The Rover, or, The Banished Cavaliers
By
Aphra Behn
- Transcription, correction, editorial commentary, and markup by Staff and Research Assistants at the University of Virginia, SaraBrunstetter, JohnO'Brien
i
THE
ROVER.
OR,
The Banish't Cavaliers.
As it is ACTED
AT
His Royal Highness
THE
Duke's Theatre.
Licensed July 2d 1677.
ROGER L'ESTRANGE.n001an001aRoger L'Estrange had the title of "Licensor of the Press" in England at this time; he was in effect the official government censor for all printed material. He had the right to inspect printing presses and to intercept any printed matter that he suspected of being seditious, libellous, or blasphemous. The presence of his name here on the title page indicates that he had read through the play and found nothing objectionable in it. It's interesting to note that while L'Estrange's name is here in the place where we might expect to find the name of the author, Behn's is not. It was actually typical of printed playtexts in this period that they did not identify the author of the play; the success of a play was seen to lie much more in the skill of the performers and the theater company than of the author (much as in modern Hollywood movies, where the names of stars are well known, but the screenwriters are usually obscure.) L'Estrange was not the "author" of this play in a modern sense, but the prominence of his name here "authorizes" its publication in another sense, as a play approved by the state authorities. Moreover, this play was, as the title page also announces, staged in one of the two official state-licensed theaters, in this case the one sponsored by the Duke of York, the brother of King Charles, who was the sponsor of the other state-licensed theater in London. - [UVAstudstaff]
LONDON,
Printed FOR John Amery, at the Peacock, against
St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet-street. 1677 ii PROLOGUE. Witts, like Physitians never can agree, When of a different Societie. And Rabels Dropsn001n001A brand of patent medicine - [UVAstudstaff] were never more cry'd down By all the Learned Doctors of the Town, Than a New Play whose Author is unknown. Nor can those Doctors with more Malice sue (And powerful Purses) the discenting Few, Than those with an Insulting Pride, do raile At all who are not of their own Caballn002n002A cabal is a secret or private group similar to a political junto or faction. The word was often used in this period as an acronym of the first letters in the names for the King's five privy counselors: Chudleigh, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff]: If a Young Poet hitt your Humour right, You judg him then out of Revenge and Spight. So amongst men there are Ridiculous Elves, Who Monkeys hate for being too like themselves. So that the reason of the grand debate, Why Witt so oft is damn'd, when good Plays take, Is, that you Censuren003n003To judge or give an opinion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] as you love, or hate. Thus like a Learned Conclave Poets sit, Catholique Judges both of Sense and Wit, And Damn or Save, as they themselves think fit. Yet those who to others faults are so severe, Are not so perfect but themselves may Erre. Some write Coractn004n004That is, correct. - [UVAstudstaff] indeed, but then the whole (Bating their own Dull stuff i'th' Play) is stole: As Bees do suck from Flowers their Honey dew, So they rob others striving to please you. Some write their Characters Gentile and fine, But then they do so Toyl for every line, iii That what to you does Easie seem, and Plain, Is the hard Issue of their labouring Brain. And some th' Effects of all their pains we see, Is but to Mimick good Extemporie. Others by long Converse about the Town, Have Witt enough to write a Lew'd Lampoon,n005n005Satire upon another individual. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] But their chief skill lyes in a Bawdy Song. In short, the only Witt that's now in Fashon, Is but the gleenings of good Conversation. As for the Author of this Coming Play, I ask't him what he thought fit I shou'd say In thanks for your good Company to day: He call'd me Fool, and said it was well known, You came not here for our sakes, but your own. New Plays are stuff'd with Witts, and with Debochesn006n006Indulgence or excess of pleasure. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff], That Crowd and sweat like Citts, in May-Day Coachesn007n007May Day is a traditional spring festival, and a "Citt" is a citizen of London, which was a position associated with middle-class tradesmen and merchants. So the idea here is that new plays are currently stuffed with wits and debauched people like cits, who would sweatily crowd themselves into coaches that were designed to accommodate richer people. - [UVAstudstaff]. iv Some Books printed this Year 1677.n008 For John Amery, at the Peacockn008It was common in this period for books to include advertisements for other titles sold by the same bookseller. We have preserved this in our edition to give the fullest flavor of what a reader of 1677 would have seen when they picked up the text. - [UVAstudstaff]; against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet-streetn009n009St Dunstan is a famous Church located on Fleet Street in London, then as now at the center of the publishing industry in London. Booksellers in London often set up shop adjacent to churches, as is the case here. - [UVAstudstaff].
- [UVAstudstaff]
1
THE
ROVER:
OR,
The Banish't Cavaliers.n013n013A rover is a pirate, or a person who aimlessly wanders and roams. The Cavaliers were the supporters of the Stuart King Charles I in the English Civil War between him and the Parliament, and after that, supporters of his son, Charles II, who went into exile when the Stuarts lost the Civil War in 1659. This reference thus sets the play some time in the 1650s, when the monarchy's supporters were scattered across Europe, as these men are, trying to make their fortunes and/or biding their time in the hopes of returning to England some day. First staged in 1677, The Rover is thus a kind of historical play, looking back on an era a couple of decades earlier. It was based on an earlier play, Thomas Killigrew's Thomaso, or the Wanderer, which was written around 1654 while Killigrew was living in Madrid. Killigrew's play seems to have been autobiographical, reflecting his life as a Royalist exile, a supporter of the Stuart monarchy who was living on the European continent in the 1650s while England was ruled by Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth government. Upon the return of the Stuart monarchy in 1660, Killigrew received a patent to open a theater in London as a reward for his loyalty to Charles II. He published Tomaso in 1664, but never staged it, perhaps recognizing that it was far too long and disjointed to work on stage. We do not know how Behn come to rework the play for performance, but it seems entirely possible that this was at the request of Killigrew, who was the patent-holder of the Duke's Theater. There are places where Behn follows Killigrew's play closely, but she made many changes, compressing the original, and shifting the scene from Madrid to Naples. Perhaps most notably, she beefs up the female roles of Angelica Bianca and Hellena. Hellena is such an interesting and dynamic character in Behn's version of the story that the audience is left wondering in the end who the real rover of the play is: Willmore or Hellena? Behn's play has been popular with audiences ever since it was first staged in 1677, and is now probably the most-frequently-performed of her works. - [UVAstudstaff] ACT the First. Scene the First. A Chamber. Enter Florinda and Hellena.
2
Enter Don Pedro Stephano with a Masquing habitn026n026Carnival disguise - [UVAstudstaff] and Callis.
3
Don Pedro and Stephano.
Enter Stephano.
[Exeunt.
SCENE II. A Long Street.
Enter Belvile Melancholy, Bluntand Frederick.
Enter Willmore.
Enter several Men in Masquing Habits, some playing on Musique,
others dancing after, Women drest like Courtizans, with Papers
pinn'd on their Breasts, and Baskets of Flowers in their Hands.
[Reads the Papers.
[The Woman puts herself into the Hands of a Man, and Exits.
Advances from the farther end of the Scenes, two Men drest all
over with horns of several sorts, making grimaces at one
another, with papers pinn'd on their backs.
[They dance.
Enter Florinda, Hellena and Valeria, drest like Gipsies; Callis
and Stephano, Lucetta, Philipo and Sancho in Masquerade.
[Pointing to Blunt
She often passes by Blunt and gazes
on him, he struts and Cocks,
and walks and gazes on her.
[Looking in his hand.
[Walks away.
She holds him, he strives
to get from her.
[Turns quick towards her.
[Looks on Callis who observes 'em.
Enter Don Pedro and other Masquers, and pass over the Stage.
[Gives him a Letter, and goes off.
[Opens the Letter.
[Ex. all the Women.
At Ten at night—at the Garden-Gate—of which, if I cannot get the Key, I will contrive a way over the Wall—come attended with a Friend or Two.
[Ex. Bluntand Lucetta.
The End of the First Act.
16
ACT II.
Scene I. The Long Street.
Enter Belvile and Frederick in Masquing Habits, and Willmore
in his own Cloaths, with a Vizardn060n060a simple mask; pictures attatched at the following link: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/402520 - [UVAstudstaff] in his Hand.
Enter Blunt
[Kisses him.
18
Enter Two Bravo's, and hang up a great Picture of Angellica's,
against the Balcone, and Two little ones
at each side of the Door.
[Willmore gazes on the Picture.
19
[Turns from the Picture.
Enter Don Pedro in Masquerade, follow'd by Stephano.
[Ex. English.
[Pedro Reads.
Enter Angellica and Moretta in the Balcone, and draw a
Silk Curtain.
[passes off.
20
Enter at one Door Don Pedro, Stephano; Don Antonio and
Diego at the other Door with People following him in Masquerade,
antickly attir'd, some with Musick, they both go up to the
Picture.
[Song to a Lute above.
21
SONG.
WHen Damon first began to Love
He languisht in a soft desire,
And knew not how the Gods to move,
To lessen or increase his Fire.
For Caelia in her charming Eyes
Wore all Love's sweets, and all his cruelties.
II.
But as beneath a Shade he lay,
Weaving of Flow'rs for Caelia's hair,
She chanc't to lead her Flock that way,
And saw the Am'rous Shepherd there.
She gaz'd around upon the place,
And saw the Grove (resembling Night)
To all the joys of Love invite,
Whilst guilty smiles and blushes drest her Face.
At this the bashful Youth all Transport grew,
And with kind force he taught the Virgin how
To yield what all his sighs cou'd never do.
Angellica throws open the Curtains, and bows to Antonio, who pulls off his Vizard and bows and blows up kisses. Pedro unseen looks in's face.
[They draw and fight.
22
Enter Willmore and Blunt who draw and part 'em.
[They all put up.
Willmore having gaz'd all this while on the Picture, pulls down a little one.
[Ang. and Morett. above.
23
They Fight, the Spaniards joyn with Ant. Blunt
laying on like mad. They leave off and bow.
[Fight again as before.
Enter Belville and Frederick who joyn with the English.
[The Spaniards are beaten off.
Enter Belvile, Blunt Fred. and Wilmour with's shirt bloody.
[To Willmore
24
Belville stays him.
[Goes in.
[Exeunt.
SCENE. A fine Chamber.
Enter Willmore, Angelica and Moretta.
[Aside, in a soft tone.
Turns her away from him.
[Turning from her in Rage.
[In an angry tone.
[She turns: with pride he holds her.
[Kneels and kisses her hand.
29
[Ex. Will. and Angellica.
The End of the Second ACT.
ACT III.
Scene I. A Street.
Enter Florinda, Valeria, Hellena, in Antickn067n067in dress or attire (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]different Dresses,
from what they were in before--antick has a specific sense too. Callis attending.
[Sighs.
[Go aside.
Enter Belvile Fred. and Blunt
[Knock, Moretta above.
32
33
Enter Sancho and pulls down Blunt by the sleeve.
[Ex. with Sancho.
[Claps him on the Back.
[Whilst he is seemingly Courting Hellena.
34
Enter Angellica Moretta Biskey and Sebastian all in
Masquerade, Ang. sees Will. and stares.
35
[He seems to Court her to pull off her Vizarn077n077The front part of a helmet, covering the face but provided with holes or openings to admit of seeing and breathing, and capable of being raised and lowered;(OED) - [UVAstudstaff]: she refuses.
[To the other Bravo.
[Exit.
This while Florinda is talking to Belvile, who stands sullenly. Frederick courting Valeria.
[aside to Belville
36
[Kneels, she gives him her hand.
[Kisses her hand.
[To Florinda
Gives him the Jewel which is her Picture, and Ex. he gazes after her.
[Ex. all the Women.
[Shews the Picture.
[Gives the Picture back.
Exeunt.
SCENE the II. Lucetta's House.
Enter Bluntand Lucetta with a Light.
[Enter Sancho.
[Exeunt.
The Scene Changes to a Chamber with an Alcove Bed in't, a Table,
&c. Lucetta in Bed. Enter Sancho and Blunt who takes the
Candle of Sancho at the Door.
39
[He undresses himself.
[Goes towards the Bed in his shirt, Drawers.
[Lights on a Trap, and is let down.
Enter Lucetta, Phillipo, and Sancho with a Light.
[Exeunt.
The Scene changes, and discovers Blunt creeping out of a Common-Shoar,
his Face, &c. all dirty.
SCENE, the Garden in the Night.
Enter Florinda in an undress, with a Key and a little Box.
[She goes to lay down the Box.
Enter Willmore, drunk.
[She struggles with him.
Enter Belvile and Frederick.
[A Noise.
[Willmore turns and draws, Frederick interposes.
Enter Pedro, Stephano, and other Servants with Lights.
They Fight, and Pedro
Party beats 'em out.
Going out, meets Steph.
44
[Exeunt.
Scene changes to the Street.
Enter Belvile in Rage. Frederick holding him, and Wilmore
Melancholy.
45
Offers to go in.
Enter Antonio and his Page. Ant.
knock
on the Hilt of's Sword.
[Ex. Belv. and Frederick
Enter Moretta.
Drawing his Sword, justlesn119n119jostles (Dictionary.com) - [UVAstudstaff] Antonio who turns and draws.
They fight, Antonio falls.
[Runs in and shuts the Door.
[Belvile returns at the noise of fighting.
46
Enter two or three Masqueraders.
[Puts up and reels out▪
Exeunt Masqueraders
que
another way.
[As Belvile is groping about, Enter an Officer and six Soldiers.
[Soldiers seise on Belvile.
[Goes to Antonio.
[Exeunt Soldiers with Belville
[To the Officer.
Ex. Antonio led.
The End of the Third ACT.
ACT IV.
Scene I. A fine Room.
Discovers Belvile as by dark alone.
Enter Antonio in a Night-Gown, with a Light; his Arm in a
Scarf, and a Sword under his Arm: he sets the Candle on the
Table.
[Gives him the Sword.
SCENE, the Mole.
Enter Florinda and Callis in Masques with Stephano.
[Ex. Steph.
Enter Don Pedro in his Masquing Habit.
[Walks about.
50
Enter Belvile drest in Antonio's Clothes.
[Offers to fight, Florinda runs in.
[To Belville
[Puts her by, they fight; she runs in just as Belville disarms Pedro.
[She holds him.
[Lays his Sword at her feet.
He gives him Florinda and pulls off his Vizard to shew his Face and puts it on again.
51
Enter Masqueraders and pass over.
[Draws her aside.
[Pedro talks to Callis this while.
[Pulls off his Vizard.
As they are talking, Enter Wilmore
finely drest, and Frederick.
Runs and Embraces him. Belville Vizard falls out on's Hand.
52
[Takes Florinda from him.
[Draws on Pedro. Belville goes between.
[Puts up his Sword.
Aside to Florinda as they are going out Belville looks after her and begins to walk up and down in Rage.
53
Draws and runs at Willmore he runs out, Belville after him, Frederick interposes.
Enter Angellica, Moretta and Sebastian.
Enter Willmore and Sebast. Angellica turns and walks away.
As she turns she looks on him.
[Turns away in Rage.
55
Enter Hellena drest in Man's Cloths.
[Goes to Angellica.
Offers to go.
[Aside, and walks about impatiently.
[To Willmore who is stealing off.
[To Willmore
57
[To Willmore
[He walks about, they follow.
[She turns away and weeps.
Aside to Hellena, looks towards Angell. to watch her turning,
and as she comes towards them he meets her.
58
[In rage walks away.
[Said softly to Hellena
[Walks away.
[Hellena looks in his face, he gazes on her.
60
Enter Sebastian.
[Exeunt.
61
SCENE the Third. A Street.
Enter Florinda and Valeria in Habits different from what they have been seen in.
Enter Don Pedro, Belvile, Willmore. Bel.and Don Pedro seeming in serious discourse.
62
[She goes out, and Willmore follows her.
Enter Frederick
Enter Florinda from the farther end of the Scene,
looking behind ber.
[She goes off.
63
Enter Willmore, and after him Valeria, at a little distance.
[He goes out, Valeria following.
Enter Hellena, just as he goes out, with a Page:
[Ex. Page.
[Bel. Wil. Pedro cross the Stage: Hellena runs off.
Scene changes to another Street. Enter Florinda.
[She goes in.
Enter Valeria and Hellena's Page peeping after Florinda.
[Ex. Boy.
[Goes aside.
Enter Willmore, gazing about him.
[Goes out.
Scene changes to Blunt Chamber, discovers him sitting
on a Couch in his Shirt and Drawers, reading.
[Sits down again and Reads.
Enter to him Florinda.
[She starts up and gazes.
[Pulls her rudely.
[Pulls her again.
Enter Fredrick.
[Pulls her.
67
[Gives him a Ring: he loods on it.
Enter a Servant
[Ex. Fred. and Florinda
[Locks the Door, and Exeunt.
The End of the Fourth ACT.
68
ACT V.
Scene I. Blunt's Chamber.
After a great knocking as at his Chamber Door, Enter Blunt softly
crossing the Stage, in his Shirt and Drawers as before.
Ned, Ned Blunt, Ned Blunt
[call within.
[and knocking within.
[a great noise within, at the door again.
[within.
[within.
[within.
69
[breaks open the Door.
Enter Belvile, Willmore, Frederick and Pedro. Blunt looks
simply, they all laugh at him, he lays his hand on
his Sword, and comes up to Wilmore.
[lays his hand on's Sword.
70
[Blunt shews the Ring.
[Goes to whisper to him.
[To Frederick who gives him the Key, they are going.
Belville goes to whisper Willmore
They all draw forgetting Don Pedro being as a Spaniard had the longest.
71
[Ex. Fred. & Pedro
Willmore walking up and down out of Humour.
Enter Florinda running mask't, Pedro after her: Willmore
gazing round her.
[Pedro talking to Florinda, who walks up and down.
Enter Valeria, and is surpriz'd at sight of Don Pedro.
[Ex. Pedro
[To Valleria
[To Florinda
[Ex. Boy.
[She gives him her hand.
[Kisses her hand.
[To Florinda.
[Gives him the Ring he gives to Florinda.
Enter Boy.
[Ex. Bel. Flor. Fred. and Vall.
Enter Boy.
[To Willmore
[Ex. Blunt and Boy.
Enter again the Boy, conducting in Angellica in a Masquing
Habit and a Vizard. Willmore runs to her.
[She draws a Pistol, and holds to his Brest.
74
[Holds still the Pistol to his Brest, he going back, she following still.
[Pausingly.
[All this while follows him with the Pistol to his Breast.
[Offers her a Purse of Gold.
[She follows him with the Pistol ready to shoot; he retires still amaz'd. Enter Don Antonio, his Arm in a Scarf, and layes hold on the Pistol.
77
[Offers to shoot him.
[Draws: Anton. offers to shoot.
Enter Don Pedro, sees Antonio, and stays.
[Goes out, Antonio follows, but Pedro pulls him back.
Enter Belvile.
79
[Ex. Bel. with Pedro
Willmore goes to follow them. Enter Hellena as before in
Boys Clothes, and pulls him back.
Enter Pedro, Belvile, Florinda, Fred. Valleria.
[To Valleria.
Enter Blunt drest in a Spanish Habit, looking very
ridiculously; his Man a justing his Band.
[Turns round.
Enter Boy.
Enter several Men and Women in Masquing Habits with
Musick, they put themselves in order and Dance.
[Exeunt.
THE END.
VI
EPILOGUE.
THe Banisht Cavaliers! a Roving Blade!
A Popish Carnival! a Masquerade!
The Devel's in't if this will please the Nation,
In these our blessed times of Reformation,
When Conventicklingn132n132A religious meeting of an unsanctioned or clandestine nature ("conventicle, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.). - [UVAstudstaff] is so much in fashon.
And yet—
That Mutinous Tribe less Factions do beget,
Than your continual differing in Wit;
Your Judgment's (as your Passion's) a disease:
Nor Muse nor Miss your Appetite can please;
Your grown as Nice as queasie Consciences,
Who's each Convulsion, when the Spirit moves,
Damns every thing, that Maggot disapproves.
With Cantingn133n133Hypocritical ("ˈcanting, adj.2." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.). - [UVAstudstaff] Rule you wou'd the Stage refine,
And to Dull Method all our Sense confine.
With th' Insolence of Common Wealths you rule,
Where each gay Fop, and Politick grave Fool
On Monarch Wit impose, without controul.
As for the last, who seldom sees a Play,
Unless it be the old Black Fryersn134n134A major London theater in which the Shakespeare company performed during the winter until 1642, when all the playhouses were closed (Gurr, Andrew. "London’s Blackfriars Playhouse and the Chamberlains Men’." Inside Shakespeare: Essays on the Blackfriars Stage (2006): 17-33.). - [UVAstudstaff] way,
Shaking his empty Noddlen135n135Head ("noddle, n.1." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.). - [UVAstudstaff] o're Bamboo,
He Crys,—Good Faith, these Playes will never do.
—Ah, Sir, in my young days, what lofty Wit,
What high strain'd Scenes of Fighting there were Writ:
These are slight airy Toys. But tell me, pray,
What has the House of Commons done to day?
Then shews his Politicks, to let you see,
Of State Affairs he'l judge as notably,
As he can do of Wit and Poetry.
The younger Sparks,n136n136A foppish, affected type of man ("spark, n.2." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.). - [UVAstudstaff] who hither do resort,
Cry,—
Pox o' your gentile things, give us more Sport;
—Damn me, I'm sure 'twill never please the Court.
Such Fops are never pleas'd unless the Play
Be stufft with Fools, as brisk and dull as they:
VII
Such might the Half-Crown spare, and in a Glass
At home, behold a more Accomplisht Ass,
Where they may set their Cravats, Wigs and Faces,
And Practice all their Buffonry Grimasses:
See how this—Huff becomes,—this Damny,—stare,—
Which they at home may act, because they dare,
But—must with prudent caution do elsewhere.
Oh that our Nokes, or Tony Leen137n137James Stokes and Anthony Leigh were celebrated comic actors of the period, often appearing alongside one another (Chernaik, Warren. “Nokes , James (c.1642–1696).” Warren Chernaik Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Ed. H. C. G. Matthew and Brian Harrison. Oxford: OUP, 2004. Online ed. Ed. David Cannadine. Jan. 2008. 5 Dec. 2016). - [UVAstudstaff] cou'd show
A Fop but half so much to th' life as you.
Post-script.
This Play had been sooner in Print, but for a Report about the Town (made by some either very Malitious or very Ignorant) that 'twas Thomason138n138The Rover borrows heavily from Thomas Killigrew's Thomaso, or, The Wanderer, though Behn seems to minimize the extent to which she borrowed from it here (DeRitter, Jones. "The Gypsy," The Rover", and the Wanderer: Aphra Behn's Revision of Thomas Killigrew." Restoration: Studies in English Literary Culture, 1660-1700 10.2 (1986): 82-92.). - [UVAstudstaff] alter'd;
which made the Book-sellers fear some trouble from the Proprietor of that Admirable
Play, which indeed has Wit enough to stock a Poet, and is not to be peec't or mended
by any but the Excellent Author himself; That I have stoln some hints from it,
may be a proof, that I valu'd it more than to pretend to alter it; had I had the
Dexterity of some Poets, who are not more Expert in stealing than in the Art of
Concealing, and who even that way out-do the Spartan-Boyes. I might have appropriated
all to my self, but I, vainly proud of my Iudgment, hang out the Sign
of Angellica, (the only stoln Object) to give Notice where a great part of the Wit
dwelt; tho if the Play of the Novella were as well worth remembring as Thomaso,
they might (bating the Name) have as well said, I took it from thence: I will
only say the Plot and Bus'ness (not to boast on't) is my own: as for the Words
and Characters, I leave the Reader to judge and compare 'em with Thomaso, to
whom I recommend the great Entertainment of reading it, tho had this succeeded ill,
I shou'd have had no need of imploring that Justice from the Criticks, who are naturally
so kind to any that pretend to usurp their Dominion, they wou'd doubtless
have given me the whole Honour on't. Therefore I will only say in English what
the famous Virgil does in Latin; I make Verses, and others have the Fame.
FINIS.
ROVER.
OR,
The Banish't Cavaliers.
As it is ACTED
AT
His Royal Highness
THE
Duke's Theatre.
Licensed July 2d 1677.
