Love. This way he went, and there's the house, I hope,
His better Angel hath directed him,
To leave the wandring streets, poor Gentleman.
Would I were able with as free a heart,
To set his soul right, as I am to grieve,
The ruine of his fame, which God forgive me;
Sir, if you be within, I pray Sir speak to me.
Sha. I am within, and will be; what are you?
Love. A friend.
Sha. No Sir, you must pardon me,
I am acquainted with none such: be speedy,
Friend, there is no other remedy.
Love. A word Sir, I say, I am your friend.
Sha. You cannot scape by any other means,
Be not fearful, God save the King,
What's your business, Sir?
Lov. To speak with you.
Sha. Speak out then.
Lov. Shall I not come up?
Sha. Thou shalt not: flie if thou be'st thine own friend,
There lies the suit and all the furniture
Belonging to the head, on with it friend.
Lov. Sir do you hear?
Sha. I do, God bless the King,
It was a habit I had laid aside,
For my own person, if the state had forced me.
Love. Good Sir, unlock your door.
Sha. Be full of speed, I see some 20 Musquetiers in ambush
Whate'r thou art, know I am here and will be,
Seest thou this bloody sword that cries revenge?
Shake not my friend, through millions of these foes
I'll be thy guard, and set thee safe aboard.
Lov. Dare you not trust me, Sir?
Sha. My good [sword] before me,
And my allegeance to the King I tell thee
Captain (for so I ghess thee by thy Arms)
And the loose flanks of Halberdiers about thee,
Thou art too weak, and foolish to attempt me.
If you be ready, follow me, and hark you
Upon your life speak to no living wight,
Except my self.
Love. Monsieur Shattillion?
Sha. Thou shalt not call agen; thus with my sword,
And the strong faith I bear unto the King;
Whom God preserve, I will [de[sc]end] my chamber,
And cut thy throat, I swear I'll cut thy throat,
Steal after me and live.
Love. I will not stay.
The fury of a man so far distracted. [Exit Love.
Enter Shattillion.
Where's the Officer that dares not enter,
To intrap the life of my distressed friend?
I, have you hid your self? you must be found,
What do you fear? is not authority on your side
Nay, I know the Kings command
Will be your warrant, why then fear you? speak
What strange designs are these? Shattillion,
Be resolute and bear thy self upright,
Though the whole world despise thee: soft, methinks.
I heard a rushing which was like the shake
Of a discovered Officer, I'll search
The whole street over, but I'll find thee out. [Exit.
Enter Jaques in womans apparel.
Jaq. How my joynts do shake, where had I been
But for this worthy Gentleman, that
Hath some touch of my infortunes; would I were
Safe under hatches once, for Callicut,
Farewel the pomp of Court, I never more
Can hope to be a Duke or any thing,
I never more shall [see the] glorious face
Of my fair spreading Lord that lov'd me well.
Enter Shattillion.
Shat. Fly you so fast? I had a sight of you,
But would not follow you; I was too wise,
You shall not lead me with a cunning trick;
Where you may catch me; poor Shattillion;
Hath the Kings anger left thee never a friend?
No, all mens loves move by the breath of Kings.
Jaq. It is the Gentleman that sav'd my life, Sir.
Shat. Bless Shattillion, another plot.
Jaq. No Sir, 'tis I.
Shat. Why, who are you?
Jaq. Your friend whom you preserv'd.
Shat. Whom I preserv'd?
My friend? I have no woman friend but one,
Who is too close in prison to be here;
Come near, let me look on you.
Jaq. 'Tis I.
Shat. You should not be a woman by your stature.
Jaq. I am none, Sir.
Shat. I know it, then keep off,
Strange men and times! how I am still preserv'd!
Here they have sent a yeoman of the guard,
Disguis'd in womans clothes, to work on me,
To make love to me; and to trap my words,
And so insnare my life, I know you, Sir,
Stand back, upon your peril, can this be
In Christian Common-weals, from this time forth
I'll cut off all the means to work on me,
I'll ne'er stir from my house: and keep my doors
Lockt day and night, and cheapen meat and drink
At the next shops by Signs, out of my window,
And having bought it, draw it up in my garters.
Jaq. Sir, will you help me?
Shat. Do not follow me,
I'll take a course to live, despight of men. [Exit Shat.
Jaq. He dares not venture for me, wretched Jaques!
Thou art undone for ever and for ever,
Never to rise again? what shall I do?
Enter Bewfort.
Where shall I hide me? here's one to take me,
I must stand close, and not speak for my life.
Bew. This is the time of night, and this the haunt,
In which I use to catch my Wastcoatiers,
It is not very dark, no, I shall spie 'em,
I have walk't out in such a pitchy night.
I could not see my fingers this far off,
And yet have brought home venison by the smell,
I hope they have not left their old walk, ah?
Have I spied you sitting by this light?
To me there's no such fine sight in the world,
As a white apron 'twixt twelve and one;
See how it glisters! do you think to scape?
See now I have you fast; come, and do not strive,
It takes away the edge of appetite;
Come, I'll be liberal every way.
Take heed you make no noise, for waking of the Watch. [Exeunt.
Enter Cosin and his Wife.