OF YOUR BOLD YEOMANRY. FERR. NAY, BY MY TROTH, SIR, BUT FLAT KNAVERY. (EXEUNT. (HERE ENTERS WILL AT ONE DOOR, AND SHAKEBAG AT ANOTHER. SHAKE. O, WILL, WHERE ART THOU? WILL. HERE, SHAKEBAG, ALMOST IN HELL'S MOUTH, WHERE I CANNOT SEE MY WAY FOR SMOKE. SHAKE. I PRAY THEE SPEAK STILL THAT WE MAY MEET BY THE SOUND, FOR I SHALL FALL INTO SOME DITCH OR OTHER, UNLESS MY FEET SEE BETTER THAN MY EYES. WILL. DIDST THOU EVER SEE BETTER WEATHER TO RUN AWAY WITH ANOTHER MAN'S WIFE, OR PLAY WITH A WENCH AT POTFINGER? SHAKE. NO; THIS WERE A FINE WORLD FOR CHANDLERS, SHOULD NEVER DINE NOR SUP WITHOUT CANDLE LIGHT. BUT, SIRRAH WILL, WHAT HORSES ARE THOSE THAT PASS'D? WILL. WHY, DIDST THOU HEAR ANY? SHAKE. AY, THAT I DID. WILL. MY LIFE FOR THINE, 'TWAS ARDEN, AND HIS COMPANIONS AND THEN ALL OUR LABOR'S LOST. SHAKE. NAY, SAY NOT SO, FOR IF IT BE THEY, THEY MAY HAPLY LOSE THEIR WAY AS WE HAVE DONE, AND THEN WE MAY CHANCE MEET WITH THEM. WILL. COME, LET US GO ON LIKE A COUPLE OF BLIND PILGRIMS. (THEN SHAKEBAG FALLS INTO A DITCH. SHAKE. HELP, WILL, HELP, I AM ALMOST DROWNED. (HERE ENTERS THE FERRYMAN. FERR. WHO'S THAT THAT CALLS FOR HELP? WILL. 'TWAS NONE HERE, 'TWAS THOU THYSELF. FERR. I CAME TO HELP HIM THAT CALLED FOR HELP, HELP. WHY, HOW NOW? WHO IS THIS THAT'S IN THE DITCH? YOU ARE WELL ENOUGH SERVED, TO GO WITHOUT A GUIDE, SUCH WEATHER AS THIS. WILL. SIRRAH, WHAT COMPANIES HATH PASSED YOUR FERRY THIS MORNING? FERR. NONE BUT A COUPLE OF GENTLEMEN, THAT WENT TO DINE AT MY LORD CHENEY'S. WILL. SHAKEBAG, DID NOT I TELL THEE AS MUCH? FERR. WHY, SIR, WILL YOU HAVE ANY LETTERS CARRIED TO THEM? WILL. NO, SIR; GET YOU GONE. FERR. DID YOU EVER SEE SUCH A MIST AS THIS? WILL. NO, NOR SUCH A FOOL AS WILL RATHER BE HOUGHT, THAN GET HIS WAY. FERR. WHY, SIR, THIS IS NO HOUGH MONDAY; YOU ARE DECEIVED. WHAT'S HIS NAME, I PRAY YOU SIR? SHAKE. HIS NAME IS BLACK WILL. FERR. I HOPE TO SEE HIM ONE DAY HANGED UPON A HILL. (EXIT FERRYMAN. SHAKE. SEE HOW THE SUN HATH CLEARED THE FOGGY MIST, NOW WE HAVE MISSED THE MARK OF OUR INTENT. (HERE ENTERS GREENE, MOSBIE, AND ALICE. MOS. BLACK WILL AND SHAKEBAG, WHAT MAKE YOU HERE? WHAT, IS THE DEED DONE? IS ARDEN DEAD? WILL. WHAT COULD A BLINDED MAN PERFORM IN ARMS? THAT NEITHER HORSE NOR MAN COULD BE DISCERNED? YET DID WE HEAR THEIR HORSES AS THEY PASSED. GREENE. HAVE THEY ESCAPED YOU, THEN, AND PASSED THE FERRY? SHAKE. AY, FOR A WHILE; BUT HERE WE TWO WILL STAY, WILL. AY, MISTRESS ARDEN, THIS WILL SERVE THE TURN, IN CASE WE FALL INTO A SECOND FOG. ( EXEUNT GREENE, WILL AND SHAKEBAG. MOS. THESE KNAVES WILL NEVER DO IT, LET US GIVE IT OVER. ALICE. FIRST TELL ME HOW YOU LIKE MY NEW DEVICE? SOON, WHEN MY HUSBAND IS RETURNING BACK, YOU AND I BOTH MARCHING ARM IN ARM, LIKE LOVING FRIENDS, WE'LL MEET HIM ON THE WAY, AND BOLDLY BEARD AND BRAVE HIM TO HIS TEETH. WHEN WORDS GROW HOT AND BLOWS BEGIN TO RISE, I'LL CALL THOSE CUTTERS FORTH YOUR TENEMENT, WHO, IN A MANNER TO TAKE UP THE FRAY, SHALL WOUND MY HUSBAND HORNSBY TO THE DEATH. MOS. A FINE DEVICE! WHY, THIS DESERVES A KISS. (EXEUNT. (HERE ENTERS DICK REEDE AND A SAILOR. SAIL. FAITH, DICK REEDE, IT IS TO LITTLE END. HIS CONSCIENCE IS TOO LIBERAL, AND HE TOO NIGGARDLY TO PART FROM ANY THING MAY DO THEE GOOD. REEDE. HE IS COMING FROM SHORLOW AS I UNDERSTAND; HERE I'LL INTERCEPT HIM, FOR AT HIS HOUSE HE NEVER WILL VOUCHSAFE TO SPEAK WITH ME. IF PRAYERS AND FAIR ENTREATIES WILL NOT SERVE, OR MAKE NO BATTERY IN HIS FLINTY BREAST. (HERE ENTERS FRANKLIN, ARDEN, AND MICHAEL. I'LL CURSE THE CARLE, AND SEE WHAT THAT WILL DO. SEE WHERE HE COMES TO FURTHER MY INTENT! - MASTER ARDEN, I AM NOW BOUND TO THE SEA; MY COMING TO YOU WAS ABOUT THE PLAT OF GROUND, WHICH WRONGFULLY YOU DETAIN FROM ME. ALTHOUGH THE RENT OF IT BE VERY SMALL, YET IT WILL HELP MY WIFE AND CHILDREN, WHICH HERE I LEAVE IN FEVERSHAM, GOD KNOWS, NEEDY AND BARE: FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, LET THEM HAVE