ROGER L'ESTRANGE.n001an001aRoger L'Estrange had the title of "Licensor of the Press" in England at this time; he was in effect the official government censor for all printed material. He had the right to inspect printing presses and to intercept any printed matter that he suspected of being seditious, libellous, or blasphemous. The presence of his name here on the title page indicates that he had read through the play and found nothing objectionable in it. It's interesting to note that while L'Estrange's name is here in the place where we might expect to find the name of the author, Behn's is not. It was actually typical of printed playtexts in this period that they did not identify the author of the play; the success of a play was seen to lie much more in the skill of the performers and the theater company than of the author (much as in modern Hollywood movies, where the names of stars are well known, but the screenwriters are usually obscure.) L'Estrange was not the "author" of this play in a modern sense, but the prominence of his name here "authorizes" its publication in another sense, as a play approved by the state authorities. Moreover, this play was, as the title page also announces, staged in one of the two official state-licensed theaters, in this case the one sponsored by the Duke of York, the brother of King Charles, who was the sponsor of the other state-licensed theater in London. - [UVAstudstaff]
LONDON,
Printed FOR John Amery, at the Peacock, against
St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet-street. 1677 ii PROLOGUE. Witts, like Physitians never can agree, When of a different Societie. And Rabels Dropsn001n001A brand of patent medicine - [UVAstudstaff] were never more cry'd down By all the Learned Doctors of the Town, Than a New Play whose Author is unknown. Nor can those Doctors with more Malice sue (And powerful Purses) the discenting Few, Than those with an Insulting Pride, do raile At all who are not of their own Caballn002n002A cabal is a secret or private group similar to a political junto or faction. The word was often used in this period as an acronym of the first letters in the names for the King's five privy counselors: Chudleigh, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff]: If a Young Poet hitt your Humour right, You judg him then out of Revenge and Spight. So amongst men there are Ridiculous Elves, Who Monkeys hate for being too like themselves. So that the reason of the grand debate, Why Witt so oft is damn'd, when good Plays take, Is, that you Censuren003n003To judge or give an opinion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] as you love, or hate. Thus like a Learned Conclave Poets sit, Catholique Judges both of Sense and Wit, And Damn or Save, as they themselves think fit. Yet those who to others faults are so severe, Are not so perfect but themselves may Erre. Some write Coractn004n004That is, correct. - [UVAstudstaff] indeed, but then the whole (Bating their own Dull stuff i'th' Play) is stole: As Bees do suck from Flowers their Honey dew, So they rob others striving to please you. Some write their Characters Gentile and fine, But then they do so Toyl for every line, iii That what to you does Easie seem, and Plain, Is the hard Issue of their labouring Brain. And some th' Effects of all their pains we see, Is but to Mimick good Extemporie. Others by long Converse about the Town, Have Witt enough to write a Lew'd Lampoon,n005n005Satire upon another individual. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] But their chief skill lyes in a Bawdy Song. In short, the only Witt that's now in Fashon, Is but the gleenings of good Conversation. As for the Author of this Coming Play, I ask't him what he thought fit I shou'd say In thanks for your good Company to day: He call'd me Fool, and said it was well known, You came not here for our sakes, but your own. New Plays are stuff'd with Witts, and with Debochesn006n006Indulgence or excess of pleasure. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff], That Crowd and sweat like Citts, in May-Day Coachesn007n007May Day is a traditional spring festival, and a "Citt" is a citizen of London, which was a position associated with middle-class tradesmen and merchants. So the idea here is that new plays are currently stuffed with wits and debauched people like cits, who would sweatily crowd themselves into coaches that were designed to accommodate richer people. - [UVAstudstaff]. iv Some Books printed this Year 1677.n008 For John Amery, at the Peacockn008It was common in this period for books to include advertisements for other titles sold by the same bookseller. We have preserved this in our edition to give the fullest flavor of what a reader of 1677 would have seen when they picked up the text. - [UVAstudstaff]; against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet-streetn009n009St Dunstan is a famous Church located on Fleet Street in London, then as now at the center of the publishing industry in London. Booksellers in London often set up shop adjacent to churches, as is the case here. - [UVAstudstaff].
Advice to Grand Jurors in cases of Blood, Asserting from Law and Reason, That at the Kings Suitn010n010The "King's Suit" would be an indictment by the government. - [UVAstudstaff] in all cases (where a Person by Law is to be indicted for killing of another person) that the Indictment ought to be drawn for Murther, and that the Grand Jury ought to find it Murther, where the Evidence is, that the party intended to be indicted had his hands in Blood, and did kill the other Person. By Zachary Babington Esq 8o. price. 2 s. 6 d.
The Country Justice, Containing the practice of the Justices of the Peace, in and out of their Sessions, with an Abridgment of all Statutes relating thereunto to this present Year 1677. By Michael Dalton Esq Fol. price bound 12 s.
A Treatise of Testaments and last Wills, fit to be understood by all Men, that they may know, whether, whereof, and how, to make them. Compiled out of the Laws Ecclesiastical, Civil, and Cannon, as also out of the Common Laws, Customs and Statutes of this Realm. The fourth Edition, with very large Additions. By Henry Swynburne, sometimes Judge of the Prerogative Court of York, in large 4o. price bound 7 s.
The Debaucheé, or the Credulous Cuckold, a Comedy, Acted at His Highness the Duke's Theatre, in 4o. price 1 s.
Man without Passion, or the Wise Stoick, according to the Sentiments of Seneca, written Originally in French, by that great and Learned Philosopher Anthony Le Grand. English't by G. R. printed 1675. 8o. price 2 s. 6 d.
An Introduction to the History of England, comprising the principal Affairs of this Land, from its first planting, to the comeing of the English Saxons. Together with a Catalogue of the 76 British and Pictish Kings, by D. D. Langhorne. Printed 8o. price 2 s.
v The Actors Names.- Mr. Jevorne
- Don Antonio
- The Vice-Roy's Son.
- Mr. Medburne
- Don Pedro
- A Noble Spaniard,his Friend.
- Mr. Betterton
- Belville
- An English Colonel in Love with Florinda.
- Mr. Smith
- Willmore
- THE ROVERn011n011A pirate or a ship captain who spends must of his time wandering and roaming. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff].
- Mr. Crosbie
- Frederick
- An English Gentleman, and Friend to Bel. and Frederick
- Mr. Underhill
- Blunt
- An English Country Gentleman.
- Mr. Richards
- Stephano
- Servant to Don Pedro.
- Mr. Percivall
- Philippo
- Lucetta's Gallant.
- Mr. John Lee
- Sancho
- Pimp to Lucetta.
- Biskey, and Sebastian,
- Two Bravo's toAngellica.
- Officers and Souldiers.
- Page
- To Don Antonio.
Women.
The Scene NAPLESn012n012One of Behn's first significant changes to her source play by Thomas Killigrew is moving the action from Madrid to Naples, rendering the action perhaps even more exotic than in the original. At this time, Naples was ruled by Spain, which explains why so many characters in the play have been traveling back and forth between Naples and places like Madrid and Pamplona. Image: Claude Vernet, View of the Bay of Naples, 1747 (Wikimedia Commons) - Mrs. Betterton
- Florinda
- Sister to Don Pedro.
- Mrs. Barrer
- Hellena
- A gay Young woman design'd for a Nun, and Sister to Florinda.
- Mrs. Hughs
- Valeria
- A Kinswoman to Florinda.
- Mrs. Gwin
- Angellica Bianca
- A Famous Courtizan.
- Mrs. Leigh
- Moretta
- Her Woman.
- Mrs. Norris
- Callis
- Governess to Florinda and Hellena.
- Mrs. Gillo
- Lucetta
- A Jilting Wench.
- Servants, Other Masqueraders Men and Women.
- [UVAstudstaff]
1
THEROVER:
OR,
The Banish't Cavaliers.n013n013A rover is a pirate, or a person who aimlessly wanders and roams. The Cavaliers were the supporters of the Stuart King Charles I in the English Civil War between him and the Parliament, and after that, supporters of his son, Charles II, who went into exile when the Stuarts lost the Civil War in 1659. This reference thus sets the play some time in the 1650s, when the monarchy's supporters were scattered across Europe, as these men are, trying to make their fortunes and/or biding their time in the hopes of returning to England some day. First staged in 1677, The Rover is thus a kind of historical play, looking back on an era a couple of decades earlier. It was based on an earlier play, Thomas Killigrew's Thomaso, or the Wanderer, which was written around 1654 while Killigrew was living in Madrid. Killigrew's play seems to have been autobiographical, reflecting his life as a Royalist exile, a supporter of the Stuart monarchy who was living on the European continent in the 1650s while England was ruled by Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth government. Upon the return of the Stuart monarchy in 1660, Killigrew received a patent to open a theater in London as a reward for his loyalty to Charles II. He published Tomaso in 1664, but never staged it, perhaps recognizing that it was far too long and disjointed to work on stage. We do not know how Behn come to rework the play for performance, but it seems entirely possible that this was at the request of Killigrew, who was the patent-holder of the Duke's Theater. There are places where Behn follows Killigrew's play closely, but she made many changes, compressing the original, and shifting the scene from Madrid to Naples. Perhaps most notably, she beefs up the female roles of Angelica Bianca and Hellena. Hellena is such an interesting and dynamic character in Behn's version of the story that the audience is left wondering in the end who the real rover of the play is: Willmore or Hellena? Behn's play has been popular with audiences ever since it was first staged in 1677, and is now probably the most-frequently-performed of her works. - [UVAstudstaff] ACT the First. Scene the First. A Chamber. Enter Florinda and Hellena.
Florinda
What an Impertinent thing is a Young Girl bred
in a Nunnery? How full of Questions? Pritheen015n015A contraction of "I pray thee," similar to "I beg of you." Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff]
no more Hellena, I have told thee more than
thou understand'st already.
Hellena
The more's my grief, I wou'd fainn016n016Be delighted or glad to. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] know as much as you, which makes me so Inquisitive; nor is't enough I know you'r a Lover, unless you tell me too, who 'tis you sigh for.
Florinda
When you'r a Lover, I'le think you fit for a Secret of
that Nature.
Hellena
'Tis true, I never was a Lover yet—but I begin to
have a shrew'd guess, what 'tis to be so, and fancy it very pretty
to sigh, and sing, and blush, and wish, and dream and wish, and
long and wish to see the Man; and when I do look pale and
tremble; just as you did when my Brother brought home the
fine English Colonel to see you—what do you call him Don
Belvill.
Florinda
Fyen017n017Exclamation of anger or disapproval at perceived mistreatment. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] Hellena.
Hellena
That blush betrays you.—I am sure 'tis so—or is
it Don Antonio the Vice-Roy'sn018n018The ruler or governor of a province. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] Son?—or perhaps the Rich Old Don Vincentio whom my Father designs you for a Husband?-
why do you blush again?
Florinda
With Indignation, and how near soever my Father
thinks I am to Marrying that hated Object, I shall let him see, I
understand better, what's due to my Beauty, Birth and Fortune,
and more to my Soul, then to obey those unjust Commands.
Hellena
Now hang me, if I don't love thee for that dear disobedience.
I love mischief strangely, as most of our Sex do, who
are come to Love nothing else—but tell me dear Florinda,
don't you love that fine Anglesen019n019Spanish for an English person. - [UVAstudstaff]?—for I vow next to loving
him my self, 'twill please me most that you do so, for he is so gayn020n020Fine or noble. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff]
and so handsome.
Florinda
Hellena, a Maid design'dn021n021Intended or designated. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] for a Nun, ought not to be so Curious in a discourse of Love.
Hellena
And dost thou think that ever I'le be a Nun? or at least till I'm so Old, I'm fit for nothing else—Faith no Sister; andthat which makes me long to know whether you love Belvile, is
because I hope he has some mad Companion or other, that will spoil my devotion, nay I'm resolv'd to provide my self this Carnivaln022n022The season before Lent, filled with celebration and festivity. A modern equivalent would be Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro. Hellena is going to take advantage of the opportunity provided by this brief season of festivity before heading to a convent rather than marry a man she loathes. - [UVAstudstaff],
if there be ere a handsome proper fellow of my humour above ground, tho I ask first.
Florinda
Prithee be not so wild.
Hellena
Now you have provided your self of a Man, you take no
care for poor me—prithee tell me, what dost thou see about me that is unfit for Love—have I not a World of Youth? a humour gay? a Beauty passable? a Vigour desirable? well Shap't?
clean limb'dn023n023Well proportioned. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff]? sweet breath'd? and sense enough to know how all these ought to be employ'd to the best advantage; yes I do and
will, therefore lay aside your hopes of my Fortune by my being a
Devote, and tell me how you came acquainted with this Belvile? for I perceive you knew him before he came to Naples.
Florinda
Yes, I knew him at the Siege of Pampulona,n024n024Pamplona is a city in the north of Spain, but it's not clear what military action is being referred to here. There was a siege of Pamplona in 1521, but that was more than a century before the events depicted in the play. More generally, however, it was true that during the 1650s, the time during which the action of the play takes place, many English cavaliers were hiring themselves out as mercenary soldiers to armies in contintental Europe, including Spain, so placing military action at Pamplona is quite plausible. This is a detail that Behn is lifting from Killigrew's play, so she probably has nothing particularly significant in mind with the reference. - [UVAstudstaff] he was then a Colonel of French Horsen025n025French cavalry. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff], who when the Town was Ransack't, Nobly treated my Brother and my self, preserving us from all Insolences; and I must own, (besides great Obligations) I have I know not what, that pleads kindly for him about my Heart, and will suffer no other to enter.—But see my Brother.
Pedro
Good morrow Sister.—Pray when saw you your Lover Don Vincentio?
Florinda
I know not Sir—Callis when was he here? for I consider it so little, I know not when it was.
Pedro
I have a Command from my Father here to tell you, you
ought not to despise him, a Man of so vast a Fortune, and such a Passion
for you—Stephano my things.
Florinda
A Passion for me, 'tis more than e're I saw, or he had a
desire should be known—I hate Vincentio, Sir, and I wou'd not have a Man so dear to me as my Brother, follow the ill Customes of our Countrey, and make a slave of his Sistern027n027It was customary in prominent families for the father to exert control over whom the daughter marries. This was true in England, but setting the play in Italy enables Behn to stage the conflict between the young women's wishes and their father's control without openly criticizing her own culture. - [UVAstudstaff]—and Sir, my Father's will, I'm sure you may divert.
Pedro
I know not how dear I am to you, but I wish only to be rancktn028n028Ranked. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] in your esteem, equal with the English Coll. Belvile— why do you frown and blush? is there any guilt belongs to the
Name of that Cavalier.
Florinda
I'le not deny I value Belvile, when I was expos'd to such dangers as the Licenc'd Lust of common Souldiers threatned, when Rage and Conquest flew through the City—then Belvile this Criminal for my sake, through himself into all dangers to save my Honour and will you not allow him my esteem?
Pedro
Yes, pay him what you will in Honour—but you must consider Don Vincentio's Fortune, and the Joynturen029n029Or "jointure." The property or money given to the wife in marriage. Source: Oxford English Dictionary. The amount of a jointure would have been negotiated before the marriage by the two families involved. - [UVAstudstaff] he'l
make you.
Florinda
Let him consider my Youth, Beauty and Fortune; which ought not to be thrown away on his Age and Joynture.
Pedro
'Tis true, he's not so young and fine a Gentleman, as that
Belvile,—but what Jewels will that Cavalier present you with? those of his Eyes and Heart?
Hellena
And are not those better than any Don Vincentio has brought from the Indies.n030n030The West Indies or, more generally, the Americas. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff]
Pedro
Why how now! has your Nunnery breeding taught you to understand the value of Hearts and Eyes?
Hellena
Better than to believe Vincentio's deserve value from any
Woman—he may perhaps encrease her Baggs,n031n031Riches, or money-bags. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] but not her Family.n032n032That is, he is probably impotent. - [UVAstudstaff]
Pedro
This is fine—go—up to your Devotion, you are not design'd for the conversation of Lovers.
Hellena
Nor Saints, yet a while I hope Aside.
I'st not enough you make a Nun of me, but you must cast my
Sister away too? exposing her to a worse confinement than a Religious
life.
Pedro
The Girl's mad—it is a confinement to be carry'd into
the Countrey, to an Antient Villa belonging to the Family of
4
the Vincentio's these five hundred Years, and have no other Prospect
than that pleasing one of seeing all her own that meets her
Eyes—a fine Ayr, large Fields and Gardens, where she may
walk and gather Flowers.
Hellena
When by Moon Light? For I am sure she dares not encounter
with the heat of the Sun, that were a task only for Don
Vincentio and his Indian breeding, who loves it in the Dog
dayesn033n033Hottest part of the summer. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff].—and if these be her daily divertisements, what are
those of the Night, to lye in a wide Moth—eaten Bed Chamber,
with furniture in Fashion in the Reign of King Sancho the n034Firstn034King of Pamplona during the 10th Century. Hellena's joke is that Don Vincentio's furniture is going to be very old and outdated--like himself. - [UVAstudstaff];
The Bed, that which his Fore—fathers liv'd and dy'd in.
Pedro
Very well.
Hellena
This Appartment (new furbrusht and fitted out for the
young Wife) he (out of freedom) makes his dressing Room, and being
a Frugal and a Jealous Coxcombn035n035Fool. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff], instead of a Valetn036n036Personal attendant. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] to uncase his
feeble Carcass, he desires you to do that Office—signs of favour
I'll assure you, and such as you must not hope for, unless your
Woman be out of the way.
Pedro
Have you done yet?
Hellena
That Honour being past, the Gyant stretches it self;
yawns and sighs a Belch or two, loud as a Musket, throws himself
into Bed, and expects you in his foul sheets, and e're you can get
your self undrest, call's you with a snore or Two—and are not
these fine Blessings to a young Lady?
Pedro
Have you done yet?
Hellena
And this Man you must kiss, nay you must kiss none but
him too—and nuzel through his Beard to find his Lips.—And
this you must submit to for Threescoren037n037Score denotes twenty, thus threescore indicates sixty. - [UVAstudstaff] years, and all for a Joynture.
Pedro
For all your Character of Don Vincentio, she is as like to Marry him, as she was before.
Hellena
Marry Don Vincentio! hang me such a Wedlock would
be worse than Adultery with another Man. I had rather see her
in the Hostel de Dieu,n038n038Hostel de Dieu is French for Hostel or Hospital of God. The Hostel de Dieu was a hospital that served the poor operating under a religious order. Source: Wikipedia - [UVAstudstaff], to wast her Youth there in Vowes, and be a
hand-Maid to Lazersn039n039A poor or diseased person. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff] and Cripples, than to lose it in such a Marriage.
Pedro
You have consider'd Sister, that Belvile has no Fortune
to bring you to, banisht his Countrey, despis'd at home, and pitty'd
abroad.
Hellena
What then? the Vice-Roy's Son is better than that Old
Sir Fisty. Don Vincentio! Don Indian! he thinks he's trading to
5
Gambon040n040Gambia, a region on the west coast of Africa where Europeans were active in the slave trade from this period well into the 19th century. - [UVAstudstaff] still, and wou'd Barter himself (that Bell and Bawble)n041n041Referring to the costume of court jesters, who wore bells on their heads and carried bawbles. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff]
for your Youth and Fortune.
Pedro
Callis take her hence, and lock her up all this Carnival,
and at Lentn042n042The period immediately after the carnival in the spring; a time of fasting and penance. Source: Oxford English Dictionary. - [UVAstudstaff] she shall begin her everlasting Pennance in a Monastery.
Hellena
I care not, I had rather be a Nun, than be oblig'd to
Marry as you wou'd have me, if I were design'd for't.
Pedro
Do not fear the blessing of that choice—you shall be a
Nun.
Hellena
Shall I so? you may chance to be mistaken in my way
of devotion:—a Nun! yes I am like to make a fine Nun! I
have an excellent humour for a Graten043n043A cloistered nun would only be allowed to greet visitors from the world outside the convent through a grate. - [UVAstudstaff]: no, I'le have a Saint of my
own to pray to shortly, if I like any that dares venture on
me.
Pedro
Callis, make it your business to watch this Wild Cat.
As for you Florinda, I've only try'd you all this while and urg'd
my Fathers will; but mine is, that you wou'd love Antonio, he is
Brave and young, and all that can compleat the happiness of a
Gallant Maid—this absence of my Father will give us opportunity,
to free you from Vincentio, by Marrying here, which you
must do to Morrow.
Florinda
To Morrow!
Pedro
To Morrow, or 'twill be too late—tis not my Friendship
to Antonio, which makes me urge this, but Love to thee, and
hatred to Vincentio—therefore resolve upon to Morrow.
Florinda
Sir, I shall strive to do, as shall become your Sister.
Pedro
I'le both believe and trust you—Adieu
Hellena
As becomes his Sister!—that is to be as resolv'd your
way, as he is his—
Florinda
I ne're till now perceiv'd my Ruine near,I've no defence against Antonio's Love,For he has all the Advantages of Nature,The moving Arguments of Youth and Fortune.
Hellena
But heark you Callis, you will not be so cruel to lock me
up indeed, will you.
Callis
I must obey the Commands I have—besides, do you consider
what a life you are going to lead?
Hellena
Yes, Callis, that of a Nun: and till then I'll be indebted
6
a world of Prayers to you, if you'll let me now see, what I never
did, the Divertisements of a CarniValleria
Callis
What, go in Masquerade? 'twill be a fine farewel to the
World I take it—pray what wou'd you do there?
Hellena
That which all the World does, as I am told, be as mad
as the rest, and take all Innocent freedomes—Sister you'll go too,
will you not? come prithee be not sad.—We'll out—wit Twenty
Brothers, if you'll be rul'd by me—come put off this dull humour
with your Cloths, and Assume one as gay, and as fantastick, as the
Dress my Couzen Valeria, and I have provided, and let's Ramble.
Florinda
Callis, will you give us leave to go?
Callis
I have a Youthful itch of going my self. Aside
—Madam, if I thought your Brother might not know it, and I
might wait on you; for by my troth I'll not trust Young Girles
alone.
Florinda
Thou see'st my Brother's gone already, and thou shalt
attend, and watch us.
Stephano
Mad? the Habits are come, and your Couzen Valeria is
drest, and stayes for you.
Florinda
'Tis well.—I'll write a Note, and if I chance to see Belvile,
and want an opportunity to speak to him, that shall let him
know, what I've resolv'd in favour of him.
Hellena
Come, let's in and dress us.
Frederick
Whe what the Devil ails the Coll.n0035n0035Colonel - [UVAstudstaff] In a time when all
the World is gay, to look like meer Lentn0036n0036Fredrick is implying that those who partake in Lent are melencholy and unsatisfied, the traits that Belville is already displaying, several days before Lent has officially started. - [UVAstudstaff] thus? Had'st thou been
long enough in Naples to have been in Love, I shou'd have sworn
some such Judgment had befall'n thee.
Belville
No, I have made no new Amours since I came to
Naples?
Frederick
You have left none behind you in Paris?
Belville
Neither.
Frederick
I cannot divine the Cause then, unless the Old Cause,
the want of Money.
Blunt
And another Old Cause, the want of a Wench—
Wou'd not that revive you?
Belville
You are mistaken, Ned.
Blunt
Nay, 'Sheartlikins, then thou'rt past Cure.
Frederick
I have found it out; thou hast renew'd thy acquaintance
with the Lady that cost thee so many sighs at the Siege of Pampulona—
Pox on't, what d'e you call her—her Brother's a
Noble Spaniard—Nephew to the Dead General—Florinda—
Ay Florinda—and will nothing serve thy turn but
that damn'd virtuous Woman? whom on my Conscience thou
lovest in spight too, because thou seest little or no possibility of
gaining her.
Belville
Thou art mistaken, I have Int'restn0037n0037Interest - [UVAstudstaff] enough in that lovely
Virgins heart, to make me proud and vain, were it not abated by
the severity of a Brother, who perceiving my happiness—
Frederick
Has civily forbid thee the House?
Belville
'Tis so, to make way for a Pow'rful Rival, the Vice-Roy's
Son, who has the advantage of me, in being a Man of Fortune,
a Spaniard, and her Brother's Friend, which gives him
Liberty to make his Courtn0038n0038Pursue courtship - [UVAstudstaff], whilst I have recourse only to Letters,
and distant looks from her Window, which are as soft and
kindAs those which Heav'n sends down on Penitents.
Blunt
Heyday! 'Sheartlikins, simile! by this Light the Man
is quite spoild.—
Frederick
What the Devil are we made of, that
we cannot be thus concern'd for a Wench—'Sheartlikins our
Cupids are like the Cooks of the Camp, they can Roast or Boil a
Woman, but they have none of the fine tricks to set 'em off, no
Hogoesn0039n0039"A notable strong flavor or smell" (Oxford English Dictionary) - [UVAstudstaff] to make the n0040Sawcen0040Sauce - [UVAstudstaff] pleasant and the Stomach sharp.
Frederick
I dare swear I have had a hundred as young kind and
handsom as this Florinda; and Dogs eat me, if they were not
as troublesom to me i'th Morning, as they were welcome o'ren0041n0041Over - [UVAstudstaff]
Night.
Blunt
And yet I warrant, he wou'd not touch another Woman,
if he might have her for nothing.
Belville
That's thy joy, a cheap Whore.
Blunt
Whe I 'Sheartlikins I love a Franck Soul—when did you
ever hear of an honest Woman that took a Man's Money? I warrant
8
'em good ones—but Gentlemen, You may be free, you
have been kept so poor with Parliaments and Protectors, that the
little Stock you have is not worth preserving—but I thank
my Stars, I had more Grace than to forfeit my Estate by Cavaliering.
Belville
Methinks only following the Court, shou'd be sufficient
to entitle 'em to that.
Blunt
'Sheartlikins, they know I follow it to do it no good,
unless they pick a hole in my Coatn0042n0042"To find fault with one; to fix on some small offense as censurable" (Dictionary of Phrase and Fable) - [UVAstudstaff] for lending you Money now
and then, which is a greater Crime to my Conscience, Gentlemen,
than to the Common-Wealth.
Willmore
Ha! dear Belvile! noble Colonel!
Belville
Willmore! welcom ashore, my dear Rover!—what
happy wind blew us this good Fortune?
Willmore
Let me salute my dear Frederick and then Command me.—
How is't honest Lad?
Frederick
Faith, Sir, the Old Complement, infinitely the better to
see my dear mad Willmore again.—Prithee why camest thou
ashore? and where's the Prince?n0043n0043This would be Prince Charles, who would become King Charles II at the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660. - [UVAstudstaff]
Willmore
He's well, and Reigns still Lord of the watry Element.
—I must abord again within a day or two, and my business ashore
was only to enjoy my self a little this CarniValleria
Belville
Pray know our new Friend, Sir, he's but bashful, a raw
Traveller, but honest, stout, and one of us.
Willmore
That you esteem him, gives him an Intr'est here.
Blunt
Your Servant, Sir.
Willmore
But well,—Faith I'm glad to meet you again in a warm
Climate, where the kind Sun has its God-like Pow'r still over
the Wine and Women—Love and Mirth! are my bus'ness in
Naples, and if I mistake not the place, here's an Excellent Market
for Chapmenn044n044pedlers (Oxford English Dictionary) - [UVAstudstaff] of my humour.
