The widdow Ranter, or, The history of Bacon in Virginia a tragi-comedy, acted by Their Majesties servants / written by Mrs. A. Behn.

THE Widdow Ranter OR , The HISTORY of Bacon in Virginia . A TRAGI-COMEDY , Acted by their Majesties Servants .

Written by Mrs. A. Behn .

LONDON , Printed for James Knapton at the Crown in St. Paul's Church-Yard . 1690.

To the much Honoured Madam Welldon . Madam ,

KNowing Mrs. Behn in her Life-time design'd to Dedicate some of of her Works to you , you ha●…e a Naturall Title , and claim to this and I could not wi●…hout being unjust to her Memory , but fix your name to it , who ha●…e not only a Wit above that , of most of your Sex ; but a goodness and Affability Extreamly Charming , and Engaging beyond Measure , and perhaps there are few to be found like you , that are so Eminent for Hospitallity , and a Ready and Generous Assistance to the distress'd and Indigent , which are Quallities that carry much more of Divinity with them , then a Puritanicall outward Zeal for Virtue and Religion .

Our Author , Madam , who was so true a Judge of Wit , was ( no doubt of it ) satisfyed in the Patroness she had pitcht upon : If ever she had occasion for a Wit and Sense like yours 't is now , to Defend this ( one of the last of her Works ) from the Malice of her Enemies , and the ill Nature of the Critticks , who have had Ingratitude enough not to Consider the Obligations they had to her when Living ; but to do those Gentlemen Justice , 't is not ( altogether ) to be Imputed to their Critticism , that the Play had not that Success which it deserv'd , and was expected by her Friends ; The main fault ought to lye on those who had the management of it . Had our Authour been alive she would have Committed it to the Flames rather than have suffer'd it to have been Acted with such Omissions as was made , and on which the Foundation of the Play Depended : For Example , they thought fit to leave out a Whole Scene of the Virginian Court of Judicature , which was a lively resemblance of that Country-Justice ; and on which depended a great part of the Plot , and wherein were many unusuall and very Naturall J●…sts which would at least have made some sort of People laugh : In another Part of the Play is Omitted the appearance of the Ghost of the Indian King , Kill'd by Bacon , and tho' the like may have been Represented in other Plays , yet I never heard or found but that the sight was very agreeable to an Audience , and very Awfull : besi des the Apparition of the Ghost was necessary , for it was that which struck a Terror in the Queen , and fright'ned her from heark'ning to the Love of Bacon , believing it a horrid thing to receive the Caresses and Embraces of her Husbands Murderer : And Lastly , many of the Parts being false Cast , and given to those whose Tallants and Genius's suited not our Authors Intention : These , Madam , are some of the Reasons that this Play was unsuccessfull , and the best Play that ever was writ must prove so : if it have the Fate to be Murder'd like this .

However , Madam , I can't but believe you will find an hours diversion in the reading , and will meet with not only Wit , but true Comedy , ( tho' low , ) by reason many of the Characters are such only as our Newgate afforded , being Criminals Transported .

This Play , Madam , being left in my hands by the Author to Introduce to the Publick , I thought my self oblig'd to say thus much in its defence , and that it was also a Duty upon me to choose 〈◊〉 Patroness proper for it , and the Author having pitcht upon your name to do Honour to some of her Works , I thought your Protection , could be so usefull to none , as to this , whose owning it may Silence the Malice of its Enemies ; Your Wit and Judgment being to be Submitted to in all Cases ; Besides your Natural Tenderness and Compassion for the Unfortunate , gives you in a manner another Title to it : The preference which is due to you upon so many Accounts is therefore the Reason of this present Address , for at the worst , if this Play should be so Unfortunate as not to be thought worthy of your Acceptance ; Yet it is certain , that its worth any Man's while to have the Honour of subscribing himself ,

Madam , Your Most Obedient Humble Servant , G. J.

Dramatis Personae

Mr. Bowman . Indian King called Cavarnio . Mr. Williams . Bacon — Generall of the English. Mr. Freeman Colonel Wellman deputy Governor Mr. Harris . Colonel Downright a Loyall Honest Coun. Mr. Alexander . Hazard . Mr. Powell . Friendly . Two Friends known to one another many years in England . Mr. Sandford . Dareing Mr. Cudworth . Fearless . Lieutenant Generals to Bacon Mr. Bright . Dullman . A Captain . Mr. Underhill . Timerous Cornet . Mr. Trefuse Whimsey Mr. Bowen . Whiff. Mr. Barns . Boozer . Justices of the Peace , and very great Cowards . Brag. A Captain . Grubb . One Complain'd on by Capt. Whiff for calling his Wife Whore. Mr. Blunt. A Petitioner against Brag. Mr. Baker . Parson Dunce , formerly a Farrier ●…led from England , And Chaplain to the Governour . Clerk. Boy . Mrs. Bra●…girdle , Indian Queen , call'd Semernia , belov'd by Bacon . Mrs. Knight . Madam Surelove : belov'd by Hazard . Mrs. Jordon . Mrs. Crisante . Daughter to Col. Down . Mrs. Currer . Wid. Ranter in Love with Dareing . Mrs. Cory . Mrs. Flirt .

Mrs. Whimsey . Mrs. Whiff. 2. Maids . Priests , Indians , Coachman , Soldiers , with other Attendants .

SCENE Virginia in Bacons Camp.

Books Newly Printed for James Knapton , at the Crown in St. Paul's-Church-Yard .

A Congratulatory Poem on his Highness the Prince of Orange's coming into England . By Tho. Shadwell .

A Congratulatory Poem to the Most Illustrious Queen Mary , upon Her Arrival into England . By Tho. Shadwell .

The Squire of Alsatia . A Comedy Acted by their Majesties Servants . Written by ●…ho Shadwell .

Bury Fair. A Comedy , Acted by Their Majesties Servants . Written by Tho. Shadwell .

A True Widow . A Comedy , Acted by their Majesties Servants . Written by Tho. Shadwell .

The Fortune-Hunters , O●… , Two Fools well-met . A Comedy , as it is Acted by their Majesties Servants . Written by James Carlile ,

The Forced Marriage , Or , the Jealous Bridegroom : As it is Acted by their Majesties Servants . Written by A. Behn .

The Female Prelate : Being a History of the Life and Death of Pope Joan : A Tragedy , As it is Acted at the Theatre-Royall .

Mr. Anthony . A Comedy . Acted by their Majesties Servants . Written by the Right Honourable the Earl of Orrery .

The Governour of Cyprus , or , the Lovers of Virotto , and Dorothea . A Novel in Twelves .

The Wanton Fryar , or , the Irish Amour , First and Second Part. A Novel in Twelves .

The History of the Inquisition , as it is Exercised at Goa ; Written in French by the Ingenious Monsieur De●…on , who laboured five years under those Severities , With an Account of his Deliverance ; translated into English. Quarto . Price 1 〈◊〉 .

Some Observations concerning Regulating of Elections for Parliament , found among the Earl of Shaftsbury's Papers after his Death , and now recommended to the Consideration of the present Parliament . In Quarto . price 3 d.

Quadriennium Jacobi , or , the History of the Reign of King James II. from his first coming to the Crown to his Desertion .

PROLOGUE , By Mr. DRYDEN . HEav'n save ye Gallants : and this hopefull Age , Y' are welcome to the downfall of the Stage : The Fools have labour'd long in their Vocation ; And Vice , ( the Manufacture of the Nation ) O're-stocks the Town so much , and thrives so well , That Fopps and Knaves grow Druggs and will not sell ▪ In vain our Wares on Theatres are shown , When each has a Plantation of his own . His Cause ne'r fails ; for whatsoe're he spends , There 's still Gods plenty for himself and Friends . Shou'd Men be rated by Poetick Rules , Lord what a Pole would there be rais'd from Fools ! Mean time poor Wit prohibited must lye , As if'twere made some French Commodity . Fools you will have , and rais'd at vast expence , And yet as soon as seen , they give offence . Time was , when none would cry that Oaf was m●… , But now you strive about your Pedigree : Bawble and Cap no sooner are thrown down , But there 's a Muss of more then half the Town . Each one will challenge a Child's part at least , A sign ●…e Family is well increas'd Of Forreign Cattle ! there 's no longer need , When w' are supply'd so fast with English Breed . W●…ll ! Flourish , Countrymen : drink swear and roar , Let every free-born Subject keep his Whore ; And wandring in the Wilderness about , At end of 40 years not wear her out . But when you see these Pictures let none dare To own beyond a Limb or single share : F●…●…here the Punk is common ! he 's a Sot , 〈◊〉 needs will Father what the Parish go●… .

EPILOGUE . GAllants you have so long been absent hence , That you have almost cool'd your dilligence , For while we study or revive a Play , You like good Husbands in the Country stay , There frugally wear out your Summer Suite , And in Frize Jerkin after Beagles Toot , Or in Mon●…tero Caps at field-fares shoot , Nay some are so obdurate in their Sin , That they swear never to come up again . But all their charge of Cloathes and treat Retrench , To Gloves and Stockings for some Country Wench . Even they who in the Summer had mishaps , Send up to Town for Physick for their Claps . The Ladyes too are as resolv'd as they , And having debts unknown to them , they stay , And with the gain of Cheese and Poultry pay . Even in their Visits , they from Banquets fall , To entertain with Nuts and bottle Ale. And in discourse with secresy report Stale-News that past a Twelve-month since at Court. Those of them who are most refin'd , and gay , Now learn the Songs of the last Summers Pl●…y : While the young Daughter does in private Mour●… , Her Loves in Town , and hopes not to return . These Country grievances too great appear ; But cruell Ladies , we have greater here ; You come not sharp as you were wont to Playes ; But only on the first and second Days : This made our Poet , in his visits look What new strange courses , for your time you took . And to his great regret he found too soon , Basset and Umbre , spent the afternoon : So that we cannot hope to see you here Before the little Net work Purse be clear . Suppose you should have luck ; — Yet sitting up so late as I am told , You 'l loose in Beauty , what you win in Gold : And what each Lady of another says , Will make you new Lampoons , and us new Plays .

ACT. I.

SCENE I. A Room with severall Tables . Enter Hazard in a Travelling Habit , and a Sea-Boy Carrying his Port-mantle . Haz.

WHat Town 's this Boy ?

Boy .

James-Town , Master ,

Haz.

Take care my Trunk be brought ashore to Night , and there 's for your Pains .

Boy .

God bless you Master .

Haz.

What do you call this House ?

Boy .

Mrs Flirts , Master , the best House for Commendation in all Virginia .

Haz.

That 's well , has she any handsome Lady's Sirrah ?

Boy .

Oh! She 's woundly handsome her self Master , and the Kindest Gentlewoman — look here she comes Master — God bless you Mistriss , I have brought you a young Gentleman here .

Flirt .

That 's well , honest Jack — Sir , you are most heartily Welcome .

Haz.

Madam , your Servant ;

[ Salutes her . Flirt .

Please you to walk into a Chamber Sir.

Haz.

By and by , Madam , but I 'le repose here a while for the coolness of the Air.

Flirt .

This is a Publick Room , Sir , but 't is at your Service .

Haz.

Madam , you oblige me .

Flirt .

A Fine-spoken Person — A Gentleman I 'le warrant him , come Jack , I 'le give thee a Cogue of Brandy for old acquaintance .

[ Exeunt Landlady and Boy . Hazard Pulls out Pen , Ink and Paper , and goes to Write . Enter Friendly . Friend .

Here Nell , a Tankard of Cool drink quickly .

Nell .

You shall have it , Sr.

Friend .

Hah ! who 's that Stranger ? he seems to be a Gentleman .

Haz.

If I should give Credit to mine Eyes , that should be Friendly .

Friend .

Sr , you seem a stranger , may I take the Liberty to present my Service to you ?

Haz.

If I am not mistaken Sr , you are the only Man in the world whom I would soonest Pledge , you 'l Credit me if three years Absence has not made you forget Hazard .

Friend .

Hazard , my Freind ! come to my Arms and Heart .

Haz.

This Unexpected Happiness O're-Joys me . Who could have Imagin'd to have found thee in Virginia ? I thought thou hadst been in Spain with thy Brother .

Friend .

I was so till Ten Months since , when my Uncle Colonell Frendly dying here , left me a Considerable Plantation ; And faith I find Diversions not altogether to be despis'd ; the God of Love Reigns here , with as much Power , as in Courts or Popular Cities : but prethee what Chance , ( Fortunate for me ) drove thee to this part of the New World ?

Haz.

Why ( faith ) Ill Company , and that Common Vice of the Town , Gaming , soon run out my Younger Brothers Fortune , for Imagining like some of the Luckier Gamesters to Improve my Stock at the Groom-Porters ; Ventur'd on and lost all — My Elder Brother an Errant Jew , had neither Friendship , nor Honour enough to Support me , but at last was mollified by perswasions and the hopes of being for ever rid of me , sent me hither with a small Cargo to seek my fortune , —

Friend .

And begin the world withall .

Haz.

I thought this a better Venture then to turn Sharping Bully , Cully in Prentices and Country Squires , with my Pocket full of false dice , your high and low Flats and Bars , or turn broker to young Heirs ; take up goods , to pay ten fold at the Death of their Fathers , and take Fees on both sides ; or set up all night at the Groom Porters begging his Honour to go a Guinney the better of the lay . No. Friendly , I had rather starve abroad then live Pitty'd and dispised at home .

Friend .

Thou art in the Right , and art come just in the Nick of time to make thy Fortune — Wilt thou follow my advice ?

Haz.

Thou art too honest to Command any thing any thing that I shall Refuse .

Friend .

You must know then , there is about a Mil●… from James Town a Young Gentlewoman — No matter for her Birth , her Breeding's the best this world affords , she is Marryed to one of the Richest Merchants here , he is Old and Sick , and now gone into England for the Recovery of his Health , where he 'l e'e●… give up the Ghost , he has writ her word he finds no Amendment , and Resolves to stay another Year , the Letter I accidently took up and have about me ; 't is easily Counterfeited and will be of great use to us .

Haz.

Now do I fancy I conceive thee .

Friend .

