A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Ii Part 45

What devil was in me, that I had not the grace, With kicking back my heel, to mar his mopish face?

But my father Isaac will not long live now; If he were gone, Jacob, I would soon meet with you.

For my soul hateth Jacob even to the death, And I will ne'er but hate him, while I shall have breath.

I may well dissemble, until I see a day, But trust me, Jacob, I will pay thee when I may.

But if ever I hear that thou speak word of this, I shall cut out thy tongue, I will not miss.

[_This he speaketh to Deborah_.

But come on, Ragan, with me: so mote I thrive, I will get a good sword, for thereby must I live.

RAGAN. Live, quod you? we are like to live, G.o.d knoweth how.

ESAU. What, ye saucy merchant,[286] are ye a prater now?

[_Exeunt_ ESAU _and_ RAGAN.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA SEPTIMA.

DEBORAH. REBECCA.

DEBORAH. I am glad that Esau is now gone, certes.

For an evil-disposed man he is, doubtless.

Yet am I no gladder of his departure hence, Than I am that Rebecca is come in presence.

_Enter_ REBECCA.

REBECCA. Deborah, what doest thou, tarrying here so long?

I came full ill afeard, lest something had been wrong; For Mido and Abra told me of Esau.

DEBORAH. Indeed here he was, and departed hence but now: And one thing I tell you, dame: let Jacob beware, For Esau to mischief Jacob doth prepare.

REBECCA. Call Jacob hither, that I may show him my mind.

Send him hither quickly, and tarry ye behind, That he give place awhile, it is expedient, And how he may be sure, I will the way invent.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA OCTAVA.

JACOB. REBECCA.

JACOB. Mother Rebecca, did ye send for me hither?

REBECCA. Yea, and the cause is this, thou must go somewhither, To hide thee from thy brother Esau a s.p.a.ce.

JACOB. Indeed, to men's malice we must sometime give place.

REBECCA. He lieth in await to sle thee, if he can: Thou shalt therefore, by my reed, fle hence to Haran: And lie with my brother Laban, a man aged, Till Esau's wrath be somewhat a.s.suaged.

When all things are forgotten, and his fury pa.s.sed, I shall send for thee again in all goodly haste.

JACOB. Yea, but, how will my father herewith be content?

REBECCA. Thou shalt see me win him thereto incontinent.

And here he cometh happily: Jacob, hear me; Make a sign to Mido, that he do not name thee, Then get thee in privily, till I do thee call.

JACOB. As ye command me, mother Rebecca, I shall.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA NONA.

ISAAC. MIDO. REBECCA. JACOB.

ISAAC. Where be ye, good wife?

MIDO. My dame Rebecca is here.

REBECCA. I am glad, sweet husband, that I see you appear, For[287] I have a word or two unto you to say.

ISAAC. Whatsoever it be, tell it me, I you pray.

REBECCA. Sir, ye know that now our life-days are but short, And we had never so great need of comfort.

Now Esau his wives being Hitt.i.tes both, Ye know, to please us are much unwilling and both.

That if Jacob eke would take any Hitt.i.te to wife, Small joy should we both have or comfort of our life.

ISAAC. Wife, ye speak this well, and I will provide therefore, Call Jacob quickly, that he appear me before.

MIDO. I can run apace for him, if ye bid me go.

REBECCA. Go, hie thee at once then, like a good son, Mido.

[_Exit Mido, but returns directly with Jacob_.

ISAAC. O Lord, save thou my son from mis-carrying.

MIDO. Come, master Jacob, ye must make no tarrying, For I it is that shall be shent, if you be slack, Here is your son Jacob now, master Isaac.

ISAAC. Son Jacob, make thee ready, as fast [as] thou can, And in all haste possible get thee unto Laban.

He is thine own uncle, and a right G.o.dly man, Marry of his daughters, and not of Canaan.

In Mesopotamia shalt thou lead thy life.

The Lord prosper thee here without debate or strife; And the G.o.d of Abraham prosper thee in peace; He multiply thy seed, and make it to increase!

Now kiss me, dear son Jacob, and so go thy way.

REBECCA. Kiss me also, sweet son, and hence without delay.

JACOB. Now, most tender parents, as well with heart and word I bid you well to fare, and leave you to the Lord.

MIDO. Nay, master Jacob, let me have an hand also.