Belville
See, here be those kind Merchants of Love you look
for.
Blunt
'Sheartlikins, what have we here?
Frederick
Now the game begins.
Willmore
Fine pretty creatures! May a stranger have leave to look
and love?—What's here—Roses for every moneth?n045n045Willmore is reading one of the "papers" pinned on the dresses of the women, which have enigmatic statements vaguely hinting at the womens' sexual availability. - [UVAstudstaff]
Blunt
Roses for every moneth? What means that?
Belville
They are, or wou'd have you think they're courtizans,
who here in Naples, are to be hir'd by the moneth.
Willmore
Kind, and obliging to inform us—Pray where do these
roses grow? I wou'd fain plant some of 'em in a bed of mine.
Woman
Beware such roses, Sir.
Willmore
A pox of fear: I'll be bak't with thee between a pair of sheets, and
that's they proper still; so I might but strew such roses
over me, and under me—fair one, wou'd you wou'd give
me leave to gather at your bushn046n046The double-entendre is pretty obvious here. - [UVAstudstaff] this idle moneth; I wou'd go
near to make some body smell of it all the year after.
Belville
And thou hast need of such a remedy, for thou stink'st
of tar and ropes ends, like a dock or pest-housen047n047An hospital for people suffering from an infectious disease (Oxford English Dictionary) - [UVAstudstaff].
Willmore
Nay, nay, you shall not leave me so.
Belville
By all means use no violence here.
Willmore
Death! Just as I was going to be damnably in love, to
have her led off! I could pluck that rose out of his hand, and
even kiss the bed, the bush grew in.
Frederick
No friend to love, like a long voyage at sea.
Blunt
Except a nunnery, Frederick
Willmore
Death! But will they not be kind? Quickly be kind?
Thou know'st I'm no tame sigher, but a rampant lion of the
forrest.
Belville
Oh the fantastical rogues, how they'r drest! 'Tis a satyre
against the whole sex.
Willmore
'Is this a fruit that grows in this warm countrey?
Belville
Yes: 'Tis pretty to see these Italians start, swell and
stab, at the word cuckoldn048n048A husband who is being cheated on by his wife; traditionally, cuckolds were said to wear horns as a sign of their being mastered by another, more virile man. - [UVAstudstaff]; and yet stumble at horns on every
threshold.
Willmore
See what's on their back—Flowers of every Night.
[Reads.
—Ah Rogue! and more sweet than roses of ev'ry moneth!
This is a gardiner of Adam's own breeding.
Belville
What think you of those grave People?—is a wake in Essexn049n049Essex was frequently a butt of jokes for Londoners, who saw it as a rural backwater. - [UVAstudstaff] half so mad or Extravagant?
Willmore
I like their sober grave way, 'tis a kind of legal authoriz'd
fornication, where the men are not chid for't, nor the
women despis'd, as amongst our dull English, even the monsieurs
want that part of good manners.
Belville
But here in Italy, a monsieur is the humblest best bred
gentleman—duels are so bafled by Bravo's, that an age
shews not one but between a French-man, and a hang-man, who
is as much too hard for him on the Piaza,n050n050or Piazza; a public space or market square - [UVAstudstaff] as they are for a Dutchman on the New Bridgen051n051The joke here is that the hangman has beaten the Frenchman in their contest, just as the French beat the Dutch in theirs: a reference to an incident in 1672, when Nieuwerbrug (New Bridge), a Dutch garrison post on a branch of the Rhine, fell to the French. - [UVAstudstaff]—but see another crew.
Hellena
Sister, there's your English Man, and with him a handsome
proper fellow—I'le to him, and instead of telling him
his Fortune, try my own.
Willmore
Gipsies on my life—sure these will prattle if a man
crosse their hands. [Goes to Hellena.
—dear, pretty, (and I hope) young Devil, will you tell an amorous
stranger, what luck he's like to have?
Hellena
Have a care how you venture with me Sir, least I pick
your pocket, which will more vex your English humourn052n052A mixture of sharp wit and sarcastic comments - [UVAstudstaff], than
an Italian fortune will please you.
Willmore
How the Devil cam'st thou to know my countrey and
humour?
Hellena
The first I guess by a certain forward impudence, which
does not displease me at this time, and the loss of your money will
vex you, because I hope you have but very little to lose.
Willmore
Egad child thou'rt ith' right, it is so little, I dare not
offer it thee for a kindness—but cannot you divine what other
things of more value I have about me, that I wou'd more willingly
part with.
Hellena
Indeed no, that's the bus'ness of a witch, and I am but a
gipsie yet.—Yet without looking in your hand, I have a parlous
guess, 'tis some foolish heart you mean, an inconstantEnglish
heart, as little worth stealing as your purse.
Willmore
Nay, then thou dost deal with the Devil, that's certain.—
thou hast guest as right, as if thou had'st been one of
11
that number it has languisht for.—I find you'l be better acquainted
with it, nor can you take it in a better time; for I am
come from sea, child, and Venus not being propitious to me in her own element:n053n053The Roman goddess of love, sex, fertility, and victory, Venus was, according to mythology, born of sea-foam. - [UVAstudstaff] I have a world of love in store—wou'd you wou'd be good natur'd and take some on't off my hands.
Hellena
Whe—I cou'd be inclin'd that way—but for a foolish
vow I am going to make—to dye a maid.
Willmore
Then thou art damn'd without redemption, and as I am a
good Christian, I ought in charity to divert so wicked a design
—therefore prithee dear creature let me know quickly when,
and where I shall begin to set a helping hand to so good a work.
Hellena
If you shou'd prevail with my tender heart (as I begin
to fear you will, for you have horrible loving eyes) there will be
difficulty in't, that you'l hardly undergo for my sake.
Willmore
Faith child I have been bred in dangers, and wear a
sword, that has been employ'd in a worse cause, than for a handsome
kind woman—name the danger—let it be any thing
but a long siege—and I'le undertake it.
Hellena
Can you storm?
Willmore
Oh most furiously.
Hellena
What think you of a Nunnery Wall? For he that wins
me, must gain that first.
Willmore
A nun! Oh how I love thee for't! There's no sinner
like a young Saint—nay now there's no denying me, the Old Lawn054n054the Old Testament - [UVAstudstaff] had no curse (to a woman) like dying a maid; witness Ieptha'sdaughter.n055n055In the book of Judges, Jephtha, having won a major military victory, vows to God that he will sacrifice the first thing he sees on his return home. When he arrives, his daughter rushes out to greet him, and he realizes that he must kill his daughter to fulfill his vow. She agrees, but asks for a reprieve of two months to visit friends in the mountains and to lament the fact that she will die a virgin. - [UVAstudstaff]
Hellena
A very good text this, if well handled, and I perceive
Father Captain, you wou'd impose no severe penance on her who
were inclin'd to console her self, before she took orders.
Willmore
If she be young and handsome.
Hellena
Ay there's it—but if she be not—
Willmore
By this hand, child, I have an implicit faith, and dare
venture on thee with all faults—besides, 'tis more meritorious
to leave the world, when thou hast tasted and prov'd the pleasure
on't. Then 'twill be a virtue in thee, which now will be
pure ignorance.
Hellena
I perceive good Father Captain, you design only to
make me fit for Heaven—but if on the contrary, you shou'd
quite divert me from it, and bring me back to the world again,
I shou'd have a new man to seek I find; and what a grief that
12
will be—for when I begin, I fancy I shall love like any thing,
I never try'd yet.
Willmore
Egad and that's kind—prithee dear creature, give
me credit for a heart, for faith I'm a very honest fellow—Oh,
I long to come first to the Banquet of Love! And such a swinging
appetite I bring—Oh I'm impatient.—thy lodging sweetheart,
thy lodging! or I'm a dead man!
Hellena
Why must we be either guilty of fornication or murder
if we converse with you men—and is there no difference
between leave to love me, and leave to lie with me?
Willmore
Faith child they were made to go together.
Lucetta
Are you sure this is the man?
Sancho
When did I mistake your game?
Lucetta
This is a stranger, I know by his gazing; if he be brisk,
he'l venture to follow me; and then if I understand my trade,
he's mine, he's English too; and they say that's a sort of good
natur'd loving people, and have generally so kind an opinion of
themselves, that a woman with any wit may flatter e'm into any
sort of fool she pleases.
Blunt
'Tis so—she is taken—
I have Beauties which my false
Glass at home did not discover.
Florinda
This Woman watches me so, I shall get no opportunity
to discover my self to him, and so miss the intent of my coming
—but as I was saying, Sir,—by this Line you shou'd
be a Lover.
Belville
I thought how right you guessed, all men are in Love,
or pretend to be so—come let me go, I'm weary of this
fooling.
Florinda
I will not, till you have confest whether the passion that
you have vow'd Florinda, be true or false?
Belville
Florinda!
Florinda
Softly.
Belville
Thou hast nam'd one will fix me here for ever.
Florinda
She'll be disappointed then, who expects you this night
at the Garden-gate, and if you fail not—as let me see the other
hand—you will go near to do—she vows to dye or make you
happy.
Belville
What canst thou mean?
Florinda
That which I say—Farewel.
Belville
Oh charming Sybil stay, complete that joy which as it is
will turn into destraction!—where must I be? at the Garden-gate?
I know it—at Night you say?—I'll sooner forfeit
Heav'n than disobey.
Callis
Madam, your Brother's here.
Florinda
Take this to instruct you farther.
Frederick
Have a care, Sir, what you promise; this may be a Trap
laid by her Brother to ruine you.
Belville
Do not disturb my happiness with doubts.
Willmore
My dear pretty Creature, a Thousand Blessings on
thee! still in this habit you say?—and after Dinner at this
place.
Hellena
Yes, if you will swear to keep your heart, and not bestow
it between this and that.
Willmore
By all the little Gods of Love I swear, I'l leave it with
you, and if you run away with it, those Deities of Justice will revenge
me.
Frederick
Do you know the hand?
Belville
'Tis Florinda's.All Blessings fall upon the virtuous Maid.
Frederick
Nay, no Idolatry, a sober Sacrifice I'l allow you.
Belville
Oh Friends, the welcom'st News! the softest Letter!—
nay—you shall all see it! and cou'd you now be serious, I might be
made the happiest Man the Sun shines on!
Willmore
The reason of this mighty joy?
Belville
See how kindly she invites me to deliver her from the
threatned violence of her Brother—will you not assist me?
Willmore
I know not what thou mean'st, but I'll make one at any
mischief where a Woman's concerned—but she'l be grateful to
us for the favour, will she not?
Belville
How mean you?
Willmore
How shou'd I mean? thou know'st there's but one way
for a Woman to oblige me.
Belville
Do not prophane—the Maid is nicely virtuous.
Willmore
Who Pox, then she's fit for nothing but a husband, let her
e'n go, Colonel.
Frederick
Peace, she's the Colonel's Mistris, Sir.
Willmore
Let her be the Devil, if she be thy Mistris, I'l serve her—
name the way.
Belville
Read here this Postscript.
Willmore
[Reads.]
—Kind Heart, if
we Three cannot
weave a string to let
her down a Garden-Wall, 'twere pity but the Hang-man wove
one for us all.
Frederick
Let her alone for that, your Womans wit! your fair kind
Woman! will out-trick a Broker or a Jew: and contrive like a
Jesuit in Chains—but see, Ned Blunt is stolen out after the
Lure of a Damsel.
Belville
So, he'll scarce find his way home again, unless we get
him cry'd by the Bell-man in the Market-place, and 'twou'd sound
prettily—a lost English Boy of Thirty.
Frederick
I hope 'tis some Common crafty Sinner, one that will
fit him; it may be she'll sell him for Perue,n056n056that is, Peru, where slaves worked in silver mines - [UVAstudstaff] the Rogue's sturdy, and
wou'd work well in a Mine; at least I hope she'll dress him for
our Mirth, cheat him of all, then have him well-favourd'ly bang'd,
and turn'd out Naked at Midnight.
Willmore
Prithee what humour is he of, that you wish him so
well?
Belville
Why of an English Elder Brother's humour, Educated in a
Nursery, with a Maid to tend him till Fifteen, and lyes with his
Grand-Mother till he's of Age: one that knowes no pleasure beyond
riding to the next Fair, or going up to London with his
right Worshipful Father in Parliament-time; wearing gay Cloths,
or making honourable Love to his Lady Mothers Landry-Maidn057n057A female servant responsible for performing many household responsibilities, including laundry. See Joanna Martin, Wives and Daughters: Women and Children in the Georgian Country House. London: Hambledon and London, 2004. - [UVAstudstaff]:
gets drunk at a Hunting-Match, and ten to one then gives some
proofs of his Prowess.—A Pox upon him, he's our Banker, and
has all our Cash about him, and if he fail, we are all Broke.
Frederick
Oh let him alone for that matter, he's of a damn'd stingey
quality, that will secure our stock; I know not in what danger it
were indeed if the Jilt shou'd pretend she's in Love with him, for
'tis a kind believing Coxcomb; otherwise if he part with more
than a piece of Eight—-gueldn058n058castrate - [UVAstudstaff] him: for which offer he may chance
to be beaten, if she be a Whore of the First Rank.
Belville
Nay the Rogue will not be easily beaten, he's stout
enough; perhaps if they talk beyond his capacity, he may chance
to exercise his Courage upon some of them, else I'm sure they'll
find it as difficult to beat as to please him.
Willmore
'Tis a luckey Devil to light upon so kind a Wench!
Frederick
Thou had'st a great deal of talk with thy little Gipsie,
coud'st thou do no good upon her? for mine was hard-hearted.
Willmore
Hang her, she was some damn'd honest Person of Quality
I'm sure, she was so very free and witty. If her face be but answerable
to her Witt, and humour, I wou'd be bound to Constancy
this Moneth to gain her—in the mean time, have you made no
kind acquaintance since you came to Town?—you do not use
to be honest so long, Gentlemen.
Frederick
Faith Love has kept us honest, we have been all fir'd
with a Beauty newly come to Town, the Famous Paduana Angellica
Bianca.n059n059a "Paduana" is someone who comes from the city of Padua. Many critics have noted that Angellica Bianca shares initials with Aphra Behn. - [UVAstudstaff]
Willmore
What the Mistris of the dead Spanish General?
Belville
Yes, she's now the only ador'd Beauty of all the Youth
in Naples, who put on all their Charms to appear lovely in her
sight, their Coaches, Liveries, and themselves, all gay, as on a Monarch's
Birth-Day, to attract the Eyes of this fair Charmer, while
she has the pleasure to behold all languish for her that see her.
Frederick
'Tis pretty to see with how much Love the Men regard
her, and how much Envy the Women.
Willmore
What Gallant has she?
Belville
None, she's expos'd to Sail, and Four days in the Week
she's yours—for so much a Month.
Willmore
The very thought of it quenches all manner of Fire in
me—yet prithee let's see her.
Belville
Let's first to Dinner, and after that wee'l pass the day as
you please—but at Night yee must all be at my Devotion.
Willmore
I will not fail you.
Willmore
But why thus disguis'd and muzzel'd?
Belville
Because whatever Extravagances we commit
in these Faces, our own may not be oblig'd to answer
'em.
Willmore
I shou'd have chang'd my Eternal Buffe too; but no matter,
my little Gipsie wou'd not have found me out then; for if
she shou'd change hers, it is impossible I should know her, unless
I should hear her prattle.—A Pox on't, I cannot get her out
of my Head: Pray Heaven, if ever I do see her again, she prove
damnably ugly, that I may fortifie my self against her Tongue.
Belville
Have a care of Love, for o' my conscience she was not of
a quality to give thee any hopes.
Willmore
Pox on 'em, why do they draw a Man in then? She has
play'd with my Heart so, that 'twill never lye still, till I have met
with some kind Wench, that will play the Game out with me—
Oh for my Arms full of soft, white, kind—Woman! such as I
fancy Angelica.
Belville
This is her House, if you were but in stock to get admittance;
they have not din'd yet; I perceive the Picture is not out.
Willmore
I long to see the Shadow of the fair Substance; a Man
may gaze on that for nothing.
Blunt
Coll. Thy Hand—and thine
Frederick
I have been an
Ass, a deluded Fool, a very Coxcomb from my Birth till this hour,
and heartily repent my little Faith.
Belville
What the Devil's the matter with thee Ned?
—Oh such a Mrs.
Frederick
such a Girl!
Willmore
Ha! where.
Frederick
Ay where!
Blunt
So fond, so amorous, so toying and so fine! and all for sheer
Love ye Rogue! Oh how she lookt and kist! and sooth'd my
17
Heart from my Bosom—I cannot think I was awake, and yet
methinks I see and feel her charms still—
Frederick
—Try if she
have not left the taste of her Balmey Kisses upon my Lips—
Belville
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Willmore
Death Man where is she?—What a Dog was I to stay in dull England so long,—How
have I laught at the Coll. When he sigh'd for Love! but now the
little Archer has reveng'd him! and by this one Dart, I can guess
at all his joys, which then I took for Fancies, meer Dreams and
Fables.—Well, I'm resolv'd to sell all in Essex, and plant here
for ever.
Belville
What a Blessing 'tis, thou hast a Mistris thou dar'st boast
of; for I know thy Humour is, rather to have a proclaim'd Clap,
than a secret Amour.
Willmore
Dost know her Name?
Blunt
Her Name? No, 'sheartlikins what care I for Names.
—She's fair! young! brisk and kind! even to ravishment!
and what a Pox care I for knowing her by any other Title.
Willmore
Didst give her any thing?
Blunt
Give her!—Ha, ha, ha! whe she's a Person of Quality;
—that's a good one, give her! 'sheartlikins dost think
such Creatures are to be bought? Or are we provided for such a
Purchase? give her quoth ye? Why she presented me with this
Bracelet, for the Toy of a Diamond I us'd to wear: No, Gentlemen,
Ned Blunt is not every Body—She expects me again to
Night.
Willmore
Egad that's well; we'll all go.
Blunt
Not a Soul: No, Gentlemen, you are Wits; I am a dull
Countrey Rogue, I.
Frederick
Well, Sir, for all your Person of Quality, I shall be very
glad to understand your Purse be secure; 'tis our whole Estate at
present, which we are loth to hazard in one Bottomn061n061risk in a single ship - [UVAstudstaff]; come, Sir,
unlade.
Blunt
Take the necessary Trifle useless now to me, that am belov'd
by such a Gentlewoman—'sheartlikins Money! Here take
mine too.
Frederick
No, keep that to be couzen'd, that we may laugh.
Willmore
Couzen'd!—Death! wou'd I cou'd meet with one,
that wou'd couzen me of all the Love I cou'd spare to Night.
Frederick
Pox, 'tis some common Whore upon my life.
Blunt
A Whore!—yes with such Cloths! such Jewels! such
a House! such Furniture, and so Attended! a Whore!
Belville
Why yes Sir, they are Whores, tho' they'll neither entertain
you with Drinking, Swearing, or Bawdry; are Whores in
all those gay Cloths, and right Jewels, are Whores with those
great Houses richly furnisht with Velvet Beds, Store of Plate, handsome
Attendance, and fine Coaches, are Whores and Errant ones.
Willmore
Pox on't, where do these fine Whores live?
Belville
Where no Rogues in Office Ecliped Constables, dare give
'em Laws, nor the Wine Inspir'd Bullies of the Town, break their
Windows; yet they are Whores tho this Essex Calf believe 'em
Persons of Quality.
Blunt
'Sheartlikins, y'are all Fools, there are things about this
Essex Calf, that shall take with the Ladies, beyond all your Witt
and Parts—this Shape and Size Gentlemen are not to be despis'd—
my Waste too tolerably long, with other inviting signs, that shall
be nameless.
Willmore
Egad I believe he may have met with some Person of
Quality that may be kind to him.
Belville
Dost thou perceive any such tempting things about him,
that shou'd make a fine Woman, and of Quality, pick him out
from all Mankind, to throw away her Youth and Beauty upon,
nay and her dear heart too!—no, no, Angellica has rais'd the
Price too high.
Willmore
May she languish for Mankind till she dye, and be damn'd
for that one sin alone.
Belville
See there the fair Sign to the Inn where a Man may Lodg
that's Fool enough to give her price.
Blunt
'Sheartlikins, Gentlemen, what's this!
Belville
A Famous Courtizan, that's to be sold.
Blunt
How? to be sold! nay then I have nothing to say to
her—sold! what Impudence is practic'd in this Countrey?
—with what Order and decency Whoring's Establisht here
by Virtue of the Inquisition—come let's begone, I'm sure wee're
no Chapmen for this Commodity.
Frederick
Thou art none I'm sure, unless thou coud'st have her in
thy Bed at a price of a Coach in the Street.
Willmore
How wondrous fair she is—a Thousand Crowns a
Month—by Heaven as many Kingdoms were too little, a plague
of this Poverty—of which I ne're complain, but when it hinders
my approach to Beauty: which Virtue ne're cou'd purchase.
Blunt
What's this?— [Reads.]
A Thousand Crowns a
Month!
—'Sheartlikins here's a Sum! sure 'tis a mistake.—Heark you Friend, does she take or give so much by the
Month?
Frederick
A Thousand Crowns! why 'tis a Portion for the Infanta.
Blunt
Heark ye Friends, won't she trust?
Bravo
This is a Trade, Sir, that cannot live by Credit.
Belville
See, here's more Company, let's walk off a while.
Pedro
Fetch me a thousand Crowns, I never wisht to buy this
Beauty at an easier rate.
Angellica
Prithee what said those Fellows to thee?
Bravo
Madam, the first were admirers of Beauty only, but no
purchasers, they were merry with your Price and Picture, laught
at the Sum, and so past off.
Angellica
No Matter, I'm not displeas'd with their rallying; their
wonder feeds my vanity, and he that wishes but to buy, gives
me more Pride, than he that gives my Price, can make my pleasure.
Bravo
Madam, the last I knew through all his disguises to
be Don Pedro, Nephew to the General, and who was with him in
Pampalona.
Angellica
Don Pedro! my old Gallant's Nephew, when his Uncle
dy'd he left him a vast Sum of Money; it is he who was so in love
with me at Padua, and who us'd to make the General so Jealous.
Moretta
Is this he that us'd to prance before our Window, and
take such care to shew himself an Amorous Ass? If I am not mistaken
he is the likeliest Man to give your price.
Angellica
The Man is brave and generous, but of an humour so
uneasie and inconstant, that the victory over his heart is as soon
lost as won, a Slave that can add little to the Triumph of the
Conquerour, but Inconstancy's the sin of all Mankind, therefore
I'm resolv'd that nothing but Gold, shall charm my heart.
Moretta
I'm glad on't; 'tis only Interest that Women of our
profession ought to consider: tho' I wonder what has kept you
from that general Disease of our Sex so long, I mean that of being
in Love.
Angellica
A kind, but sullen Star under which I had the happiness
to be born; yet I have had no time for Love; the bravest
and noblest of Mankind have purchast my favours at so dear a
rate, as if no Coin but Gold were currant with our Trade—
but here's Don Pedro again, fetch me my Lute—for 'tis for him
or Don Antonio the Vice-Roys Son, that I have spread my Nets.
Antonio
A Thousand Crowns! had not the Painter flatter'd her,
I shou'd not think it dear.
Pedro
Flatter'd her! by Heav'n he cannot, I have seen the
Original, nor is there one Charm here more than Adorns her
Face and Eyes; all this soft and sweet, with a certain languishing
Air, that no Artist can represent.
Antonio
What I heard of her Beauty before had fir'd my Soul, but
this confirmation of it has blown it to a flame.
Pedro
Ha!
Page
Sir, I have known you throw away a Thousand Crowns
on a worse face, and tho y'are near your Marriage, you may venture
a little Love here▪
Florinda will not miss it.
Pedro
Ha! Florinda!—sure 'tis Antonio.
Antonio
Florinda! name not those distant joyes, there's not one
thought of her will check my Passion here.
Pedro
Florinda scorn'd! and all my
[A noise of a Lute above.
hopes defeated, of the Possession of Angelica.
[Antonio gazes up.
Her Injuries! by Heaven he shall not boast of.
Antonio
By Heav'n she's charming fair!
Pedro
'Tis he; the false Antonio!
Antonio
Friend, where must I pay my Offring of Love?My Thousand Crowns I mean.
Pedro
That Offring I have design'd to make.And yours will come too late.
Antonio
Prithee begone, I shall grow angry else.And then thou art not safe.
Pedro
My Anger may be fatal, Sir, as yours;And he that enters here may prove this truth.
Antonio
I know not who thou art, but I am sure thou'rt worth my
killing, for aiming at Angelica.
Blunt
'Sheartlikins, here's fine doings.
Willmore
Tilting for the Wench I'm sure—nay gad, if that wou'd
win her, I have as good a Sword as the best of ye.—Put up,—
put up, and take another time and place, for this is design'd for
Lovers only.
Pedro
We are prevented; dare you meet me to Morrow on
the Molo?
For I've a Title to a better quarrel,That of Florinda in whose credulous heartThou'st, made an Int'rest, and destroyd my hopes.
Antonio
Dare!I'll meet thee there as early as the day.
Pedro
We will come thus disguised, that whosoever chance
to get the better, he may escape unkown.
Antonio
It shall be so.
[Ex. Pedro and Stephano.
Who shou'd this Rival be? unless the English Colonel, of whom
I've often heard Don Pedro speak; it must be he, and time he were
remov'd, who lays a claim to all my happiness.
Willmore
This Posture's loose and negligent,The sight on't wou'd beget a warm desire,In Souls whom Impotence and Age had chill'd.—This must along with me.