IT! ARDEN. FRANKLIN, HEAREST THOU THIS FELLOW SPEAK? ALTHOUGH THE RENT OF IT WAS EVER MINE. SIRRAH, YOU THAT ASK THESE QUESTIONS, IF WITH THY CLAMOROUS IMPEACHING TONGUE THOU RAIL ON ME, AS I HAVE HEARD THOU DOST, I'LL LAY THEE UP SO CLOSE A TWELVE MONTH'S DAY, AS THOU SHALT NEITHER SEE THE SUN NOR MOON. LOOK TO IT, FOR, AS SURELY AS I LIVE, I'LL BANISH PITY IF THOU USE ME THUS. REEDE. WHAT, WILT THOU DO ME WRONG AND THREAT ME TOO? NAY, THEN, I'LL TEMPT THEE, ARDEN, DO THY WORST. GOD, I BESEECH THEE, SHOW SOME MIRACLE ON THEE OR THINE, IN PLAGUING THEE FOR THIS. THAT PLOT OF GROUND WHICH THOU DETAINS FROM ME. I SPEAK IN AN AGONY OF SPIRIT, BE RUINOUS AND FATAL UNTO THEE! EITHER THERE BE BUTCHERED BY THY DEAREST FRIENDS, OR ELSE BE BROUGHT FOR MEN TO WONDER AT, OR THOU OR THINE MISCARRY IN THAT PLACE, OR THERE RUN MAD AND END THY CURSED DAYS! FRANK. FIE, BITTER KNAVE, BRIDLE THINE ENVIOUS TONGUE, FOR CURSES ARE LIKE ARROWS SHOT UPRIGHT, WHICH, FALLING DOWN, LIGHT ON THE SHOOTER'S HEAD. REEDE. LIGHT WHERE THEY WILL, WERE I UPON THE SEA, AS OFT I HAVE IN MANY A BITTER STORM, AND SAW A DREADFUL SOUTHERN FLAW AT HAND, THE PILOT QUAKING AT THE DOUBTFUL STORM, AND ALL THE SAILORS PRAYING ON THEIR KNEES, EVEN IN THAT FEARFUL TIME WOULD I FALL DOWN, AND ASK OF GOD, WHATE'ER BETIDE OF ME, VENGEANCE ON ARDEN OR SOME MISEVENT TO SHOW THE WORLD WHAT WRONG THE CARLE HATH DONE. THIS CHARGE I'LL LEAVE WITH MY DISTRESSFUL WIFE. MY CHILDREN SHALL BE TAUGHT SUCH PRAYERS AS THESE; AND THUS I GO, BUT LEAVE MY CURSE WITH THEE. (EXEUNT REEDE AND SAILOR. ARDEN. IT IS THE RAILINGEST KNAVE IN CHRISTENDOM, AND OFTENTIMES THE VILLAIN WILL BE MAD; IT GREATLY MATTERS NOT WHAT HE SAYS, BUT I ASSURE YOU I NE'ER DID HIM WRONG. FRANK. I THINK SO, MASTER ARDEN. ARDEN. NOW THAT OUR HORSES ARE GONE HOME BEFORE, MY WIFE MAY HAPLY MEET ME ON THE WAY. AND GREATLY CHANGED FROM THE OLD HUMOR OF HER WONTED FORWARDNESS, AND SEEKS BY FAIR MEANS TO REDEEM OLD FAULTS. (HERE ENTERS ALICE AND MOSBIE. FRANK. WHY, THERE'S NO BETTER CREATURES IN THE WORLD THAN WOMEN ARE WHEN THEY ARE IN GOOD HUMORS. ARDEN. WHO IS THAT? MOSBIE? WHAT, SO FAMILIAR? INJURIOUS STRUMPET, AND THOU RIBALD KNAVE, UNTWINE THOSE ARMS. ALICE. AY, WITH A SUGARED KISS LET THEM UNTWINE. ARDEN. AH, MOSBIE! PERJURED BEAST! BEAR THIS AND ALL. MOS. AND YET NO HORNED BEAST; THE HORNS ARE THINE. FRANK. O MONSTROUS! NAY, THEN 'TIS TIME TO DRAW. ALICE. HELP, HELP! THEY MURDER MY HUSBAND. (HERE ENTERS WILL AND SHAKEBAG. SHAKE. ZOUNDS, WHO INJURES MASTER MOSBIE? HELP, WILL, I AM HURT. MOS. I MAY THANK YOU, MISTRESS ARDEN, FOR THIS WOUND. (EXEUNT MOSBIE, WILL AND SHAKEBAG. ALICE. AH, ARDEN, WHAT FOLLY BLINDED THEE? AH, JEALOUS HAREBRAIN MAN, WHAT HAST THOU DONE; WHEN WE, TO WELCOME THEE INTENDING SPORT, CAME LOVINGLY TO MEET THEE ON THY WAY, THOU DREW'ST THY SWORD, ENRAGED WITH JEALOUSY, AND HURT THY FRIEND WHOSE THOUGHTS WERE FREE FROM HARM: ALL FOR A WORTHLESS KISS AND JOINING ARMS, BOTH DONE BUT MERRILY TO TRY THY PATIENCE. AND ME UNHAPPY THAT DEVISED THE JEST, WHICH, THOUGH BEGUN IN SPORT, YET ENDS IN BLOOD! FRANK. MARRY, GOD, DEFEND ME FROM SUCH A JEST. ALICE. COULD'ST THOU NOT SEE US FRIENDLY SMILE ON THEE WHEN WE JOINED ARMS, AND WHEN I KISSED HIS CHEEK? HAST THOU NOT LATELY FOUND ME OVERKIND? DID'ST THOU NOT HEAR ME CRY 'THEY MURDER THEE'? CALLED I NOT HELP TO SET MY HUSBAND FREE? NO, EARS AND ALL WERE WITCHED; AH ME ACCURSED TO LINK IN LIKING WITH A FRANTIC MAN! HENCE FORTH I'LL BE THY SLAVE, NO MORE THY WIFE, FOR WITH THAT NAME I NEVER SHALL CONTENT THEE. IF SAD, THOU SAYEST THE SULLENS TROUBLE ME; IF WELL ATTIRED, THOU TNINKS I WILL BE GADDING; IF HOMELY, I SEEM SLUTTISH IN THINE EYE. THUS AM I STILL, AND SHALL BE WHILE I DIE. POOR WENCH ABUSED BY THY MISGOVERNMENT! ARDEN. BUT IS IT FOR TRUTH THAT NEITHER THOU NOR HE, INTENDEDST MALICE IN YOUR MISDEMEANOR? ALICE. THE HEAVENS CAN WITNESS OF OUR HARMLESS