Well , hear me first , you shall get another Letter writ like this Character , which shall say , you are his Kinsman , that is come to Trafick in this Country , and 't is his will you should be received into his House as such .

Haz.

Well , and what will come of this ?

Friend .

Why thou ar●… Young and Handsome ; She Young and De●…ring ; 〈◊〉 were easy to make her Love thee , and if the Old Gentleman chance to dye , you Guess the rest , you are no Fool.

Haz.

Ay , but if he shou'd return —

Friend .

If — Why if she Love you , that Other will be but a slender Bar to thy happiness ; For if thou canst not Marry her , thou mayst lye with her , ( and Gad ) a Younger Brother may pick out a Pritty Livelyhood here that way , as well as in England — Or if this ●…ail , there thou wilt find a perpetual Visiter the Widdow Ranter , a Woman bought from the Ship by Old Coll. Ranter ; she serv'd him half a year , and then he Marry'd her , and dying in a year more , left her worth Fifty thousand Pounds Sterling , besides Plate and Jewells : She 's a great Gallant , But assuming the Humour of the Country Gentry , her Extravagancy is very Pleasant , she retains something of her Primitive Quallity still , but is good natur'd and Generous .

Haz.

I like all this well .

Friend .

But I have a further End in this matter , you must know there is in the same House a Young Heiress , one Coll. Downrights Daughter , whom I Love , I think not in Vain , her Father indeed has an Implacable hatred to me , for which Reason I can but seldom Visit her , and in this Affair I have need of a Friend in that House .

Haz.

Me you 're sure of .

Friend .

And thus you 'l have an Opportunity to Mannage both our Amours : here you will find Occasion to shew your Courage as well as Express your Love ; For at this time the Indians by our ill Management of Trade , whom we have Armed against Our selves , Very frequently make War upon us with our own Weapons , Tho' often coming by the Worst are forced to make Peace with us again , but so , as upon every turn they fall to Massacring us whereever we ly exposed to them .

Haz.

I heard the news of this in England , which hastens the new Governours arrivall here , who brings you fresh Supplys .

Friend .

Would he were landed , we hear he is a Noble Gentleman .

Haz.

He has all the Qualities of a Gallant Man , besides he is Nobly Born.

Friend .

This Country wants nothing but to be People'd with a well-born Race to make it one of the best Collonies in the World , but for want of a Governour we are Ruled by a Councill , some of which have been perhaps transported Criminals , who having Acquired great Estates are now become your Honour , and Right Worshipfull , and Possess all Places of Authority ; there are amongst 'em some honest Gentlemen who now begin to take upon 'em , and Manage Affairs as they ought to be .

Haz.

Bacon I think was one of the Councill .

Friend .

Now you have named a Man indeed above the Common Rank , by Nature Generous ; Brave Resolv'd , and Daring ; who studying the Lives of the Romans and great Men , that have raised themselves to the most Elevated fortunes , fancies it easy for Ambitious men , to aim at any Pitch of Glory , I 've heard him often say , Why cannot I Conquer the Universe as well as Alexander ? or like another Romulus form a new Rome , and make my self Ador'd ?

Haz.

Why might he not ? great Souls are born in common men , sometimes as well as Princes .

Friend .

This Thirst of Glory cherisht by Sullen Melancholly , I believe was the first Motive that made him in Love with the young Indian-Queen , fancying no Hero ought to be without his Princess . And this was the Reason why he so earnestly prest for a Commission , to be made General against the Indians , which long was promis'd him , but they fearing his Ambition , still put him off , till the Grievances grew so high , that the whole Country flockt to him , and beg'd he would redress them , — he took the opportunity , and Led them forth to fight , and vanquishing brought the Enemy to fair terms , but now instead of receiving him as a Conquerour , we treat him as a Traytor .

Haz.

Then it seems all the Crime this brave Fellow has committed , is serving his Country without Authority .

Friend .

'T is so , and however I admire the Man , I am resolv'd to be of the Contrary Party , that I may make an Interest in our new Governour ; Thus stands-affairs , so that after you have seen Madam Sure-Love , I 'le present you to the Councill for a Commission .

Haz.

But my Kinsmans Character —

Friend .

He was a Lester-shire younger Brother , came over hither with a small fortune , which his Industry has increas'd to a thousand pound a year , and he is now Coll. John Sure-love , and one of the Councill .

Haz.

Enough .

Friend .

About it then , Madam Flirt to direct you .

Haz.

You are full of your Madams here .

Friend .

Oh! 't is the greatest affront imaginable , to all a woman Mistris , tho' but a retale Brandy-munger . — Adieu●… — one thing more , tomorrow is our Country-Court , pray do not fa●…l to be there , for the rarity of the Entertainment : but I shall see you anon at Sure-lo●… where I 'le Salute thee as my first meeting , and as an old acquaintance in England — here 's company , farewell .

[ Ex●…t Friend . ] Enter Dullman , Timerous , and Boozer . Hazard sits at a Table and writes . Dull .

Here Nell — Well Lieutenant Boozer , what are you for ?

[ Enter Nell . Booz .

I am for Cooling Nants , Major :

Dull .

Here Nell , a quart of Nants , and some Pipes and smoak .

Tim.

And do ye hear Nell , bid your Mistriss come in to Joke a little with 〈◊〉 , for adzoors I was damnable drunk last night , and am better at the petticoat than the bottle to day .

Dull .

Drunk last night , and sick to day , how comes that about Mr. Justice ? you use to bear your Brandy well enough .

Tim.

Ay your shier-Brandy I 'le grant you , but I was Drunk at Coll. Downrights with your high Burgundy Claret .

Dull .

A Pox of that Paulter Liquor , your English French wine , I wonder how the Gentlemen do to drink it .

Tim.

Ay so do I , 't is for want of a little Virginia Breeding : how much more like a Gentleman 't is , to drink as we do , brave Edifying Punch and Brandy , — but they say the young Noble-men now and Sparks in England begin to reform , and take it for their mornings Draught , get Drunk by noon , and despise the Lowsey Juce of the Grape .

Enter Mrs. Flirt . Dull .

Come Landlady , come , you are so taken up with Parson Dunce , that your old friends can't Drink a Dram with you , — what no smutty Catch now , no Gibe or Joke to make the Punch go down Merrily , and advance Trading ? Nay , they say , Gad forgive ye , you never miss going to Church when Mr. Dunce Preaches — but here 's to you ▪

[ drinks . Flir●… ▪

Lords , your Honours are pleas'd to be merry — but my service to your Honour .

[ drinks . Haz.

Honours , who the Devill have we here ? some of the wise Councill at least , I 'd sooner took 'em for Hoggerds .

[ aside . Flirt .

Say what you please of the Doctor , but I 'le swear he 's a fine Gentleman , he makes the Prettiest Sounets , nay , and Sings 'em himself to the rarest Tunes .

Tim.

Nay the man will serve for both Soul and Body , for they say he was a Farrier in England , but breaking turn'd Life-guard man , and his Horse dying — he Counterfeited a Deputation from the Bishop , and came over here a Substantiall Orthodox : but come , where stands the Cup ? — here , my Service to you Major .

Flirt .

Your Honours are pleas'd — but me-thinks Doctor Dunce is a very Edifying Person , and a Gentleman , and I pretend to know a Gentleman , — For I my self am a Gentlewoman ; my Father was a Barronet , but undone in the late Rebellion — and I am fain to keep on Ordinary now , Heaven help me .

Tim.

Good lack , why see how Virtue may be bely'd — we heard your Father was a Taylor , but trusting for old Olivers Funerall , Broke , and so came hither to hide his head , — but my Service to you ; what , you are never the worse ?

Flirt .

Your Honours knows this is a Scandalous place , for they say your Honour was but a broken Excise-ma●… , who spent the Kings money to buy your Wife ●…ne Petticoats , and at last ●…ot worth a Groat , you came over a poor Servant , though now a Justice of Peace , and of the Honourable Council .

Tim.

Adz zoors if I knew who 't was said so , I 'd sue him for Scandalum Magnatum .

Dull .

Hang 'em Scoundrells , hang 'em , they live upon Scandal , and we are Scandall-Proof , — They say too , that I was a Tinker and runing the Country , robb'd a Gentlemans House there , was put into Newgate , got a reprieve after Condemnation , and was Transported hither — And that you Boozer was a Common Pick-pocket , and being often flogg'd at the Carts-tale , afterwards turn'd Evidence , and when the times grew Honest was fain to fly .

Booz .

Ay , Ay , Major , if Scandal would have broke our hearts , we had not arriv'd to the Honour of being Pri●…y-Councellors — but come Mrs. Flirt , what never a Song to Entertain us ?

Flirt .

Yes , and a Singer too newly come ashore :

Tim.

Adz zoors , let 's have it then :

[ Enter Girl , who sings , they bear the 〈◊〉 ▪ Haz.

Here Maid , a Tankard of your Drink ;

Flirt .

Quickly Nell , wait upon the Gentleman ;

Dull .

Please you Sir to tast of our Liquor — My service to you 〈◊〉 see you are a Stranger and alone , please you to come to our Table ?

[ He rises and comes ▪ Flirt .

Come Sir , pray sit down here , these are very Honourable Persons I assure you , — This is Major Dullman , Major of his Excellencies own Regiment , when he Arrives , this Mr. Timorous , Justice a Peace in 〈◊〉 T●…s Capt. 〈◊〉 , all of the Honourable Councill .

Haz.

With your leave , Gentlemen ;

[ 〈◊〉 ▪ Tim. My service to you Sir ; [ drink●… What have you brought over any Cargo Sir , I 'le be your Customer . Booz .

Ay , and cheat him too , I 'le warrant him .

[ aside Haz.

I was not bred to Merchandizing Sir , nor do intend to follow the Drudgery of Trading .

Dull .

Men of Fortune seldom travell hither Sir to see fashions .

Tim.

Why Brother , it may be the Gentleman has a mind to be a Planter , will you hire your self to make a Crop of Tobacco this year ?

Haz.

I was not born to work Sir.

Tim.

Not work Sir , zoors your betters have workt Sir , I have work●… my self Sir ▪ both set and stript Tobacco , for all I am of the Honourable Councill not work quoth a — I suppose Sir you wear your fortune upon your Pack Sir ?

Haz

Is ityour Custom here Sir to affront Strangers ? I shall expect satisfaction .

[ Rises ▪ Tim.

Why does any body here owe you any thing ?

Dull .

No , unless he means to be paid for drinking with us — ha , ha , ha .

Haz.

No Sir , I have money to pay for what I drink : here 's my Club — my Guinia ,

[ flings down a Guinia .

I scorn to be oblig'd to such Scoundrells ;

Booz .

Hum — Call Men of Honour Scoundrells ;

[ rise in huff Tim.

Let him alone , let him alone Brother , how should he learn manners , he never was in Virginia before .

Dull .

He 's some Covent-Garden Bully ;

Tim.

Or some broken Citizen turn'd Factor ,

Haz.

Sir you lye , and you 're a Rascall ,

[ flings the Brandyin's face . Tim.

Adz zoors he has spill'd all the Brandy .

Tim. runs behind the door , Dull . and Booz . strike Hazard . Haz.

I understand no Cudgel Play , but wear a sword to right my self .

[ draws , they run off Flirt .

Good heavens , what quarelling in my House ?

Haz.

Do the Persons of Quallity in this Country treat strangers thus ?

Flirt .

Alas Sir , 't is a familiar way they have , Sir.

Haz.

I 'm glad I known it , — Pray Madam can you inform one how I may be furnisht with a Horse and a guide to Madam Sure Loves ?

Flirt .

A most Accomplisht Lady , and my very good friend you shall be Immediately —

[ Exeunt

SCENE , II. Enter Wellman , Downright , Dunte , Whimsey , Whiff , and others . Well .

Come Mr. Dunce , tho' you are no Councellour , yet your Council may be good in time of necessity , as now .

Dun.

If I may be worthy advice , I do not look upon our danger to be so great from the Indians , as from young Bacon , whom the People have nick nam'd Fright-all .

Whim.

Ay , Ay that same Bacon , I would he were well hang'd , I am afraid that under pretence of killing all the Indians he means to Murder us , Ly with our Wives , and hang up our little Children , and make himself Lord and King.

Whiff.

Brother Whimsey , not so hot , with leave of the Honourable Board , My Wife is of Opinion , that Bacon came seasonably to our Aid , and what he has done was for our defence , the Indians came down upon us , and Ravisht us all , Men , Women , and Children .

Well .

If these Grievances were not redres●… we had our reasons for it , it was not that we were insensible Capt. Whiff of what we suffer'd from the Insolence of the Indians : But all knew what we must expect from Bacon if that by Lawfull Authority he had Arriv'd to so great a Command as Generall , nor would we be huft out of our Commissions .

Down .

'T is most certain that Bacon did not demand a Commission out of a design of serving us , but to satisfy his Ambition and his Love , it being no secret that he passionately Admires the Indian Queen , and under the pretext of a War , intends to kill the King her Husband , Establish himself in her heart , and on all occasions have himself a more formidable Enemy , than the Indians are .

Whim.

Nay , nay , I ever foresaw he would prove a Villain .

Whiff.

Nay , and he be thereabout , my Nancy shall have no more to do with him .

Well .

But Gentlemen the People dayly flock to him , so that his Army is too Considerable for us to oppose by any thing but Policy .

Down .

We are sensible Gentlemen that our Fortunes , our Honours , and our Lives are at Stake , and therefore you are call'd together to consult what 's to be done in this Grand Affair , till our Governout and Forces arrive from England ; The Truce he made with the Indians will be out to Morrow .

Whiff.

Ay , and then he intends to have another bout with the Indians . Let 's have Patience I say till he has thrum'd their Jackets , and then to work with your Politicks as soon as you please .

Down .

Colonel Wellman has answer'd that point good Captain Whiff , 't is the Event of this Battle we ought to dread , and if won or lost will be equally fatall for us , either from the Indians or from Bacon .

Dunce .

With the Permission of the Honourable Board I think I have hit upon an Expedient that may prevent this Battle , your Honours shall write a Letter to Bacon , where you shall acknowledge his Services , invite him kindly home , and offer him a Commission for General —

Whiff.