Bravo
What means this rudeness, Sir?—restore the Picture.
Antonio
Ha! Rudeness committed to the fair Angellica!
—Restore the Picture, Sir—
Willmore
Indeed I will not, Sir.
Antonio
By Heav'n but you shall.
Willmore
Nay, do not shew your Sword, if you do, by this dear
Beauty—I will shew mine too.
Antonio
What right can you pretend to't?
Willmore
That of Possession which I will maintain—you perhaps
have a 1000 Crowns to give for the Original.
Antonio
No matter, Sir, you shall restore the Picture.
Angellica
Oh Moretta! what's the matter?
Antonio
Or leave your life behind,
Willmore
Death! you lye—I will do neither.
Angellica
Hold, I command you, if for me you Fight.
Willmore
How Heavenly fair she is!—ah Plague of her
price.
Angellica
You Sir in Buffe, you that appear a Souldier, that first
began this Insolence—
Willmore
'Tis true, I did so, if you call it Insolence for a Man to
preserve himself; I saw your Charming Picture and was wounded;
quite through my Soul each pointed Beauty ran; and
wanting a Thousand Crowns to procure my remedy—I laid
this little Picture to my Bosom—which if you cannot allow
me, I'll resign.
Angellica
No you may keep the Trifle.
Antonio
You shall first ask me leave, and this.
Angellica
Hold! will you ruine me!—Beskey—Sebestian—
part'em.—
Moretta
Oh Madam, we're undone, a pox upon that rude Fellow,
low, he's set on to ruine us: we shall never see good days, till all
these fighting poor Rogues are sent to the Gallies.
Blunt
'Sheartlikins, beat me at this sport, and I'le ne're wear
Sword more.
Belville
The Devil's in thee for a mad Fellow, thou art always
one, at an unluckey Adventure—come let's begon whil'st
wee're safe, and remember these are Spaniards, a sort of People that
know how to revenge an Affront.
Frederick
You bleed! I hope you are not wounded.
Willmore
Not much:—a plague on your Dons, if they fight
no better they'l ne're recover Flanders.—what the Devil
was't to them that I took down the Picture?
Blunt
Took it! 'Sheartlikins we'll have the great one too;
'tis ours by Conquest.—prithee help me up and I'll pull it
down—
Angellica
Stay Sir, and e're you Affront me farther, let me know
how you durst commit this out-rage—to you I speak Sir, for
you appear a Gentleman.
Willmore
To me, Madam—Gentlemen your ServAntonio
Belville
Is the Devil in thee? do'st know the danger of entring
the house of an incens'd Courtizan?
Willmore
I thank you for your care—but there are other matters
in hand, there are, tho we have no great Temptation—Death!
let me go.
Frederick
Yes to your Lodging if you will, but not in here.—Damn these Gay Harlots—by this hand I'll have as sound
and handsome a Whore, for a Patacoone,—death Man, she'll
Murder thee.
Willmore
Oh! fear me not, shall I not venture where a Beauty calls?
a lovely Charming Beauty! for fear of danger! when by
Heav'n there's none so great, as to long for her, whil'st I want Moto
purchase her.
Pedro
Therefore 'tis loss of time unless you had the Thousand
Crowns to pay.
Willmore
It may be she may give a Favour, at least I shall have
the pleasure of Saluting her when I enter, and when I depart.
Belville
Pox, she'll as soon lye with thee, as kiss thee, and sooner
stab than do either—you shall not go.
Angellica
Fear not Sir, all I have to wound with is my Eyes.
Blunt
Let him go, 'Sheartlikins, I believe the Gentlewoman
means well.
Belville
Well take thy Fortune, we'll expect you in the next
Street—farewell Fool—Farewell—
Willmore
'Buy Colonel—
Frederick
The Rogue's stark mad for a Wench.
Angellica
Insolent Sir, how durst you pull down my Picture?
Willmore
Rather, how durst you set it up, to tempt poor Am'rous▪
Mortals with so much excellence? which I find you have but
too well consulted by the unmerciful price you set upon't.—
25
Is all this Heaven of Beauty shewn to move despair in those that
cannot buy? and can you think th' effects of that despair, shou'd
be less extravagant than I have shewn?
Angellica
I sent for you to ask my Pardon Sir, not to Aggravate
your Crime—I thought I shou'd have seen you at my Feet
imploring it.
Willmore
You are deceiv'd, I came to rail at you, and rail such
truths too, as shall let you see, the vanity of that Pride, which
taught you how, to set such Price on Sin.
For such it is, whil'st that which is Loves due.
is meanly barter'd for.
Angellica
Ha! ha! ha! alas good Captain, what pitty 'tis your
edifying Doctrine will do no good upon me—Moretta! fetch
the Gentleman a Glass, and let him surveigh himself. To see what
Charms he has—and guess my business.
Moretta
He knows himself of Old, I believe those Breeches and
he have been acquainted ever since he was beaten at Worcester.
Angellica
Nay do not abuse the poor Creature—
Moretta
Good Weather beaten Corporal, will you march off?
we have no need of your Doctrine, tho' you have of our Charity,
but at present we have no scraps, we can afford no kindness for
God's sake; in fine Sirrah, the price is too high 'ith Mouth for you,
therefore Troop I say.
Willmore
Here good Fore-Woman of the Shop serve me, and I'll
be gone.
Moretta
Keep it to pay your Landress, your Linnen stinks of
the Gun Room; for here's no selling by Retail.
Willmore
Thou hast sold plenty of thy Stale. Ware at a Cheap
rate.
Moretta
Ay the more Silly kind Heart I, but this is an Age
wherein Beauty is at higher rates—In fine you know the price of this.
Willmore
Igrant you 'tis here—set down a Thousand Crowns
a Month—pray how much may come to my Share for a Pistol.
—Bawd take your black Lead and Sum it up, that I may
have a Pistols worth of this vain gay things, and I'll trouble
you no more.
Moretta
Pox on him he'll fret me to death:—abominable
Fellow, I tell thee, wee only sell by the whole piece.
Willmore
'Tis very hard, the whole Cargo or nothing—Faith
26
Madam, my Stock will not reach it, I cannot be your Chapman
—Yet I have Country Men in Town, Merchants of Love like
me; I'll see if they'll put in for a share, we cannot lose much by
it, and what we have no use for, we'll sell upon the Frydays Mart
at—Who gives more? I am studying Madam how to purchase
you, tho' at present I am unprovided of Money.
Angellica
Sure this from any other Man would anger me—nor
shall he know the Conquest he has made—poor angry Man,
how I despise this railing.
Willmore
Yes, I am poor—but I'm a Gentleman,And one that Scornes this basenessn062n062membership or characteristic of a lower social class (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]which you practice;Poor as I am, I wou'd not sell my self,No not to gain your Charming high priz'd Person.Tho' I admire you strangely for your Beauty,Yet I contemn your mind.—And yet I wou'd at any rate enjoy you,At your own rate—but cannot—see hereThe only Sum I can command on Earth;I know not where to eat when this is gon.Yet such a Slave I am to Love and BeautyThis last reserve I'll sacrifice to enjoy you.—Nay do not frown, I know you're to be bought,And wou'd be bought by me, by me,For a mean triffling sum if I cou'd pay it downWhich happy knowledge I will still repeat,And lay it to my Heart, it has a Virtue in't,And soon will cure those Wounds your Eyes have made.—And yet—there's something so Divinely powerful there—Nay I will gaze—to let you see my strength.—By Heav'n bright Creature—I would not for the WorldThy Fame were half so fair, as is thy Face.
Angellica
His words go through me to the very Soul.—If you have nothing else to say to me—
Willmore
Yes, you shall hear how Infamous you are—For which I do not hate thee—But that secures my heart, and all the Flames it feelsAre but so many Lusts—I know it by their sudden bold Intrusion.
27
The Fire's impatient and betrays, 'tis false—For had it been the purer flame of Love,I shou'd have pin'd and languisht at your feet,E're found the impudence to have discover'd it.I now dare stand your scorn, and your denyal.
Moretta
Sure she's bewitch, that she can stand thus tamely and
hear his sawcy railing—Sirrah, will you be gon?
Angellica
How dare you take this Liberty?—withdraw. [To Mor.
—Pray tell me, Sir, are not you guilty of the same Mercenary
Crime,When a Lady is propos'd to you for a Wife, you never ask, how
fair—discreet—or virtuous she is; but what's her Fortune—
which if but small, you cry—she will not do my business—
and basely leave her, thou she languish for you—say, is not this
as poor?
Willmore
It is Barbarous Custome, which I will scorn to defend
in our Sex, and do despise in yours.
Angellica
Thou'rt a brave Fellow! put up thy Gold, and know,That were thy Fortune large as is thy Soul,Thou shoud'st not buy my Love,Coudst thou forget those mean effects of vanityWhich set me out to sale, and, as a Lover, prize my yielding joys.Canst thou believe they'l be intirely thine,Without considering they were Mercenary?
Willmore
I cannot tell, I must bethink me first—ha—death
I'm going to believe her.
Angellica
Prithee confirm that faith—or if thou canst not—
flatter me a little, 'twill please me from thy mouth.
Willmore
Curse on thy charming Tongue! dost thou returnMy feign'd contempt with so much subtilty?Thou'st found the easiest way into my heart,Tho I yet know, that all thou say'st is false.
Angellica
By all that's good 'tis real,I never lov'd before, tho oftn063n063shortening of often (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]a Mistress.—Shall my first Vows be slighted?
Willmore
What can she mean?
Angellica
I find you cannot credit me.—
Willmore
I know you take me for an errantn064n064travelling or roaming (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]Ass,An Ass that may be sooth'd into belief,
28
And then be us'd at pleasure;—But, Madam, I have been so often cheatedBy perjur'd soft deluding Hypocrites,That I've no faith left for the couzeningn065n065also spelled cozening, it means cheating, deceitful or fraudulent (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]Sex;Especially for Women of your Trade.
Angellica
The low esteem you have of me, perhapsMay bring my heart again:For I have pride, that yet surmounts my Love.
Willmore
Throw off this Pride, this Enemy to Bliss,And shew the Pow'r of Love: 'tis with those ArmsI can be only vanquisht, made a Slave.
Angellica
Is all my mighty expectation vanisht?—No, I will not hear thee talk—thou hast a CharmIn every word that draws my heart away.And all the Thousand Trophies I design'dThou hast undone—Why art thou soft?Thy looks are bravely rough, and meant for War.Coud'st thou not storm on still?I then perhaps had been as free as thou.
Willmore
Death, how she throws her Fire about my Soul!—Take heed, fair Creature, how you raise my hopes,Which once assum'd pretends to all dominion.There's not a joy thou hast in store,I shall not then Command.—For which I'll pay thee back my Soul! my Life!—Come, let's begin th' account this happy minute!
Angellica
And will you pay me then the price I ask?
Willmore
Oh why dost thou draw me from an awful Worship,By shewing thou art no Divinity.Conceal the Fiend, and shew me all the Angel!Keep me but ignorant, and I'll be devoutAnd pay my Vows for ever at this shrine.
Angellica
The pay, I mean, is but thy Love for mine.—Can you give that?
Willmore
Intirely—come, let's withdraw! where I'll renew my
Vows—and breath 'em with such Ardour thou shalt not doubt
my zeal.
Angellica
Thou hast a Pow'r too strong to be resisted.
Moretta
Now my Curse go with you—is all our Project fallen
to this? to love the only Enemy to our Trade? nay, to love
such a Shameroone, a very Beggar, nay a Pyrate Beggar, whose
business is to rifle, and be gone, a no Purchase, no Pay Taterdemalion,
and English Piccaroonn066n066a pirate or privateer (OED) - [UVAstudstaff].A Rogue that fights for daily drink, and takes a Pride in being
Loyally Lousie—Oh I cou'd curse now, if I durst.—This is the
Fate of most Whores.
Florinda
I Wonder what shou'd make my Brother in so ill a humour?
I hope he has not found out our Ramble this
Morning.
Hellena
No, if he had, we shou'd have heard on't at both Ears,
and have been Mew'dn068n068in hiding or a place of confinement, like a cage (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]up this Afternoon; which I wou'd not
for the World shou'd have hapned—hey ho, I'm as sad as a Lover's
Lute.—
Valleria▪
Well, methinks we have learnt this Trade of Gipsies as
readily, as if we had been bred upon the Road to Loretta: and yet
I did so fumble, when I told the stranger his Fortune, that I was
30
afraid I should have told my own and yours by mistake—but,
methinks Hellena has been very serious ever since.
Florinda
I wou'd give my Garters she were in Love, to be reveng'd
upon her, for abusing me—how is't, Hellena?
Hellena
Ah—wou'd I had never seen my mad Monsieur—and
yet for all your laughing, I am not in Love—and yet this small
acquaintance o' my Conscience will never out of my head.
Valleria
Ha, ha, ha—I laugh to think how thou art fitted with
a Lover, a fellow that I warrant loves every new Face he sees.
Hellena
Hum—he has not kept his word with me here—and
may be taken up—that thought is not very pleasant to me—
what the Deuce shou'd this be now, that I feel?
Valleria
What is't like?
Hellena
Nay, the Lord knows—but if I shou'd be hang'd, I
cannot choose, but be angry and afraid, when I think, that mad
Fellow shou'd be in Love with any Body but me—what to think
of my self, I know not—wou'd I cou'd meet with some true damn'd
Gipsie, that I might know my Fortune.
Valleria
Know it! why there's nothing so easie, thou wilt love this
wandring Inconstant, till thou findst thy self hang'd about his
Neck, and then be as mad to get free again.
Florinda
Yes, Valeria, we shall see her bestride his Baggage Horse,
and follow him to the Campaigne.
Hellena
So, so, now you are provided for, there's no care taken of
poor me—but since you have set my heart a wishing—I am
resolv'd to know for what, I will not dye of the Pip, so I will
not.
Florinda
Art thou mad to talk so? who will like thee well enough
to have thee, that, hears what a mad Wench thou art?
Hellena
Like me! I don't intend every he that likes me shall
have me, but he that I like; I shou'd have staid in the Nunnery
still, if I had lik'd my Lady Abbesse as well as she lik'd me—no,
I came thence not (as my wise Brother imagines) to take an Eternal
Farewel of the World, but to Love, and to be belov'd, and
I will be belov'd, or I'll get one of your Men, so I Willmore
Valleria
Am I put into the number of Lovers?
Hellena
You? why Couz, I know thou'rt too good natur'd to
leave us in any design: thou wou't venture a Cast, tho thou comest
off a loser, especially with such a Gamester.—I observe your
Man, and your willing Ear incline that way; and if you are not
31
a Lover, 'tis an Art soon learnt—that I find.
Florinda
I wonder how you learnt to Love so easily, I had a 1000
Charms to meet my Eyes and Ears, e're I cou'd yield, and 'twas the
knowedge of Belvile's merit, not the surprizing Person took my
Soul—thou art too rash to give a heart at first sight.
Hellena
Hang your considering Lover; I never thought beyond
the fancy that 'twas a very pretty, idle, silly, kind of pleasure to
pass ones time with, to write little soft. Nonsensical Billiets, and
with great difficulty and danger receive Answers; in which I
shall have my Beauty prais'd, my Wit admir'd, (tho little or none)
and have the vanity and pow'r to know I am desirable; then I
have the more inclination that way, because I am to be a Nun,
and so shall not be suspected to have any such Earthly thoughts
about me—but when I walk thus—and sigh thus—
they'l think my mind's upon my Monastery, and cry how happy
'tis she's so resolv'd.—But not word of Man.
Florinda
What a mad Creature's this?
Hellena
I'll warrant, if my Brother hears either of you sigh, he
cryes (gravely)—I fear you have the indiscretion to be in
Love, but take heed of the Honour of our House, and your own unspotted
Fame, and so he Conjures on till he has laid the soft wing'd
God in your Hearts, or broke the Birds Nest—but see here
comes your Lover, but where's my Inconstant? let's step aside,
and wee may learn something.
Belville
What means this! the Picture's taken in.
Blunt
It may be the Wench is good Natur'd, and will be kind
Gratis. Your Friend's a proper handsome Fellow.
Belville
I rather think she has cut his Throat and is fled: I am
mad he shou'd throw himself into dangers—pox on't I shall
want him too at Night—let's knock and ask for him.
Hellena
My Heart goes a pit, a pat, for fear 'tis my Man they
talk off.
Moretta
What wou'd you have!
Belville
Tell the stranger that enter'd here about two hours agoe,
that his Friends stay here for him.
Moretta
A Curse upon him for Moretta, wou'd he were at the
Devil—but he's coming to you.
Hellena
I, I, 'tis he! Oh how this vexes me.
Belville
And how and how dear Lad, has Fortune smil'd! are we
to break her Windows! or raise up Alters to her. hah!
Willmore
Does not my Fortune sit Triumphant on my Brow! dost
not see the little wantonn069n069Of a person, a person's will: undisciplined, ungoverned; unmanageable, rebellious (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] God there all gay and smiling. Have I
not an Air about my Face and Eyes, that distinguish me from the
Crow'd of common Lovers! By Heav'n Cupids Quiver has not
half so many Darts as her Eyes!—Oh such a Bona Roban070n070A wench (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]! to
sleep in her Arms is lying in Fresco, all perfum'd Air about me.
Hellena
Here's fine encouragement for me to fool on.
Willmore
Hark'ey where didst thou purchase that rich Canary
we drank to day! tell me that I may Adore the Spigotn071n071A small wooden peg or pin used to stop the vent-hole of a barrel or cask; a vent-peg; a similar peg inserted into and controlling the opening or tube of a faucet and used to regulate the flow of liquor (OED) - [UVAstudstaff], and Sacrifice
to the Butt! the Juice was Divine! into which I must
dip my Rosary, and then bless all things that I would have bold
or Fortunate.
Belville
Well Sir, let's go take a Bottle, and hear the story of
your Success.
Frederick
Wou'd not French Wine do better.
Willmore
Damn the hungry Balderdashn072n072Jumbled mixture of liquors e.g. beer and wine - [UVAstudstaff], chearful Sackn073n073A general name for a class of white wines formerly imported from Spain and the Canaries (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] has a generous
Virtue in't inspiring a successful confidence, gives Eloquence
to the Tongne! and vigour to the Soul! and has in a
few hours compleated all my hopes and wishes! There's nothing
left to raise a new desire in me—come let's be gay and
wanton—and Gentlemen study, study what you want, for
here are Friends,—that will supply Gentlemen,—heark!
what a Charming sound they make—'tis he and the Gold
whil'st here, and shall beget new pleasures every Moment.
Blunt
But heark'ey Sir, you are not Marryed are you?
Willmore
All the honey of Matrimony, but none of the sting
Friend.
Blunt
'Sheartlikins thou'rt a Fortunate Rogue!
Willmore
I am so Sir, let these—inform you!—ha how
sweetly they Chime!—pox of Poverty it makes a Man a slave,
makes Wit and Honour sneak, my Soul grew lean and rusty for
want of credit.
Blunt
'Sheartlikins this I like well, it looks like my lucky Bargain!
Oh how I long for the approach of my Squire, that is to conduct
me to her House again whe—here's two provided for.
Frederick
By this light y' are happy Men.
Blunt
Fortune is pleas'd to smile on us Gentlemen—to smile
on us.
Sancho
Sir my Lady expects [They go aside.
you—she has remov'd all that might oppose your will and
pleasure—and is impatient till you come.
Blunt
Sir I'll attend you—oh the happiest Rogue! I'll take
no leave, least they either dog me, or stay me.
Belville
But then the little Gipsie is forgot?
Willmore
A mischief on thee for putting her into my thoughts
I had quite forgot her else, and this Nights debauch had drunk
her quite down.
Hellena
Had it so good Captain!
Willmore
Hah! I hope she did not hear me.
Hellena
What afraid of such a Champion?
Willmore
Oh! you're a fine Lady of your word, are you not? to
make a Man languish a whole day—▪
Hellena
In tedious search of me.
Willmore
Egad Child thou'rt in the right, had'st thou seen what
a Melancholy Dog I have been ever since I was a Lover, how I
have walkt the streets like a Capuchinn074n074A friar of the order of St. Francis, of the new rule of 1528 (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] with my Hands in my
Sleeves—Faith sweet Heart thou would'st pitty me.
Hellena
Now if I shou'd be hang'd I can't be angry with him he
dissembles so Heartily—alas good Captain what pains you have
taken—now were I ungrateful not to reward so true a ServAntonio
Willmore
Poor Soul! that's kindly said, I see thou barest a Conscience
—come then for a beginning shew me thy dear Face.
Hellena
I'm afraid, my small acquaintance, you have been staying
that swinging Stomach you boasted of this Morning; I then remember
my little Collationn075n075Bringing together, comparison (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] wou'd have gone down with you,
without the Sauce of a handsome Face—is your Stomach so
queasiy now?
Willmore
Faith long fasting Child, spoils a Mans Appetite—yet
if you durst treat, I cou'd so lay about me still—
Hellena
And wou'd you fall to, before a Priest says Grace?
Willmore
Oh
〈◊〉
, what an Old out of fashion'd thing hast thou
nam'd? thou cou'st not dash me more out of Countenance
shoud'st thou shew me an ugly Face.
Angellica
Heavens 'ts he! and passionately fond to see another
Woman.
Moretta
What cou'd you less expect from such a swaggerer?
Angellica
Expect! as much as I paid him, a Heart intireWhich I had Pride enough to think when 'ere I gave,It would have rais'd the Man above the VulgarMade him all Soul! and that all soft and constAntonio
Hellena
You see Captain, how willing I am to be Friends with
you, till time and ill luck make us Lovers, and ask you the Question
first, rather then put your Modesty to the blush, by asking me
(for alas!) I know you Captains are such strict Men and such severe
observers of your Vows to Chastity, that 'twill be hard to
prevail with your tender Conscience to Marry a young willing
Maid.
Willmore
Do not abuse me, for fear I shou'd take thee at thy
word, and Marry thee indeed, which I'm sure will be revenge
sufficient.
Hellena
O' my Conscience, that will be our Destiny, because we
are both of one humour; I am as inconstant as you, for I have
consider'd, Captain, that a handsome Woman has a great deal to do
whilst her Face is good, for then is our Harvest-time to gather
Friends; and should I in these dayes of my Youth, catch a fit of
foolish Constancy, I were undone; 'tis loitering by day-light in
our great Journey: therefore I declare, I'll allow but one year
for Love, one year for indifference, and one year for hate—
and then—go hang your self—for I profess my self the gay,
the kind, and the Inconstant—the Devil's in't if this won't
please you.
Willmore
Oh most damnably—I have a heart with a hole
quite through it too, no Prison mine to keep a Mistress in.
Angellica
Perjur'dn076n076Of a person that has deliberately broken an oath (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] Man! how I believe thee now.
Hellena
Well, I see our business as well as humours are a like,
yours to couzen as many Maids as will trust you, and I as many
Men as have Faith—see if I have not as desperate a lying look,
as you can have for the heart of you.—How do you like it Captain?
Willmore
Like it! by Heav'n, I never saw so much beauty! Oh
the Charms of those sprightly black Eyes! that strangely fair
Face! full of smiles and dimples! those soft round melting Cherry
Lips! and small even white Teeth! not to be exprest, but silently
ador'd!—oh one look more! and strike me dumb, or I
shall repeat nothing else till I'm mad.
Angellica
I can endure no more—nor is it fit to interrupt him, for
if I do, my Jealousie has so destroid my Reason,—I shall undo him
—therefore I'l retire—and you, Sebastian,
[To one of her Bravo's.
follow that Woman, and learn who 'tis; while you tell the Fugitive,
I wou'd speak to him instantly.
Valleria
Prithee, dear stranger, be not so sullen, for tho you have
lost your Love, you see my Friend franckly offers you hers to play
with in the mean time.
Belville
Faith Madam, I am sorry I can't play at her Game.
Frederick
Pray leave your Intercessionn078n078The action of interceding or pleading on behalf of (rarely against),(OED) - [UVAstudstaff], and mind your own Affair,
they'l better agree apart; he's a modest sighern079n079To emit, give, or heave a sigh(OED) - [UVAstudstaff] in Company, but
alone no Woman scapes him.
Florinda
Sure he does but rally—yet if it shou'd be true—
I'll tempt him farther—believe me, Noble Stranger, I'm no
common Mistris—and for a little proof on't—wear this
Jeweln080n080An article of value used for adornment, chiefly of the person / possibly a picture of her (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]—nay, take it, Sir, 'tis right, and Bills of Exchange may
sometimes miscarry.n081n081Phrase meant to suggest that a promise or vow to be "paid" can be counterfeited or easily passed from one to another (O'Brien in class / wikipedia) - [UVAstudstaff]
Belville
Madam, why am I chose out of all Mankind to be the
Object of your Bounty?
Valleria
There's another civil Question askt.
Frederick
Pox of's Modesty, it spoils his own Markets & hinders mine.
Florinda
Sir, from my Window I have often seen you, and Women
of my Quality have so few opportunities for Love, that we
ought to loose none.
Frederick
Ay, this is something! here's a Woman!—when shall
I be blest with so much kindness from your fair Mouth?—take
the Jewel, Fool.
Belville
You tempt me strangely Madam every way—
Florinda
So, if I find him false, my whole Reposen082n082Temporary rest or cessation from physical or mental exertion in order to recover one's energy (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]
Belville
And but for a Vow I've made to a very Lady, this goodness
had subdu'd me.
Frederick
Pox on't be kind, in pitty to me be kind, for I am to
thrive here but as you treat her Friend.
Hellena
Tell me what you did in yonder House, and I'll unmasque.n083n083unmask - [UVAstudstaff]
Willmore
Yonder House—oh—I went to—a—to—why
there's a Friend of mine lives there.