THOUGHTS. ARDEN. THEN PARDON ME, SWEET ALICE, AND FORGIVE THIS FAULT! FORGET BUT THIS AND NEVER SEE THE LIKE. IMPOSE ME PENANCE, AND I WILL PERFORM IT, FOR IN THY DISCONTENT I FIND A DEATH, A DEATH TORMENTING MORE THAN DEATH ITSELF. ALICE. NAY, HAD'ST THOU LOVED ME AS THOU DOST PRETEND, THOU WOULDST HAVE MARKED THE SPEECHES OF THY FRIEND, WHO GOING WOUNDED FROM THE PLACE, HE SAID HIS SKIN WAS PIERCED ONLY THROUGH MY DEVICE; AND IF SAD SORROW TAINT THEE FOR THIS FAULT, THOU WOULD'ST HAVE FOLLOWED HIM, AND SEEN HIM DRESS'D AND CRIED HIM MERCY WHOM THOU HAST MISDONE: NE'ER SHALL MY HEART BE EASED TILL THIS BE DONE. ARDEN. CONTENT THEE, SWEET ALICE, THOU SHALT HAVE THY WILL WHATE'ER IT BE, FOR THAT I INJURED THEE, AND WRONGED MY FRIEND, SHAME SCOURGETH MY OFFENCE; COME THOU THY SELF, AND GO ALONG WITH WITH ME, AND BE A MEDIATOR 'TWIXT US TWO. FRANK. WHY, MASTER ARDEN! KNOW YOU WHAT YOU DO? WILL YOU FOLLOW HIM THAT HATH DISHONORED YOU? ALICE. WHY, CANST THOU PROVE I HAVE BEEN DISLOYAL? FRANK. WHY, MOSBIE TAUNTED YOUR HUSBAND WITH THE HORN. ALICE. AY, AFTER HE HAD REVILED HIM, BY THE INJURIOUS NAME OF PERJURED BEAST: HE KNEW NO WRONG COULD SPITE A JEALOUS MAN MORE THAN THE HATEFUL NAMING OF THE HORN. FRANK. SUPPOSE 'TIS TRUE, YET IS IT DANGEROUS, TO FOLLOW HIM WHOM HE HATH LATELY HURT. ALICE. A FAULT CONFESSED IS MORE THAN HALF AMENDS; BUT MEN OF SUCH ILL SPIRIT AS YOURSELF ARDEN. I PRAY THEE, GENTLE FRANKLIN, HOLD THY PEACE: IN KILLING A MAN? GREENE. I THINK WE SHALL NEVER DO IT; LET US GIVE IT OVER. SHAKE. HAY, ZOUNDS! WE'LL KILL HIM, THOUGH WE BE HANGED AT HIS DOOR FOR OUR LABOR. WILL. THOU KNOWEST, GREENE, THAT I HAVE LIVED IN LONDON THIS TWELVE YEARS, WHERE I HAVE MADE SOME GO UPON WOODEN LEGS, FOR TAKING THE WALL ON ME; DIVERS WITH SILVER NOSES FOR SAYING 'THERE GOES BLACK WILL.' 2 HAVE CRACKED AS MANY BLADES, AS THOU HAST DONE NUTS. GREENE. O MONSTROUS LIE! WILL. FAITH, IN A MANNER I HAVE. THE BAWDY HOUSES HAVE PAID ME TRIBUTE; THERE DURST NOT A WHORE SET UP, UNLESS SHE HAVE AGREED WITH ME FIRST FOR OPENING HER SHOP WINDOWS. FOR A CROSS WORD OF A TAPSTER, I HAVE PIERCED ONE BARREL AFTER ANOTHER, WITH MY DAGGER, AND HELD HIM BY THE EARS TILL ALL HIS BEER HATH RUN OUT. IN THAMES STREET A BREWER'S CART WAS LIKE TO HAVE RUN OVER ME: I MADE NO MORE ADO, BUT WENT TO THE CLARK AND CUT ALL THE NOTCHES OFF HIS TALLIES AND BEAT THEM ABOUT HIS HEAD. I AND MY COMPANY HAVE TAKEN THE CONSTABLE FROM HIS WATCH, AND CARRIED HIM ABOUT THE FIELDS ON A COLTSTAFF. I HAVE BROKEN A SERGEANT'S HEAD WITH HIS OWN MACE, AND BAILED WHOM I LIST WITH MY SWORD AND BUCKLER. ALL THE TEMPORARY ALEHOUSES' MEN WOULD STAND EVERY MORNING, WITH A QUART POT IN HIS HAND, SAYING, 'WILL IT PLEASE YOUR WORSHIP DRINK? HE THAT HAD NOT DONE SO, HAD BEEN SURE TO HAVE HAD HIS SIGN PULLED DOWN AND HIS LATTICE BORNE AWAY THE NEXT NIGHT. TO CONCLUDE, WHAT HAVE I NOT DONE? YET CANNOT DO THIS; DOUBTLESS HE IS PRESERVED BY MIRACLE. (HERE ENTERS ALICE AND MICHAEL. GREENE. HENCE, WILL, HERE COMES MISTRESS ARDEN. ALICE. AH, GENTLE MICHAEL, ART THOU SURE THEY'RE FRIENDS? MICH. WHY, I SAW THEM BOTH WHEN THEY BOTH SHOOK HANDS. AND RAILED ON FRANKIIN THAT WAS CAUSE OF ALL. NO SOONER CAME THE SURGEON IN AT DOORS, BUT MY MASTER TOOK TO HIS PURSE AND GAVE HIM MONEY. AND, TO CONCLUDE, SENT ME TO BRING YOU WORD THAT MOSBIE, FRANKLIN, BRADSHAW, ADAM FOWLE, WITH DIVERS OF HIS NEIGHBORS AND HIS FRIENDS, WILL COME AND SUP WITH YOU AT OUR HOUSE THIS NIGHT. ALICE. AH, GENTLE MICHAEL, RUN THOU BACK AGAIN, AND, WHEN MY HUSBAND WALKS INTO THE FAIR, BID MOSBIE STEAL FROM HIM AND COME TO ME; AND THIS NIGHT SHALL THOU AND SUSAN BE MADE SURE. MICH. I'LL GO TELL HIM. ALICE. AND AS THOU GOEST, TELL JOHN COOK OF OUR GUESTS, AND BID HIM LAY IT ON, SPARE FOR NO COST. (EXIT MICHAEL. WILL. NAY, AND THERE BE SUCH CHEER, WE WILL BID OURSELVES. MISTRESS ARDEN, DICK GREENE AND I DO MEAN TO SUP WITH YOU. ALICE. AND WELCOME SHALL YOU BE. AH, GENTLEMEN, HOW MISSED YOU OF YOUR PURPOSE YESTERNIGHT? GREENE. 