Beggars Bush Part 2

_Gos._ I take it at your own rates, your wine of _Cyprus_, But for your _Candy_ sugars, they have met With such foul weather, and are priz'd so high I cannot save in them.

4 _Mer._ I am unwilling To seek another Chapman: make me offer Of something near price, that may a.s.sure me You can deal for them.

_Gos._ I both can, and will, But not with too much loss; your bill of lading Speaks of two hundred chests, valued by you At thirty thousand gilders, I will have them At twenty eight; so, in the payment of Three thousand sterling, you fall only in Two hundred pound.

4 _Mer_. You know, they are so cheap.--

_Gos_. Why look you; I'le deal fa[ir]ly, there's in prison, And at your suit, a Pirat, but unable To make you satisfaction, and past hope To live a week, if you should prosecute What you can prove against him: set him free, And you shall have your mony to a Stiver, And present payment.

4 _Mer_. This is above wonder, A Merchant of your rank, that have at Sea So many Bottoms in the danger of These water-Thieves, should be a means to save 'em, It more importing you for your own safety To be at charge to scour the Sea of them Than stay the sword of justice, that is ready To fall on one so conscious of his guilt That he dares not deny it.

_Gos_. You mistake me, If you think I would cherish in this Captain The wrong he did to you, or any man; I was lately with him, (having first, from others True testimony been a.s.sured a man Of more desert never put from the sh.o.r.e) I read his letters of Mart from this State granted For the recovery of such losses, as He had receiv'd in _Spain_, 'twas that he aim'd at, Not at three tuns of wine, bisket, or beef, Which his necessity made him take from you.

If he had pillag'd you near, or sunk your s.h.i.+p, Or thrown your men o'r-board, then he deserv'd The Laws extreamest rigour. But since want Of what he could not live without, compel'd him To that he did (which yet our State calls death) I pity his misfortune; and to work you To some compa.s.sion of them, I come up To your own price: save him, the goods are mine; If not, seek else-where, I'le not deal for them.

_4 Mer_. Well Sir, for your love, I will once be led To change my purpose.

_Gos_. For your profit rather.

_4 Mer_. I'le presently make means for his discharge, Till when, I leave you.

_2 Mer_. What do you think of this?

_1 Mer_. As of a deed of n.o.ble pity: guided By a strong judgement.

_2 Mer_. Save you Master _Goswin_.

_Goswin_. Good day to all.

_2 Mer_. We bring you the refusal Of more Commodities.

_Gos_. Are you the owners Of the s.h.i.+p that last night put into the Harbour?

_1 Mer_. Both of the s.h.i.+p, and lading.

_Gos_. What's the fraught?

_1 Mer_. _Indico, Cochineel_, choise _Chyna_ stuffs.

_3 Mer_. And cloath of Gold brought from _Cambal_.

_Gos_. Rich lading, For which I were your Chapman, but I am Already out of cash.

_1 Mer_. I'le give you day For the moiety of all.

_Gos_. How long?

_3 Mer_. Six months.

_Gos_. 'Tis a fair offer: which (if we agree About the prices) I, with thanks accept of, And will make present payment of the rest; Some two hours hence I'le come aboard.

_1 Mer_. The Gunner shall speak you welcom.

_Gos_. I'le not fail.

_3 Mer_. Good morrow. [_Ex_. Merch.

_Gos_. Heaven grant my s.h.i.+ps a safe return, before The day of this great payment: as they are Expected three months sooner: and my credit Stands good with all the world.

_Enter_ Gerrard.

_Ger_. Bless my good Master, The prayers of your poor Beads-man ever shall Be sent up for you.

_Gos_. G.o.d o' mercy _Clause_, There's something to put thee in mind hereafter To think of me.

_Ger_. May he that gave it you Reward you for it, with encrease, good Master.

_Gos_. I thrive the better for thy prayers.

_Ger_. I hope so.

This three years have I fed upon your bounties, And by the fire of your blest charity warm'd me, And yet, good Master, pardon me, that must, Though I have now receiv'd your alms, presume To make one sute more to you.

_Gos_. What is't _Clause_?

_Ger_. Yet do not think me impudent I beseech you, Since hitherto your charity hath prevented My begging your relief, 'tis not for mony Nor cloaths (good Master) but your good word for me.

_Gos_. That thou shalt have, _Clause_, for I think thee honest.

_Ger_. To morrow then (dear M'r.) take the trouble Of walking early unto _Beggars Bush_, And as you see me, among others (Brethren In my affliction) when you are demanded Which you like best among us, point out me, And then pa.s.s by, as if you knew me not.

_Gos_. But what will that advantage thee?

_Ger_. O much Sir, 'Twill give me the preheminence of the rest, Make me a King among 'em, and protect me From all abuse, such as are stronger, might Offer my age; Sir, at your better leisure I will inform you further of the good It may do to me.

_Gos_. 'Troth thou mak'st me wonder; Have you a King and common-wealth among you?

_Ger_. We have, and there are States are govern'd worse.

_Gos_. Ambition among Beggars?

_Ger_. Many great ones Would part with half their states, to have the place, And credit to beg in the first file, Master: But shall I be so much bound to your furtherance In my Pet.i.tion?

_Gos._ That thou shalt not miss of, Nor any worldly care make me forget it, I will be early there.

_Ger._ Heaven bless my Master. [_Exeunt_.