Hellena
What a Shee, or a Hee Friend?n084n084she and he respectively - [UVAstudstaff]
Willmore
A Man upon Honour! a Man—a Shee Friend—no,
no Madam you have done my business I thank you.n085n085his womanizing has ended with her - [UVAstudstaff]
Hellena
And wast your Man Friend, that had more Darts in's
Eyes, than Cupid carries in's whole Budgetn086n086A pouch, bag, wallet, usually of leather. (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] of Arrowes.
Willmore
So—
Hellena
Ah such a Bona Roba!n087n087Italian for: A wench; ‘a showy wanton’ (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] to be in her Arms is lying in Fresco,
all perfum'd Air about me—was this your Man Friend
too?
Willmore
So—
Hellena
That gave you the He, and the She Gold, that begets young
pleasures?
Willmore
Well, well Madam, then you see there are Ladies in
the World, that will not be cruel—there are Madam there
are—
Hellena
And there be Men too, as fine, wild Inconstant Fellowes
as your self, there be Captain there be, if you go to that now—
therefore I'm resolv'd—
Willmore
Oh!—
Hellena
To see your Face no more—
Willmore
Oh!
Hellena
Till to morrow.
Willmore
Egad you frighted me.
Hellena
Nor then neither, unless you'll swear never to see that
Lady more.
Willmore
See her!—when088n088 why (http://www.bookwolf.com/Wolf/pdf/AphraBehn-TheRover.pdf) - [UVAstudstaff] never to think of Woman kind again.
Hellena
Kneel,—and swear—
Willmore
I do never to think—to see—to Love—nor Lye—n089n089sleep with - [UVAstudstaff]
with any but thy self.
Hellena
Kiss the Book.
Willmore
Oh most Religiously.n090n090refers to taking an oath on the bible / Oath: A solemn or formal declaration invoking God (or a god, or other object of reverence) as witness to the truth of a statement, or to the binding nature of a promise or undertaking (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]
Hellena
Now what a wicked Creature am I, to damn a proper
Fellow.
Callis
Madam, I'll stay no longer, 'tis e'ne dark.
Florinda
How ever Sir, I'll leave this with you—that when
37
I'm gone, you may repent the opportunity you have lost, by
your Modesty.
Willmore
'Twill be an Agen091n091a long time / A period of existence, and related senses.(OED) - [UVAstudstaff] till to Morrow,—and till then I
will most impatiently expect you—Adieu my Dear pretty
Angell.
Belville
Ha! Florinda's Picture—'twas she her self—what a
dulln092n092Dull: Not quick in intelligence or mental perception; slow of understanding; not sharp of wit(OED) - [UVAstudstaff] Dog was I? I wou'd have given the World for one minuts
discourse with her—
Frederick
This comes of your modesty!—ah poxn093n093Senses relating to diseases characterized by pocks(OED). Referencing a sort of curse on his vow - [UVAstudstaff] o' your vow,
'twas ten to one, but we had lost the Jewel by't.
Belville
Willmore! the blessed'st opportunity lost! Florinda!
Friends! Florinda!
Willmore
Ah Rogue! such black Eyes! such a Face! such a
Mouth! such Teeth—and so much Witt!—
Belville
All, all, and a Thousand Charmes besides.
Willmore
Why dost thou know her?
Belville
Know her! Ay, Ay, and a pox take me with all my
Heart for being Modest.
Willmore
But hearkeyn094n094 "hark ye"= (ref:http://www.bookwolf.com/Wolf/pdf/AphraBehn-TheRover.pdf). To give ear or listen to. (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]
Friend of mine, are you my Rival? and have
I been only beating the Bushn095n095he thinks he has chased his lady into the arms of another man. To rouse the birds that they may fly into the net held by some one else(OED) - [UVAstudstaff] all this while?
Belville
I understand thee not—I'm mad—see here—
Willmore
Ha! whose Picture's this!—'tis a fine Wench!
Frederick
The Colonels Mrs. Sir.
Willmore
Oh oh here—I thought 'thad been another prize—
come, come, a Bottle will set thee right again.
Belville
I am content to try, and by that time 'twill be late enough
for our design.
Willmore
Agreed.Love does all day the Soules great Empire keep,But Wine at night Lulls the soft God asleep.n096n096metaphor to understand and subdue loves troubling nature by drinking one's self to sleep - [UVAstudstaff]
Lucetta
Now we are safe and free; no fears of the coming home
of my Old Jealous Husband, which made me a little thoughtful
38
when you came in first—but now Love is all the business of
my Soul.
Blunt
I am transported!—pox on't, that I had but some fine
things to say to her, such as Lovers use,—I was a Fool not to
learn of Frederick a little by heart before I came—something I
must say— [Aside.
'Sheartlikins sweet Soul! I am not us'd to Complement, but I'm
an honest Gentleman, and thy humble ServAntonio
Lucetta
I have nothing to pay for so great a Favour, but such a
Love as cannot but be great, since at first sight of that sweet Face
and Shape, it made me your absolute Captive.
Blunt
Kind heart! how prettily she talks! Egad I'll shew her Husband a Spanish trick; send him out of the World and Marry her: she's damnably in Love with me, and will ne're mind Settlements,
and so there's that sav'd.
Lucetta
Well Sir, I'll go and undress me, and be with you instantly.
Blunt
Make hast then, for adshartilikins dear Soul thou canst
not guess at the pain of a longing Lover; when his joys are drawn
within the compass of a few Minuts.n097n097his plan to sleep with her is near completion. Compass: To plan, contrive, devise (OED). Also: navigational reference meaning close in proximity: A compass divided into 360 degrees is the most common unit of measurement. Each degree is divided into 60 minutes, each minute into 60 seconds...those units are used for precise locations using latitude and longitude.(http://www.compassdude.com/compass-units.php) - [UVAstudstaff]
Lucetta
You speak my sense, and I'l make hast to prove it.
Blunt
'Tis a rare Girl! and this one Nights enjoyment with
her, will be worth all the days I ever past in Essex.—wou'd she
wou'd go with me into England; tho' to say truth there's plenty
of Whores already.—But a Pox on 'em they are such Mercenary
—Prodigal Whores, that they want such a one as this, that's
Free and Generous to give 'em good Examples—When098n098why - [UVAstudstaff] what a
house she has, how rich and fine!
Sancho
Sir, my Lady has sent me to conduct you to her Chamber.
Blunt
Sir, I shall be proud to follow—here's one of her
Servants too! 'Sheartlikins by this garb and gravity, he might be
a Justice of Peace in Essex,n099n099addressing his clothes, in England he could be "A magistrate appointed to hear minor cases, grant licences, etc" (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] and is but a Pimp here.
Sancho
Sir, my Commissionn100n100his job or orders; Authority committed or entrusted to a person (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] reaches no farther.
Blunt
Sir I'll excuse your Complement—what in Bed my
sweet Mistress.
Lucetta
You see, I still outdo you in kindness.
Blunt
And thou shalt see what haste I'll make to quit scores
—oh the luckiest Rogue!
Lucetta
Shou'd you be false or cruel now!—
Blunt
False! 'Sheartlikins, what dost thou take me for? A
Jew? an insensible heathen—a Pox of thy Old Jealous Husband,
an he were dead, Egad, sweet Soul, it shou'd be none of
my fault, if I did not Marry thee.
Lucetta
It never shou'd be mine.
Blunt
Good Soul! I'm the fortunatest Dog!n101n101luckiest rogue - [UVAstudstaff]
Lucetta
Are you not undrest yet?
Blunt
As much as my impatience will permit.
Lucetta
Hold, Sir, put out the Light, it may betray us else.n102n102darkness necessary to setup the robbery of Blunt - [UVAstudstaff]
Blunt
Any thing, I need no other Light, but that of thine
Eyes!—'Sheartlikins, there I think I had it.
[Puts out the Candle, the Bed descends, he groaps about to find it.
—Whe—whe—where am I got? what not yet?—where are
you sweetest?—ah, the Rogue's silent now—a pretty Love
trick this—how she'l laugh at me anon!n103n103in a short time; soon (CollinsDictionary) - [UVAstudstaff]—you need not, my
dear Rogue! you need not!—I'm all on fire already—come,
come, now call me in pity.—Sure I'm Enchanted! I have
been round the Chamber, and can find neither Woman, nor
Bed—I lockt the Door, I'm sure she cannot go that way—
or if she cou'd, the Bed cou'd not—Enough, enough, my
pretty wanton, do not carry the jestn104n104trick; an exploit(OED) - [UVAstudstaff] too far—ha, Betrayed! Dogs!
Rogues! Pimps!—help! help!
Phillipo
Ha, ha, ha, he's dispatch finely.
Lucetta
Now, Sir, had I been Coyn105n105animal trap (OED), if she had been trapped by Blunt's love - [UVAstudstaff] we had mist of this Booty.
Phillipo
Nay, when I saw 'twas a substantial Fool, I was mollified;n106n106That has been mollified; appeased, conciliated; †softened, rendered soft or supple; †made less severe; mitigated (OED) - [UVAstudstaff].
but when you dote upon a Serenading Coxcomb, upon a
Face, fine Cloaths, and a Luten107n107A stringed musical instrument, much in vogue from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Source: Oxford English Dictionary - [UVAstudstaff], it makes me rage.
Lucetta
You know I was never guilty of that Folly, my dear Phillippo;
but with your self—but come, let's see what we have got
by this.
Phillipo
A rich Coat!—Sword and Hat—these Breechesn108n108short pants / Breeches are distinguished from trousers by coming only just below the knee (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]
too—are well lin'd—see here, a Gold Watch!—n109n109The first actual pocket watch was "said to have occurred in 1675 when Charles II of England introduced waistcoats (Wikipedia).This would have been an incredibly exepensive item. - [UVAstudstaff]
40
a Purse—ha!—Gold!—at least Two Hundred Pistols!
—a bunch of Diamond Rings! and one with the Family
Arms!—a Gold Box!—with a Medal of his King! and
his Lady Mother's Picture!—these were Sacred Relics,
believe me!—see, the Wasteband of his Breeches have a
Mine of Gold!—Old Queen Besse'sn110n110refers to Queen Elizabeth I, reigned from 1558-1603.The quarrel from "Eighty Eight" seems to refer to the Spanish Armada, which was destroyed in 1588 - [UVAstudstaff], we have a quarrel to
her ever since Eighty Eight, and may therefore justify the Theft,
the Inquisition might have committed it.
Lucetta
—See, a Bracelet of bowd Gold! these his Sisters tied
about his Arm at parting—but well—for all this, I fear his being
a Stranger, may make a noise and hinder our Trade with them
hereafter.
Phillipo
That's our security; he is not only a Stranger to us, but
to the Country too—the Common Shoarn111n111Seems to refer to a sewer into which he entered - [UVAstudstaff] into which he is
descended, thou knowst conducts him into another Street, which
this Light will hinder him from ever finding again—he knows
neither your Name, nor that of the Street where you House is,
nay nor the way to his own Lodgings.
Lucetta
And art not thou an unmerciful Rogue! not to afford
him one Night for all this?—I shou'd not have been such a
Jew.
Phillipo
Blame me not, Lucetta, to keep as much of thee as I can
to my self—come, that thought makes me wanton!—let's
to Bed!—Sancho, lock up these.
Blunt
Oh Lord!
[Climbing up.
I am got out at last, and (which is a Miracle) without a Clue—
and now to Damning and Cursing!—but if that wou'd ease me,
where shall I begin? with my Fortune, my self, or the Queen
that couzen'd me—what a Dog was I to believe in Woman?
oh Coxcomb!—Ignorant conceited Coxcomb! to fancy she
could be enamoured with my Person! at first sight enamoured!
—oh, I'm a cursed Puppy! 'tis plain, Fool was writ upon my
Forehead! she perceiv'd it!—saw the Essex-Calf there—
41
for what Allurements cou'd there be in this Countenance? which
I can indure, because I'm acquainted with it—oh, dull silly
Dog! to be thus sooth'd into a Couzening! had I been drunk, I
might fondly have credited the young Quean!—but as I was
in my right Wits, to be thus cheated, confirms it I am a dull believing
English Country Fop—but my Camrades! death and
the Devil! there's the worst of all—then a Ballad will be Sung
to Morrow on the Prado, to a Lousie Tune of the Enchanted
'Squire, and the Annihilated Damsel—but Frederick that Rogue!
and the Colonel, will abuse me beyond all Christian patience—
had she left me my Clothes, I have a Bill of Exchange at home,
would have saved my Credit—but now all hope is taken from
me—well, I'l home (if I can find the way) with this Consolation,
that I am not the first kind believing Coxcomb; but there
are Gallants many such good Natures amongst ye.And tho you've better Arts to hide your Follies,Adsheartlikins y' are all as errant Cullies.
Florinda
Well, thus far I'm in my way to happiness; I have got
my self free from Callis; my Brother too I find by yonder light is
got into his Cabinet, and thinks not of me; I have by good Fortune,
got the Key of the Garden back-door.—I'll open it to
prevent Belvile's knocking—a little noise will now Alarm my
Brother. Now am I as fearful as a young Thief. [Unlocks the door.
—heark—what noise is that—oh, 'twas the Wind
that played amongst the Boughs—Belvile stays long, methinks
—it's time—stay—for fear of a surprise—I'll hide
these Jewels in yonder Jessamin.
Willmore
What the Devil is become of these fellows, Belvile and
Frederick, they promised to stay at the next Corner for me, but
who the Devil knows the Corner of a Full Moon—now—where-abouts
am I!—hah—what have we here a Garden!—
a very convenient place to sleep in—hah—what has God
42
sent us here!—a Female!—by this Light a Woman!—
I'm a Dog if it be not a very Wench!—
Florinda
He's come!—hah—who's there?
Willmore
Sweet Soul! let me salute thy Shoe-string.
Florinda
'Tis not my Belvile.—good Heavens! I know him not
—who are you, and from whence come you?
Willmore
Prithee—prithee Child—not so many hard questions—
let it suffice I am here Child—come, come kiss me.
Florinda
Good Gods! what luck is mine?
Willmore
Only good luck Child, parlous good luck—come hither,
—'tis a delicate shining Wench—by this hand she's perfumed,
and smells like any Nosegayn112n112A bunch of flowers or herbs, especially those having a sweet smell-OED - [UVAstudstaff]—prithee dear Soul, let's not play
the Fool, and lose time—precious time—for as God shall save
me I'm as honest a Fellow as breathes, tho' I'm a little disguised at
present—come I say—whe thou may'st be free with me, I'll
be very secret. I'll not boast who 'twas obliged me, not I—for
hang me if I know thy name.
Florinda
Heavens! what a filthy Beast is this?
Willmore
I am so, and thou ought'st the sooner to lie with me for
that reason—for look you Child, there will be no sin in't, because
'twas neither designed nor premeditated. 'Tis pure Accident on
both sides—that's a certain thing now—indeed should I
make Love to you, and you vow fidelity—and swear and lie
till you believed and yielded—that were to make it wilful Fornication
—the crying Sin of the Nation—thou art therefore (as thou
art a good Christian) obliged in Conscience to deny me nothing.
Now—come be kind without any more idle prating.
Florinda
Oh I am ruined—Wicked Man unhand me.
Willmore
Wicked!—Egad Child a Judge were he young and vigorous,
and saw those Eyes of thine, would know 'twas they gave
the first blow—the first provocation—come prithee let's lose
no time, I say—this is a fine convenient place.
Florinda
Sir, let me go, I conjure you, or I'll call out.
Willmore
Ay, Ay, you were best to call Witness to see how finely
you treat me—do—
Florinda
I'll cry Murder! Rape! or anything! if you do not instantly
let me go.
Willmore
A Rape! Come, come, you lie you Baggage, you lie,
what, I'll warrant you would fain have the World believe now
that you are not so forward as I. No, not you—why at this time
43
of Night was your Cobweb Door set open dear Spider—but to
catch Flies?—Hah—come—or I shall be damnably angry.
—Whe what a Coyln113n113A noise or disturbance, a 'row', a tumult - [UVAstudstaff] is here—
Florinda
Sir, can you think—
Willmore
That you would do't for nothing—oh, oh I find what
you would be at—look here, here's a Pistol for you—here's a
work indeed—here—take it I say—
Florinda
For Heavens sake Sir, as you're a Gentleman—
Willmore
So—now—now—she would be wheadling me for more
—what, you will not take it then—you are resolved you will
not—come—come take it, or I'll put if up again—for look ye,
I never give more—whe how now Mistress, are you so high i'th'
Mouth a Pistol won't down with you—hah—whe what a works'
here—in good time—come, no struggling to be gone—but an
y'are good at a dumb Wrestle I'm for ye—look ye—I'm for
yee—
Belville
The Door is open, a pox of this mad Fellow, I'm angry
that we've lost him, I durst have sworn he had followed us.
Frederick
But you were so hasty Colonel to be gone.
Florinda
Help! help!—Murder!—help—oh I am ruined.
Belville
Ha! sure that's Florindas voyce.—A Man! Villain let go that Lady.
Florinda
Belvile! Heavens! my Brother too is coming, and 'twill
be impossible to escape—Belvile I conjure you to walk under
my Chamber Window, from whence I'll give you some Instructions
what to do—this rude Man has undone us.
Willmore
Belvile!
Pedro
I'm betrayed! run Stephano and see if Florinda be safe?
[Ex. Steph.oSo, who e're they be, all is not
well, I'll to Florindas Chamber.
Stephano
You need not Sir, the poor Lady's fast asleep and thinks
no harm. I would not awake her Sir, for fear of frighting her with your danger.
Pedro
I'm glad she's there—Rascals how came the Garden
Door open?
Stephano
That Question comes too late Sir, some of my Fellow
Servants Masquerading I'le warrAntonio
Pedro
Masquerading! a lewd Custome to debauch our youth,
—there's something more in this then I imagine.
Willmore
Whe how the Devil shou'd I know Florinda?
Belville
Ah plague of your Ignorance! if it had not been Florinda,
must you be a Beast?—a Brute? a Senseless Swine.
Willmore
Well Sir, you see I am endu'dn114n114imbued or transfused - [UVAstudstaff] with patience—I can bear
—tho Egad y'are very free with me, methinks.—I was in good
hopes the Quarrel wou'd have been on my side, for so uncivilly
interrupting me.
Belville
Peace Brute! whilst thou'rt safe—oh I'm distracted.
Willmore
Nay, nay, I'm an unlucky Dogg, that's certain.
Belville
Ah Curse upon the Star that Rul'd my Birth! or whatsoever
other Influence that makes me still so wretched.
Willmore
Thou break'st my Heart with these complaints; there
is no Star in fault, no Influence, but Sack, the cursed Sack I
drunk.
Frederick
Whe how the Devil came you so drunk?
Willmore
Whe how the Devil came you so sober?
Belville
A Curse upon his thin Skulln115n115reference to the common law of taking your victim as you find them http://definitions.uslegal.com/t/thin-skull-rule/ - [UVAstudstaff], he was always before hand
that way.
Frederick
Prithee Dear Colonel forgive him, he's sorry for his
Fault.
Belville
He's always so after he has done a mischief—a plague
on all such Brutes.
Willmore
By this Light I took her for an Errant Harlot.
Belville
Damn your debaucht opinion! tell me Sot had'st thou
so much sense and light about thee to distinguish her Woman, and
coud st not see something about her Face and Person, to strike an
awful Reverence into thy Soul?
Willmore
Faith no, I consider'd her as meer a Woman as I cou'd
wish.
Belville
'Sdeath, I have no patience—draw, or I'll kill you.
Willmore
Let that alone till to Morrow, and if I set not all right again,
use your pleasure.
Belville
To Morrow! damn itThe Spightful Light will lead me to no happiness.To Morrow is Antonio's, and perhapsGuides him to my undoing;—oh that I cou'd meetThis Rival! this pow'rfull Fortunate!
Willmore
What then?
Belville
Let thy own Reason, or my Rage instruct thee.
Willmore
I shall be finely inform'd then, no doubt, hear me Colonel
—hear me—shew me the Man and I'le do his Business.
Belville
I know him no more than thou, or if I did I shou'd not
need thy Aid.
Willmore
This you say is Angellicas House, I promis'd the kind
Baggage to lye with her to Night.
Antonio
You paid the Thousand Crowns I directed?
Page
To the Ladies Old Woman, Sir I did.
Willmore
Who the Devil have we here!
Belville
I'll now plant my self under Florinda's Window, and
if I find no comfort there, I'll dye.
Moretta
Page!
Page
Here's my Lord.
Willmore
How is this! a Pickroonen116n116A variant spelling of Picaroon meaning a rogue or a scoundrel - [UVAstudstaff] going to board my Fregaten117n117a warship - [UVAstudstaff]?
here's one Chase Gunn118n118a canon at the bow or stern of an armed ship used in pursuit Source: Merriam-Webster - [UVAstudstaff] for you.
Moretta
Oh bless us! we're all undone!
Page
Help! Murder!
Belville
Ha! the mad Rogue's engag'd in some unlucky Adventure
again.
Masquerader
Ha! a Man kill'd!
Willmore
How! a Man kill'd! then I'l go home to sleep.
Belville
Who shou'd it be! pray Heaven the Rogue is safe for all
my Quarrel to him.
Soldier
Who's there?
Officer
So, here's one dispatcht—secure the Murderer.
Belville
Do not mistake my Charity for Murder!
I came to his Assistance.
Officer
That shall be try'd, Sir—St. Iago, Swords drawn in
the Carnival time!
Antonio
Thy hand prithee.
Officer
Ha! Don Antonio! look well to the Villain there.—
How is it, Sir?
Antonio
I'm hurt.
Belville
Has my humanity made me a Criminal?
Officer
Away with him.
Belville
What a curst chance is this?
Antonio
This is the Man, that has set upon me twice—carry
him to my Appartment, till you have farther Orders from me.
Belville
VVHen shall I be weary of railing on Fortune, who
is resolv'd never to turn with smiles upon me
—Two such defeats in one Night—none but the Devil, and
that mad Rogue cou'd have contriv'd to have plagu'd me with
47
—I am here a Prisoner—but where—Heav'n knows
—and if there be Murder done, I can soon decide the Fate of
a Stranger in a Nation without mercy—yet this is nothing to
the Torture my Soul bows with, when I think of losing my
fair, my dear Florinda—heark—my door opens—a Light—
a Man—and seems of Quality—arm'd too!—now shall
I dye like a Dog without defence.
Antonio
Sir, I come to know what Injuries I have done you, that
cou'd provoke you to so mean an Action, as to Attack me basely,
without allowing time for my defence?
Belville
Sir, for a Man in my circumstances to plead Innocence,
wou'd look like fear—but view me well, and you will find no
marks of Coward on me; nor any thing that betrays that Brutality
you accuse me with.
Antonio
In vain, Sir, you impose upon my sense.You are not only he who drew on me last Night,But yesterday before the same house, that of Angellica.
Yet there is something in your Face and MeineThat makes me wish I were mistaken.
Belville
I own I fought to day in the defence of a Friend of mine,
with whom you (if you're the same) and your Party were first
engag'd.Perhaps you think this Crime enough to kill me,But if you do; I cannot fear you'l do it basely.
Antonio
No, Sir, I'l make you fit for a defence with this.
Belville
This Gallantry surprizes me—nor know I how to use
this Present, Sir, against a Man so brave.
Antonio
You shall not need;For know, I come to snatch you from a dangerThat is decreed against you:Perhaps your Life, or long Imprisonment;And 'twas with so much Courage you offended,I cannot see you punisht.
Belville
How shall I pay this Generosity?
Antonio
It had been safer to have kill'd anotherThan have attempted me:To shew your danger, Sir, I'l let you know my Quality;And 'tis the Vice-Roy's Son, whom you have wounded.
Belville
The Vice-Roy's Son!Death and Confusion! was this Plague reserv'dTo compleat all the rest—oblig'd by him!The Man of all the World I wou'd destroy.
Antonio
You seem disorder'd, Sir.
Belville
Yes, trust me, Sir, I am, and 'tis with painThat Man receives such Bounties,who wants the Pow'r to pay 'em back again▪
Antonio
To gallant Spirits 'tis indeed uneasie;—But you may quickly over pay me, Sir.
Belville
Then I am well—kind Heav'n! but set us even,That I may fight with him and keep my Honour safe.—Oh, I'm impatient, Sir, to be discountingThe mighty Debt I owe you, Command me quickly—
Antonio
I have a Quarrel with a Rival, Sir,About the Maid we love.
Belville
Death, 'tis Florinda he means—That thought destroys my Reason,And I shall kill him—
Antonio
My Rival, Sir,Is one has all the Virtues Man can boast of—
Belville
Death! who shou'd this be?He challeng'd me to meet him on the Molo,
As soon as day appear'd, but last Nights quarrel,Has made my Arm unfit to guide a Sword.
Belville
I apprehend you, Sir, you'd have me kill the Man,That lays a Claim to the Maid you speak of.—I'l do't—I'l fly to do't!
Antonio
Sir, do you know her?
Belville
—No, Sir, but 'tis enough she is admir'd by you.
Antonio
Sir, I shall rob you of the Glory on't,For you must fight under my Name and Dress.
Belville
That Opinion must be strangely obliging that makesYou think I can personate the brave Antonio,
Whom I can but strive to imitate.
Antonio
You say too much to my Advantage;—Come, Sir, the day appears that calls you forth.—Within, Sir, is the habit.
Belville
Fantastick Fortune, thou deceitful Light,That Cheats the wearied Traveller by Night,Tho on a Precipice each step you tread,I am resolv'd to follow where you lead.