'TWAS 'LONG OF SHAKEBAG, THAT UNLUCKY VILLAIN. SHAKE. THOU DOST ME WRONG; I DID AS MUCH AS ANY. WILL. NAY THEN, MISTRESS ALICE, I'LL TELL YOU HOW IT WAS: WHEN HE SHOULD HAVE LOCKED WITH BOTH HIS HILTS, HE IN A BRAVERY FLOURISHED O'ER HIS HEAD; WITH THAT COMES FRANKLIN AT HIM LUSTILY, AND HURTS THE SLAVE; WITH THAT HE SLINKS AWAY. NOW HIS WAY HAD BEEN TO HAVE COME HAND AND FEET, ONE AND TWO ROUND, AT HIS COSTARD. HE LIKE A FOOL BEARS HIS SWORD POINT HALF A YARD OUT OF DANGER. I LIE HERE FOR MY LIFE IF THE DEVIL COME, AND HE HAVE NO MORE STRENGTH THAN FENCE HE SHALL NEVER BEAT ME FROM THIS WARD, I'LL STAND TO IT; A BUCKLER IN A SKILFUL HAND IS AS GOOD AS A CASTLE; NAY, 'TIS BETTER THAN A SCONCE, FOR I HAVE TRIED IT. MOSBIE PERCEIVING THIS, BEGAN TO FAINT. WITH THAT COMES ARDEN WITH HIS ARMING SWORD, AND THRUST HIM THROUGH THE SHOULDER IN A TRICE. ALICE. AY, BUT I WONDER WHY YOU BOTH STOOD STILL. SWEET MOSBIE, HIDE THY ARM, IT KILLS MY HEART. MOS. AY, MISTRESS ARDEN, THIS IS YOUR FAVOR. ALICE. AH SAY NOT SO FOR WHEN I SAW THEE HURT, I COULD HAVE TOOK THE WEAPON THOU LET'ST FALL, AND RUN AT ARDEN; FOR I HAVE SWORN THAT THESE MINE EYES, OFFENDED WITH HIS SIGHT, SHALL NEVER CLOSE TILL ARDEN'S BE SHUT UP. THIS NIGHT I ROSE AND WALKED ABOUT THE CHAMBER, AND TWICE OR THRICE I THOUGHT TO HAVE MURDERED HIM. MOS. WHAT, IN THE NIGHT? THEN HAD WE BEEN UNDONE. ALICE. WHY, HOW LONG SHALL HE LIVE? MOS. FAITH, ALICE, NO LONGER THAN THIS NIGHT. - BLACK WILL AND SHAKEBAG, WILL YOU TWO PERFORM THE COMPLOT THAT I HAVE LAID? WILL. AY, OR ELSE THINK ME A VILLAIN. GREENE. AND RATHER THAN YOU SHALL WANT, I'LL HELP MY SELF. MOS. YOU, MASTER GREENE, SHALL SINGLE FRANKLIN FORTH, AND HOLD HIM WITH A LONG TALE OF STRANGE NEWS, THAT HE MAY NOT COME HOME TILL SUPPERTIME. I'LL FETCH MASTER ARDEN HOME, AND WE LIKE FRIENDS WILL PLAY A GAME OR TWO AT TABLES HERE. ALICE. BUT WHAT OF ALL THIS? HOW SHALL HE BE SLAIN? MOS. WHY, BLACK WILL AND SHAKEBAG LOCK'D WITHIN THE COUNTINGHOUSE SHALL AT A CERTAIN WATCHWORD GIVEN RUSH FORTH. WILL. WHAT SHALL THE WATCHWORD BE? MOS. 'NOW I TAKE YOU'; THAT SHALL BE THE WORD. BUT COME NOT FORTH BEFORE IN ANY CASE. WILL. I WARRANT YOU. BUT WHO SHALL LOCK ME IN? ALICE. THAT WILL I DO; THOU'LT KEEP THE KEY THY SELF. MOS. COME, MASTER GREENE, GO YOU ALONG WITH ME. SEE ALL THINGS READY, ALICE, AGAINST WE COME. ALICE. TAKE NO CARE FOR THAT; SEND YOU HIM HOME. (EXEUNT MOSBIE AND GREENE. AND IF HE E'ER GO FORTH AGAIN, BLAME ME. COME, BLACK WILL, THAT IN MINE EYES ART FAIR; NEXT UNTO MOSBIE DO I HONOR THEE; INSTEAD OF FAIR WORDS AND LARGE PROMISES MY HANDS SHALL PLAY YOU GOLDEN HARMONY: WILL. AY, AND THAT BRAVELY, TOO, MARK MY DEVICE. PLACE MOSBIE, BEING A STRANGER, IN A CHAIR, AND LET YOUR HUSBAND SIT UPON A STOOL, THAT I MAY COME BEHIND HIM CUNNINGLY, AND WITH A TOWEL PULL HIM TO THE GROUND, THEN STAB HIM TILL HIS FLESH BE AS A SIEVE; THAT DONE, BEAR HIM BEHIND THE ABBEY, THAT THOSE THAT FIND HIM MURDERED MAY SUPPOSE SOME SLAVE OR OTHER KILLED HIM FOR HIS GOLD. ALICE. A FINE DEVICE! YOU SHALL HAVE TWENTY POUHD, AND, WHEN HE IS DEAD, YOU SHALL HAVE FORTY MORE, AND, LEST YOU MIGHT BE SUSPECTED STAYING HERE, MICHAEL SHALL SADDLE YOU TWO LUSTY GELDINGS; RIDE WHITHER YOU WILL, TO SCOTLAND, OR TO WALES, I'LL SEE YOU SHALL NOT LACK, WHERE'ER YOU BE. WILL. SUCH WORDS WOULD MAKE ONE KILL A THOUSAND MEN. GIVE ME THE KEY; WHICH IS THE COUNTINGHOUSE? ALICE. HERE WOULD I STAY AND STILL ENCOURAGE YOU; BUT THAT I KNOW HOW RESOLUTE YOU ARE. SHAKE. TUSH, YOU ARE TOO FAINT HEARTED; WE MUST DO IT. ALICE. BUT MOSBIE WILL BE THERE, WHOSE VERY LOOKS WILL ADD UNWONTED COURAGE TO MY THOUGHT, AND MAKE ME THE FIRST THAT SHALL ADVENTURE ON HIM. WILL. TUSH, GET YOU GONE; 'TIS WE MUST DO THE DEED. WHEN THIS DOOR OPENS NEXT, LOOK FOR HIS DEATH. ALICE. AH, WOULD HE NOW WERE HERE THAT IT MIGHT