Just my Nancys Counsell — Doctor Dunce has spoken like a Cherubin , he shall have my voice for General , what say you Brother Whimsey ?

Dunce .

I say , he is a Noble fellow , and fit for a General .

Dun.

But conceive me right Gentlemen , as soon as he shall have render'd himself , seize him and strike off his Head at the Fort.

Whiff.

Hum ! his head — Brother

Whim.

Ay , ay , Doctor Dunce speaks like a Cherubin :

Well .

Mr Dunce , your Counsell in extremity I confess is not amiss , but I should be loath to deal dishonourably with any man.

Down .

His Crimes deserve death , his life is forfeited by Law , but shall never be taken by my consent by Trechery : If by any Stratagem we could take him a-live , and either send him for England to receive there his Punishment , or keep him Prisoner here till the Governour arrive , I should agree to 't , but I question his coming in upon our Invitation .

Dun.

Leave that to me ▪

Whim.

Come , I 'le warrant him , the Rogue 's as stont as Hector , he fears neither Heaven nor Hell.

Down .

He 's too Brave and Bold to refuse our summons , and I am for sending him for England and leaving him to the Kings Mercy .

Dun.

In that you 'l find more difficulty Sir , to take him off here will be more quick and sudden : for the people worship him .

Well .

I 'le never yield to so ungenerous an expedient . The seizing him I am content in the Extremity wherein we are , to follow . What say you Collonell Downright ? shall we send him a Letter now while this two days truce lasts , between him and the Indians ?

Down .

I approve i●… .

All.

And I , and I , and I.

Dun.

If your Honours please to make me the Messenger , I 'le use some arguments of my own to prevail with him .

Well .

You say well Mr. Dunce , and we 'l dispatch you presently .

Whiff.

Ah Doctor , if you could but have persuaded Collonell Wellman & Collonel Downright to have hang'd him —

Ex. Wellm. Dow. and all but Whim. Whiff. & Dunce . Whiff.

Why Brother Whiff you were for making him a Generall but now .

Whiff.

The Councills of wise States-men Brother Whimsey must change as causes do , d' ye see .

Dun.

Your Honours are in the right , and whatever those two leading Councellors say , they would be glad if Bacon were dispatcht , but the punctillio of Honour is such a thing .

Whim.

Honour , a Pox on 't , what is that Honour that keeps such a Bustle in the world , yet never did good as I heard of .

Dun.

Why 't is a Foolish word only , taken up by great men , but rarely practic'd , — but if you would be great men indeed —

Whiff.

If we would Doctor , name , name the way .

Dun.

Why , you command each of you a company — when Bacon comes from the Camp , as I am sure he will , ( and full of this silly thing call'd Honour will come unguarded too , ) lay some of your men in Ambush along those Ditches by the Sevana about a Mile from the Town , and as he comes by , seize him , and hang him upon the next Tree .

Whiff.

Hum — hang him ! a rare Plot.

Whim.

Hang him — we 'l do 't , we 'l do 't Sir , and I doubt not but to be made Generall for the Action — I 'le take it all upon my self .

[ aside . Dun.

If you resolve upon this , you must about it instantly — Thus I shall at once serve my Country , & revenge my self on the Rascall for affronting my Dignity once at the Councell-Table , by calling me Farrier

[ Ex. Doctor Whiff.

Do you know Brother what we are to do ?

Whim.

To do , yes , to hang a Generall , Brother , that 's all .

Whiff.

All , but is it Lawfull to hang any Generall ?

Whim.

Lawfull , yes , that ●…is Lawfull to hang any G●…nerall that sights against Law.

Whiff.

But in what he has done , he has sorv'd the King and our Country , and preserv'd all our Lives and Fortunes .

Whim.

That 's all one , Brother , if there be but a Quirk in the Law offended in this Case , tho' he fought like Alexander , and preserv'd the whole world from perdition , yet if he did it against Law , 't is Lawful to hang him ; why what Brother , is it fit that every impudent fellow that pretends to a little Honour , Loyalty & Courage , should serve his King and Country ag●…inst the Law ? no , no , Brother , these things are not to b●… suffer'd in a Civill Government by Law Establish'd , — wherefore let 's about it —

[ Exeunt

SCENE III. Sureloves House . Enter Ranter and her Coachman . Ran.

Here Jesiry , ye D●…unken Dog , set your Coach and Horses up , ' le not go till the Cool of the Evening , I love to ride in Fresco

[ En. a Boy . Coach.

Yes after hard drinking — ( aside ) it shall be done , Madam .

Ran.

how now Boy , is Madam Surelove at home ?

Boy .

Yes Madam .

Ran.

Go tell her I am here , Sirrah .

Boy .

Who are you pray , forsooth ?

Ran.

Why you Son of Baboone don't you know me ?

Boy .

No Madam , I came over but in the last Ship.

Ran.

What from Newgate or Bridewell ? from shovi●…g the Fu●…ler , Sirrah , Lifting or ●…ing the Cly ?

Boy .

I don't understand this Country-Language for sooth , yet .

Ran.

You Rogue , 't is what we transport from England ●…ost — go ye D●…g , go tell your Lady , the Widow Ranter is come to dine with her — I hope I shall not find that Rogue Dareing here . S●…ling after [ Ex. Boy . Mrs. Chrisame : if I 〈◊〉 , by the Lord , ' e Lay him thick , Pox on him why should I love the Dog , unless it be a Judgment upon me .

Enter Sure-love and Chrisante .

— My dear I w●…ll how do'st do ? — as for you Gentlewoman you are my Rivall , & I am in rancouragai●…st you till you have renounc'd my Dareing .

Chris.

All the Interest I have in him Madam , I resign to you .

Ran.

Ay — ●…ut your house lying so near the Camp , gives me Mortal sears — but ●…thee how thrives thy Amour with honest Friendly ?

Chris.

As well as a●… Amour can , that is absolutely forbid by a Father on one side , and pursu'd by a good resolution on the other .

Ran.

Hay Gad , I 'le warrant for Friendlys resolution , what , tho' his Fortune be not answerable to yours , we are bound to help one another ▪ — here Boy — some Pipes and a Bowle of Punch , you know my humour Madam , I must Smoke and Drink in a Morning , or I am Mauki●…h all day .

Sure.

But will you drink Punch in a Morning ▪

Ran.

Punch , 't is my Mornings draught , my Table-drink , my Treat , my Regalio , my every thing , ah my dear Surelove , if thou woud'st but refresh & Chear thy heart with Punch in a morning , thou wou'dst not look thus Clowdy all the Day .

Enter Pipes and a Great Bowl , she falls to smoaking Sur.

I have reason Madam to be Melancholy , I have receiv'd a Letter from my Husband , who gives t●…e an account that he is worse in England than when he was here , so that I fear I shall see him no more , the Doctors can do no good on him .

Ran.

A yery good hearing . I wonder what the Devill thou hast done with him so long ? an old fusty weather-beaten Skelleton , as dri'd as Stock-fish , and much of the Hue. — come , come , here 's to the next , may he be young , Heaven , I beseech thee .

[ drinks . Sure.

You have reason to praise an old man , who dy'd and left you worth fifty thousand Pound .

Rant .

Ay Gad — and what 's better Sweet-heart , dy'd in good time too , and left me young enough to spend this fifty thousand pound in better Company — rest his Soul for that too .

Chris.

I doubt 't will be all laid out in Bacons Mad Lieutenant Generall Darling .

Ran.

Faith I think I could lend it the Rogue on good Security .

Chris.

What 's that , to be bound Body for Body ?

Ran.

Rather that he should love no bodies Body besides my own , but my Fortune is too good to trust the Rogue , my money makes me an Infidell .

Chris.

You think they all love you for that :

Ran.

For that , Ay what else ? if it were not for that , I might sit still and sigh , and cry out , a Miracle ! a Miracle ! at sight of a Man within my doors :

[ Enters Maid Maid .

Madam here 's a young Gentleman without would speak with you .

Sure.

With me , sure thou' rt mistaken , is it not Friendly ?

Maid .

No Madam 't is a Stranger ;

Rant .

'T is not Dareing that Rogue , is it ?

Maid .

No Madam .

Rant .

Is he handsome ? does he look like a Gentleman ?

Maid ,

He 's handsome and seems a Gentleman .

Rant .

Bring him in then , I hate a conversation without a Fellow , — hah — a good handsome Lad indeed :

[ Enter Hazard with a Letter . Sure.

With me Sir would you speak ?

Haz

If you are Madam Surelove :

Sure.

So I am call'd ;

Haz.

Madam I am newly arriv'd from England , and from your Husband my kinsman bring you this —

[ gives a Letter Rant .

Please you to sit Sir ;

Haz.

She 's extreamly handsome —

[ aside — sits down Rant .

Come Sir will you Smoke a Pipe ?

Haz.

I never do Madam —

Rant .

Oh fy upon 't you must learn then , we all smoke here , 't is a part of good breeding , — well , well , what Cargo , what goods have ye ? any Poynts , Lace , rich Stuffs , Jewells ; if you have I 'le be your Chafferer , I live hard by , any body will direct you to the widow Ranters .

Haz.

I have already heard of you , Madam .

Rant .

What you are like all the young Fellows , the first thing they do when they come to a strange place , is to enquire what Fortunes there are .

Haz.

Madam I had no such Ambition :

Rant .

Gad , then you 're a fool , Sir , but come , my service to you ; we rich Widdows are the best Commodity this Country affords , I 'le tell you that .

[ this while she reads the Letter . Sure.

Sir , my Husband has recommended you here in a most particular manner , by which I do not only find the esteem he has for you , but the desire he has of gaining you mine , which on a double score I render you , first for his sake , next for those Merits that appear in your self .

Haz.

Madam , the endeavours of my life shall be to express my Gratitude for this great Bounty ;

[ Enter Maid . Maid .

Madam Mr. Friendly's here :

Sure.

Bring him in ;

Haz.

Friendly , — I had a dear Friend of that name , who I hear is in these Parts — Pray Heaven it may be he .

Rant .

How now Charles .

[ Enter Friendly . Friend .

Madam your Servant — Hah ! should not I know you for my dear friend Hazard .

[ ' Embracing him . Haz.

Or you'rs too blame my Friendly :

Friend .

Prethee what calm brought thee ashore ?

Haz.

Fortune de la gar●… , but prethee ask me no questions in so good Company ; where a minute lost from this Conversation is a misfortune not to be retriev'd :

Friend .

Do'st like her Rogue —

[ 〈◊〉 aside . Haz.

Like her ! have I sight , or sense — Why I adore her .

Friend .

My Chrisante , I heard your Father would not be here to day , which made me snatch this opportunity of seeing you .

Rant .

Come , Come , a Pox of this whining Love. It spoyls good company :

Friend ,

You know my dear friend , these opportunities comes but serd●…m , and therefore I must make 〈◊〉 of ' ●…m ▪

Rant .

Come , come , I 'le give you a better opportunity at my House to morrow , we are to eat a Buffilo there , and I 'le secure the old Gentleman from coming .

Friend .

Then I shall see Chrisanto once more before I go :

Chris.

Go — Heavens — whether my Friendly ?

Friend .

I have received a Commission to go against the Indians , Bacon being sent for home .

Rant .

But will he come when sent for ?

Friend .

If he refuse we are to Endeavour to force him .

Chris.

I do not think he will be sorc'd , not even by Friendly .

Friend .

And faith it goes against my Conscience to lift my Sword against him , for he is truly brave , and what he has done , a Service to the Country , had it but been by Authority .

Chris.

What pity 't is there should be such false Maxims in the World , that Noble Actions how ever great , must be Criminall for want of a Law to Authorise ' em .

Friend .

Indeed 't is pity that when Laws are faulty they should not be mended or abolish●… .

Rant .

Hark'ye Charles , by Heaven if you kill my Dareing I 'le Pistol you

Fri.

No , widdow I 'le spare him for your sake ,

[ They joyn with Surelove Haz.

Oh she is all Divine , and all the Breath she utters serves but to blow my Flame ,

[ Enter Maid Maid .

Madam dinner 's on the Table — —

Sure.

Please you Sir , to walk in — come Mr. Friendly .

[ she takes Hazard Rant .

Prethee good wench bring in the Punch-Bowle :

[ Exeunt .

ACT II.

SCENE I. A Pavillion . Discovers the Indian King and Queen sitting in State , with Guards of Indians , Men and Women attending : to them Bacon richly dress'd , attended by Daring , Fearless , and other Officers , he bows to the King and Queen , who rise to receive him . King.

I Am sorry Sir , we meet upon these terms , we who so often have embrac'd as friends .

Bac.

How charming is the Queen ? [ aside . ] War , Sir , is not my bus'ness , nor my pleasure : Nor was I bred in Arms ; My Country 's good has forc'd me to assume a Soldiers life : And 't is with much regret that I Employ the sirst effects of it against my Friends ; Yet whilst I may — Whilst this Cessation lasts , I beg we may exchange those Friendships , Sir , we have so often paid in happier Peace .

King.

For your part , Sir , you 've been so Noble , that I repent the fatall difference that makes us meet in Arms. Yet tho' I 'm young I 'm sensible of Injuries ; And oft have heard my Grandsire say — That we were Monarchs once of all this spacious World ; Till you an unknown People landing here , Distress'd and ruin'd by destructive storms , Abusing all our Charitable Hospitality , Usurp'd our Right , and made your friends your slaves .

Bac.

I will not justify the Ingratitude of my fore-fathers , but finding here my Inheritance , I am resolv'd still to maintain it so , And by my sword which first cut out my Portion , Defend each inch of Land with my last drop of Bloud .

Queen .

Ev'n his threats have charms that please the heart :

[ aside King.

Come Sir , let this ungratefull Theme alone , which is better disputed in the Field .

Queen .

Is it impossible there might be wrought an understanding betwixt my Lord and you ? 'T was to that end I first desired this truce , My self proposing to be Mediator , To which my Lord Cavarnio shall agree , Could you but Condescend - — I know you 're Noble : And I have heard you say our tender Sex could never plead in vain .

Bac.

Alas ! I dare not trust your pleading Madam ? A few soft words from such a Charming mouth would make me lay the Conqueror at your feet as a Sacrifice for all the ills he has done you .