Florinda
I'm dying with my fears, Belvile's not coming
as I expected under my Window,Makes me believe that all those fears are true.—Canst thou not tell with whom my Brother fights?
Stephano
No, Madam, they were both in Masquerade, I was by
when they challeng'd one another, and they had decided the
Quarrel then, but were prevented by some Cavaliers; which
made 'em put it off till now—but I am sure 'tis about you they
fight.
Florinda
Nay, then 'tis with Belvile, for what other Lover
have I that dares fight for me, except Antonio? and he is
too much in favour with my Brother—if it be he,
for whom shall I direct my Prayers to Heav'n?
Stephano
Madam, I must leave you, for if my Master see me, I shall
be hang'd for being your Conductor—escapt narrowly for the
excuse I made for you last Night i'th Garden.
Florinda
And I'l reward thee for't—prithee no more.
Pedro
Antonio's late to day, the place will fill, and we may be
prevented.
Florinda
Antonio sure I heard amiss.
Pedro
But who will not excuse a happy LoverWhen soft fair Arms confine the yielding Neck;And the kind whisper languishingly breathes.—Must you begone so soon?—Sure I had dwelt for ever on her Bosome.—But stay, he's here.
Florinda
'Tis not Belvile, half my fears are vanisht.
Pedro
Antonio!
Belville
This must be he.You're early, Sir,—I do not use to be out-done this way.
Pedro
The wretched, Sir, are watchful, and 'tis enoughYou've the advantage of me in Angellica.
Belville
Angellica! or I've mistook my Man! or else Antonio.
—Can he forget his Intrest in Florinda,
And fight for common Prize?
Pedro
Come, Sir, you know our terms—
Belville
By Heav'n not I.—No talking, I am ready, Sir.
Florinda
Oh, hold! who e're you be, I do conjure you hold!If you strike here—I dye—
Pedro
Florinda!
Belville
Florinda imploring for my RiValleria
Pedro
Away, this kindness is unseasonable.
Florinda
Who are you, Sir, that dares deny my Prayers?
Belville
Thy Prayers destroy him, if thou would'st preserve him,Do that thou'rt unacquainted with and Curse him.
Florinda
By all you hold most dear, by her you love,I do conjure you, touch him not.
Belville
By her I love!See—I obey—and at your feet resignThe useless Trophy of my Victory.
Pedro
Antonio, you've done enough to prove you love Florinda.
Belville
Love Florinda!
Does Heav'n love Adoration! Pray'r! or Penitence! Love her!
here, Sir,—your Sword again.
[Snatches up the Sword and gives it him.
Upon this truth I'l fight my life away.
Pedro
No, you've redeem'd my Sister, and my Friendship!
Belville
Don Pedro!
Pedro
Can you resign your Claims to other Women,And give your heart intirely to Florinda?
Belville
Intire! as dying Saints Confessions are!I can delay my happiness no longer.This Minute! let me make Florinda mine.
Pedro
This Minute let it be—no time so proper,This Night my Father will arrive from Rome,
And possibly may hinder what wee purpose!
Florinda
Oh Heavens! this Minute!
Belville
Oh, do not ruine me!
Pedro
The place begins to fill, and that we may not be observ'd,
do you walk off to St. Peters Church, where I will meet you, and
conclude your happiness.
Belville
I'll meet you there.—If there be no more Saints Churches
in Naples.
Florinda
Oh stay Sir, and recal your hasty doom!alas I have not yet prepar'd my HeartTo entertain so strange a Guest.
Pedro
Away this silly modesty is Assum'd too late.
Belville
Heaven Madam! what do you do?
Florinda
Do! despise the Man that lays a Tyrant's ClaimTo what he ought to Conquer by submission.
Belville
You do not know me—move a little this way.
Florinda
Yes, you may force me even to the Alter,But not the holy Man that offers thereShall force me to be thine.
Belville
Oh do not loose so blest an opportunity!—See—'tis your Belvile—not Antonio,
Whom your mistaken Scorn & Anger ruines.
Florinda
Belvile.Where was my Soul it cou'd not meet thy Voyce!And take this knowledge in.
Willmore
No Intelligence! no News of Belvile yet—well I
am the most unlucky Rascal in Nature—ha—am I deceiv'd
—or is it he—look Ferd.—'tis he—my dear Belvile.
Belville
Hell and confusion seize thee!
Pedro
Ha! Belvile! I beg your Pardon Sir.
Belville
Nay touch her not, she's mine by Conquest Sir,I won her by my Sword.
Willmore
Did'st thou so—and Egad Child wee'l keep her by the
Sword.
Belville
Stand offThou'rt so profanely Lewd, so curst by Heaven,All quarrels thou espousest must be Fatal.
Willmore
Nay an you be so hot, my Valour's Coy, and shall be
Courted when you want it next.
Belville
You know I ought to Claim a Victors right.But you're the Brother to Divine Florinda,
To whom I'm such a Slave—to purchase her,I durst not hurt the Man she holds so dear.
Pedro
'Twas by Antonio's, not by Belvile's SwordThis question should have been decided Sir,I must confess much to your Bravery's due,Both now, and when I met you last in Arms.But I am nicely punctual in my word,As Men of Honour ought, and beg your Pardon.—For this mistake another time shall clear.—This was some Plot between you and Belvile.
But I'll prevent you.
Willmore
Do not be Modest now and loose the Woman, but if wee
shall fetch her back so—
Belville
Do not speak to me—
Willmore
Not speak to you—Egad I'll speak to you, and will
be answer'd too.
Belville
Will you Sir—
Willmore
I know I've done some mischief, but I'm so dull a Puppey,
that I'm the Son of a Whore, if I know how, or where—
prithee inform my understanding—
Belville
Leave me I say, and leave me instantly.
Willmore
I will not leave you in this humour, nor till I know my
Crime.
Belville
Death I'll tell you Sir—
Angellica
Ha—Sebastian—Is not that Willmore?—hast—hast and bring him back.
Frederick
The Colonel's mad—I never saw him thus before, I'l
after 'em least he do some mischief, for I am sure Wilmore
will not draw on him.
Angellica
I am all Rage! my first desires defeated!For one for ought he knows that has noOther Merit than her Quality.—Her being Don Pedro's Sister—he loves her!I know 'tis so—dull, dull, Insensible—He will not see me now tho oft invited;And broke his word last Night—false perjur'dn120n120Of a person: that has committed or is guilty of perjury; that has deliberately broken an oath, promise, etc. (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] Man!—He that but Yesterday fought for my Favours,And wou'd have made his Life a SacrificeTo've gain'd one Night with me,Must now be hir'd and Courted to my Arms.
Moretta
I told you what wou'd come ou't, but Moretta's an
old doating Fool—why did you give him five Hundred Crowns,
but to set himself out for other Lovers! you shou'd have kept him
Poor, if you had meant to have had any good from him.
Angellica
Oh, name not such mean trifles;—had I given him allMy Youth has earn'd from Sin,I had not lost a thought, nor sigh upon't.But I have given him my Eternal rest,My whole repose, my future joys, my Heart!My Virgin heart Moretta! Oh 'tis gone!
Moretta
Curse on him here he comes;How fine she has made him too.
Willmore
How now turn'd shaddow!Fly when I pursue! and follow when I fly!Stay gentle shadow of my DoveAnd tell me e're I go,Whether the substance may not proveA Fleeting thing like you.There's a soft kind look remaining yet.
Angellica
Well Sir, you may be gay, all happiness, all joyes pursue
you still, Fortune's your Slave, and gives you every hour choyce
of new hearts and Beauties, till you are cloy'd n121n121Clogged, cumbered, burdened (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] with the repeated
Bliss, which others vainly languish for.——But know false Man that I shall be reveng'd.
Willmore
So gad there are of those faint hearted Lovers, whom
such a sharp Lesson next their hearts, wou'd make as Impotent as
Fourscore—pox o' this whining.—My bus'ness is to laugh and
love—a pox on't, I hate your sullen Lover, a Man shall lose as
much time to put you in humour now, as wou'd serve to gain a
new Woman.
Angellica
I scorn to cool that Fire I cannot raise,Or do the Drudgery of your virtuous Mistris.
Willmore
A virtuous Mistress! death, what a thing thou hast found
out for me! why what the Devil, shou'd I do with a virtuous Woman?
—a sort of ill-natur'd Creatures, that take a Pride to torment
a Lover, Virtue is but an infirmity in Woman; a Disease
that renders even the handsome ungrateful; whilst the ill-favour'd
for want of Solicitations and Address, only fancy themselves
so.—I have layn with a Woman of Quality, who has all
the while been railing at Whores.
Angellica
I will not answer for your Mistres's Virtue,Though she be Young enough to know no Guilt;And I cou'd wish you wou'd perswade my heart'Twas the Two hundred Thousand Crowns you Courted.
Willmore
Two Hundred Thousand Crowns! what Story's this?
—what Trick?—what Woman?—ha!
Angellica
How strange you make it, have you forgot the Creature
you entertain'd on the Prazo last Night?
Willmore
Ha! my Gipsie worth Two Hundred Thousand Crowns!
—oh how I long to be with her—pox, I knew she was of
Quality.
Angellica
False Man! I see my ruine in thy face.How many Vows you breath'd upon my Bosome,Never to be unjust—have you forgot so soon?
Willmore
Faith no, I was just coming to repeat 'em—but here's
a humour indeed—wou'd make a Man a Saint—wou'd she wou'd
be angry enough to leave me, and Command me not to wait on
her.
Hellena
This must be Angellica! I know it by her mumpingn122n122To utter indistinctly or inarticulately, as if with toothless gums; to mumble, mutter (OED) - [UVAstudstaff] Matron
here—Ay, ay, 'tis she! my Mad Captain's with her too,
for all his swearing—how this unconstant humour makes me
love him!—Pray good grave Gentle woman is not this Angellica?
Moretta
My too young Sir, it is—I hope 'tis one from Don Antonio.
Hellena
Well, something I'l do to vex him for this.
Angellica
I will not speak with him; am I in humour to receive a
Lover.
Willmore
Not speak with him! whe I'l begon—and wait your
idler Minutes—can I shew less obedience to the thing I love so
fondly?
Angellica
A fine excuse, this!—stay—
Willmore
And hinder your advantage! shou'd I repay your Bounties
so ungratefully?
Angellica
Come hither, Boy—that I may let you seeHow much adove the advanges you nameI prize one Minutes joy with you.
Willmore
Oh, you destroy me with this indearment.
[Impatient to be gone.
—Death! how shall I get away—Madam, 'twill not be fit
I shou'd be seen with you—besides, it will not be convenient
—and I've a Friend—that's dangerously sick.
Angellica
I see you're impatient—yet you shall stay.
Willmore
And miss my Assignation with my Gipsie.
Hellena
Madam,You'l hardly pardon my Intrusion,When you shall know my business!
And I'm too young to tell my Tale with Art:But there must be a wondrous store of goodness,Where so much Beauty dwells.
Angellica
A pretty Advocate whoever sent thee.—Prithee proceed—Nay, Sir, you shall not go.
Willmore
Then I shall lose my dear Gipsie for ever—Pox on't, she stays me out of spight.
Angellica
I am related to a Lady, Madam,Young, Rich, and nobly born, but has the FateTo be in Love with a young English Gentleman.Strangely she loves him, at first sight she lov'd him,But did Adore him when she heard him speak;For he, she said, had Charms in every word,That faild not to surprize, to Wound and Conquer.
Willmore
Ha! Egad I hope this concerns me.
Angellica
'Tis my false man, he means—wou'd he were gone.This Praise will raise his Pride, and ruin me—wellSince you are so impatient to be gonI will release you, Sir.
Willmore
Nay, then I'm sure 'twas me he spoke off,
this cannot be the effects of kindness in her.—No, Madam, I've consider'd better on't,And will not give you Cause of Jealousie.
Angellica
But, Sir, I've—bus'ness, that—
Willmore
This shall not do, I know 'tis but to try me.
Angellica
Well, to your story, Boy,—tho 'twill undo me.
Hellena
With this addition to his other Beauties,He won her unresisting tender heart,He vow'd, and sigh't, and swore he lov'd her dearly;And she believ'd the cunning flatterer,And thought her self the happiest Maid alive,To day was the appointed time by bothTo consummate their Bliss,The Virgin, Altar, and the Priest were drest,And whilst she languisht for th' expected Bridegroom,She heard, he paid his broken Vows to you.
Willmore
So, this is some dear Rogue that's in Love with me,And this way lets me know it; or if it be not me, she means some
one whose place I may supply.
Angellica
Now I perceiveThe cause of thy impatience to be gone,And all the business of this Glorious Dress.
Willmore
Damn the young Prater, I know not what he means.
Hellena
Madam,In your fair Eyes I read too much concern,To tell my farther business.
Angellica
Prithee, sweet Youth, talk on, thou maist perhapsRaise here a storm that may undo my passion,And then I'l grant thee any thing.
Hellena
Madam, 'tis to intreat you, (oh unreasonable)You wou'd not see this stranger;For if you do, she Vows you are undone,Tho Nature never made a Man so Excellent,And sure he'ad been a God, but for inconstancy.
Willmore
Ah, Rogue, how finely he's instructed!—'Tis plain; some woman that has seen me e'n passAntonio
Angellica
Oh, I shall burst with Jealousie! do you know the Man
you speak off?—
Hellena
Yes, Madam, he us'd to be in Buff and Scarlet.
Angellica
Thou, false as Hell, what canst thou say to this?
Willmore
By Heaven—
Angellica
Hold, do not Damn thy self—
Hellena
Nor hope to be believ'd.—
Angellica
Oh perjur'd Man!Is't thus you pay my generous Passion back?
Hellena
Why wou'd you, Sir, abuse my Lady's Faith?—
Angellica
And use me so unhumanely.
Hellena
A Maid so young, so innocent—
Willmore
Ah, young Divel.
Angellica
Dost thou not know thy life is my pow'r?
Hellena
Or think my Lady cannot be reveng'd.
Willmore
So, so, the storm comes finely on.
Angellica
Now thou art silent, guilt has struck thee dumb.Oh, hadst thou still been so, I'd liv'd in safety.
Willmore
Sweet heart, the Lady's Name and House,—quickly:
I'm impatient to be with her.—
Hellena
So, now is he for another Woman.
Willmore
The impudents young thing in nature,I cannot perswade him out of his Error, Madam.
Angellica
I know he's in the right,—yet thou'st a tongueThat wou'd perswade him to deny his Faith.
Willmore
Her Name, her Name, dear Boy.—
Hellena
Have you forgot it, Sir?
Willmore
Oh, I perceive he's not to know I am a stranger to his
Lady.—Yes, yes I do know—but—I have forgot the——By Heaven such early confidence I never saw.
Angellica
Did I not charge you with this Mistris, Sir?Which you deny'd, tho' I beheld your, Perjury.This little generosity of thine, has render'd back my heart.
Willmore
So, you have made sweet work here, my little mischief;Look your Lady be kind and good natur'd now, orI shall have but a Cursed Bargain on't.—The Rogue's bred up to mischief,Art thou so great a Fool to credit him?
Angellica
Yes, I do, and you in vain impose upon me.—Come hither, Boy,—is not this he you spake of.
Hellena
I think—it is, I cannot swear, but I vow he has just such
another lying Lovers look.
Willmore
Hah! do not I know that face—By Heaven my little Gipsie, what a dull Dog was I,Had I but lookt that way I'd known her.Are all my hopes of a new Woman banisht?—Egad if I do not fit thee for this, hang me.—Madam, I have found out the Plot.
Hellena
Oh Lord, what does he say? am I discover'd now?
Willmore
Do you see this young Spark here?—
Hellena
He'l tell her who I am.
Willmore
—Who do you think this is?
Hellena
Ay, ay, he does know me—Nay, dear Captain! I am
undone if you discover me.
Willmore
Nay, nay, no eogging, she shall know what a pretious
Mistris I have.
Hellena
Will you be such a Devil?
Willmore
Nay, nay, I'l teach you to spoil sport you will not make.
59
— this small Ambassador comes not from a Person of Quality as you Imagine, and he says: but from a very Errant Gipsie, the talking'st, prating'st, canting'st little Animal thou ever saw'st.
Angellica
What news you tell me, that's the thing I mean.
Hellena
Wou'd I were well off the place, if ever I go a Captain, Hunting again— Aside
Willmore
Mean that thing? that Gipsie thing, thou may'st as well be Jealous of thy Monkey or Parrot, as of her, a German Motion were worth a duzen of her, and a Dream were a better enjoyment, a Creature of a Constitution fitter for Heaven then Man.
Hellena
Tho I'm sure he lyes, yet this vexes me. Aside.
Angellica
You are mistaken, she's a Spanish Woman Made up of no such dull Materials.
Willmore
Materials, Egad an shee be made of any that will either dispence or admit of Love, I'le be bound to continence.
Hellena
Unreasonable Man, do you think so? Aside to him. — you may return my little Brazen Head, and tell your Lady, that till she be handsom enough to be belov'd, or I dull enough to be Religious, there will be small hopes of me.
Angellica
Did you not promise then to marry her?
Willmore
Not I by heaven.
Angellica
You cannot undeceive my fears and torments, till you have vow'd you will not marry her.
Hellena
If he Swears, that he'le be reveng'd on me indeed for all my Rogueries. Aside.
Angellica
I know what Arguments you'll bring against me, Fortune, and Honour.—
Willmore
Honour, I tell you, I hate it in your Sex, and those that fancy themselves possest of that Foppery, are the most impertinently troublesome of all Woman kind, and will transgress Nine Commandments to keep one, and to satisfie your Jealousie I swear.
Hellena
Oh, no swearing dear Captain. Aside to him.
Willmore
If it were possible, I should ever be inclin'd to marry, it shou'd be some kind young Sinner, one that has generosity, enough to give a favour hansomely to one that can ask it discreetly, one that has Witt enough to Manage an intrigue of Love—oh, how civil such a Wench is, to a Man that does her the Honour to marry her.
Angellica
By Heaven there's no Faith in any thing he says.
Sebastion
Madam, Don Antonio—
Angellica
Come hither.
Hellena
Ha! Antonio, he may be coming hither and he'l certainly
discover me, I'le therefore retire without a Ceremony.
Angellica
I'le see him, get my Coach ready.
Sebastion
It waits you Madam,
Willmore
This is luckey: what Madam, now I may be gone and
leave you to the injoyment of my RiValleria
Angellica
Dull man, that can'st not see how Ill, how poor,That false dissimulation looks—begonAnd never let me see thy Couzening Face again,Least I relaps and kill thee.
Willmore
Yes, you can spare me now,—farewel, till you're in
better Humour—I'm glad of this release—Now for my Gipsie:For tho' to worse we change, yet still we findNew Joys, new Charms, in a New Miss that's kind.
Angellica
He's gone, and in this Ague of my SoulThe Shivering fit returns;Oh with what willing haste, he took his leave,As if the long'd-for Minute, were arriv'dOf some blest assignation.In vain I have Consulted all my Charms,In vain this Beauty priz'd, in vain believ'd,My Eyes cou'd kindle any lasting fires;I had forgot my Name, my Infamie,And the reproach that Honour lays on thoseThat dare pretend a sober passion here.Nice reputation, tho' it leave behindMore Vertues than inhabit where that dwells;Yet that once gone, those Vertues shine no more.—Then since I am not fit to be belov'd,I am resolv'd to think on a revengeOn him that sooth'd me thus to my undoing.
Florinda
We're happily Escap't, and yet I tremble still.
Valleria
A Lover and fear! whe I am but half an one, and yet I have Courage for any attempt, wou'd Hellena were here , I wou'd fain have had her as deep in this Mischief as we, she'le fare but in else I doubt.
Florinda
She pretended a Visit to the Augustine Nuns, but I believe some other design carried her out, pray Heaven we light on her.—Prithee what did'st do with Callis?
Valleria
When I saw no reason wou'd do good on her, I follow'd her into the Wardrobe, and as she was looking for something in a great Chest, I topled her in by the heels, snatch't the Key of the Appartment where you were confin'd, lock't her in, and left her bawling for help.
Florinda
'Tis well you resolve to follow my Fortunes, for thou darest never appear at home again after such an action.
Valleria
That's according as the young Stranger and I shall agree. —but to our bus'ness—I deliver'd your Letter, your Note to Belvile, when I got out under pretence of going to Mass, I found him at his Lodging, and believe me it came seasonably; for never was Man in so desperate a Condition, I told him of your resolution of making your Escape to day, if your Brother would be absent long enough to permit you; if not,to die rather than be Antonio's.
Florinda
Thou should'st have told him I was confin'd to my Chamber upon my Brothers suspition, that the bus'ness on the Molo was a Plott laid between him and I.
Valleria
I said all this, and told him your Brother was now gone to his Devotion, and he resolves to visit every Church till he find him; and not only undeceive him in that, but carress him so as shall delay his return home.
Florinda
Oh Heavens! he's here, and Belvile with him too.
Valleria
Walk boldly by them, and I'le come at distance, least he suspect us.
Willmore
Hah! a Woman, and of an Excellent Mien.
Pedro
She throws a kind look back on you.
Willmore
Death, tis a likely Wench, and that kind look shall not
be cast away—I'le follow her.
Belville
Prithee do not.
Willmore
Do not, by Heavens to the Antipodies, with such an invitation.
Belville
'Tis a mad Fellow for a Wench.
Frederick
Oh Col. such News!
Belville
Prithee what?
Frederick
News that will make you laugh in spight of Fortune.
Belville
What, Blunt has had some Damn'd Trick put upon him,
Cheated, Bang'd or Clapt.
Frederick
Cheated Sir, rarely Cheated of all but his Shirt &Drawers,
the unconscionable Whore too turn'd him out before Consummation,
so that traversing the Streets at Midnight, the Watch
found him in this Fresco, and conducted him home: By Heaven
'tis such a sight, and yet I durst as well been hang'd as laught at
him, or pity him; he beats all that do but ask him a question, and
is in such an Humour.
Pedro
Who is't has met with this Ill usage, Sir?
Belville
A Friend of ours whom you must see for mirths sake.
I'le imploy him to give Florinda time for an escape.
Pedro
What is he?
Belville
A Young Countryman of ours, one that has been Educated
at so plentiful a rate, he yet ne're knew the want of Money,
and 'twill be a great Jeast to see how simply he'le look without it,
for my part I'le lend him none, and the Rogue know not how to
put on a Borrowing face, and ask first, I'le let him see how good
'tis to play our parts whilst I play his—prithee Frederick do you go
home and keep him in that posture till we come.
Florinda
I am follow'd still—hah.—my Brother too advancing
this way, good Heavens defend me from being seen by him.
Willmore
Ah! There she sailes, she looks back as she were willing to
be boarded, I'le warrant her Prize.
Hellena
Hah, is not that my Captain that has a Woman in chase?
—'tis not Angellica; Boy, follow those people at a distance, and
bring me an account where they go in,—I'le find his haunts,
and plague him every where,—ha—my Brother—
Florinda
What shall I do, my Brother now pursues me,Will no kind Pow'r protect me from his tyranny?
—hah, here's a door open, I'le venture in, since nothing can be
worse then to fall into his hands, my life and honour are at stake,
and my Necessity has no choyce.
Page
Here she went in, I shall remember this house.
Valleria
This is Belvil's Lodging; she's gone in as readily as if she
knew it,—hah—here's that Mad Fellow again, I dare not venture
in,—I'le watch my opportunity.
Willmore
I have lost her hereabouts—Pox on't, she must not scape me so.
Blunt
So, now my mind's a little at peace, since I have resolv'd
revenge—a Pox on this Tayler tho, for not bringing home
the Clothes I bespoke; and a Pox of all poor Cavaliers, a Man
can never keep a spare Suit for 'em; and I shall have these
Rogues come in and find me naked, and then I'm undone; but
I'm resolv'd to arm my self—the Rascals shall not insult over
me too much.
[Puts on an old rusty Sword, and Buff Belt.
—Now, how like a Morrice-Dancer I am Equipt—a fine
64
Lady like Whore to Cheat me thus, without affording me a
kindness for my Money, a Pox light on her, I shall never be reconcil'd
to the Sex more, she has made me as faithless as a Phisitian,
as uncharitable as a Church-man, and as ill natur'd as a
Poet. Oh how I'l use all woman-kind hereafter! what wou'd I
give to have one of 'em within my reach now! any Mortal thing
in Petticoats, kind Fortune, send me! and I'l forgive thy last
nights Malice—here's a Cursed Book too, (a warning to
all young Travellers) that can instruct me how to prevent such
Mischiefs now 'tis too late, well 'tis a rare convenient thing to read
a little now and then, as well as Hawk and Hunt.
Florinda
This House is haunted sure, 'tis well furnisht and no living
thing inhabits it—hah—a Man, Heavens how he's attir'd!
sure 'tis some Rope-dancer, or Fencing-master; I tremble now
for fear, and yet I must venture now to speak to him—Sir,
if I may not interrupt your Meditations—
Blunt
Hah—what's here! are my wishes granted? and is not
that a she Creature? ads heartlikins 'tis! what wretched thing
art thou—hah!
Florinda
Charitable Sir, you've told your self already what I am;
a very wretched Maid, forc't by a strange unlucky accident, to
seek a safety here,And must be ruin'd, if you do not grant it.
Blunt
Ruin'd! is there any ruin so inevitable as that which
now threatens thee? dost thou know, miserable Woman! into
what Den of Mischiefs thou art fall'n? what abiss of Confusion—
hah!—dost not see something in my looks that frights thy
guilty Soul, and makes thee wish to change that shape of Woman
for any humble Animal, or Devil? for those were safer for thee,
and less mischievous.