OPEN. I SHALL NO MORE BE CLOSED IN ARDEN'S ARMS, THAT LIKE THE SNAKES OF BLACK TISIPHONE STING ME WITH THEIR EMBRACINGS. MOSBIE'S ARMS SHALL COMPASS ME, AND, WERE I MADE A STAR, I WOULD HAVE NONE OTHER SPHERES BUT THOSE. THERE IS NO NECTAR BUT IN MOSBIE'S LIPS. HAD CHASTE DIANA KISSED HIM, SHE LIKE ME WOULD GROW LOVE SICK, AND FROM HER WATERY BOWER FLING DOWN ENDYMION AND SNATCH HIM UP: THEN BLAME NOT ME THAT SLAY A SILLY MAN NOT HALF SO LOVELY AS ENDYMION. (HERE ENTERS MICHAEL. MICH. MISTRESS, MY MASTER IS COMING HARD BY. MICH. THAT'S BRAVE. I'LL GO FETCH THE TABLES. ALICE. BUT, MICHAEL, HARK TO ME A WORD OR TWO: WHEN MY HUSBAND IS COME IN, LOCK THE STREET DOOR; HE SHALL BE MURDERED, ERE THE GUESTS COME IN. (EXIT MICHAEL. (HERE ENTERS ARDEN AND MOSBIE. HUSBAND, WHAT MEAN YOU TO BRING MOSBIE HOME? ALTHOUGH I WISHED YOU TO BE RECONCILED, 'TWAS MORE FOR FEAR OF YOU THAN LOVE OF HIM. BLACK WILL AND GREENE ARE HIS COMPANIONS, AND THEY ARE CUTTERS, AND MAY CUT YOU SHORT: THEREFORE I THOUGHT IT GOOD TO MAKE YOU FRIENDS. BUT WHEREFORE DO YOU BRING HIM HITHER NOW? YOU HAVE GIVEN ME MY SUPPER WITH HIS SIGHT. MOS. MASTER ARDEN, ME THINKS YOUR WIFE WOULD HAVE ME GONE. ARDEN. NO, GOOD MASTER MOSBIE; WOMEN WILL BE PRATING. ALICE, BID HIM WELCOME; HE AND I ARE FRIENDS. ALICE. YOU MAY ENFORCE ME TO IT, IF YOU WILL; BUT I HAD RATHER DIE THAN BID HIM WELCOME. HIS COMPANY HATH PURCHASED ME ILL FRIENDS, AND THEREFORE WILL I NE'ER FREQUENT IT MORE. MOS. - OH, HOW CUNNINGLY SHE CAN DISSEMBLE. ARDEN. NOW HE IS HERE, YOU WILL NOT SERVE ME SO. ALICE. I PRAY YOU BE NOT ANGRY OR DISPLEASED; I'LL BID HIM WELCOME, SEEING YOU'LL HAVE IT SO. YOU ARE WELCOME, MASTER MOSBIE; WILL YOU SIT DOWN? MOS. I KNOW I AM WELCOME TO YOUR LOVING HUSBAND; BUT FOR YOUR SELF YOU SPEAK NOT FROM YOUR HEART. ALICE. AND IF I DO NOT, SIR, THINK I HAVE CAUSE. MOS. PARDON ME, MASTER ARDEN; I'LL AWAY. ARDEN. NO, GOOD MASTER MOSBIE. ALICE. WE SHALL HAVE GUESTS ENOUGH, THOUGH YOU GO HOME. MOS. I PRAY YOU, MASTER ARDEN, LET ME GO. ARDEN. I PRAY THEE, MOSBIE, LET HER PRATE HER FILL. ALICE. THE DOORS ARE OPEN, SIR, YOU MAY BE GONE. MICH. - NAY, THAT'S A LIE, FOR I HAVE LOCKED THE DOORS. ARDEN. SIRRAH, FETCH ME A CUP OF WINE, I'LL MAKE THEM FRIENDS. AND, GENTLE MISTRESS ALICE, SEEING YOU ARE SO STOUT, ALICE. I PRAY YOU MEDDLE WITH THAT YOU HAVE TO DO. ARDEN. WHY, ALICE! HOW CAN I DO TOO MUCH FOR HIM WHOSE LIFE I HAVE ENDANGERED WITHOUT CAUSE? ALICE. 'TIS TRUE; AND, SEEING 'TWAS PARTLY THROUGH MY MEANDS, I AM CONTENT TO DRINK TO HIM FOR THIS ONCE. HERE MASTER MOSBIE, AND I PRAY YOU HENCEFORTH, BE YOU AS STRANGE TO ME, AS I TO YOU YOUR COMPANY HATH PRUCHASED ME ILL FRIENDS. AND I FOR YOU GOD KNOWS, HAVE UNDESERVED BEEN ILL SPOKEN OF IN EVERY PLACE. THEREFORE HENCEFORTH FREQUENT MY HOUSE NO MORE. MOS. I'LL SEE YOUR HUSBAND IN DESPITE OF YOU, YET, ARDEN, I PROTEST TO THEE BY HEAVEN, THOU NE'ER SHALT SEE ME MORE AFTER THIS NIGHT. I'LL GO TO ROME RATHER THAN BE FORSWORN. ARDEN. TUSH, I'LL HAVE NO SUCH VOWS MADE IN MY HOUSE. ALICE. YES, I PRAY YOU, HUSBAND, LET HIM SWEAR; AND, ON THAT CONDITION, MOSBIE, PLEDGE ME HERE. MOS. AY, AS WILLINGLY AS I MEAN TO LIVE. ARDEN. COME, ALICE, IS OUR SUPPER READY YET? ALICE. IT WILL BY THEN YOU HAVE PLAYED A GAME AT TABLES. ARDEN. COME, MASTER MOSBIE, WHAT SHALL WE PLAY FOR? MOS. THREE GAMES FOR A FRENCH CROWN, SIR, AND PLEASE YOU. ARDEN. CONTENT. (THEN THEY PLAY AT THE TABLES. WILL. CAN HE NOT TAKE HIM YET? WHAT A SPITE IS THAT? ALICE. NOT YET, WILL; TAKE HEED HE SEE THEE NOT. WILL. I FEAR HE WILL SPY ME AS I AM COMING. MOS. ONE ACE, OR ELSE I LOSE THE GAME. ARDEN. MARRY, SIR, THERE'S TWO FOR FAILING. MOS. AH, MASTER ARDEN, 'NOW I CAN TAKE YOU.' (THEN WILL PULLS HIM DOWN WITH A TOWEL. ARDEN. MOSBIE, MICHAEL, ALICE, WHAT WILL YOU DO? WILL. NOTHING BUT TAKE YOU UP, SIR, NOTHING ELSE. MOS. THERE'S FOR THE PRESSING IRON YOU TOLD ME OF. SHAKE. AND THERE'S FOR THE