Queen .

How strangely am I pleas'd to hear him talk

[ aside King.

Se●…ernia see — the Dancers do appear ;

Sir will you take your seat ?

[ to Bacon : [ He leads the Queen to a seat , they sit and talk . ] Bac.

Curse on his sports that interrupted me , My very soul was hovering at my Lip , ready to have discover'd all its secrets . But oh ! I dread to tell her of my pain , And when I wou'd , an Awfull trembling seizes me , And she can only 〈◊〉 my dying eyes , read all the Sentiments of my Captive heart .

[ sits down , the rest wait . Enter Indians that dance Anticks ; After the Dance the King seems in discourse with Bacon , the Queen 〈◊〉 and comes forth . Qu.

The more I gaze upon this English Stranger , the more Confusion struggles in my Soul , Oft I have heard of Love , and oft this Gallant Man ( When Peace had made him pay his idle Visits ) 〈◊〉 told a thousand tales of dying Maids . And ever when he spoke , my panting heart , with a Prophetick fear in sighs reply'd , I shall fall such a Victim to his Eyes .

[ Enter an Indian . Indian .

Sir here 's a Messenger from the English Council

[ to the King

Desires admittance to the General .

Bac.

With your Permission Sir , he may advance .

[ to the King Re-enter Indian with Dance . A Letter . Dun.

All health and Happyness attend your honour , This from the Honourable Council :

[ gives him a Letter King.

I 'le leave you till you have dispatch'd the M●…ger , and then expect your precense in the Royal Tent.

Exeunt King , Queen , and Indians . Bac.

〈◊〉 , read the Letter

[ to Daring . [ reads Daring .

SIR , the necessity of what you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 makes it pardona●… , and we could wish we had done the Country , and our selves so much Justice 〈◊〉 to have given you that Commission you desired — We now finde it reason●…ble 〈◊〉 raise 〈◊〉 forces , to appose these Insolences , which possible yours may be 〈◊〉 weak to accomplish , to which end the Council is ordered to meet this Evening , and destring you will come and take your place there , and be pleas'd to accept from us a Commission to Command in Chief in this War — Therefore send those Soldiers under your Command to their respective houses , and hast , Sir , to your affectionate Friends —

Fear .

Sir , I fear the hearts and Pen did not agree when this was writ

Dar.

A plague upon their shallow Politicks ! Do they think to play the old game twice with us ?

Bac.

Away , you wrong the Council , who of themselves are Honourable Gentlemen , but the base Coward fear of some of them , puts the rest on tricks that suit not with their nature .

Dunce .

Sir , 't is For noble ends you 're sent for , and for your safety I 'le engage my life .

Dar.

By Heaven and so you shall — and pay it too with all the rest of your wise-headed Council .

Bac.

Your zeal is too Officious now : I see no Treachery , and can fear no danger .

Dun.

Treachery ! now Heavens forbid , are we not Christians Sir , All Friends and Countrymen ! believe me Sir , 't is Honour calls you to increase your fame , and he who would dissuade you is your Enemy .

Dar.

Go Cant , Sir to the Rabble — for us — we know you .

Bac.

You wrong me when you but suspect for me , let him that acts dishonourably fear . My Innocence , and my good sword 's my guard .

Dar.

If you resolve to go , we will attend you .

Bac.

What go like an Invader ? No Daring , the Invitation's friendly , and as a friend , attended only by my menial Servants , I 'le wait upon the Council , that they may see that when I could Command it I came an humble Suppliant for their favour — You may return , and tell 'em I 'le attend .

Dunce .

I kiss your Honour's hand ▪ —

[ goes out . Dar.

'Sdeath will you trust the saithless Council Sir , who have so long h●…ld you in hand with promises , That curse of States-men , that unlucky vice that renders even Nobility despis'd .

Bac.

Perhaps the Council thought me too aspiring , and would not add Wings to my Ambitious flight .

Dar.

A pox of their considering caps , and now they find that you can ●…ar alone , they send for you to knip your spreading wings .

Now by my soul you shall not go alone .

Bac.

Forbear , lest I suspect you for a mutineer ; I am resolv'd to go .

Fear .

What , and send your Army home ? a pretty fetch :

Dar.

By Heaven we 'le not disband — not till we see how fairly you are dealt with : if you have a Commission to be General , here we are ready to receive new orders : If no — We 'l ring 'em such a Thundring Peal shall beat the Town about their Treacherous Ears .

Bac.

I do Command you not to stir a man , Till you 're inform'd how I am treated by 'em : — leave me all —

[ Exeunt Officers . While Bacon reads the Letter again , To him the Indian Queen , with Women waiting . Queen .

Now while my Lord 's asleep in his Pavi●…ion I 'le try my power with the General , for an Accomodation of a Peace : the very dreams of war fright my soft slumbers that us'd to be employ'd in kinder Bus'ness .

Bac.

Ha! — The Queen — What happyness is this presents it self which all my Industry could never gain ?

Queen .

Sir —

[ approaching him Bacon .

Prest with the great Extreams of Joy and Fear I trembling stand , unable to approach her :

Queen .

I hope you will not think it fear in me , tho' tim'rous as a Dove , by nature fram'd : Nor that my Lord , whose youth 's unskill'd in War can either doubt his Courage , or his forces , t●… makes me seek a Reconcilation on any honourable terms of Peace .

Bac.

Ah Madam ! if you knew how absolutely you command my Fate I fear but little honour wonld be left me , since what so e're you ask me I should grant .

Queen .

Indeed I would not ask your Honour , Sir , That renders you too Brave in my esteem . Nor can I think that you would part with that . No not to save your Life .

Bac.

I would do more to serve your least Commands than part with triviall Life .

Queen .

Bless me ! Sir , how came I by such a Power ?

Bac.

The Gods , and Nature gave it you in your Creation , form'd with all the Charms that ever grac'd your Sex.

Queen .

I' st possible ? am I so Beautifull ?

Bac.

As Heaven , or Angels there :

Queen .

Supposing this , how can my Beauty make you so obliging ?

Bac.

Beauty has still a power over great Souls , And from the moment I beheld your eyes , my stubborn heart melted to compliance , and from a nature rough and turbulent , grew Soft and Gentle as the God of Love.

Queen .

The God of Love ! what is the God of Love ?

Bac.

'T is a resistless Fire , that 's kinddl'd thus — takes her by the hand and gazes on her . at every gaze we take from fine Eyes , from such Bashfull Looks , and such soft touches — it makes us sigh — and pant as I do now , and stops the Breath when e're we speak of Pain .

Queen .

Alas , for me if this should be Love !

[ aside . Bac.

It makes us tremble , when we touch the fair one , And all the bloud runs shiv'ring thro' the veins , The heart 's surrounded with a feeble Languishment , The eyes are dying , and the Cheeks are pale , The tongue is faltring , and the body sainting .

Queen .

Then I 'm undone , and all I feel is Love ,

[ aside .

If Love be Catching Sir , by looks and touches , Let us at distance parley — or rather let me fly , For within veiw , is too near —

[ aside Bac.

Ah! she retires — displeas'd I fear with my presumptious Love , — Oh pardon , fairest creature :

[ kneels Queen .

I 'le talk no more , our words exchange our Souls , and every look ●…ades all my blooming honour , like Sun beams , on unguarded Roses — take all our Kingdoms — make our People Slaves , and let me fall beneath your Conquering Sword. But never let me hear you talk again or gaze upon your Eyes —

[ goes out Bac.

She Loves ! by Heaven she Loves ! And has not art enough to hide her Flame . tho' she have Cruel honour to suppress it . However I 'le pursue her to the Banquet .

[ Exit

SCENE II. The Widdow Ranters - Hall. Enter Sure-Love fan'd by two Negro's , followed by Hazard . Sure.

This Madam Ranter is so prodigious a Treater — oh ! I hate a room that smells of a great Dinner , and what 's worse a desert of Punch and Tobacco — what ! are you taking leave so soon Cousin ?

Haz.

Yes Madam , but 't is not fit I should let you know with what regret I go , — but business will be obey'd .

Sure.

Some Letters to dispatch to English Ladies you have left behind — come Cousin Confess :

Haz.

I own I much admire the English Beauties , but never yet have put their Fetters on —

Sure.

Never in Love — oh then you have pleasure to Come .

Haz.

Rather a Pain when there 's no hope atrends it ,

Sure.

Oh such diseases quickly cure themselves ,

Haz.

I do not wish to find it so ; For even in Pain I find a pleasure too .

Sure.

You are infected then , and came abroad for cure .

Haz.

Rather to receive my wounds Madam ;

Sure.

Already Sir. — who e're sne be , she made good hast to Conquer , we have few here , boast that Dexterity .

Haz.

What think you of Chrisante , Madam ?

Sure.

I must confess your Love & your Dispair are there plac●…d right , of which I am not fond of being made a Consident , since I 'm assur'd she can Love none but Friendly .

[ coldly Haz.

Let her Love on , as long as life shall last , let Friendly take her , and the Universe , so I had my next wish , —

[ sighs

Madam it is your self that I adore , — I should not be so vain to tell you this , bu●… that I know you 've found the secret out already from my sighs .

Sure.

Forbear Sir , and know me for your kinsmans wife , & no more :

Haz.

Be Scornfull as you please , rail at my passion , and refuse to hear it ; yet I 'le Love on , and hope in spight of you , my Flame shall be so constant and Submissive , it shall compell your heart to some return .

Sure.

You 're very Confident of your power I perceive , but if you chance to finde your self mistaken , say your opinion and your affectation were misapply'd , and not that I was Cruell ,

[ Ex Surelove Haz.

Whate're denyalls dwell upon your Tongue , your eyes assure me that your heart is tender ,

[ goes out Enter the Bag-Piper , Playing before a great Boule of Punch , carryed between two Negro's , a Highlandler Dancing after it , the Widdow Ranter led by Timerous , Chrisante by Dullman ; Mrs. Flirt and Friendly all dancing after it ; they place it on the Table . Dull .

This is like the Noble Widdow all over I'faith ,

Tim.

Ay , Ay , the widdows Health in a full Ladle , Major , — but a Pox on 't what made that young Fellow here , that affronted us yesterday Major ?

[ drinks [ while they drink about Dull .

Some damn'd Sharper that wou'd lay his Knife aboard your Widdow Cornet .

Tim.

Zoors if I thought so , I 'd Arrest him for Salt and Battery , Lay him in Prison for a Swinging fine and take no Baile .

Dull .

Nay , had it not been before my Mrs here , Mrs Chrisante , I had swing'd him for his yesterdays affront , — ah my sweet Mistris Chrisante — if you did but know what a power you have over me —

Chris.

Oh you 're a great Courtier Major :

Dull .

Would I were any thing for your sake Madam .

Ran.

Thou art any thing , but what thou shouldst be , prethee Major leave off being an old Buffoon , that is a Lover turn'd to ridicule by Age , consider thy self a Meer rouling Tun of Nants , — a walking Chimney , ever Smoaking with Nasty Mundungus , — and then thou hast a Countenance like an old worm-eaten Cheese ,

Dull .

Well widdow , you will Joake , ha , ha , ha —

Tim.

Gad ' , Zoors She 's pure Company , ha , ha —

Duoe .

No matter for my Countenance — Coll. Downright likes my Estate and is resolv'd to have it a Match .

Friend .

Dear Widdow , take off your Damn'd Major , for if he speak another word to Chrisante , I shall be put past all my patience , and fall foul upon him .

Ran.

S'life not for the world — Major I bar Love-making within my Territories , 't is inconsistent with the Punch-Bowle , if you 'l drink , do , if not be gone :

Tim.

Nay Gad's Zooks if you enter me at the Punch-Boule , you enter me in Politicks — well 't is the best Drink in Christendom for a Statesman ,

[ they drink about , the Bag-Pipe playing Ran.

Come , now you shall see what my high Land-Vallet can do —

[ a Scots Dance Dull .

So — I see let the world go which way it will , widdow , you are resolv'd for Mirth , — but come — to the conversation of the times .

Rant .

The times , why what a Devill ailes the times , I see nothing in the times but a company of Coxcombs that fear without a Cause .

Tim.

But if these fears were laid and Bacon were hang'd , I look upon Virginia to be the happiest part of the world , gads Zoors , — why there 's England — 't is nothing to 't — I was in England about 6. years ago , & was shew'd the Court of Aldermen , some were nodding , some saying nothing , and others very little to purpose , but how could it be otherwise , for they had neither Bowle of Punch , Bottles of wine or Tobacco before 'em to put Life & Soul into 'em as we have here : then for the young Gentlemen — Their farthest Travels is to France or Italy , they never come hither .

Dull .

The more 's the Pitty by my troth ,

[ drinks . Tim.

Where they learn to Swear Mor-blew , Mor-Dee :

Friend .

And tell you how much bigger the Louvre is then White-Hall ; buy a sute A-la-mode , get a swinging Cap of some French Marquis , spend all their money and return just as they went.

Dull .

For the old fellows , their bus'ness is Usury , Extortion , and undermining young Heirs .

Tim.

Then for young Merchants , their Exchange the is Tavern , their Ware-house the Play-house , and their Bills of Exchange Billet-Deaxs , where to sup with their wenches at the other end of the Town , — now Judge you what a Condition poor England is in : for my part I look upon 't as a lost Nation gads zoors .

Dull .

I have consider'd it , and have found a way to save all yet :

Tim.

As how I pray ,

Dull .

As thus , we have men here of great Experience and Ability — now I would have as many sent into England as would supply all places , and Offices , both Civill and Military , de see , their young Gentry should all Travell hither for breeding , and to learn the misteries of State.

Frien.

As for the old Covetous Fellows , I would have the Tradesmen get in their debts , break and turn Troupers .

Tim.

And they 'd be soon weary of Extortion gadz zoors ;

Dull .

Then for the young Merchants , there should be a Law made , none should go beyond Ludgate ;

Frie.

You have sound out the only way to preserve that great Kingdom ,

[ drinking all this while sometimes Tim.

Well , Gad zoors 't is a fine thing to be a good Statesman ,

Fri.