Florinda
Alas, what mean you, Sir? I must confess, your looks
have something in 'em, makes me fear, but I beseech you, as you
seem a Gentleman, pity a harmless Virgin, that takes your house
for Sanctuary.
Blunt
Talk on, talk on, and weep too, till my Faith-return
Do, flatter me out of my Senses again—a harmless Virgin
65
with a Pox, as much one as 'tother, adsheartlikins. Whe what
the Devil can I not be safe in my House for you, not in my Chamber,
nay, even being naked too cannot secure me: this is an Impudence
greater than has invaded me yet—Come, no resistance.
Florinda
Dare you be so cruel?
Blunt
Cruel, adsheartlikins as a Galley slave, or a Spanish▪
Whore: Cruel, yes I will kiss and beat thee all over; kiss, and
see thee all over; thou shalt lye with me too, not that I care
for the injoyment, but to let thee see I have tain deliberated
Malice to thee, and will be reveng'd on one Whore for
the sins of another; I will smile and deceive thee, flatter thee,
and beat thee, kiss and swear, and lye to thee, imbrace thee and
rob thee, as she did me, fawn on thee, and strip thee stark
naked; then hang thee out at my window by the heels, with a
Paper of scurvy Verses fasten'd to thy breast, in praise of damnable
women—Come come along.
Florinda
Alas, Sir, must I be sacrific'd for the Crimes of the most
infamous of my Sex, I never understood the fins you name.
Blunt
Do, perswade the Fool you Love him, or that one of
you can be just or honest, tell me I was not an easie Coxcomb,
or any strange impossible tale: it will be believ'd sooner than thy
false Showres or Protestations. A generation of damn'd Hypocrites
to flatter my very Clothes from my Back! dissembling
Witches! are these the returns you make an honest Gentleman,
that trusts, believes, and loves you—but if I be not even with
you—Come along—or I shall—
Frederick
Hah! what's here to do?
Blunt
Adsheartlikins, Frederick I am glad thou art come, to be a
witness of my dire revenge.
Frederick
What's this, a Person of Quality too, who is upon the
ramble to supply the defects of some grave impotent Husband?
Blunt
No, this has another pretence, some very unfortunate
accident, brought her hither, to save a life pursu'd by I know not
who, or why, and forc't to take sanctuary here at Fools Haven.
Adsheartlikins to me of all Mankind for protection? is the Ass
to be Cajold again, think ye? No, young one, no Prayers or
Tears shall mitigate my rage; therefore prepare for both my
66
pleasures of injoyment and revenge, for I am resolv'd to make
up my loss here on thy body, I'l take it out in kindness and in beating.
Frederick
Now Mistress of mine, what do you think of this?
Florinda
I think he will not—dares not be so barbarous.
Frederick
Have a care, Blunt she fetch't a deep sigh, she is inamour'd
with thy Shirt and Drawers, she'l strip thee even of that,
there are of her calling such unconscionable Baggages, and such
dexterous Thieves, they'l flea a man and he shall ne're miss his
skin, till he feels the cold. There was a Country-man of ours
Rob'd of a Row of Teeth whilst he was a sleeping, which the
Jilt made him buy again when he wak't—you see Lady how
little reason we have to trust you.
Blunt
'Dsheartlikins, whe this is most abominable.
Florinda
Some such Devils there may be, but by all that's Holy, I
am none such, I enter'd here to save a Life in danger.
Blunt
For no goodness, I'l warrant her.
Frederick
Faith, Damsel, you had e'en confest the plain truth, for
we are fellows not to be caught twice in the same Trap: look
on that Wreck, a tite Vessel when he set out of Haven, well
Trim'd and Laden, and see how a Female Piccaroon of this
Island of Rogues has shatter'd him, and canst thou hope for any
Mercy?
Blunt
No, no, Gentlewoman, come along, adsheartlikins we
must be better acquainted—we'l both lye with her, and then let
me alone to bang her.
Frederick
I'm ready to serve you in matters of Revenge that has
a double pleasure in't.
Blunt
Well said. You hear, little one, how you are condemn'd
by publick Vote to the Bed within, there's no resisting your Destiny,
sweet heart.
Florinda
Stay, Sir, I have seen you with Belvile, an English Cavalier,
for his sake use me kindly; you know him, Sir.
Blunt
Belvile, whe yes, sweeting, we do know Belvile, and
wish he were with us now, he's a Cormorant at Whore and
Bacon, he'd have a Limb or two of thee my Virgin Pullet, but
'tis no matter, we'l leave him the bones to pick.
Florinda
Sir, if you have any Esteem for that Belvile, I conjure
you to treat me with more gentleness; he'l thank you for the
justice.
Frederick
Harkey, Blunt I doubt we are mistaken in this Matter.
Florinda
Sir, if you find me not worth Belvile's care, use me as
you please, and that you may think I merit better treatment
than you threaten—pray take this present—
Blunt
Hum—a Diamond! whe 'tis a wonderful Virtue now
that lies in this Ring, a mollifying Virtue; adsheartlikins there's
more perswasive Rhetorick in't, than all her Sex can utter.
Frederick
I begin to suspect something; and 'twould anger us vilely
to be trust up for a rape upon a Maid of quality, when we only
believe we ruffle a Harlot.
Blunt
Thou art a credulous Fellow, but adsheartlikins I have
no Faith yet, whe my Saint prattled as parlously as this does,
she gave me a Bracelet too, a Devil on her, but I sent my Man to
fell it to day for Necessaries, and it prov'd as counterfeit as her
Vows of Love.
Frederick
However let it reprieve her till we see Belvile.
Blunt
That's hard, yet I will grant it.
Servant
Oh, Sir, the Colonel is just come in with his new Friend
and a Spaniard of Quality, and talks of having you to Dinner
with 'em.
Blunt
'Dsheartlikins, I'm undone—I would not see 'em
for the World. Harkey, Frederick lock up the Wench in your
Chamber.
Frederick
Fear nothing, Madam, what e're he threatens, you are
safe whilst in my hands.
Blunt
And, Sirrah—upon your life, say—I am not at
home,—or that I am asleep—or—or any thing—away—
I'l prevent their coming this way.
Blunt
The Rogues are up in Arms, 'Sheartlikins this Villainous
Frederick has betray'd me, they have heard of my blessed
Fortune,Ned Blunt Ned, Ned—
Belville
Whe he's dead Sir, without dispute dead, he has not been
seen to day, let's break open the door—here—Boy—
Blunt
Ha, break open the door. d'sheartlikins that mad Fellow
will be as good as his word.
Belville
Boy bring something to force the door,
Blunt
So, now must I speak, in my own defence, I'l try what
Rhetorick will do—hold—hold what do you mean Gentlemen,
what do you mean?
Belville
Oh Rogue art a live, prithee open the door and convince
us.
Blunt
Yes, I am alive Gentlemen,—but at present a little
busie.
Belville
How, Blunt grown a Man of business, come, come, open
and let's see this Miracle.
Blunt
No, no, no, no, Gentlemen 'tis no great business—but
—I am—at—my Devotion—d'sheartlikins will you not
alow a Man time to Pray.
Belville
Turn'd Religious! a greater wonder then the first, therefore
open quickly, or we shall unhinge, we shall.
Blunt
This won't do—whe hearkey Col. to tell you the
plain truth, I am about a necessary affair of life—I have a wench
with me—you apprehend me? the Devils in't if they be so
uncivil as to disturb me now,
Willmore
How a Wench! Nay then we must enter and partake
no resistance—unless it be your Lady of Quality, and then we'l
keep our distance,
Blunt
So, the bus'ness is out.
Willmore
Come, come lends more hands to the Door—now heave
altogether—so well done my Boyes—
Blunt
Hearkey Sir, laugh out your laugh quickly, de ye hear,
and begone. I shall spoil your sport else, 'adsheartlikins Sir, I shall
the jeast has been carryed on too long—a plague upon my Tayler.—
Willmore
'Sdeath, how the Whore has drest him, Faith Sir I'm
sorry.
Blunt
Are you so Sir, keep't to your self then Sir, I advise you,
de'ye hear, for I can as little endure your pitty as his Mirth.
Belville
Indeed Willmore, thou wer't a little too rough with Ned
Blunt Mistress, call a Person of Quality whore? and one so
young, so sandsome, and so Eloquent—ha, ha, he.—
Blunt
Harkey Sir, you know me, and know I can be angry,
have a care—for adsheartlikins I can fight too—I can Sir,—do
you mark me—no more—
Belville
Why so peevish good Ned, some disappointments I'le
warrant—what? did the Jealous Count her Husband return
just in the nick?
Blunt
Or the Devil Sir—de'ye laugh—
[they laugh.
Look ye settle me a good sober countenance, and that quickly
too, or you shall know Ned Blunt is not—
Belville
Not every Body, we know that.
Blunt
Not an Ass to be laught at Sir,
Willmore
Unconscionable sinner, to bring a Lover so neer his happiness,
a vigorous passionate Lover, and then not only cheat him
of his moveables, but his very desires to.
Belville
Ah! Sir a Mistress, is a trifle with Blunt. he'l have a
duzen the next time he looks abroad, his Eyes have Charms, not
to be resisted, there needs no more then to expose that taking
Person, to the view of the Fair, and he leads 'em all in Triumph.
Pedro
Sir, tho 'I'me a stranger to you, I am asham'd at the rudeness
of my Nation; and cou'd you learn who did it, wou'd assist you
to make an Example of 'em.
Blunt
Whe aye, there's one speaks Sense now, and han'somly;
and let me tell you Gentlemen, I shou'd not have shew'd my self
like a Jack Puding, thus to have made you Mirth, but that I
have revenge within my power, for know, I have got into my
possession a Femal, who had better have fallen under any Curse,
then the ruine I design her: 'adsheartlikins she assaulted me here
in my own Lodgings, and had doubtless committed a Rape upon
me, had not this Sword defended me.
Frederick
I know not that, but O my conscience thou had Ravisht
her, had shee not redeem'd her self with a Ring—let's see't
Blunt
Belville
Hah!—the Ring I gave Florinda, when we Exchange
our Vows—harkey Blunt—
Willmore
No whispering good Col. there's a Woman in the case,
no whispering.
Belville
Harkey Fool, be advis'd, and conceal both the Ring and
the story for your Reputations sake, do not let people know what
despis'd Cullies we English are, to be cheated and abus'd by one
Whore, and another rather bribe thee than be kind to thee is an
Infamy to our Nation.
Willmore
Come, come where's the Wench, we'l see her, let her
be what she will, wee'l see her.
Pedro
Ay, ay, let us see her, I can soon discover whether she be
of quality, or for your diversion.
Blunt
She's in Frederick Custody.
Willmore
Come, come the Key,
Belville
Death, what shall I do—Stay Gentlemen—yet if I hinder 'em I shall discover all,—hold
—lets go one at once—give me the Key.
Willmore
Nay hold there Col. I'le go first.
Frederick
Nay no dispute, Ned and I have the gropriety of her.
Willmore
Damn propriety—then we'l draw cuts,
—nay no corruption good Col. come the longest
Sword carries her—
Blunt
I yield up my int'rest to you Gentlemen, and that will
be; revenge sufficient.
Willmore
The Wench is yours— [to Pedro.] Pox of his Tolledo,
I had forgot that.
Frederick
Come Sir, I'le Conduct you to the Lady
Belville
To hinder him will certainly discover her—Do'st know Dull beast what mischief
thou hast done?
Willmore
Aye, Aye, to trust our Fortune to Lotts, a Devil on't,
'twas madness that's the truth on't.
Belville
Oh intollerable Sott—
Florinda
Good Heaven defend me from discovery.
Pedro
'Tis but in vain to fly me, you're fallen to my Lot.
Belville
Sure she's undiscovered yet, but now I fear there is no
way to bring her off:
Willmore
Whe what a Pox is not this my woman, the same I follow'd
but now?
Pedro
As if I did not know yee, and your business here.
Florinda
Good Heaven, I fear he does indeed—
Pedro
Come, pray be kind, I know you meant to be so when
you enter'd here, for these are proper Gentlemen.
Willmore
But Sir—perhaps the Lady will not be impos'd upon,
She'l chuse her Man.
Pedro
I am better bred, then not to leave her choice free.
Valleria
Don Pedro here! there's no avoiding him.
Florinda
Valeria! then I'm undone,—
Valleria
Oh! have I found you Sir— [To Pedro running to him.
—the strangest accident—if I had breath—to tell it.
Pedro
Speak—is Florinda safe? Hellena well?
Valleria
Ay, Ay Sir—Florinda—is safe—from any
fears of you.
Pedro
Why where's Florinda?—speak—
Valleria
Aye, where indeed Sir, I wish I cou'd inform you,
—but to hold you no longer in doubt—
Florinda
Oh what will she say—
Valleria
—She's fled away in the habit—of one of her Pages Sir—
but Callis thinks you may retrieve her yet, if you make haste
away, she'l tell you, Sir, the rest—if you can find her out.
Pedro
Dishonourable Girle, she has undone my Aime—Sir—you
see my necessity of leaving you, and hope you'l Pardon it; my
72
Sister I know will make her flight to you; and if she do, I shall
Expect she shou'd be render'd back.
Belville
I shall consult my Love and Honour Sir.
Florinda
My dear Preserver, let me imbrace thee.
Willmore
What the Devil's all this?
Blunt
Mysterie by this light.
Valleria
Come, come, make haste and get your selves married
quickly, for your Brother will return again.
Belville
I'm so surpriz'd with fears and joyes, so amaz'd to find
you here in safety, I can scarce perswade my heart into a faith of
what I see—
Willmore
Harkey Colonel, is this that Mistress who has cost you
so many sighs, and me so many quarrels with you?
Belville
It is—pray give him the honour of your hand.
Willmore
Thus it must be receiv'd then [Kneels and kisses her hand.
And with it give your Pardon too.
Florinda
The Friend to Belvile may command me any thing.
Willmore
Death, wou'd I might, 'tis a surprizing Beauty.
Belville
Boy, run and fetch a Father instantly.
Frederick
So, now do I stand like a Dog, and have not a syllable to
plead my own Cause with: by this hand, Madam, I was never
throughly confounded before, nor shall I ever more dare look up
with confidence, till you are pleas'd to Pardon me.
Florinda
Sir, I'le be reconcil'd to you on one condition, that you'l
follow the Example of your Friend, in Marrying a Maid that does
not hate you, and whose fortune (I believe) will not be unwelcome
to you.
Frederick
Madam, had I no Inclinations that way, I shou'd obey
your kind Commands.
Belville
Who Frederick marry, he has so few inclinations for Woman
kind, that had he been possest of Paradice, he might have continu'd
there to this day, if no Crime but Love cou'd have dis-inherited
him.
Frederick
Oh, I do not use to boast of my intregues.
Belville
Boast, when thou dost nothing but boast; and I dare swear,
wer't thou as Innocent from the sin of the Grape, as thou art from
the Apple, thou might'st yet claim that right in Eden which our
first Parents lost by too much Loving.
Frederick
I wish this Lady would think me so modest a man.
Valleria
She wou'd be sorry then, and not like you half so well, and
73
I should be loath to break my word with you, which was, That if
your Friend and mine agreed, it shou'd be a Match between you
and I.
Frederick
Bear witness, Colonel, 'tis a Bargain.
Blunt
I have a Pardon to beg too, but adsheartlikins I am so
out of Countenance, that I'm a Dog if I can say any thing to Purpose.
Florinda
Sir, I heartily forgive you all.
Blunt
That's nobly said, sweet Lady,—Belvile, prithee present
her her Ring again; for I find I have not Courage to approach
her my self.
Boy
Sir, I have brought the Father that you sent for.
Belville
'Tis well, and now my dear Florinda, let's fly to compleat
that mighty joy we have so long wish't and sigh'd for:
—Come Frederick—you'l follow?
Frederick
Your Example Sir, 'twas ever my ambition in War, and
must be so in Love.
Willmore
And must not I see this juggling knot ty'd?
Belville
No, thou shalt do us better service, and be our guard,
least Don Pedro's suddain return interrupt the Ceremony.
Willmore
Content—I'll secure this pass.
Boy
Sir, there's a Lady without wou'd speak to you.
Willmore
Conduct her in, I dare not quit my Post.
Boy
And Sir, your Taylor waits you in your Chamber.
Blunt
Some comfort yet, I shall not dance naked at the Wedding.
Willmore
This can be none but my pretty Gipsie—Oh, I see you
can follow as well as fly—Come, confess thy self the most
malicious Devil in Nature, you think you have done my bus'ness
with Angellica.—
Angellica
Stand off, base Villain—
Willmore
Hah, 'tis not she, who art thou? and what's thy business?
Angellica
One thou hast injur'd, and who comes to kill thee for't.
Willmore
What the Devil canst thou mean?
Angellica
By all my hopes to kill thee—
Willmore
Prithee on, what acquaintance? for I know thee not.
Angellica
Behold this face!—so lost to thy remembrance,And then call all thy sins about thy Soul,And let 'em dye with thee.
Willmore
Angellica!
Angellica
Yes, Taylor,Does not thy guilty blood run shivering through thy Veins?Hast thou no horrour at this sight, that tells thee,Thou hast not long to boast thy shameful Conquest?
Willmore
Faith, no Child, my blood keeps its old Ebbs and Flows
still, and that usual heat too, that cou'd oblige thee with a kindness,
had I but opportunity.
Angellica
Devil! dost wantonn123n123Double meaning: to play and to behave in a sexually promiscuous way - [UVAstudstaff] with my pain—have at thy heart.
Willmore
Hold, dear Viragon124n124A wicked woman (OED) - [UVAstudstaff]! hold thy hand a little,I am not now at leasure to be kill'd—hold and hear me——Death, I think she's in earnest.
Angellica
Oh if I take not heed,My coward heart will leave me to his mercy.—What have you, Sir, to say?—but shou'd I hear thee,Thoud'st talk away all that is brave about me:And I have vow'd thy death, by all that's Sacred.
Willmore
Whe then there's an end of a proper handsome Fellow,That might a liv'd to have done good service yet;—That's all I can say to't.
Angellica
yet—I wou'd give thee—time for—penitence.
Willmore
Faith Child, I thank God, I have ever tookCare to lead a good sober, hopeful Life, and am of a ReligionThat teaches me to believe, I shall depart in peace.
Angellica
So will the Devil! tell me,How many poor believing Fools thou hast undone?How many hearts thou hast betray'd to ruin?—Yet these are little mischiefs to the IllsThoust taught mine to commit▪ thoust taught it Love?
Willmore
Egad 'twas shrewdly hurt the while.
Angellica
—Love, that has rob'd it of its unconcernOf all that Pride that taught me how to value it.And in its roomA mean submissive Passion was convey'd,That made me humbly bow, which I nere didTo any thing but Heaven.—Thou, Perjur'd Man, didst this, and with thy Oaths,Which on thy Knees, thou didst devoutly make,Soften'd my yielding heart—And then, I was a slave——Yet still had been content to've worn my Chains:Worn 'em with vanity and joy for ever,Hadst thou not broke those Vows that put them on.—'Twas then I was undone.
Willmore
Broke my Vows! whe where hast thou liv'd?Amongst the Gods? for I never heard of mortal Man,That has not broke a thousand Vows.
Angellica
Oh Impudence!
Willmore
Angellica! that Beauty has been too long tempting,Not to have made a thousand Lovers languish,Who in the Amorous Favour, no doubt have swornLike me: did they all dye in that Faith? still Adoring?I do not think they did.
Angellica
No, faithless Man: had I repaid their Vows, as I did thine,
I wou'd have kill'd the ingrateful that had abandon'd me.
Willmore
This Old General has quite spoil'd thee, nothing makes
a Woman so vain, as being flatter'd; your old Lover ever supplies
the defects of Age, with intollerable Dotage, vast Charge,
and that which you call Constancy; and attributing all this to
your own Merits, you domineer, and throw your Favours
in's Teeth, upbraiding him still with the defects of Age, and
Cuckold him as often as he deceives your Expectations. But
the Gay, Young, Brisk Lover, that brings his equal Fires, and
can give you dart for dart, you'l will be as nice as you sometimes.
Angellica
All this thou'st made me know, for which I hate thee.Had I remain'd in innocent security,I shou'd have thought all men were born my slaves,And worn my pow'r like lightening in my Eyes,To have destroy'd at pleasure when offended:—But when Love held the Mirror, the undeceiving GlassReflected all the weakness of my Soul, and made me knowMy richest treasure being lost, my Honour,All the remaining spoil cou'd not be worthThe Conqueror's Care or Value.—Oh how I fell like a long worship't IdolDiscovering all the Cheat.Wou'd not the Insence and rich Sacrifice,Which blind Devotion offer'd at my Alters,Have fall'n to thee?Why wou'dst thou then destroy my fancy'd pow'r.
Willmore
By Heaven thou'rt brave, and I admire thee strangelyI wish I were that dull, that constant thingWhich thou wou'dst have, and Nature never meant me:I must, like cheerful Birds, sing in all Groves,And perch on every Bough,Billing the next kind she that flies to meet me;Yet after all cou'd build my Nest with thee,Thither repairing when I'd lov'd my round,And still reserve a tributary Flame.—To gain your credit, I'l pay you back your Charity,And be oblig'd for nothing but for Love.
Angellica
Oh that thou wert in earnest!So mean a thought of me,Wou'd turn my rage to scorn, and I shou'd pity thee,And give thee leave to live;Which for the publick safety of our Sex,And my own private Injuries, I dare not do▪
Prepare—I will no more be tempted with replies.
Willmore
Sure—
Angellica
Another word will damn thee! I've heard thee talk too
long.
Antonio
Hah! Angellica!
Angellica
Antonio! what Devil brought thee hither?
Antonio
Love and Curiosity, seeing your Coach at door.Let me disarm you of this unbecoming instrument of
death—amongst the Number of your slaves, was
there not one, worthy the Honour to have fought your quarrel?—Who are you Sir, that are so very wretchedTo merit death from her?
Willmore
One Sir, that cou'd have made a better End of an Amorous
quarrel without you, than with you.
Antonio
Sure 'tis some Rival,—hah—the very Man took down
her Picture yesterday—the very same that set on me last night
—blest opportunity—
Angellica
Hold, you're mistaken Sir.
Antonio
By Heaven the very same!—Sir, what pretensions have you to this Lady?
Willmore
Sir, I do not use to be Examin'd, and am Ill at all disputes
but this—
Angellica
Oh hold! you see he's Arm'd with certain death;—And you Antonio, I command you hold,By all the Passion you've so lately vow'd me.
Pedro
Hah, Antonio! and Angellica!
Antonio
When I refuse obedience to your WillmoreMay you destroy me with your Mortal hate.By all that's Holy I Adore you so,That even my Rival, who has Charms enoughTo make him fall a Victim to my jealousieShall live, nay and have leave to love on still.
Pedro
What's this I hear?
Angellica
Ah thus! twas thus! he talkt, and I believ'd.—(Antonio,) yesterday,I'd not have sold my Intrest in his heart,For all the Sword has won and lost in Battail.—But now to show my utmost of contempt,I give thee Life—which if thou wou'dst preserve,Live where my Eyes may never see thee more,Live to undo some one, whose Soul may prove,So bravely constant to revenge my Love.
Pedro
Antonio—stay.
Antonio
Don Pedro—
Pedro
What Coward fear was that prevented theeFrom meeting me this morning on the Molo?
Antonio
Meet thee?
Pedro
Yes me; I was the Man that dar'd thee to't.
Antonio
Hast thou so often seen me fight in War,To find no better Cause to excuse my absence?—I sent my Sword and one to do thee right,Finding my self uncapable to use a Sword.
Pedro
But 'twas Florinda's Quarrel that we fought,And you to shew how little you esteem'd her,Sent me your Rival, giving him your Intrest.—But I have found the cause of this affront,And when I meet you fit for the dispute,—I'l tell you my resentment.
Antonio
I shall be ready, Sir, e're long to do you reason.
Pedro
If I cou'd find Florinda, now whilst my angers high,I think I shou'd be kind, and give her to Belvile in revenge.
Willmore
Faith, Sir, I know not what you wou'd do, but I believe the Priest within has been so kind.
Pedro
How! my Sister Married?
Willmore
I hope by this time he is, and bedded too, or he has notMy longings about him.
Pedro
Dares he do this! does he not fear my Pow'r?
Willmore
Faith not at all, if you will 'go in, and thank him for
the favour he has done your Sister, so, if not, Sir, my Pow'rs
greater in this house than yours, I have a damn'd surly Crew here,
that will keep you till the next Tide, and then clap you on bord
for Prise; my Ship lies but a League off the Molo, and we shall
show your Donship a damn'd Tramontanan125n125"Dwelling or situated beyond, or pertaining to the far side of, the mountains (orig. and in reference to Italy, the Alps...hence, foreign...occupied by a non-Italian." This word could also have, "the connotation [of] 'uncouth, unpolished, barbarous'." ("tramontane, adj. and n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016. - [UVAstudstaff] Rovers Trick.
Belville
This Rogue's in some new Mischief—hah Pedro return'd!
Pedro
Colonel Belvile, I hear you have Married my Sister?
Belville
You have heard truth then, Sir.
Pedro
Have I so; then, Sir, I wish you Joy.
Belville
How!
Pedro
By this imbrace I do, and I am glad on't.
Belville
Are you in earnest?
Pedro
By our long Friendship and my obligations to thee, I am,The sudain change, I'le give you reasons for anon,Come lead me to my Sister,That she may know, I now approve her choice.
Willmore
Ha! my Gipsie:—now a thousand blessings on thee
for this kindness, Egad Child I was e'en in dispair of ever seeing
thee again; my Friends are all provided for within, each Man his
kind Woman.
Hellena
Hah! I thought they had serv'd me some such trick!