TEN POUND IN MY SLEEVE. TAKE THIS FOR HINDERING MOSBIE'S LOVE AND MINE. (SHE STABS HIM) MICH. O, MISTRESS! MOSBIE, FAREWELL, AND MICHAEL, FAREWELL TOO. (EXEUNT. ENTER SUSAN. SUS. MISTRESS, THE GUESTS ARE AT THE DOORS. HEARKEN, THEY KNOCK: WHAT, SHALL I LET THEM IN? ALICE. MOSBIE, GO THOU, AND BEAR THEM COMPANY. (EXIT MOSBIE. AND, SUSAN, FETCH WATER AND WASH AWAY THIS BLOOD. SUS. THE BLOOD CLEAVETH TO THE GROUND AND WILL NOT OUT. ALICE. BUT WITH MY NAILS I'LL SCRAPE AWAY THE BLOOD. THE MORE I STRIVE, THE MORE THE BLOOD APPEARS! SUS. WHAT'S THE REASON, MISTRESS, CAN YOU TELL? ALICE. BECAUSE I BLUSH NOT AT MY HUSBAND'S DEATH. (HERE ENTERS MOSBIE. MOS. HOW NOW? WHAT'S THE MATTER? IS ALL WELL? ALICE. AY, WELL, IF ARDEN WERE ALIVE AGAIN. IN VAIN WE STRIVE, FOR HERE HIS BLOOD REMAINS. MOS. WHY, STREW RUSHES ON IT, CAN YOU NOT? THIS WENCH DOES NOTHING: FALL UNTO THE WORK. ALICE. 'TWAS THOU THAT MADE ME MURDER HIM. MOS. WHAT OF THAT? ALICE. NAY, NOTHING, MOSBIE, SO IT BE NOT KNOWN. MOS. KEEP THOU IT CLOSE, AND 'TIS IMPOSSIBLE. ALICE. AH, BUT I CAN NOT, WAS HE NOT SLAIN BY ME? MY HUSBAND'S DEATH TORMENTS ME AT THE HEART. MOS. IT SHALL NOT LONG TORMENT THEE, GENTLE ALICE; I AM THY HUSBAND, THINK NO MORE OF HIM. (HERE ENTERES ADAM FOWLE AND BRADSHAW. BRAD. HOW NOW, MISTRESS ARDEN? WHAT AILS YOU, YOU WEEP? MOS. BECAUSE HER HUSBAND IS ABROAD SO LATE. A COUPLE OF RUFFIANS THREATENED HIM YESTERNIGHT, AND SHE, POOR SOUL, IS AFRAID HE SHOULD BE HURT. ADAM. IS'T NOTHING ELSE? TUSH, HE'LL BE HERE ANON. (HERE ENTERS GREENE. GREENE. NOW, MISTRESS ARDEN, LACK YOU ANY GUESTS? ALICE. AH, MASTER GREENE, DID YOU SEE MY HUSBAND LATELY? GREENE. I SAW HIM WALKING BEHIND THE ABBEY EVEN NOW. ALICE. I DO NOT LIKE THIS BEING OUT SO LATE. - MASTER FRANKLIN, WHERE DID YOU LEAVE MY HUSBAND? FRANK. BELIEVE ME I SAW HIM NOT SINCE MORNING. FEAR YOU NOT, HE'LL COME ANON; MEANTIME YOU MAY DO WELL TO BID HIS GUESTS SIT DOWN. ALICE. AY, SO THEY SHALL; MASTER BRADSHAW, SIT YOU THERE; I PRAY YOU BE CONTENT, I'LL HAVE MY WILL. MASTER MOSBIE, SIT YOU IN MY HUSBAND'S SEAT. MICH. - SUSAN, SHALL THOU AND I WAIT ON THEM? OR, AND THOU SAYEST THE WORD, LET US SIT DOWN TOO. SUS. - PEACE, WE HAVE OTHER MATTERS NOW IN HAND. I FEAR ME, MICHAEL, ALL WILL BE BEWRAYED. MICH. TUSH, SO IT BE KNOWN THAT I SHALL MARRY THEE IN THE I CAN NOT THOUGH I BE HANGED ERE NIGHT. BUT TO PREVENT THE WORST, I'LL BUY SOME RATS BANE. SUS. - WHY, MICHAEL, WILT THOU POISON THYSELF? MICH. NO, BUT MY MISTRESS, FOR I FEAR SHE'LL TELL. SUS. TUSH, MICHAEL; FEAR NOT HER, SHE'S WISE ENOUGH. MOS. SIRRAH MICHAEL, GIVE'S A CUP OF BEER. - MISTRESS ARDEN, HERE'S TO YOUR HUSBAND. ALICE. MY HUSBAND? FRANK. WHAT AILS YOU WOMAN, TO CRY SO SUDDENLY? ALICE. AH, NEIGHBORS, A SUDDEN QUALM CAME OVER MY HEART MY HUSBAND BEING FORTH TORMENTS MY MIND. I KNOW SOMETHING'S AMISS, HE IS NOT WELL; OR ELSE I SHOULD HAVE HEARD OF HIM ERE NOW. MOS. - SHE WILL UNDO US THROUGH HER FOOLISHNESS. GREENE. FEAR NOT, MISTRESS ARDEN, HE'S WELL ENOUGH. ALICE. TELL NOT ME; I KNOW HE IS NOT WELL: HE WAS NOT WONT FOR TO STAY THUS LATE. GOOD MASTER FRANKLIN, GO AND SEEK HIM FORTH, AND IF YOU FIND HIM SEND HIM HOME TO ME, AND TELL HIM WHAT A FEAR HE HATH PUT ME IN. FRANK. - I LIKE NOT THIS; I PRAY GOD ALL BE WELL. I'LL SEEK HIM OUT, AND FIND HIM IF I CAN. (EXEUNT FRANKLIN, MOSBIE, AND GREENE. ALICE. MICHAEL, HOW SHALL I DO TO RID THE REST AWAY? MICH. - LEAVE THAT TO MY CHARGE, LET ME ALONE. 