My words prevail'd, when they were wickedness, I'm now your present mother. Cast. Pish, now 'tis too late. Moth. Bethink again, thou know'st not what thou say'st. Cast. No! deny advancement! treasure! the duke's son! Moth. O see, I spoke those words, and now they poi son me. What will the deed do then? Advancement! true; as high as shame can pitch! The duke's son! oh; when women are young courtiers, To know the miseries most harlots taste, Thou'dst wish thyself unborn when thou'rt unchaste. Cast. O mother, let me twine about your neck, And kiss you till my soul melt on your lips; I did but this to try you. Moth. O speak truth. Cast. Indeed I did not; for no tongue hath force To alter me from honest: If maidens would, men's words could have no power; A virgin's honor is a chrystal tower, Which being weak is guarded with good spirits; Until she basely yields, no ill inherits. Moth. O happy child! faith, and thy birth, hath saved me. 'Mongst thousand daughters, happiest of all others; Buy thou a glass for maids, and I for mothers. Evil Report after Death. What is it to have A flattering false insculption on a tomb, And in men's hearts reproach? the 'bowel'd corps The faults of great men through their sear-clothes break. Bastards. Oh what a grief 'tis that a man should live But once in the world, and then to live a Bastard! Too nice respects in Courtship. Ceremony has made many fools. It is as easy way unto a duchess As to a hatted dame, if her love answer: But that by timorous honors, pale respects, THE THE DEVIL'S LAW CASE; OR, WHEN WOMEN GO TO LAW, THE DEVIL IS FULL OF BUSINESS. A TRAGI COMEDY. BY JOHN WEBSTER. Contarino challenges Ercole to fight with him for the possession of Jolenta, whom they both love. Con. Sir; my love to you has proclaim'd you one, Con. You are false To the good thought I held of you; and now, That you should love her. Erc. Compare her beauty and my youth together, you will find the fair effects of love And No miracle at all. Con. Yes, it will prove Prodigious to you: I must stay your voyage. Con. Tis a seal From heaven to do it, since you'd ravish from me Like an Italian, to cut your throat By practice that had giv'n you now for dead You must fight with me. Erc. I will, Sir. Con. And instantly. Erc. I will haste before you. Point whither. Con. Why, you speak nobly; and, for this fair dealing, Were the rich jewel (which we vary for) A thing to be divided, by my life, I would be well content to give you half: But since 'tis vain to think we can be friends, Erc. You have not apparelled your fury well; Con. It is an ornament, Makes it more terrible; and you shall find it, By discreet valour; because I do not strike you, Erc. You promise well to yourself. Con. None, for fear of prevention. So whether our time calls us to live or die, And true Italians. Erc. For that, let me embrace you. Con. Methinks, being an Italian, I trust you To come somewhat too near me: But But your jealousy gave that embrace, to try Erc. No, believe me. I take your heart to be sufficient proof I am arm'd with. Con. You deal equally. 65 Sitting for a Picture. Must you have my Picture? You will enjoin me to a strange punishment. It has not been the same: I have known others Honorable Employment. Oh, my lord, lie not idle : The chiefest action for a man of great spirit We should think; The soul was never put into the body, Which has so many rare and curious pieces Of mathematical motion, to stand still. Virtue is ever sowing of her seeds: 65 I have selected this scene as the model of a well-managed and gentlemanlike difference. In |