Willmore
And I was e'en resolv'd to go aboard, and condemn my self
to my lone Cabin, and the thoughts of thee.
Hellena
And cou'd you have left me behind, wou'd you have been
so ill natur'd?
Willmore
Whe twou'd have broke my Heart Child:—but
since we are met again, I defie foul weather to part us.
Hellena
And wou'd you be a Faithful Friend, now if a Maid shou'd
trust you?
Willmore
For a Friend I cannot promise, thou art of a form so Excellent
a Face and Humour, too good for cold dull Friendship; I
am parlouslyn126n126"In a parlous manner; esp. perilously, dangerously; precariously; desperately," ("parlously, adv." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.) - [UVAstudstaff] afraid of being in Love Child, and you have not forgot
how severely you have us'd me?
Hellena
That's all one, such usage you must still look for, to find
out all your Haunts, to raile at you to all that Love you, till I have
made you love only me in your own defence, because no body
else will love.
Willmore
But hast thou no better quality, to recommend thy self
by.
Hellena
Faith none Captain:—whe 'twill be the greater Charity
to take me for thy Mistress. I am alone Child, a kind of Orphan
Lover, and why I shou'd dye a Maid, and in a Captains hands
too, I do not understand,
Willmore
Egad, I was never claw'd away with Broad-sides from
any Female before, thou hast one Vertue I Adore, good Nature;
I hate a Coy demure Mistress, she's as troublesome as a Colt, I'l
break none; no give me a mad Mistress when Mew'd, and in
80
flying on I dare trust upon the wing, that whil'st she's kind will
come to the Lure.
Hellena
Nay as kind as you will good Capt. whil'st it lasts, but
let's lose no time,
Willmore
My time's as precious to me, as thine can be, therefore
dear creature, since we are so well agreed, let's retire to my Chamber,
and if ever thou wert treated with such Savory Love!—
come—my beds prepar'd for such a guest all clean and Sweet
as thy fair self, I love to steal a Dish and a Bottle with a Friend, and
hate long Graces—come let's retire and fall too.
Hellena
'Tis but getting my consent, and the bus'ness is soon
done, let but old Gaffern127n127"A term applied originally by country people to an elderly man or one whose position entitled him to respect." Or, "Used simply as a title of address, often with not intimation of respect," ("gaffer, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.) - [UVAstudstaff] Himen and his Priest, say amen to't, and I
dare lay my Mothers daughter by as proper a Fellow as your Father's
Son, without fear or blushing,
Willmore
Hold, hold, no Buggn128n128"A word meant to frighten or terrify; a word that causes dread," († bug-word | bug's-word, n. OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.) - [UVAstudstaff] words Child, Priest and Hymen,
prithee add a Hang-man to 'em to make up the consort,—no, no,
we'l have no Vows but Love, Child, nor witness but the Lover,
the kind Deity injoyn naught but Love! and injoy! Himen and
Priest wait still upon Portion, and Joynture; Love and Beauty
have their own Ceremonies; Marriage is as certain a bane to
Love, as lending Money is to Friendship: I'l neither ask nor give
a Vow,—tho' I cou'd be content to turn Gipsie, and become a
left-handed bride-groom, to have the pleasure of working that
great Miracle of making a Maid a Mother, if you durst venture;
'tis upse Gipsie that, and if I miss, I'l lose my Labour.
Hellena
And if you do not lose, what shall I get? a cradle full of
noise and mischief, with a pack of repentance at my back? can
you teach me to weave Inclen129n129"A kind of linen tape, formerly much used for various purposes," ("inkle, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.) - [UVAstudstaff] to pass my time with? 'tis upse Gipsie
that too.
Willmore
I can teach thee to Weave a true loves knot better.
Hellena
So can my dog.
Willmore
Well, I see we are both upon our Guards, and I see there's
no way to conquer good Nature, but by yielding,—here—
give me thy hand—one kiss and I am thine—
Hellena
One kiss! how like my Page he speaks; I am resolv'd
you shall have none, for asking such a sneaking sum,—he that
will be satisfied with one kiss, will never dye of that longing; good
Friend, single kiss, is all your talking come to this?—a kiss, a
caudle! farewel Captain, single kiss.
Willmore
Nay if we part so, let me dye like a bird upon a bough,
81
at the Sheriffs charge, by Heaven both the Indies, shall not buy
thee from me. I adore thy Humour and will marry thee, and we
are so of one Humour, it must be a bargain—give me thy
hand.— [Kisses her Hand. And now let the blind ones (Love and Fortune) do their worst.
Hellena
Whe God-a-mercy Captain!
Willmore
But harkey—the bargain is now made; but is it not fit
we shou'd know each others Names? that when we have reason
to curse one another hereafter (and People ask me who 'tis I give
to the Devil) I may at least be able to tell, what Family you came
of.
Hellena
Good reason, Captain; and where I have cause, (as I
doubt not but I shall have plentiful) that I may know at whom to
throw my—blessings—I beseech ye your Name.
Willmore
I am call'd Robert the ConstAntonio
Hellena
A very fine name; pray was it your Faulkner or Butler
that Chisten'd you? do they not use to Whistle when they call
you?
Willmore
I hope you have a better, that a man may name without
crossing himself, you are so merry with mine.
Hellena
I am call'd Hellena the InconstAntonio
Pedro
Hah! Hellena!
Florinda
Hellenah!
Hellena
The very same—hah my Brother! now Captain shew
your Love and Courage; stand to your Arms, and defend me
bravely, or I am lost for Ever.
Pedro
What's this I hear! false Girle, how came you hither, and
what's your bus'ness? Speak.
Willmore
Hold off Sir, you have leave to parly only.
Hellena
I had e'en as good tell it, as you guess it; Faith Brother
my bus'ness, is the same with all living Creatures of my Age, to
love, and be beloved, and here's the Man.
Pedro
Perfidious Maid, hast thou deceiv'd me too, deceiv'd thy
self and Heaven;
Hellena
'Tis time enough to make my peace with that,Be you but kind let me alone with Heaven,
Pedro
Belvile, I did not expect this false play from you; was't
82
not enough you'd gain Florinda (which I pardon'd) but your lewd
Friends too must be inricht with the spoyls of a Noble Family?
Belville
Faith Sir, I am as much surpriz'd at this as you can be:
Yet Sir, my Friends are Gentlemen, and ought to be Esteem'd for
their Misfortunes, since they have the Glory to suffer with the
best of Men and Kings; 'tis true, he's a Rover of Fortune,
Yet a Prince, aboard his little wooden World.
Pedro
What's this to the maintenance of a Woman of her Birth
and Quality.
Willmore
Faith Sir, I can boast of nothing but a Sword which does
me right where e're I come, and has defended a worse Cause then
a Womans; and since I lov'd her before I either knew her Birth or
Name, I must pursue my resolution, and marry her.
Pedro
And is all your holy intent of becoming a Nun, debauch't
into a desire of Man?
Hellena
Whe—I have consider'd the matter Brother, and find,
the Three hundred thousand Crowns my Uncle left me (and
you cannot keep from me) will be better laid out in Love than in
Religion, and turn to as good an account,—let most voyces carry
it, for Heaven or the Captain?
All cry, a Captain? a Captain?
Hellena
Look yee Sir, 'tis a clear case.
Pedro
Oh I am mad—if I refuse, my lifes in danger— [aside.
—Come—there's one motive induces me—take her—
I shall now be free from fears of her Honour, guard it you now, if
you can, I have been a slave to't long enough,
Willmore
Faith Sir, I am of a Nation, that are of opinion a womans
Honour is not worth guarding when she has a mind to part with it.
Hellena
Well said Captain.
Pedro
This was your Plot Mistress, but I hope you have married
one that will revenge my quarrel to you—
Valleria
There's no altering Destinie, Sir.
Pedro
Sooner than a Womans Will, therefore I forgive you
all—and wish you may get my Father's Pardon as Easily; which
I fear.
Man
'Tis very well Sir—
Blunt
Well Sir, 'dshearlikins I tell you 'tis damnable Ill Sir,
—a Spanish habit good Lord! Cou'd the Devil and my Taylor
83
devise no other punishment for me, but the Mode of a Nation
I abominate?
Belville
What's the matter Ned?
Blunt
Pray view me round, and judge,—
Belville
I must confess thou art a kind of an odd Figure.
Blunt
In a Spanish habit with a Vengeance! I had rather be in
the Inquisition for Judaisme, than in this Doublet and Breeches,
a Pillory were an easie Coller, to this three handfuls high; and
these Shoes too, are worse, then the stocks with the sole an Inch
shorter than my Foot: In fine, Gentlemen, methinks I look altogether
like a Bag of Bayesn130n130"A bag of bay leaves used in cooking." (Canfield, J. D., and Sneidern M.-L. Von. The Broadview Anthology of Restoration and Early Eighteenth-Century Drama. Peterborough, Ont: Broadview Press, 2004. Print) - [UVAstudstaff] stufft full of Fooles flesh.
Belville
Methinks 'tis well, and makes thee look e'n Cavalier:
Come Sir, settle your face, and salute our Friends, Lady—
Blunt
Hah!—say'st thou so my Little Rover—
[To Hellena
Lady—(if you be one) give me leave to kiss your hand, and tell
you adshearlikins for all I look so, I am your humble Servant,—
a Pox of my Spanish habit.
Willmore
Hark—what's this?
Boy
Sir, as the Custome is, the gay people in Masquerade who
make every mans House their own, are coming up:
Blunt
Adsheartlikins, wou'd twere lawful to pull off their
false faces, That I might see if my Doxie were not amongst e'm.
Belville
Ladies and Gentlemen, since you are come so apropo, you
must take a small Collation with us.
Willmore
Whilst we'le to the Good Man within, who stayes to
give us a Castn131n131A look or view ("cast, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.). - [UVAstudstaff] of his Office.
[To Hellena
—Have you no trembling at the near approach?
Hellena
No more than you have in an Engagement or a Tempest.
Willmore
Egad thou'rt a brave Girle, and I admire thy Love and
Courage.Lead on, no other Dangers they can dread,Who Venture in the Storms o'th' Marriage Bed.
Footnotes
a001aRoger L'Estrange had the title of "Licensor of the Press" in England at this time; he was in effect the official government censor for all printed material. He had the right to inspect printing presses and to intercept any printed matter that he suspected of being seditious, libellous, or blasphemous. The presence of his name here on the title page indicates that he had read through the play and found nothing objectionable in it. It's interesting to note that while L'Estrange's name is here in the place where we might expect to find the name of the author, Behn's is not. It was actually typical of printed playtexts in this period that they did not identify the author of the play; the success of a play was seen to lie much more in the skill of the performers and the theater company than of the author (much as in modern Hollywood movies, where the names of stars are well known, but the screenwriters are usually obscure.) L'Estrange was not the "author" of this play in a modern sense, but the prominence of his name here "authorizes" its publication in another sense, as a play approved by the state authorities. Moreover, this play was, as the title page also announces, staged in one of the two official state-licensed theaters, in this case the one sponsored by the Duke of York, the brother of King Charles, who was the sponsor of the other state-licensed theater in London.
a001A brand of patent medicine
a002A cabal is a secret or private group similar to a political junto or faction. The word was often used in this period as an acronym of the first letters in the names for the King's five privy counselors: Chudleigh, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a003To judge or give an opinion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a004That is, correct.
a005Satire upon another individual. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a006Indulgence or excess of pleasure. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a007May Day is a traditional spring festival, and a "Citt" is a citizen of London, which was a position associated with middle-class tradesmen and merchants. So the idea here is that new plays are currently stuffed with wits and debauched people like cits, who would sweatily crowd themselves into coaches that were designed to accommodate richer people.
a008It was common in this period for books to include advertisements for other titles sold by the same bookseller. We have preserved this in our edition to give the fullest flavor of what a reader of 1677 would have seen when they picked up the text.
a009St Dunstan is a famous Church located on Fleet Street in London, then as now at the center of the publishing industry in London. Booksellers in London often set up shop adjacent to churches, as is the case here.
a010The "King's Suit" would be an indictment by the government.
a011A pirate or a ship captain who spends must of his time wandering and roaming. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a012One of Behn's first significant changes to her source play by Thomas Killigrew is moving the action from Madrid to Naples, rendering the action perhaps even more exotic than in the original. At this time, Naples was ruled by Spain, which explains why so many characters in the play have been traveling back and forth between Naples and places like Madrid and Pamplona. Image: Claude Vernet, View of the Bay of Naples, 1747 (Wikimedia Commons)
a013A rover is a pirate, or a person who aimlessly wanders and roams. The Cavaliers were the supporters of the Stuart King Charles I in the English Civil War between him and the Parliament, and after that, supporters of his son, Charles II, who went into exile when the Stuarts lost the Civil War in 1659. This reference thus sets the play some time in the 1650s, when the monarchy's supporters were scattered across Europe, as these men are, trying to make their fortunes and/or biding their time in the hopes of returning to England some day. First staged in 1677, The Rover is thus a kind of historical play, looking back on an era a couple of decades earlier. It was based on an earlier play, Thomas Killigrew's Thomaso, or the Wanderer, which was written around 1654 while Killigrew was living in Madrid. Killigrew's play seems to have been autobiographical, reflecting his life as a Royalist exile, a supporter of the Stuart monarchy who was living on the European continent in the 1650s while England was ruled by Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth government. Upon the return of the Stuart monarchy in 1660, Killigrew received a patent to open a theater in London as a reward for his loyalty to Charles II. He published Tomaso in 1664, but never staged it, perhaps recognizing that it was far too long and disjointed to work on stage. We do not know how Behn come to rework the play for performance, but it seems entirely possible that this was at the request of Killigrew, who was the patent-holder of the Duke's Theater. There are places where Behn follows Killigrew's play closely, but she made many changes, compressing the original, and shifting the scene from Madrid to Naples. Perhaps most notably, she beefs up the female roles of Angelica Bianca and Hellena. Hellena is such an interesting and dynamic character in Behn's version of the story that the audience is left wondering in the end who the real rover of the play is: Willmore or Hellena? Behn's play has been popular with audiences ever since it was first staged in 1677, and is now probably the most-frequently-performed of her works.
a015A contraction of "I pray thee," similar to "I beg of you." Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a016Be delighted or glad to. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a017Exclamation of anger or disapproval at perceived mistreatment. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a018The ruler or governor of a province. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a019Spanish for an English person.
a020Fine or noble. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a021Intended or designated. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a022The season before Lent, filled with celebration and festivity. A modern equivalent would be Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro. Hellena is going to take advantage of the opportunity provided by this brief season of festivity before heading to a convent rather than marry a man she loathes.
a023Well proportioned. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a024Pamplona is a city in the north of Spain, but it's not clear what military action is being referred to here. There was a siege of Pamplona in 1521, but that was more than a century before the events depicted in the play. More generally, however, it was true that during the 1650s, the time during which the action of the play takes place, many English cavaliers were hiring themselves out as mercenary soldiers to armies in contintental Europe, including Spain, so placing military action at Pamplona is quite plausible. This is a detail that Behn is lifting from Killigrew's play, so she probably has nothing particularly significant in mind with the reference.
a025French cavalry. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a026Carnival disguise
a027It was customary in prominent families for the father to exert control over whom the daughter marries. This was true in England, but setting the play in Italy enables Behn to stage the conflict between the young women's wishes and their father's control without openly criticizing her own culture.
a028Ranked. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a029Or "jointure." The property or money given to the wife in marriage. Source: Oxford English Dictionary. The amount of a jointure would have been negotiated before the marriage by the two families involved.
a030The West Indies or, more generally, the Americas. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a031Riches, or money-bags. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a032That is, he is probably impotent.
a033Hottest part of the summer. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a034King of Pamplona during the 10th Century. Hellena's joke is that Don Vincentio's furniture is going to be very old and outdated--like himself.
a035Fool. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a036Personal attendant. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a037Score denotes twenty, thus threescore indicates sixty.
a038Hostel de Dieu is French for Hostel or Hospital of God. The Hostel de Dieu was a hospital that served the poor operating under a religious order. Source: Wikipedia
a039A poor or diseased person. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a040Gambia, a region on the west coast of Africa where Europeans were active in the slave trade from this period well into the 19th century.
a041Referring to the costume of court jesters, who wore bells on their heads and carried bawbles. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a042The period immediately after the carnival in the spring; a time of fasting and penance. Source: Oxford English Dictionary.
a043A cloistered nun would only be allowed to greet visitors from the world outside the convent through a grate.
a0035Colonel
a0036Fredrick is implying that those who partake in Lent are melencholy and unsatisfied, the traits that Belville is already displaying, several days before Lent has officially started.
a0037Interest
a038Pursue courtship
a0039"A notable strong flavor or smell" (Oxford English Dictionary)
a0040Sauce
a0041Over
a0042"To find fault with one; to fix on some small offense as censurable" (Dictionary of Phrase and Fable)
a0043This would be Prince Charles, who would become King Charles II at the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660.
a044pedlers (Oxford English Dictionary)
a045Willmore is reading one of the "papers" pinned on the dresses of the women, which have enigmatic statements vaguely hinting at the womens' sexual availability.
a046The double-entendre is pretty obvious here.
a047An hospital for people suffering from an infectious disease (Oxford English Dictionary)
a048A husband who is being cheated on by his wife; traditionally, cuckolds were said to wear horns as a sign of their being mastered by another, more virile man.
a049Essex was frequently a butt of jokes for Londoners, who saw it as a rural backwater.
a050or Piazza; a public space or market square
a051The joke here is that the hangman has beaten the Frenchman in their contest, just as the French beat the Dutch in theirs: a reference to an incident in 1672, when Nieuwerbrug (New Bridge), a Dutch garrison post on a branch of the Rhine, fell to the French.
a052A mixture of sharp wit and sarcastic comments
a053The Roman goddess of love, sex, fertility, and victory, Venus was, according to mythology, born of sea-foam.
a054the Old Testament
a055In the book of Judges, Jephtha, having won a major military victory, vows to God that he will sacrifice the first thing he sees on his return home. When he arrives, his daughter rushes out to greet him, and he realizes that he must kill his daughter to fulfill his vow. She agrees, but asks for a reprieve of two months to visit friends in the mountains and to lament the fact that she will die a virgin.
a056that is, Peru, where slaves worked in silver mines
a057A female servant responsible for performing many household responsibilities, including laundry. See Joanna Martin, Wives and Daughters: Women and Children in the Georgian Country House. London: Hambledon and London, 2004.
a058castrate
a059a "Paduana" is someone who comes from the city of Padua. Many critics have noted that Angellica Bianca shares initials with Aphra Behn.
a060a simple mask; pictures attatched at the following link: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/402520
a061risk in a single ship
a062membership or characteristic of a lower social class (OED)
a063shortening of often (OED)
a064travelling or roaming (OED)
a065also spelled cozening, it means cheating, deceitful or fraudulent (OED)
a066a pirate or privateer (OED)
a067in dress or attire (OED)
a068in hiding or a place of confinement, like a cage (OED)
a069Of a person, a person's will: undisciplined, ungoverned; unmanageable, rebellious (OED)
a070A wench (OED)
a071A small wooden peg or pin used to stop the vent-hole of a barrel or cask; a vent-peg; a similar peg inserted into and controlling the opening or tube of a faucet and used to regulate the flow of liquor (OED)
a072Jumbled mixture of liquors e.g. beer and wine
a073A general name for a class of white wines formerly imported from Spain and the Canaries (OED)
a074A friar of the order of St. Francis, of the new rule of 1528 (OED)
a075Bringing together, comparison (OED)
a076Of a person that has deliberately broken an oath (OED)
a077The front part of a helmet, covering the face but provided with holes or openings to admit of seeing and breathing, and capable of being raised and lowered;(OED)
a078The action of interceding or pleading on behalf of (rarely against),(OED)
a079To emit, give, or heave a sigh(OED)
a080An article of value used for adornment, chiefly of the person / possibly a picture of her (OED)
a081Phrase meant to suggest that a promise or vow to be "paid" can be counterfeited or easily passed from one to another (O'Brien in class / wikipedia)
a082Temporary rest or cessation from physical or mental exertion in order to recover one's energy (OED)
a083unmask
a084she and he respectively
a085his womanizing has ended with her
a086A pouch, bag, wallet, usually of leather. (OED)
a087Italian for: A wench; ‘a showy wanton’ (OED)
a088 why (http://www.bookwolf.com/Wolf/pdf/AphraBehn-TheRover.pdf)
a089sleep with
a090refers to taking an oath on the bible / Oath: A solemn or formal declaration invoking God (or a god, or other object of reverence) as witness to the truth of a statement, or to the binding nature of a promise or undertaking (OED)
a091a long time / A period of existence, and related senses.(OED)
a092Dull: Not quick in intelligence or mental perception; slow of understanding; not sharp of wit(OED)
a093Senses relating to diseases characterized by pocks(OED). Referencing a sort of curse on his vow
a094 "hark ye"= (ref:http://www.bookwolf.com/Wolf/pdf/AphraBehn-TheRover.pdf). To give ear or listen to. (OED)
a095he thinks he has chased his lady into the arms of another man. To rouse the birds that they may fly into the net held by some one else(OED)
a096metaphor to understand and subdue loves troubling nature by drinking one's self to sleep
a097his plan to sleep with her is near completion. Compass: To plan, contrive, devise (OED). Also: navigational reference meaning close in proximity: A compass divided into 360 degrees is the most common unit of measurement. Each degree is divided into 60 minutes, each minute into 60 seconds...those units are used for precise locations using latitude and longitude.(http://www.compassdude.com/compass-units.php)
a098why
a099addressing his clothes, in England he could be "A magistrate appointed to hear minor cases, grant licences, etc" (OED)
a100his job or orders; Authority committed or entrusted to a person (OED)
a101luckiest rogue
a102darkness necessary to setup the robbery of Blunt
a103in a short time; soon (CollinsDictionary)
a104trick; an exploit(OED)
a105animal trap (OED), if she had been trapped by Blunt's love
a106That has been mollified; appeased, conciliated; †softened, rendered soft or supple; †made less severe; mitigated (OED)
a107A stringed musical instrument, much in vogue from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
a108short pants / Breeches are distinguished from trousers by coming only just below the knee (OED)
a109The first actual pocket watch was "said to have occurred in 1675 when Charles II of England introduced waistcoats (Wikipedia).This would have been an incredibly exepensive item.
a110refers to Queen Elizabeth I, reigned from 1558-1603.The quarrel from "Eighty Eight" seems to refer to the Spanish Armada, which was destroyed in 1588
a111Seems to refer to a sewer into which he entered
a112A bunch of flowers or herbs, especially those having a sweet smell-OED
a113A noise or disturbance, a 'row', a tumult
a114imbued or transfused
a115reference to the common law of taking your victim as you find them http://definitions.uslegal.com/t/thin-skull-rule/
a116A variant spelling of Picaroon meaning a rogue or a scoundrel
a117a warship
a118a canon at the bow or stern of an armed ship used in pursuit Source: Merriam-Webster
a119jostles (Dictionary.com)
a120Of a person: that has committed or is guilty of perjury; that has deliberately broken an oath, promise, etc. (OED)
a121Clogged, cumbered, burdened (OED)
a122To utter indistinctly or inarticulately, as if with toothless gums; to mumble, mutter (OED)
a123Double meaning: to play and to behave in a sexually promiscuous way
a124A wicked woman (OED)
a125"Dwelling or situated beyond, or pertaining to the far side of, the mountains (orig. and in reference to Italy, the Alps...hence, foreign...occupied by a non-Italian." This word could also have, "the connotation [of] 'uncouth, unpolished, barbarous'." ("tramontane, adj. and n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.
a126"In a parlous manner; esp. perilously, dangerously; precariously; desperately," ("parlously, adv." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.)
a127"A term applied originally by country people to an elderly man or one whose position entitled him to respect." Or, "Used simply as a title of address, often with not intimation of respect," ("gaffer, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.)
a128"A word meant to frighten or terrify; a word that causes dread," († bug-word | bug's-word, n. OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.)
a129"A kind of linen tape, formerly much used for various purposes," ("inkle, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.)
a130"A bag of bay leaves used in cooking." (Canfield, J. D., and Sneidern M.-L. Von. The Broadview Anthology of Restoration and Early Eighteenth-Century Drama. Peterborough, Ont: Broadview Press, 2004. Print)
a131A look or view ("cast, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.).
a132A religious meeting of an unsanctioned or clandestine nature ("conventicle, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.).
a133Hypocritical ("ˈcanting, adj.2." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.).
a134A major London theater in which the Shakespeare company performed during the winter until 1642, when all the playhouses were closed (Gurr, Andrew. "London’s Blackfriars Playhouse and the Chamberlains Men’." Inside Shakespeare: Essays on the Blackfriars Stage (2006): 17-33.).
a135Head ("noddle, n.1." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.).
a136A foppish, affected type of man ("spark, n.2." OED Online. Oxford University Press, September 2016. Web. 5 December 2016.).
a137James Stokes and Anthony Leigh were celebrated comic actors of the period, often appearing alongside one another (Chernaik, Warren. “Nokes , James (c.1642–1696).” Warren Chernaik Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Ed. H. C. G. Matthew and Brian Harrison. Oxford: OUP, 2004. Online ed. Ed. David Cannadine. Jan. 2008. 5 Dec. 2016).
a138The Rover borrows heavily from Thomas Killigrew's Thomaso, or, The Wanderer, though Behn seems to minimize the extent to which she borrowed from it here (DeRitter, Jones. "The Gypsy," The Rover", and the Wanderer: Aphra Behn's Revision of Thomas Killigrew." Restoration: Studies in English Literary Culture, 1660-1700 10.2 (1986): 82-92.).