'TIS VERY LATE, MASTER BRADSHAW, AND YOU HAVE MANY NARROW LANES TO PASS. BRAD. FAITH, FRIEND MICHAEL, AND THOU SAYEST TRUE, THEREFORE I PRAY THEE LIGHT'S FORTH AND LEND'S A LINK. (EXEUNT BRADSHAW, ADAM, AND MICHAEL. ALICE. MICHAEL, BRING THEM TO THE DOORS, BUT DO NOT STAY, YOU KNOW I DO NOT LOVE TO BE ALONE. (HERE ENTERS MOSBIE AND GREENE. MOS. HOW NOW, ALICE, WHITHER WILL YOU BEAR HIM? ALICE. SWEET MOSBIE, ART THOU COME? THEN WEEP THAT WILL: I HAVE MY WISH IN THAT I JOY THY SIGHT. GREENE. WELL IT 'HOOVES US TO BE CIRCUMSPECT. MOS. AY, FOR FRANKLIN THINKS THAT WE HAVE MURDERED HIM. ALICE. AY, BUT HE CANNOT PROVE IT FOR HIS LIFE. WE'LL SPEND THIS NIGHT IN DALLIANCE AND IN SPORT. (HERE ENTERS MICHAEL. MICH. O MISTRESS, THE MAYOR AND ALL THE WATCH ARE COMING TOWARDS OUR HOUSE WITH GLAIVES AND BILLS. ALICE. MAKE THE DOOR FAST; LET THEM NOT COME IN. MOS. TELL ME, SWEET ALICE, HOW SHALL I ESCAPE? ALICE. OUT AT THE BACK DOOR, OVER THE PILE OF WOOD, AND FOR ONE NIGHT LIE AT THE FLOWER-DE-LUCE. MOS. THAT IS THE NEXT WAY TO BETRAY MY SELF. GREENE. ALAS, MISTRESS ARDEN, THE WATCH WILL TAKE ME HERE, AND CAUSE SUSPICION, WHERE ELSE WOULD BE NONE. ALICE. WHY, TAKE THAT WAY THAT MASTER MOSBIE DOTH, BUT FIRST CONVEY THE BODY TO THE FIELDS. (THEN THEY BEAR THE BODY INTO THE FIELDS. MOS. UNTIL TO MORROW, SWEET ALICE, NOW FAREWELL: AND SEE YOU CONFESS NOTHING IN ANY CASE. GREENE. BE RESOLUTE, MISTRESS ARDEN, BETRAY US NOT, BUT CLEAVE TO US AS WE WILL STICK TO YOU. (EXEUNT MOSBIE AND GREENE. ALICE. NOW, LET THE JUDGE AND JURIES DO THEIR WORST: MY HOUSE IS CLEAR, AND NOW I FEAR THEM NOT. SUS. AS WE WENT, IT SNOWED ALL THE WAY, WHICH MAKES ME FEAR OUR FOOTSTEPS WILL BE SPIED. SUS. BUT IT HAD DONE BEFORE WE CAME BACK AGAIN. ALICE. HARK, HARK, THEY KNOCK! GO MICHAEL, LET THEM IN. (HERE ENTERS THE MAYOR AND THE WATCH. HOW NOW, MASTER MAYOR, HAVE YOU BROUGHT MY HUSBAND HOME? MAYOR. I SAW HIM COME INTO YOUR HOUSE AN HOUR AGO. ALICE. YOU ARE DECEIVED; IT WAS A LONDONER. MAYOR. MISTRESS ARDEN KNOW YOU NOT ONE THAT IS CALLED BLACK WILL? ALICE. I KNOW NONE SUCH: WHAT MEAN THESE QUESTIONS? MAYOR. I HAVE THE COUNCIL'S WARRANT TO APPREHEND HIM. ALICE. I AM GLAD IT IS NO WORSE. WHY, MASTER MAYOR, THINK YOU I HARBOR ANY SUCH? MAYOR. WE ARE INFORMED THAT HERE HE IS; AND THEREFORE PARDON US, FOR WE MUST SEARCH. ALICE. AY, SEARCH, AND SPARE YOU NOT, THROUGH EVERY ROOM, WERE MY HUSBAND AT HOME, YOU WOULD NOT OFFER THIS. (HERE ENTERS FRANKLIN. MASTER FRANKLIN, WHAT MEAN YOU COME SO SAD? FRANK. ARDEN, THY HUSBAND AND MY FRIEND, IS SLAIN. ALICE. AH, BY WHOM? MASTER FRANKLIN, CAN YOU TELL? FRANK. I KNOW NOT; BUT BEHIND THE ABBEY THERE HE LIES MURDERED IN MOST PITEOUS CASE. MAYOR. BUT, MASTER FRANKLIN, ARE YOU SURE 'TIS HE? FRANK. I AM TOO SURE; WOULD GOD I WERE DECEIVED. ALICE. FIND OUT THE MURDERERS, LET THEM BE KNOWN. FRANK. AY, SO THEY SHALL: COME YOU ALONG WITH US. ALICE. WHEREFORE? FRANK. KNOW YOU THIS HAND-TOWEL AND THIS KNIFE? SUS. - AH, MICHAEL, THROUGH THIS THY NEGLIGENCE THOU HAST BETRAYED AND UNDONE US ALL. MICH. - I WAS SO AFRAID I KNEW NOT WHAT I DID: I THOUGHT I HAD THROWN THEM BOTH INTO THE WELL. ALICE. IT IS THE PIG'S BLOOD WE HAD TO SUPPER. BUT WHEREFORE STAY YOU? FIND OUT THE MURDERERS. MAYOR. I FEAR ME YOU'LL PROVE ONE OF THEM YOURSELF. ALICE. I ONE OF THEM? WHAT MEAN SUCH QUESTIONS? FRANK. I FEAR ME HE WAS MURDERED IN THIS HOUSE AND CARRIED TO THE FIELDS; FOR FROM THAT PLACE THE PRINT OF MANY FEET WITHIN THE SNOW. AND LOOK ABOUT THIS CHAMBER WHERE WE ARE, AND YOU SHALL FIND PART OF HIS GUILTLESS BLOOD; FOR IN HIS SLIPSHOE DID I FIND SOME RUSHES, WHICH ARGUETH HE WAS MURDERED IN THIS ROOM. MAYOR. LOOK IN THE PLACE WHERE HE WAS WONT TO SIT. SEE, SEE! HIS BLOOD! IT IS TOO MANIFEST. ALICE. IT IS A CUP OF WINE THAT MICHAEL SHED. AND SEEK FOR MOSBIE, AND APPREHEND HIM TOO. (EXEUNT. HERE ENTERS SHAKEBAG SOLUS. SHAKE. THE WIDOW CHAMBLY IN HER HUSBAND'S DAYS I KEPT AND NOW HE'S DEAD, SHE IS GROWN SO STOUT SHE WILL NOT KNOW HER OLD COMPANIONS. I CAME THITHER, THINKING TO HAVE HAD HARBOR AS I WAS WONT, AND SHE WAS READY TO THRUST ME OUT AT DOORS, BUT WHETHER SHE WOULD OR NO, I GOT ME UP, AND AS SHE FOLLOWED ME, I SPURNED HER DOWN THE STAIRS, AND BROKE HER NECK, AND CUT HER TAPSTER'S THROAT, AND NOW I AM GOING TO FLING THEM IN THE THAMES. I HAVE THE GOLD; WHAT CARE I THOUGH IT BE KNOWN! I'LL CROSS THE WATER AND TAKE SANCTUARY. (EXIT