Ay Cornet , which you had never been had you staid in old England .

Dull .

Why Sir we were somebody in England ,

Frie.

So I heard Major ,

Dull .

You heard Sir , what have you heard , he 's a kid-Naper that says he heard any thing of me — and so my service to you — I 'le sue you Sir for spoiling my Marriage here , by your Scandalls with Mrs. Chrisante , but that shan't do Sir , I 'le marry her for all that , & he 's a Rascal that denies it .

Frie.

S'death you Lye Sir — I do .

Tim.

Gad zoors Sir Lye to a Privy-Councellour , a Major of Horse , Brother , this is an affront to our Dignities , draw and I 'le side with you .

[ they both draw on Friendly , the Ladies run off . Fri.

If I disdain to draw , 't is not that I fear your base and Cowardly force , but for the respect I bear you as Magistrates , and so I leave you —

Tim

An Arrant Coward Gad zoors .

[ goes out Dull .

A meer paultroon , and I scorn to drink in 's Company .

[ Exeunt , putting up their Swords .

SCENE III. A Sevana , or large Heath . Enter Whimsey , Whiff , and Boozer , with some Soldiers , Arm'd . Whim.

Stand — stand — and hear the word of Command — do ye see you Cops , and that Ditch that runs along Major Dullmans Plantation .

Booz .

We do .

Whim.

Place your Men there , and lye Flat on your Bellies , and when Bacon comes ( if alone ) seize him dy ' see :

Whiff.

Observe the Command now , ( if alone ) for we are not for bloud-●…ned .

Booz .

I 'le warrant you for our Parts .

[ Exeunt all but Whim & Whiff Whim.

Now we have Ambusht our men , let 's light our Pipes and sit down and take an Encouraging dram of the Bottle .

[ pulls out a bottle of brandy out of his Pocket — they sit . Whiff.

Thou art a Knave and hast Emptyed half the Bottle in thy Leathern Pockets , but come here 's young Fright-all's health .

Whim.

What , wilt drink a mans health thou' rt going to hang ?

Whiff.

'T is all one for that , we 'le drink his health first , and hang him afterwards , and thou shalt pledge me de see , and tho' 't were under the Gallows .

Whim.

Thou' rt a Traytor for saying so , and I defy thee .

Whiff.

Nay , since we are come out like Loving Brothers to hang the Generall , let 's not fall out among our selves , and so here 's to you [ drinks tho' I have no great Maw to this business :

Whim.

Prethee Brother Whiff , do not be so Villanous a Coward , for I hate a Coward .

Whiff.

Nay 't is not that — But my Whiff , my Nancy dreamt to night she saw me hang'd .

Whim.

'T was a Cowardly Dream , think no more on 't , but as dreams are Expounded by Contraries , thou shalt hang the Generall .

Whiff.

Ay — but he was my friend , and I owe him at this time a hundréd Pounds of Tobacco .

Whim.

Nay , then I m sure thou d'st hang him if he were thy brother .

Whiff.

But hark — I think I hear the Neighing of horses , where shall we hide our selves , for if we stay here , we shall be Mawl'd damnably .

[ Exeunt both behind a Bush , peeping . [ Enter Bacon , Fearless and 3 or 4 Footmen . ] Bac.

Let the Groom lead the Horses o're the Sevana we 'le walk it on Foot , 't is not a quarter of a Mile to the Town ; & here the Air is cool .

Fear .

The Breazes about this time of the day begin to take Wing and fan refreshment to the Trees and Flowers .

Bac.

And at these hours how fragrant are the Groves :

Fear .

The Country 's well , were but the People so ,

Bac.

But come let 's on —

[ they pass to the Entrance . Whi●… .

There Boys —

[ The Soldiers come forth and fall on Bacon . Bac.

Hah ! Ambush —

Draws , Fearless and Foot●…n draw , the Soldiers after a while fighting take Bac. & Fear . they having laid 3 or 4 Dead . Whiff.

So , so , he 's taken

Now we may venture out .

Whi●… .

But are you sure he 's taken ?

Whiff.

Sure can't you believe your Eyes , come forth , I hate a Coward — Oh Sir , have we caught your Mightiness ?

Bac.

Are you the Authors of this Valliant Act ? None but such Villainous Cowards dar'st have attempted it ▪

Whim.

Stop his railing tongue .

Whiff.

No , no , let him rail , let him rail now his hands are tyed , ha , ha , Why good Generall Fright-all , what was no body able d'ye think to tame the Roaring Lyon ?

Bac.

You 'le be hang'd for this ?

Whim.

Come , come , away with him to the next Tree .

Bac.

What mean you Villains ?

Whiff.

Only to hang your Honour a little , that 's all . We 'le teach you Sir , to serve your Country against Law.

[ As they go off , Enter Daring with Soldiers . ] Dar.

Hah — My General betray'd — this I suspected .

His Men come in , they fall on , Release Bacon and Fearless and his Man , who get Swords . Whim's Party put Whim and Whiff before 'em striking 'em as they Endeavour to run on this side or that , and forcing 'em to bear-up , th●…y are taken after some Fighting . Fear .

Did not the General tell you Rogues , you 'd be all hang'd ?

Whiff.

Oh Nancy , Nancy , how Prophetick are thy Dreams ?

Bac.

Come let 's on —

Dar.

S'death what mean you Sir ?

Bac.

As I design'd — to present my self to the Council :

Dar.

By Heavens we 'le follow then to save you from their Treachery 't was this that has befallen you that I fear'd , which made me at a distance follow you .

Bac.

Follow me still , but still at such a distance as your Aids may be assisting on all occasion — Fearless go back and bring your Regiment down , and Daring let your Sergeant with his Party Guard these Villains to the Council .

[ Ex. Bac. Dar. & Fearless . Whiff.

A Pox on your Worships Plot ;

Whim.

A Pox on your forwardness to come out of the hedge .

[ Ex. Officers with Whim & Whiff.

SCENE IV. The Council-Table . Enter Coll. Wellman , Coll. Downright , Dullman , Timerouse , and about 7 or 8 more Seat themselves . Well .

You heard Mr. Dunce's opinion Gentlemen , concerning Bacon's coming upon our Invitation . He believes he will come , but I rather think , tho' he be himself undaunted , yet the persuasions of his two Lieutenant-Generalls , Daring and Fearless may prevent him , — Colonel , have you order'd our Men to be in Arms ?

[ Enter a Soldier . Down .

I have , and they 'l attend further order on the Sevana :

Sol.

May it please your Honours , Bacon is on his way , he comes unattended by any but his Footmen , and Coll. Fearless .

Down .

Who is this Fellow ?

Well .

A spy I sent to watch Bacon's Motions .

Sol.

But there is a Company of Soldiers in Ambush on this side of the Sevana to seize him as he passes by .

Well .

That 's by no order of the Council .

Omnes .

No , no , no order ;

Well .

Nay , 't were a good design if true ,

Tim.

Gad zoors would I had thought on 't for my Troup ,

Down .

I am for no unfair dealing in any Extremity .

Enter a Messenger in hast . Mes.

An 't please your Honours , the saddest news — An Ambush being laid for Bacon , they rusht out upon him , on the Sevana , and after some fighting took him and Fearless —

Tim.

Is this your sad News — zoors would I had had a hand in 't .

Brag.

When on a sudden , Daring and his Party fell in upon us , turn'd the tide — kill'd our men and took Capt. Whimsey , and Capt. Whiff Pris'ners , the rest run away , but Bacon fought like a fury .

Tim.

A bloudy Fellow ;

Down .

Whim. and Whiff ? they deserve death for Acting without order

Tim.

I 'm of the Colonels opinion , they deserve to hang for 't .

Dull .

Why Brother , I thought you had wisht the Plot had been yours but now ?

Tim.

Ay , but the Case is alter'd since that , good Brother ,

Well .

Now he 's Exasperared past all hopes of a Reconciliation .

Dull .

You must make use of the Statesman's refuge , wise dissimulation .

Brag.

For all this Sir , he will not believe but that you mean Honourably , and no persuasions could hinder him from Coming , so he has dismist all his Soldiers , and is Entring the Town on foot ,

Well .

What pitty 't is a brave Man should be Guilty of an ill Action .

Brag.

But the noise of his danger has so won the hearts of the Mobile , that they encrease his Train as he goes , & follow him in the Town like a Victor .

Well

Go wait his coming [ Ex. Brag. he grows too popular , and must be humbled ,

Tim.

I was ever of your mind Colonel .

Well .

Ay right or Wrong — but what 's your Counsell now ?

Tim.

E'en as it us'd to be , I leave it to wiser heads .

[ Enter Brag. Brag.

Bacon Sir is Entring .

Tim.

Gad zoors wou'd I were safe in Bed ,

Dull .

Colonel keep in your heat and treat Calmly with him ,

Well .

I rather wish you wou'd all follow me , I 'd meet him at the head of all his noisy Rabble , and seize him from the rout .

Down .

What Men of Authority dispute with Rake-Hells ? 't is below us Sir.

Tim.

To Stake our Lives and Fortunes against their nothing .

Enter Bacon , after him the Rabble with Staves and Clubs bringing in Whim. & Whiff. bound . Well .

What means this Insolence — What Mr. Bacon do you come in Arms ?

Bac.

I 'de need Sir come in Arms , when men that should be Honourable can have so poor designs to take my life .

Well ,

Thrust out his following Rabble .

First Rab.

We 'le not Stirr till we have the General safe back again .

Bac.

Let not your Loves be too Officious — but retire —

1st . Rab.

At your Command we vanish —

[ the Rabble retire . Bac.

I hope you 'l pardon me , if in my own defence I seiz'd on these two Murderers .

Down .

You did well Sir , 't was by no Order they Acted , — stand forth and here your Sentence — in time of war we need no Formall Tryalls to hang Knaves that Act without order .

Whiff.

Oh Mercy Mercy Collonell — 't was Parson Dunce's Plot.

Down .

Issue out a warrant to Seize Dunce Immediately — you shall he carry'd — to the Fort to Pray —

Whim.

Oh Good your Honour I never Pray'd in all my Life ,

Down .

From thence Drawn upon a Sledg to the Place of ●…xecution , — where you shall hang till you are dead — and then be ●…ut down and —

Whim.

Oh hold — hold — we shall never be able to endure ●…lf this :

[ kneeling Well .

I think th' offence needs not so great Punishment , their Crime Sir is but equall to your own , acting without Commission .

Bac.

'T is very well Explain'd Sir , — had I been Murder'd by Commission then , the Deed had been approv'd , and now perhaps , I am beholding to the Rable for my Life : —

Well .

A fine pretence to hide a Popular fault , but for this once we Pardon them and you ,

Bac.

Pardon , for what ? by Heaven I Scorn your Pardon , I 've not offended Honour nor Religion :

Well .

You have offended both in taking Arms ,

Bac.

Shou'd I stand by and see my Country ruin'd , my King dishonour'd , and his Subjects Murder'd hear the sad Crys of widdows and of Orphans , You heard it Lowd , but gave no pitying care to 't ▪ And till the war and Massacre was brought to my own door , my Flocks , and Heards surpriz'd , I bore it all with Patience , Is it unlawfull to defend my self against a Thief that breaks into my doors ?

Well .

And call you this defending of your self ?

Bac.

I call it doing of my self that right , which upon Just demand the Councill did refuse me , If my Ambition as you 're pleas'd to call it , made me demand too Much , I left my self to you :

Well .

Perhaps we thought it did ,

Bac.

Sir you affront my Birth , — I am a Gentleman , And yet my thoughts were humble — I wou'd have fought under the meanest of your Parasites —

Tim.

There 's a Bob for us Brother ;

[ to Dull Bac

But still you put me off with promises — And when compell'd to stir in my defence I call'd none to my aid , and those that came , 't was their own wrongs that urg'd 'em :

Down .

'T is fear'd Sir , under this pretence you aim at Government :

Bac.

I scorn to answer to so base an accusation , the height of my Ambition is , to be an honest Subject .

Well .

An honest Rebell , Sir —

Bac.

You know you wrong me , and 't is basely urg'd — but this is trifling — here are my Commissions .

[ Throws down Papers . Down . reads . Down .

— To be General of the Forces against the Indians , and Blank Commissions for his Friends .

Well .

Tear them in peices — are we to be imposed upon ? De ye come in Hostile manner to compel us ?

Down .

Be not to rough Sir , let us argue with him —

Well .

I am resolved I will not .

Tim.

Then we are all Dead Men , Gudzoors ! he will not give us time to say our Prayers .

Well .

We every day expect fresh Force from England , till then , we of our selves shall be sufficient to make Defence , against a sturdy Traytor .

Bac.

Traytor , 'Sdeath Traytor — I defie ye , but that my Honour 's yet above my Anger ; I 'd make you answer me that Traytor dearly .

[ Rises . Well .

Hah — am I threatned — Guards secure the Rebel .

[ Guards seize him . Bac.

Is this your Honourable Invitation ? Go — Triumph in your short Liv'd Victory , the next turn shall be mine .

[ Exeunt Guards with Bac. A noise of Fighting — Enter Bacon , Wellman , his Guards Beat back by the Rabble , Bacon snatches a Sword from one , and keeps back the Rabble , Tim. gets under the Table . Down .

What means this Insolence !

Rab.

We 'l have our General , and knock that fellows brains out , and hang up Collonel Wellman .

All.

Ay ay , Hang up Wlelman .

The Rabble seize Wellman , and Dullman , and the rest . Dull .

Hold , hold Gentleman , I was always for the General .

Rab.

Let 's Barbicu this Fat Rogue .

Bac.

Begone , and know your dista●…ce to theCouncel .

[ The Rabble let 'em go . Well .

I 'd rather perish by the meanest hand , than owe my safety poorly thus to Bacon

[ In Rage . Bac.

If you persist still in that mind I 'le leave you , and Conquering , make you happy 'gainst your will.

[ Ex. Bacon and Rabble , Hollowing a Pacon , a Bacon . Well .

Oh Villanous Cowards , who will trust his Honour with Sycophants so base ? Let us to Arms — by Heaven I will not give my Body rest , till I 've Chastiz'd the boldness of this Rebel .

