Act V
Scene.—Hall in Justice Clement's. Clement, Kitely, Old Knowell.
Clement: Stay, stay, give me leave; my chair, sirrah. Master Knowell, you went to meet your son. Mistress Kitely, you went to find your husband; you, Master Kitely, to find your wife. And Well-bred told her first, and you after. You are gulled in this most grossly all.
[Bobadill and Matthew are ushered in; then Brain-Worm, with Down-Right and Stephen; all make their charges.
Clement: You there (to Bobadill), had you my warrant for this gentleman's apprehension?
Bobadill: Ay, an't please your worship; I had it of your clerk.
Clement: Officer (to Brain-Worm), have you the warrant?
Brain-Worm: No, sir; your worship's man, Master Formal, bid me do it.
Brain-Worm, in fear of some worse penalty, discloses himself. As he reveals one after another of his devices, the delighted Justice begs for him a readily granted pardon from Old Knowell. Finally, he announces that by this time Young Knowell and Bridget are married. Clement despatches a servant to bring home the young couple to dinner "upon my warrant." Enter Bridget, Young Knowell, and Well-Bred.
Clement: Oh, the young company—welcome, welcome, give you joy. Nay, Mistress Bridget, blush not; Master Bridegroom, I have made your peace; give me your hand. So will I for all the rest, ere you forsake my roof. Come, put off all discontent; you, Master Down-right, your anger; you, Master Knowell, your cares; Master Kitely and his wife, their jealousy.
Kitely: Sir, thus they go from me. Kiss me, sweetheart.
Clement: 'Tis well, 'tis well. This night we'll dedicate to friendship, love, and laughter.
FOOTNOTES:
[P] Ben Jonson was born at Westminster in 1573. He was brought up by his stepfather, a master bricklayer, and educated at Westminster School, where he got his learning under Camden. While still a youngster, he went a-fighting in the Low Countries, returning to London about 1592. In 1598 he emerged as a dramatic author with the play "Every Man in His Humour." This was the first of a series of comedies, tragedies, and masques, which rank highly. In human interest, however, none surpassed his first success. Unlike Shakespeare, with whom he consorted among the famous gatherings of wits at the Mermaid Tavern, Jonson regarded himself as the exponent of a theory of dramatic art. He was steeped in classical learning, which he is wont to display somewhat excessively. Besides his dramas, Jonson wrote many lyrical pieces, including some admirable songs, and produced sundry examples of other forms of versification. He died on August 6, 1637.