SHAKEBAG. HERE ENTER THE MAYOR, MOSBIE, ALICE, FRANKLIN, MICHAEL AND SUSAN. MAYOR. SEE, MISTRESS ARDEN, WHERE YOUR HUSBAND LIES; CONFESS THIS FOUL FAULT AND BE PENITENT. ALICE. ARDEN, SWEET HUSBAND, WHAT SHALL I SAY? THE MORE I SOUND HIS NAME, THE MORE HE BLEEDS; THIS BLOOD CONDEMNS ME, AND IN GUSHING FORTH SPEAKS AS IT FALLS AND ASKS ME WHY I DID IT. FORGIVE ME, ARDEN: I REPENT ME NOW, AND, WOULD MY DEATH SAVE THINE, THOU SHOULDST NOT DIE. RISE UP, SWEET ARDEN, AND ENJOY THY LOVE, AND FROWN NOT ON ME WHEN WE MEET IN HEAVEN: IN HEAVEN I'LL LOVE THEE, THOUGH ON EARTH I DID NOT. MAYOR. SAY, MOSBIE, WHAT MADE THEE MURDER HIM? FRANK. STUDY NOT FOR AN ANSWER; LOOK NOT DOWN: HIS PURSE AND GIRDLE FOUND AT THY BED'S HEAD WITNESS SUFFICIENTLY THOU DIDST THE DEED; MOS. I HIRED BLACK WILL AND SHAKEBAG, RUFFIANS BOTH, AND THEY AND I HAVE DONE THIS MURDEROUS DEED. BUT WHEREFORE STAY WE? COME AND BEAR ME HENCE. RANK. THOSE RUFFIANS SHALL NOT ESCAPE; I WILL UP TO LONDON. AND GET THE COUNCILHS WARRANT TO APPREHEND THEM. (EXEUNT. HERE ENTERS WILL. WILL. SHAKEBAG, I HEAR, HATH TAKEN SANCTUARY, BUT I AM SO PURSUED WITH HUES AND CRIES FOR PETTY ROBBERIES THAT I HAVE DONE, THAT I CAN COME UNTO NO SANCTUARY. THEREFORE MUST I IN SOME OYSTER BOAT AT LAST BE FAIN TO GO A BOARD SOME HOY, AND SO TO FLUSHING. THERE IS NO STAYING HERE. AT SITTINGBURGH THE WATCH WAS LIKE TO TAKE ME, AND HAD NOT I WITH MY BUCKLER COVERED MY HEAD, AND RUN FULL BLANK AT ALL ADVENTURES, I AM SURE I HAD NE'ER GONE FURTHER THAN THAT PLACE, FOR THE CONSTABLE HAD TWENTY WARRANTS TO APPREHEND ME, BESIDES THAT, I ROBBED HIM AND HIS MAN ONCE AT GADSHILL. FAREWELL, ENGLAND, I'LL TO FLUSHING NOW. (EXIT WILL. (HERE ENTER SUSAN, THE MAYOR, MOSBIE, ALICE, MICHAEL, SUSAN, AND BRADSHAW. MAYOR. COME, MAKE HASTE AND BRING AWAY THE PRISONERS. BRAD. MISTRESS ARDEN, YOU ARE NOW GOING TO GOD, AND I AM BY THE LAW CONDEMNED TO DIE ABOUT A LETTER I BROUGHT FROM MASTER GREENE. I PRAY YOU, MISTRESS ARDEN, SPEAK THE TRUTH: WAS I EVER PRIVY TO YOUR INTENT OR NO. ALICE. WHAT SHOULD I SAY? YOU BROUGHT ME SUCH A LETTER, BUT I DARE SWEAR THOU KNEWEST NOT THE CONTENTS. LEAVE NOW TO TROUBLE ME WITH WORLDLY THINGS, AND LET ME MEDITATE UPON MY SAVIOUR CHRIST, WHOSE BLOOD MUST SAVE ME FOR THE BLOOD I SHED. MOS. HOW LONG SHALL I LIVE IN THIS HELL OF GRIEF? CONVEY ME FROM THE PRESENCE OF THAT STRUMPET. ALICE. AH BUT FOR THEE I HAD NEVER BEEN STRUMPET. WHAT CANNOT OATHS AND PROTESTATIONS DO, WHEN MEN HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO WOO? BUT NOW I FIND IT AND REPENT TOO LATE. SUS. AH, GENTLE BROTHER, WHEREFORE SHOULD I DIE? I KNEW NOT OF IT TILL THE DEED WAS DONE. MOS. FOR THEE I MOURN MORE THAN FOR MYSELF; BUT LET IT SUFFICE, I CANNOT SAVE THEE NOW. MICH. AND IF YOUR BROTHER AND MY MISTRESS MOS. FIE UPON WOMEN! THIS SHALL BE MY SONG; BUT BEAR ME HENCE, FOR I HAVE LIVED TOO LONG. SUS. SEEING NO HOPE ON EARTH, IN HEAVEN IS MY HOPE. MICH. FAITH, I CARE NOT, SEEING I DIE WITH SUSAN. BRAD. MY BLOOD BE ON HIS HEAD THAT GAVE THE SENTENCE. MAYOR. TO SPEEDY EXECUTION WITH THEM ALL! (EXEUNT. (HERE ENTERS FRANKLIN. FRANK. THUS HAVE YOU SEEN THE TRUTH OF ARDEN'S DEATH. AS FOR THE RUFFIANS, SHAKEBAG AND BLACK WILL, THE ONE TOOK SANCTUARY, AND, BEING SENT FOR OUT, WAS MURDERED IN SOUTHWARK AS HE PASSED TO GREENWICH, WHERE THE LORD PROTECTOR LAY. BLACK WILL WAS BURNED IN FLUSHING ON A STAGE; GREENE WAS HANGED AT OSBRIDGE IN KENT; THE PAINTER FLED AND HOW HE DIED WE KNOW NOT. BUT THIS ABOVE THE REST IS TO BE NOTED: ARDEN LAY MURDERED IN THAT PLOT OF GROUND WHICH HE BY FORCE AND VIOLENCE HELD FROM REEDE; AND IN THE GRASS HIS BODY'S PRINT WAS SEEN TWO YEARS AND MORE AFTER THE DEED WAS DONE. GENTLEMEN, WE HOPE YOU'LL PARDON THIS NAKED TRAGEDY, WHEREIN NO FILED POINTS ARE FOISTED IN TO MAKE IT GRACIOUS TO THE EAR OR EYE; FOR SIMPLE TRUTH IS GRACIOUS ENOUGH, AND NEEDS NO OTHER POINTS OF GLOSING STUFF. FINIS.