[ Exeunt Well . Down . and the rest all but Dullman , Tim. Peeps from underthe Table . Tim.

What is the Roystering Hector gone Brother ?

Dull .

Ay , ay , and the Devil go with him .

[ Looking sadly , Tim. comes out . Tim.

Was there ever such a Bull of Bash●…n ? Why what if he should come down upon us and kill us all for Traytors ?

Dull .

I rather think the Councel will Hang us all for Cowards — ah — oh — a Drum — a Drum — oh —

[ He goes out . Tim.

This is the misery of being Great ,

We 're Sacrific'd to every turn of State.

ACT III.

SCENE I. The Country Court , a great Table , with Papers , a Clerk writing . Enter a great many people of all sorts , then Friendly , after him Dullman . Friend .

HOw now Major ; what , they say Bacon scar'd you all out of the Council yesterday : What say the People ?

Dull .

Say ? they Curse us all , and Drink young Frightall's Health , and swear they 'll fight thro Fire and Brimstone for him .

Friend .

And to morrow will hallow him to the Gallows , if it were his chance to come there .

Dull .

'T is very likely : Why I am forc'd to be guarded to the Court now , the Rabble swore they would De Wit me , but I shall hamper some of ' em . Wou'd the Governour were here to bear the brunt on 't , for they call us the Evil Counsellors .

Enter Hazard , goes to Friendly .

Here 's the young Rogue that drew upon us too , we have Rods in piss for him ifaith .

' Enter Timerous with Bayliffs , whispers to Dullman , after which to the Bailiffs . Tim.

Gadzoors that 's he , do your Office.

Bayl.

We arrest you Sir , in the Kings name , at the suit of the Honourable Justice Timerous .

Haz.

Justice Timerous , who the Devil 's he ?

Tim.

I am the man Sir , de see , for want of a better ; you shall repent Gud●… zoors your putting of tricks upon persons of my Rank and Quality .

After he has spoke he runs back as afraid of him . Haz.

Your Rank and Quality !

Tim.

Ay Sir , my Rank and Quality ; first I am one of the Honourable Council , next a Justice of Peace in Quorum , Cornet of a Troop of Horse de see , and Church-warden .

Frie.

From whence proceeds this Mr. Justice , you said nothing of this at Madam Ranters Yesterday ; you saw him there , then you were good Friends ?

Tim.

Ay , however I have carried my Body swimmingly before my Mistress , de see , I had rancour in my Heart , Gads zoors .

Friend .

VVhy , this Gentleman 's a stranger , and but lately come a shore .

Haz.

At my first Landing I was in company with this Fellow and two or three of his cruel Brethren , where I was affronted by them , some words past and I drew —

Tim.

Ay ay Sir , you shall pay for 't , — why — what Sir , cannot a Civil Magistrate affront a Man , but he must be drawn upon presently ?

Friend .

Well Sir , the Gentleman shall answer your Sute , and I hope you 'l take my Bail for him .

Tim.

'T is enough — I know you to be a Civil Person .

Timerous and Dullman take their Places , on a long Bench placed behind the Table , to them Whimsey an Whiff , they seat themselves , then Boozer and two or three more ; who seat themselves : Then enter two bearing a Bowl of Punch , and a great Ladle or two in it ; the rest of the Stage being filled with People . Whiff.

Brothers it has been often mov'd at the Bench , that a new Punch Bowl shou'd be provided , and one of a larger Circumference , when the Bench sits late about weighty affairs , oftentimes the Bowl is emptyed before we end .

Whim.

A good Motion , Clark set it down .

Clark.

Mr. Justice Boozer the Council has ordered you a writ of Ease , and dismiss your Worship from the Bench.

Boo.

Me from the Bench , for what ?

Whim ▪

The Complaint is Brother Boozer , for Drinking too much Punch in the time of hearing Tryals .

Whiff.

And that you can neither write nor read , nor say the Lords Prayer .

Tim.

That your Warrants are like a Brewers Tally a Notch on a Stick ; if a special Warrant , then a Couple . Gods Zoors , when his Excellency comes he will have no such Justices .

Booz .

Why Brother , tho I can't read my self ; I have had Dol●…ns Country-Justice read over to me two or three times , and understand the Law ; this is your Malice Brother Whiff , because my Wife does not come to your Ware-House to buy her Commodities , — but no matter , to show I have no Malice in my heart , I drink your Health — I care not this , I can turn Lawyer and plead at the Board .

[ Drinks , all Pledge ●…m and hum . Dull .

Mr. Clark , come , to the Tryals on the Docket .

[ Clark reads . Clar.

The first is between his Worship Justice Whiff , and one Grubb .

Dull .

Ay , that Grubb's a Common Disturber , Brother your Cause , is a good Cause if well manag'd , here 's to 't .

[ Drinks . Whiff.

I thank you Brother Dullman , — read my Petition .

[ Drinks ▪ Clar.

The Petition of Captain Thomas Whiff Sheweth , whereas Gilbert . Grubb , calls his Worships Wife Ann Grabb Whore , and said he would prove it ; your Petitioner desires the Worshipful Bench to take it into Consideration , and your Petitioner shall pray , &c. — Here 's two witnesses have made Affidavit Vive voce , an 't like your Worships .

Dull .

Call Grubb .

Clar.

Gilbert Grubb , come into the Court.

Grub.

Here.

Whim.

Well , what can you say for your self Mr. Grub.

Grub.

Why an 't like your Worship , my wife invited some Neighbours wives to drink a Cagg of Syder , now your worships wife Madam Whiff being there fuddl'd , would have thrust me out of doors , and bid me go to my old Whore Madam Whimscy , meaning your Worships wife .

[ To Whimsey . Whim.

Hah ! My wife called Whore , she 's a Jude , & I 'le arrest her Husband here — in an Action of debts .

Tim.

Gads zoures she 's no better than she should be I 'le warrant her ,

Whiff.

Look ye Brother Whimsey , be patient , you know the Humour of my Nancy when she's drunk , but when she 's sober , she 's a civil Person , and shall ask your pardon .

Whim.

Let this be done and I am satisfied . And so here 's to you

[ drinks . Dull :

Go on to the Tryal .

Grub.

I being very angry said indeed , I would prove her a greater Whore than Madam Whimsey .

Clar.

An 't like your Whrships , he confesses the words in open Court.

Grub.

Why , an 't like your Worships , she has had two Bastards I 'le prove it .

Whiff.

Sirrah , Sirrah , that was when she was a Maid , not since I married her , my marrying her made her Honest.

Dull .

Let there be an order of Court to Sue him , for Scandalum Magnatum .

Tim.

Mr. Clark , let my Cause come next .

Clark.

The Defendant's ready Sir.

[ Hazard comes to the Board . Tim.

Brothers of the Bench take notice , that this Hector here coming into Mrs. Flirts Ordinary where I was , with my Brother Dullman and Lieutenant Boozer ; we gave him good Councel to fall to Work , now my Gentleman here was affronted at this Forsooth , and makes no more to do but calls us Scoundrels , and drew his Sword on us , and had not I defended my self by running away , he had Murdered me , and Assassinated my two Brothers .

Whiff.

What witness have you Brother ?

Tim.

Here 's Mrs. Flirt and her Maid Nell , — besides we may be witness for one another I hope ; our words may taken .

Clark.

Mrs. Flirt and Nell are Sworn .

[ They stand forth . Whim.

By the Oaths that you have taken , speak nothing but the Truth .

Flirt .

An 't please your Worships , your Honours came to my House , where you found this Young Gentleman ; and your Honours invited him to Drink with your Honours : Where after some opprobrious words given him , Justice Dullman , and Justice Boozer struck him over the head ; and after that indeed the Gentleman drew .

Tim.

Mark that Brother he drew .

Haz.

If I did , it was se defendendo .

Tim.

Do you hear that Brothers , he did in defiance .

Haz.

Sir , you ought not to sit Judge and Accuser too .

Whiff.

The Gentleman 's i' th' right Brother , you cannot do it according to Law.

Tim.

Gads Zoors , what new tricks , new querks ?

Haz.

Gentlemen take notice , he swears in Court.

Tim.

Gads Zoors what 's that to you Sir.

Haz.

This is the second time of his swearing .

Whim.

What do you think we are Deaf Sir ? Come , come proceed .

Tim.

I desire he may be bound to his Good behaviour , Fin'd and deliver up his Sword , what say you Brot her ?

[ Jogs Dull . wko nods . Whim.

He 's asleep , drink to him and waken him , — you have have mist the Cause by sleeping Brother .

[ Drinks . Dull .

Justice may nod , but never sleeps Brother — you were at — Deliver his Sword — a good Motion , let it be done .

[ Drinks . Haz.

No Gentlemen , I wear a Sword to right my self .

Tim.

That 's fine i'faith , Gads Zoors , I have worn a Sword this Duzen year and never cou'd right my self .

Whiff.

Ay , 't wou'd be a fine World if Men shou'd wear Swords to right themselves , he that 's bound to the Peace shall wear no Sword.

Whim.

I say he that 's bound to the Peace ought to wear no Peruke , they may change 'em for black or white , and then who can know them .

Haz.

I hope Gentlemen I may be allowed to speak for my self .

Whiff.

Ay , what can you say for your self , did you not draw your Sword Sirrah ?

Haz.

I did .

Tim.

'T is sufficient he confesses the Fact , and we 'l hear no more .

Haz.

You will not hear the Provocation given .

Dull .

'T is enough Sir , you drew —

Whim.

Ay , Ay , 't is enough he drew — let him be Fin'd .

Friend .

The Gentleman shou'd be heard , he 's a Kinsman too , to Collonel John Surelove .

Tim.

Hum — Collonel Sureloves Kinsman .

Whiff.

Is he so , nay , then all the reason in the VVorld he should be heard , Brothers .

Whim.

Come , come Cornet , you shall be Friends with the Gentleman , this was some Drunken bout I 'le warrant you .

Tim.

Ha , ha , ha — so it was Gads Zoors .

Whiff.

Come drink to the Gentleman , and put it up .

Tim.

Sir , my Service to you , I am heartily sorry for what 's past , but it was in my Drink .

[ Drinks . Whim.

You hear his acknowledgements Sir , and when he is sober he never quarrels , come Sir sit down , my Service to you .

Haz.

I beg your Excuse Gentlemen — I have earnest business .

Dull .

Let us adjourn the Court , and prepare to meet the Regiments on the Sevana .

[ All go but Friend . and Hazard . Haz.

Is this the best Court of Judicature your Country affords ?

Friend .

To give it its due it is not . But how does thy Armour thrive ?

Haz.

As well as I can wish , in so short a time .

Friend .

I see she regards thee with kind Eyes , Sighs and Blushes .

Haz.

Yes , and tells me I am so like a Brother she had — to Excuse her kind concern , — then blush so prettily , that Gad I cou'd not forbear making a discovery of my Heart .

Friend .

Have a care of that , come upon her by slow degrees , for I know she 's Vertuous ; — but come let 's to the Sevana , where I 'le present you to the two Collonels , Wellman and Downright , the Men that manage all till the Carrival of the Governour .

SCENE II. The Sevana or Heath : Enter Wellman , Downright , Boozer , and Officers . Well .

Have you dispatcht the Scouts , to watch the Motions of the Enemies ? I know that Bacon's Violent and Haughty , and will resent our vain attempts upon him ; therefore we must be speedy in prevention .

Dow.

What forces have you raised since our last order .

Booz .

Here 's a list of em , they came but slowly in , till we promised every one a Bottle of Brandy .

[ Enter Officer and Dunce . Offi.

We have brought Mr. Dunce here , as your Honour commanded us after strict search we found him this morning in Bed with Madam Flirt .

Dow.

No matter he 'l exclaim no less against the vices of the Flesh , the next Sunday .

Dunc .

I hope Sir , you will not credit the Malice of my Enemies .

Well .

No more , you are free , and what you councell'd about the Ambush was both prudent and seasonable , and perhaps I now wish it had taken effect .

Enter Friend . and Haz. Friend .

I have brought an English Gentleman to kiss your hands , Sir , and offer you his service , he is young and brave , and Kinsman to Col. Surelove .

Well .

Sir , you are welcom and to let you see you are so , we will give you your Kinsmans command , Captain of a Troop of Horse-Guards , and which I am sure will be continued to you when the Governour arrives .

Haz.

I shall endeavour to deserve the Honour , Sir.

Enter Dull . Tim. Whim. and Whiff , all in Buff , Scarf and Feather●… Down .

So Gentlemen , I see you 're in a readiness .

Tim.

Readiness ! What means he , I hope we are not to be drawn out to go against the Enemy , Major ?

Dull .

If we are , they shall look a new Major for me .

Well .

We were debating , Gentlemen , what course were best to pursue against this Powerful Rebel .

Frion .

Why , Sir , we have Forces enough , let 's charge him instantly , delays are dangerous .

Tim.

Why , what a damn'd fiery Fellow 's this ?

Down .

But if we drive him to Extremities , we fear his siding with the Indians .

Dull .

Collonel Downright has hit it ; why should we endanger our Men against a desperate Termagant ? If he love Wounds and Scars so well , let him exercise on our Enemies — — but if he will needs fall upon us , 't is then time for us enough to venture our lives and fortunes .

Tim.

How , we go to Bacon , under favour I think 't is his Duty to come to us , an you go to that Gads Zoores .

Frie.

If he do , 't will cost you dear , I doubt Cornet . — I find by our List , Sir , we are four thousand men .

Tim.

Gads Zoores , not enough for a Breakfast for that insatiate Bacon , and his two Lientenant Generals Fearless and Daring .

[ Whiff sits on the ground with a Bottle of Brandy . Whim.

A Morsel , a Morsel .

Well .

I am for an attack , what say you Gentlemen to an attack ? — What , silent all ? — What say you Major ?

Dull .

I say , Sir , I hope my courage was never in dispute . But , Sir , I am going to Marry Collonel Downright's Daughter here — and should I be slain in this Battel 't wou'd break her heart ; — — besides , Sir , I should lose her Fortune .

[ Speaks big . Well .

I 'm sure here 's a Captain will never Flinch .

[ To Whim. Whim.

