Enter Sir Giles Overreach, as from dinner.
Sir G. She's caught! O woman! she neglect my lord,
And all her compliments apply to Wellborn!
The garment of her widowhood laid by,
She now appears as glorious as the spring.
Her eyes fix'd on him; in the wine she drinks,
He being her pledge, she sends him burning kisses,
She leaves my meat to feed upon his looks;
And, if in our discourse he be but nam'd,
From her a deep sigh follows. But why grieve I
At this? It makes for me; if she prove his,
All that is hers, is mine, as I will work him.
Enter Marall.
Mar. Sir, the whole board is troubled at your rising.
Sir G. No matter, I'll excuse it; pr'ythee, Marall,
watch an occasion to invite my nephew
To speak with me in private.
Mar. Who, the rogue,
The lady scorn'd to look on?
Sir G. Hold your peace!
My good lord,
Excuse my manners.
Enter Lovell, Margaret, and Allworth.
Lov. There needs none, Sir Giles;
I may ere long say father, when it please
My dearest mistress to give warrant to it.
Sir G. She shall seal to it my lord, and make me happy.
Marg. My lady—
Enter Wellborn and Lady Allworth.
Lady A. My thanks, Sir Giles,
for my entertainment.
Sir G. 'Tis your nobleness
To think it such.
Lady A. I must do you a farther wrong,
In taking away your honourable guest.
Lov. I wait on you, madam: farewell good Sir Giles.
Lady A. Nay, come, Mr. Wellborn,
I must not leave you behind, in sooth, I must not.
Sir G. Rob me not, madam, of all joys at once.
Let my nephew stay behind: he shall have my coach,
And, after some small conference between us,
Soon overtake your ladyship.
Lady A. Stay not long, sir.
Lov. You shall every day hear from me,
By my faithful page. [To Margaret.
Allw.'Tis a service I am proud of.
[Exeunt Lovell, Lady Allworth, Allworth, and Marall.
Sir G. Daughter, to your chamber.
[Exit Margaret.
You may wonder, nephew,
After so long an enmity between us,
I shall desire your friendship.
Wellb. So I do, sir:
Tis strange to me.
Sir G. But I'll make it no wonder;
And, what is more, unfold my nature to you.
We worldly men, when we see friends and kinsmen,
Past hope, sunk in their fortunes, lend no hand
To lift 'em up, but rather set our feet
Upon their heads, to press 'em to the bottom;
As I must yield, with you I practis'd it:
But now I see you in a way to rise,
I can and will, assist you. This rich lady
(And I am glad of't) is enamour'd of you.
Wellb. No such thing:
Compassion, rather, sir.
Sir G. Well, in a word,
Because your stay is short, I'll have you seen
No more in this base shape; nor shall she say,
She married you like a beggar, or in debt.
Wellb. He'll run into the noose, and save my labour! [Aside.
Sir G. You have a trunk of rich clothes, not far hence,
In pawn; I will redeem 'em: and, that no clamour
May taint your credit for your debts,
You shall have a thousand pounds to cut 'em off,
And go a freeman to the wealthy lady.
Wellb. This done, sir, out of love, and no ends else—
Sir G. As it is, nephew.
Wellb. Binds me still your servant.
Sir G. No compliments; you are staid for: ere you've supp'd,
You shall hear from me. My coach, knaves! for my nephew:
Tomorrow I will visit you.
Wellb. Here's an uncle
In a man's extremes? how much they do belie you,
That say you are hard hearted!
Sir G. My deeds, nephew,
Shall speak my love; what men report, I weigh not.
[Exeunt.