A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Xi Part 18

NEV. Your wit is most active: I called him knave in regard of his long stay, sir, not his work.

ABRA. But, d'ye hear, Master Nevill? did you bespeak a vizard with a most terrible countenance for me?

NEV. A very devil's face: I fear nothing, but that it will fright the women.

ABRA. I would it would. And a huge moustachio?[63]

NEV. A very Turk's.

ABRA. Excellent!

C. FRED. But do you think he will come at all?

OMNES. O, there he is.

SCUD. (_Within_). By your leave! stand back, by your leave!

_Enter_ SCUDMORE, _like a vizard-maker_.

Nothing can be done to-night, if I enter not.

2D SER. Stand back there, or I'll burn you.

SCUD. 'Twere but a whorish trick, sir.

3D SER. O sir, is't you? Heart! you will be kill'd.

SCUD. Marry, G.o.d forbid, sir.

NEV. Pray, forbear; let me speak to him. O, you use us very well.

SCUD. In good faith, I have been so troubled about this gentleman's scurvy face (I take it), 'tis wonderful.

ABRA. Well, are you fitted now?

NEV. Fitted at all points.

C. FRED. Where are the caps?

SCUD. Here, sir.

PEN. Let me see mine.

C. FRED. Come, help me on with mine.

ABRA. This is a rare face to fright the maids i' th' country! Here now I'll pin my purse. Come, help me on.

NEV. So, so, away! mine being on, I'll follow you.

OMNES. Pray, make haste.

[_Exeunt_ SIR JOHN WORLDLY, SIR ABRAHAM, COUNT, PENDANT.

NEV. So, that door's fast, and they are busied About their charge. On with this robe of mine, This vizard and this cap: help me a little. [_Change habits._

SCUD. At first change I must tell her who I am.

NEV. Right; 'tis agreed, I (leading of the masque) Should dance with Bellafront.

SCUD. And at the second, I come away with her, and leave them dancing, And shall find you at the back door.

NEV. The rest, That follows, is digested in my breast.

SER. What would you do I stand back, Unless you can eat torches!

_Enter_ COUNT, PENDANT, SIR ABRAHAM, _in their masquing robes_.

C. FRED. Come, come! away for shame!

SCUD. 'Tis such a tedious rascal. So ha' wi' ye. [_Exeunt masquers._

SIR J. WOR. Thou hast well fitted 'em, though thou mad'st 'em stay.

NEV. I forbid any man to mend 'em, sir. Good night unto your wors.h.i.+p.

SIR J. WOR. Wilt not stay?

NEV. Alas, sir! I have another to set forth This very night. By your leave, my masters.

[_Exit_ NEVILL _through them_.

2D SER. By your leave! by your leave! you'll let a man go out?

SIR J. WOR. Now, go with me, and let all in that will.

[_Exit_ SIR JOHN WORLDLY _with them, and run in three or four_.

SCENE II.

_Enter two or three, setting three or four chairs and four or five stools. Loud music; in which time enter_ SIR JOHN WORLDLY, SIR INNOCENT, BELLAFRONT, LUCIDA, KATE, _my_ LADY NINNY, MISTRESS WAGTAIL. _They seat themselves_. LADY NINNY _offers at two or three chairs; at last finds the great one; they point at her and laugh. As soon as she is set, she drinks of her bottle. The music plays, and they enter. After one strain of the music_, SCUDMORE _takes_ BELLAFRONT, _who seems unwilling to dance_. COUNT _takes_ LUCIDA; PENDANT, KATE; SIR ABRAHAM, MISTRESS WAGTAIL: SCUDMORE, _as they stand (the other courting too), whispers as follows:_--

SCUD. I am your Scudmore. [_Soft music._

BEL. Ha!

SCUD. By heaven, I am.

Be rul'd by me in all things.

BEL. Even to death.

ABRA. 'Sfoot! Did you not know me by my purse?