Who I , an 't like your Honour ?

Well .

Ay , you .

Whim.

Who I ? ha , ha , ha , : Why did your Honour think that I would fight ?

Well .

Fight , yes ? Why else do you take Commissions ?

Whim.

Commissions ! O Lord , O Lord , take Commissions to fight ? ha ha ha ; that 's a jest , if all that take Commissions should fight —

Well .

Why do you bear Arms then ?

Whim.

Why sor the Pay ; to be called Captain , noble Captain , to show , to cock and look big and bluff as I do ; to be bow'd to thus as we pass , to domineer , and beat our Souldiers : Fight quoth a , ha ha ha .

Friend .

But what makes you look so simply Cornet ?

Tim.

VVhy a thing that I have quite forgot , all my accounts for England are to be made up , and I 'm undone if they be neglected — else I wou'd not flinch for the stoutest he that wears a Sword —

[ Look big . Dow'n .

VVhat say you Captain Whiff ?

[ VVhiff almost drunk . Whiff.

I am trying Collonel what Mettle I 'm made on ; I think I am Valiant , I suppose I have Courage , but I confess 't is a little of the D — breed , but a little inspiration from the bottle , and the leave of my Nancy , may do wonders .

Enter Seaman in hast . Seam .

An 't please your Honours , Frightall's Officers have seiz'd all the Ships in the River , and rid now round the Shore , and had by this time secur'd the Sandy Beach , and Landed men to Fire the Town , but that they are high in Drink aboard the Ship call'd the Good Subject ; the Master of her sent me to let your Honours know , that a few men sent to his assistance will surprize them , and retake the Ships .

Well .

Now , Gentlemen , here 's a brave occasion for Emulation — why writ not the Master ?

Dull .

Ay , had he writ , I had soon been amongst them i'faith ; but this is some Plot to betray us .

Sea.

Keep me here , and kill me if it be not true .

Down .

He says well — there 's a Brigan●…ine and a Shallop ready , I 'le Embark immediately .

Friend .

No Sir , your presence is here more necessary , let me have the Honour of this Expedition .

Haz.

I 'le go your Volentier Charles .

Well .

VVho else offers to go .

Whim.

A meer trick to Kidnap us , by Bacon , — if the Captain had writ —

Tim.

Av , ay , if he had writ —

Well .

I see you 're all base Cowards , and here Cashier ye from all Commands and Offices .

Whim.

Look ye Collonel , you may do what you please , but you lose one of the best drest Officers in your whole Camp , Sir —

Tim.

and in me , such a Head Piece .

Whiff.

I 'le say nothing , but let the State want me .

Dull .

For my part I am weary of weighty Affairs .

[ In this while VVellman , Down . Friend . and Haz. talk . Well .

Command what Men you please , but Expedition makes you half a Conquerour .

[ Exit Friend . and Haz. Enter another Seaman with a Letter , gives it to Downright , he and Wellman Read it . Down .

Look ye now Gentlemen the Master has writ .

Dull .

Has he — he might have writ sooner , while I was in Command , — if he had —

Whim.

Ay Major — if he had — but let them miss us —

Well .

Collonel hast with your Men and Reinforce the Beach , while I follow with the Horse ; — Mr. Dunce pray let that Proclamation be Read concerning Bacon , to the Souldiers .

Dun.

It shall be done Sir ,

[ Exit Down : and Well . The Scene opens and discovers a Body of Souldiers .

Gentlemen how simply you look now .

Tim.

— VVhy Mr. Parson I have a scruple of Conscience upon me ▪ I am considering whether it be Lawful to Kill , tho it be in VVar ; I have a great aversion to 't , and hope it proceeds from Religion .

Whiff.

I remember the Fit took you just so , when the Dutch Besieged us , for you cou'd not then be perswaded to strike a stroke .

Tim.

Ay , that was because they were Protestants as we are , but Gads Zoors had they been Dutch Papists I had maul'd them ? but Conscience —

Whim.

I have been a Justice of Peace this six years and never had a conscience in my Life .

Tim.

Nor I neither , but in this damn'd thing of Fighting .

Dun.

Gentlemen I am Commanded to read the Declaration of the Honourable Council to you .

[ To the Souldiers . All.

Hum hum hum —

Booz .

Silence — silence —

[ Dunce reads . Dun.

By an order of Council Dated May the 10 th 1670 : To all Gentlemen Souldiers , Marchants , Planters , and whom else it may concern . VVhereas Bacon , contrary to Law and Equity , has to satisfie his own Ambition taken up Arms , with a pretence to fight the Indians , but indeed to molest and enslave the whole Colony , and to take away their Liberties and Properties ; this is to declare , that whoever shall bring this Traytor Dead or alive to the Council shall have three hundred Pounds reward . And so God save the King.

All.

A Councel , a Councel ! Hah —

[ Hollow . Enter a Souldier hastily . Sould.

Stand to your Arms Gentlemen , stand to your Arms , Bacon is Marching this way .

Dun.

Hah — what numbers has he ?

Soul.

About a hundred Horse , in his March he has surpriz'd Collonel Downright , and taken him Prisoner .

All.

Let 's fall on Bacon — let 's fall on Bacon hay —

[ Hollow . Booz .

VVe 'll hear him speak first — and see what he can say for himself .

All.

Ay , ay , we 'l hear Bacon speak —

[ Dunce pleads with them . Tim.

VVell Major I have found a Stratagem shall make us four the Greatest Men in the Colony , we 'll surrender our selves to Bacon , and say we Disbanded on purpose .

Dull .

Good —

Whiff.

VVhy , I had no other design in the VVorld in refusing to ●…ight .

Whim.

Nor I , d' e think I wou'd have excus'd it with the fear of disordering my Cravat String else —

Dun.

VVhy Gentlemen , he designs to Fire James Town ; Murder you all , and then lye with your VVives , and will you slip this opportunity of seizing him ?

Boo.

Here 's a Tarmagant Rogue Neighbours — we 'll Hang the Dog. All , Ay , Ay , hang Bacon , hang Bacon .

Enter Bacon , and Fearless , some Souldiers leading in Downright bound ; Bacon stands and stares a while on the Regiments , who are silent all . Bac.

VVell Gentlemen — in order to your fine Declaration you see I come to render my self —

Dun.

How came he to know of our Declaration ?

Whim.

Rogues , Rogues among our selves — that inform .

Bac.

VVhat are ye silent all , — not a Man lift his Hand in Obedience to the Council to Murder this Traytor , that has exposed his Life so often for vou ? Hah what not for three hundred Pound , — you see I 've left my Troops behind , and come all wearied with the Toyles of VVar , worn out by Summers heats and VVinters colds , March'd tedious Days and Nights thro ●…ogs and Fens as dangerous as your Clamors , and as Faithless , — what tho 't was to preserve you all in safety , no matter , you shou'd obey the Grateful Council , and Kill this honest Man that has defended you ?

All.

Hum , hum hum .

Whiff.

The General speaks like a Gorgon .

Tim.

Like a Cherubin , Man.

Bac.

All silent yet — where 's that mighty Courage that cryed so loud but now ? A Council a Council , where is your Resolution , cannot three hundred Pound Excite your Valour , to seize that Traytor Bacon who has bled for you ? —

All.

A Bacon , a Bacon , a Bacon . —

[ Hollow . Dow.

Oh Villanous Cowards — Oh the Faithless Multitude !

Bac.

VVhat say you Parson — you have a forward Zeal ?

Dun.

I wish my Coat Sir did not hinder me , from acting as becomes my Zeal and Duty .

Whim.

A Plaguy Rugid Dog — that Parson —

Bac.

Fearless seize me that canting Knave from out the Herd , and next those Honourable Officers .

[ Points to Dull . VVhim. VVhiff . and Tim. Fearless seizes them , and gives them to the Souldiers , and takes the Proclamation from Dunce and shews Bacon , they read it . Dull .

Seize us , Sir , you shall not need , we laid down our Commissions on purpose to come over to your Honour .

Whiff.

We ever lov'd and honour'd your Honour .

Tim.

So intirely , Sir — that I wish I were safe in James Town for your sake , and your Honour were hang'd .

[ Aside . Bac.

This fine Piece is of your Penning Parson — though it be countenanc'd by the Councils Names — Oh in gratitude — Burn — Burn the Treacherous Town — Fire it immediately —

Whim.

We 'll obey you , Sir —

Whiff.

Ay , ay , we 'll make a Bonfire on 't , and Drink your Honours Health round about it .

[ They offer to go . Bac.

Yet hold , my Revenge shall be more Merciful , I ordered that all the Women of Rank shall be seiz'd and brought to my Camp. I 'll make their Husbands pay their Ransoms dearly ; they 'd rather have their Hearts bleed than their Purses .

Fear .

Dear General , let me have the seizing of Collonel Downright's Daughter ; I would fain be Plundering for a Trifle call'd a Maiden-head .

Bac.

On pain of Death treat them with all respect ; assure them of the safety of their Honour . Now , all that will follow me , shall find a welcom , and those that will not may depart in Peace .

All.

Hay , a General , a General , a General .

[ Some Souldiers go off , some go to the side of Bacon . Enter Dareing and Souldiers with Chrisante , Surelove , Mrs. Wnim . and Mrs. Whiff , and several other Women . Bac.

Successful Dareing welcome , what Prizes have ye ?

Dare.

The Fairest in the VVorld Sir , I 'm not for common Plunder .

Down .

Hah , my Daughter and my Kinswoman ! —

Bacon .

'T is not with Women Sir , nor honest Men like you that I intend to Combat ; not their own Parents shall not be more indulgent , nor better safeguard to their Honours Sir : But 't is to save the Expence of Blood , I seize on their most valu'd Prizes

Down .

But Sir , I know your wild Lieutenant General has long lov'd my Chrisante , and perhaps , will take this time to force her to consent .

Dare.

I own I have a Passion for Chrisante , yet by my Generals Life — or her fair self — what now I Act is on the score of War , I scorn to force the Maid I do adore .

Bac.

Believe me Ladies , you shall have Hon ourable Treatment here .

Chris.

We do not doubt it Sir , either from you or Dareing , If he Love me — — that will secure my Honour , or if he do not , he 's to brave to injure me .

Dare.

I thank you for your just opinion of me , Madam .

Chris.

But Sir , 't is for my Father I must plead ; to see his Reverend Hands in Serval Chains — and then perhaps if stubborn to your will , his Head must fall a Victim to your Anger .

Down .

No my good Pious Girl , I cannot fear Ignoble usage from the General — And if thy Beauty can preserve thy Fam●… , I shall not mourn in my Captivity .

Bac.

I 'le ne're deceive your kind opinion of me — Ladies I hope you 're all of that opinion to .

— Surel :

If seizing us Sir can advance your Honour , or be of any use considerable to you , I shall be proud of such a slavery .

Mrs. Whim.

I hope Sir we shan't be Ravish'd in your Camp.

Dare.

Fie Mrs. Whimsey , do Souldiers use to Ravish ?

Mrs. Whiff.

Ravish — marry I fear 'em not , I 'de have em know I scorn to be Ravish'd by any Man !

Fear .

Ay a my Conscience Mrs Whiff , you are too good natur'd

Dare.

Madam , I hope : you 'l give me leave to name Love to you , and try by all sub misive ways to win your heart ?

Chris.

Do your worst Sir , I give you leave , if you assail me only with your Tongue .

Dare.

That 's generous and brave , and I le requite it .

Enter Souldier in haste . Soul.

The Truce being ended , Sir , the Indians grow so insolent as to attack us even in our Camp , and have kill'd several of our Men.

Bac.

'T is time to check their boldness , Dareing haste draw up our Men in order , to give 'em Battel , I rather had expected their submission .

The Country now may see what they 're to fear ,

Since we that are in Arms are not secure .

[ Exeunt leading the Ladies .

ACT IV.

SCENE I. A Temple , with an Indian God placed upon it , Priests and Priestesses attending ; Enter Indian King on one side attended by Indian Men , the Queen Enters on the other side with Women , all bow to the Idol , and divide on each side of the Stage , then the Musick Playing lowder , the Priest and Priestesses Dance about the Idol , with ridiculous Postures and crying ( as for Incantations . ) Thrice repeated , Agah Yerkin , Agah Boah , Sulen Tawarapah , Sulen Tawarapah . After this soft Musick plays again , then they Sing something fine , after which the Priests lead the King to the Altar , and the Priestessess , the Queen , they take off little Crowns from their Heads , and offer them at the Alter . King.

Invoke the God , of our Quiocto to declare , what the Event shall be of this our last War against the English General .

[ Soft Musick ceases . The Musick changes to confused Tunes , to which the Priest and Priestess Dance Antickly Singing between ; the same Incantation as before , and then Dance again , and so invoke again alternately : Which Dance ended a Voice behind the Alter cries , while soft Musick Play — The English General shall be , A Captive to his Enemy ; And you from all your Toyls be freed , When by your hand the Foe shall bleed And ere the Sun 's swift course be run , This mighty Conquest , shall be won . King.

I thank the Gods for taking care of us , prepare new Sacrifice against the Evening , when I return a Conqueror , I will my self perform the Office of a Priest.

Queen .

Oh Sir , I fear you 'l fall a Victim first .

King.

What means Semernia , why are thy looks so Pale ?

Queen .

Alas the Oracles have double meanings , their sence is doubtful , and their words Inigma's , I fear Sir I cou'd make a truer interpritation —

King.

How Semernia ! by all thy Love I charge thee as you respect my Life , to let me know your thoughts .

Queen .

Last Night I Dream'd a Lyon fell with Hunger , spight of your Guards slew you , and bore you hence .

King.

This is thy Sexes fear , and no interpretation of the Oracle .

Queen .

I cou'd convince you farther .

King.

Hast thou a secret thou canst keep from me ? Thy Soul a thought that I must be stranger too ? This is not like the Justice of Semernia , come unriddle me the Oracle .

Queen .

The English General shall be , a captive to his Enemy ; he is so Sir already to my Beauty , he says he languishes for Love of me .

King.

Hah — the General my Rival — but go on —

Queen .

And you from all your War be freed : Oh let me not explain that fatal line , for fear it mean , you shall be freed by Death .

King.

What , when by my hand the Foe shall bleed ? — away — — it cannot be —

Queen .

No doubt my Lord , you 'l bravely sell your Life , and deal some wounds where you 'l receive so many .

King.

'T is Love Semernia makes thee Dream , while waking I 'le trust the Gods , and am resolved for Battel .

Enter an Indian . Ind.

Hast , Hast Great Sir to Arms , Bacon with all his Forces is prepar'd , and both the Armies ready to engage .

King.

Hast to my General bid him charge em instantly , I 'le bring up the supplys of stout Teroomians , those so well skill'd in the Envenom'd Arrow , [ Exit Indian ] — Semernia — words but poorly do express the griefs of parting Lovers — 't is with dying Eyes , and a Heart trembling — — thus — [ Puts her Hand on his Heart ] They take a heavy leave , — one parting Kiss , and one Love pressing sigh , and then farewel — but not a long farewel ; I shall return Victorious to thy Arms , — commend me to the Gods and still remember me .

[ Ex. King. Queen .

Alas ! What pitty 't is I saw the General , before my Fate had given me to the King — but now — like those that change their Gods , my faithless mind 'twixt two opinions wavers ; while to the Gods my Monarch I commend ; my wandring thoughts in pitty of the General makes that zeal cold , declin'd — ineffectual ; — If for the General I , implore the Deieties , methinks my Prayers shou'd not ascend the Skies since Honour tells me 't is an impious zeal .

Which way so ever my Devotions move ,

I am too wretched to be heard above .

[ Goes in , all Exeunt .

SCENE II. Shows a Field of Tents , seen at some distance thro the Trees of a Wood , Drums , Trumpets and the noise of Battel with hollowing . The Indians are seen with Battle-Axis to Retreat Fighting from the English and all go off , when they Re-enter immediately beating back the English , the Indian King at the head of his Men , with Bows ond Arrows ; Dareing being at the head of the English : They Fight off ; the noise continues less loud as more at distance . Enter Bacon with his Sword drawn , meets Fearless with his Sword drawn . Fear .

Hast , hast Sir to the Entrance of the Wood , Dareings Engaged past hope of a retreat , ventring too far , persuing of the Foe ; the King in Ambush with his Poyson'd Archers , fell on and now we 're dangerously distrest .

Bac.

Dareing is Brave , but , he 's withal , too rash , come on and sollow me to his Assistance —

[ Go out . A hollowing within , the Fight renews , Enter the Indians Beaten back by Bacon , Dareing and Fearless , they Fight off , the noise of Fighting continues a while , this still behind the Wood. Enter Indians Fying over the Stage , pursu'd by the King. King.

Turn , turn ye fugitive Slaves , and face the Enemy ; Oh Villains , Cowards , Deaf to all Command , by Heaven I had my Rival my in view and Aim'd at nothing but my Conquering him — now like a Coward I must fly with Cowards , or like a desperate Mad-Man fall , thus singly midst the numbers .

[ Follow the Indians . Enter Bacon inrag'd with his Sword drawn , Fearless , and Dareing following him . Bac.

— Where is the King , Oh ye perfidious Slaves , how have you hid from my just Revenge — search all the Brakes , the Fuzes and the Trees ; and let him not escape on Pain of Death .

Dare.

We cannot do wonders Sir.

Bac.

But you can run away —

Dare.

Yes , when we see occasion — yet — shou'd any but my General tell me so — — by Heaven he shou'd find I were no starter .

Bac.

Forgive me , I 'm Mad — the Kings escap'd , hid like a trembling slave in some close Ditch , where he will sooner starve than Fight it out .

Re-enter Indians running over the Stage , pursued by the King who shoots them as they Fly , some few follow him . King.

All 's lost — the day is lost — and I 'm betray'd — Oh Slaves , that even Wounds can't Animate .

[ In Rage . Bac.

The King !

King.

The General here , by all the Powers betray'd by my own Men.

Bac.

Abandon'd as thou art I scorn to take thee basely , you shall have Souldiers chance Sir for your Life , since chance so luckily has brought us hither ; without more aids we will dispute the day : this spot of Earth bears both our Armies Fates , I 'le give you back the Victory I have won , and thus begin a new , on equal terms .

King.

That 's Nobly said — the Powers have heard my wish ! You Sir first taught me how to use a Sword , which heretofore has serv'd me with success , but now — 't is for Semernia that it draws , a prize more valu'd than my Kingdom , Sir —

Bac.

Hah Semernia !

King.

Your Blushes do betray your Passion for her .

Dar.

'Sdeath have we Fought for this , to expose the Victor to the Conquer'd Foe ?

Fea.

What Fight a single Man — our Prize already .

King.

Not so young Man while I command a Dart.

Bac.

Fight him , by Heaven no reason shall disswade me , and he that interrupts me is a Coward , whatever be my Fate , I do command ye to let the King pass freely to his Tents .

Dar.

The Devils in the General .

Fea.

'Sdeath his Romantick humour will undo us .

[ They Fight and pause . King.

You Fight as if you meant to outdo me this way , as you have done in Generosity .

Bac.

You 're not behind hand with me Sir in courtesie , come here 's to set us even —

[ Fight again . King.

You bleed apace .

Bac.

You 've only Breath'd a Vein , and given me new Health and Vigour by it .

[ They Fight again , Wounds on both sides , the King staggers , Bacon takes him in his Arms , the King drops his Sword :

How do you Sir ?

King.

Like one — that's hovering between Heaven and Earth , I'm — mounting — somewhere — upwards — but giddy with my flight , — I know not where .

Bac.

Command my Surgions , — instantly — make haste Honour returns and Love all Bleeding 's fled .

[ Ex. Fearless . King.

Oh Semernia , how much more truth had thy Divinity than the Predictions of the flattering Oracles . Commend me to her — I know you 'l — visit — your Fair Captive Sir , and tell her — oh — but Death prevents the rest .

[ Dies . Enter Fearless . Bac.

He 's gone — and now like Caesar I cou'd weep over the Hero I my self destroy'd .

Fea.

I 'm glad for your repose I see him there — 't was a Mad hot Brain'd Youth and so he dy'd .

Bac.

Come bear him on your Shoulders to my Tent , from whence with all the solemn state we can , we will convey him to his own Pavillion .

Enter a Souldier . Sould.

Some of our Troops pursuing of the Enemy even to their Temples , which they made their Sanctuary , finding the Queen at her Devotion there with all her Indian Ladies , I 'd much ado to stop their violent rage from setting fire to the Holy Pile .

Bac.

Hang em immediately that durst attempt it , while I my self will flye to rescue her .

[ Goes out , they bear off the Kings Body , Ex. all . Enter Whimsey pulling in Whiff , with a Halter about his Neck . Whim.

Nay I 'm resolv'd to keep thee here till his Honour the General comes , — what to call him Traytor , and run away after he had so generously given us our freedom , and Listed us Cadees for the next command that fell in his Army ; — I 'm resolv'd to Hang thee —

Whiff.

Wilt thou betray and Peach thy Friend : Thy Friend that kept thee Company all the while thou wert a Prisoner — Drinking at my own charge . —

Whim.

No matter for that , I scorn Ingratitude and therefore will Hang thee — but as for thy drinking with me — I scorn to be hehind hand with thee in Civility and therefore here 's to thee .

[ Takes a Bottle of Brandy out of his Pocket , Drinks . Whiff.

I can't drink .

Whim.

A certain sign thou wo't be Hang'd .

Whiff.

You us'd to be a my side when a Justice , set the cause be how it wou'd .

[ Weeps . Whim.

Ay — when I was a Justice I never minded Honesty , but now I 'le be true to my General , and Hang thee to be a great man. —

Whiff.

If I might but have a fair Tryal for my Life —

Whim.

A fair Tryal — come I 'le be thy Judge — and if thou can'st clear thy self by Law I 'le acquit thee , Sirrah , Sirrah , what can'st thou say for thy self for calling his Honour Rebel ?

[ Sits on a DrumHead . Whiff.

'T was when I was Drunk an 't like yourHonour .

Whim.

That 's no Plea , for if you kill a Man when you are Sober you must be Hang'd when you are Drunk , hast thou any thing else to say for thy self , why Sentence may not pass upon thee ?

Whiff.

I desire the Benefit of the Clergy .

Whim.

The Clergy , I never knew any body that ever did benefit by em , why thou canst not read a word ?

Whiff.

Transportation then —

Whim.

It shall be to England then — but hold — who 's this ?

[ Dullman creeping from a Bush. Dull .

So the dangers over , I may venture out , — Pox on 't I would not be in this fear again , to be Lord Chief Justice of our Court. Why how now Cornet — what in dreadful Enter Timerous with Battle Ax , Bow and Arrows , and Feathers on his Head. Equipage ? Your Battle Ax Bloody , with Bow and Arrows ?

Tim.

I 'm in the posture of the times Major — I cou'd not be Idle where so much Action was , I 'm going to present my self to the General with these Trophies of my Victory here —

Dull .

Victory — what Victory — did not see thee creeping out of yonder Bush , where thou weret hid all the Fight — stumble on a Dead Indian , and take away his Arms ?

Tim.

Why , didst thou see me ?

Dull .

See thee Ay — and what a fright thou wert in , till thou wert sure he was Dead .

Tim.

Well , well , that 's all one — Gads zoors if every Man that pass for Valiant in a Battel , were to give an account how he gain'd his Reputation , the World wou'd be but thinly stock'd with Heroes , I 'le say he was a great War Captain , and that I kill'd him hand to hand , and who can disprove me ?

Dull .

Disprove thee — why that Pale face of thine , that has so much of the Coward in 't .

Tim.

Shaw that 's with loss of Blood — Hah I am overheard I doubt — who 's yonder — [ Sees Whim. and Whiff. ] how Brother Whiff in a Hempen Cravat-String ?

Whim.

He call'd the General Traytor and was running away , and-I'm resolved to Peach .

Dull .

Hum — and one witness will stand good in Law , in case of Treason —

Tim.

Gads zoors in case of Treason he 'l beHang'd if it be proved against him , were there ne're a witness at all , but he must try'd by a Councel of War Man — come , come let 's disarm him —

[ They take away his Arms , and pull a Bottle of Brandy out of his Pocket . Whiff.

What , I hope you will not take away my Brandy Gentlemen , my last comfort .

Tim.

Gads zoors it 's come in good time — we 'l Drink it off , here Major —

[ Drinks , Whiff takes him aside . Whiff.

Hark ye Cornet — you are my good Friend , get this matter made up before it come to the General .

Tim.

But this is Treason Neighbour .

Whiff.

If I Hang — I 'le declare upon the Ladder , how you kill'd your War Captain

Tim.

Come Brother Whimsey — we have been all Friends and loving Magistrates together , let 's Drink about , and think no more of this business .

Dull .

Ay , ay , if every sober man in the Nation , should be call'd to account of the Treason he speaks in 's Drink the Lord have mercy upon us all — put it up — and let us like loving Brothers take an honest resolution to run away together ; for this same Frightal minds nothing but Fighting .

Whim.

I 'm content , provided we go all to the Council and tell them ( to make our Peace ) we went in obedience to the Proclamation to kill Bacon , but the Traytor was so strongly guarded we could not effect it , but Mum — who 's here —

[ To them , Enter Ranter and Jenny , as Man and Footman . - Rant .

Hah , our four Reverend Justices — I hope the Blockheads will not know me — Gentlemen , can you direct me to Lieutenant General Dareings Tents .

Whiff.

Hum , who the Devil 's this — that 's he that you see coming this way , 'Sdeath yonder 's Dareing — Let 's slip away before he advances .

[ Exeunt all but Ranter and Jenny . Jen.

I am scar'd with those dead Bodies we have past over , for God's sake Madam , let me know your design in coming .

Rant .

Why ? now I 'le tell thee — my damn'd mad Fellow Dareing who has my heart and soul — Loves Chrisante , has stolen her , and carryed her away to his Tents , she hates him , while I am dying for him .

Jen.

Dying Madam ! I never saw you melancholy .

Rant .

Pox on 't no , why should I sigh and whine , and make my self an Ass. and him conceited , no , instead of snevelling I'm resolv'd —

Jen.

What Madam ?

Rant .

Gad to beat the Rascal , and bring of Crisante .

Jen.

Beat him Madam ? What a woman beat a Lieutenant General .

Rant .

Hang 'em , they get a name in War , from command , not courage ; how know I but I may fight , Gad I have known a Fellow kickt from one end of the Town to t'other , believing himself a Coward , at last forc'd to fight , found he could , got a Reputation and bullyed all he met with , and got a name , and a great Commission .

Jen.

But if he should kill you Madam ?

Rant .

I 'le take care to make it as Comical a Duel as the best of 'em , as much in Love as I am , I do not intend to dy it's Martyr .

Enter Dareing and Fearless . Fear .

Have you seen Crysante since the fight ?

Dar.

Yes , but she is still the same , as nice and coy as Fortune , when she 's courted by the wretched , yet she denys me , so obligingly she keeps my Love still in its humble Calm .

Rant .

Can you direct me Sir , to one Dareings Tent :

[ Sullenly . Dar.

One Dareing — he has another Epithet to his name ?

Ran.

What 's that , Rascal , or Coward ?

Dar.

Hah , which of thy Stars young man has sent thee hither , to find that certain Fate they have decreed .

Ran.

I know not what my Stars have decreed , but I shall be glad if they have ordain'd me to Fight with Dareing , — by thy concern thou shou'dst be he ?

Dar.

I am , prithee who art thou ?

Ran.

Thy Rival , tho newly arriv'd from England , and came to Marry fair Chrisante , whom thou hast Ravish'd , for whom I hear another Lady Dies .

Dar.

Dies for me ?

Ran.

Therefore resign her fairly — or fight me fairly —

Dar.

Come on Sir — but hold — before I kill thee , prithee inform me who this Dying Lady is ?

Ran.

Sir I owe ye no Courtesie , and therefore will do you none by telling you — come Sir for Chrisante — draws .

[ They offer to Fight Fearless steps in . Fea.

Hold — what mad Frolicks this ? — Sir you Fight for one you never saw [ to Ranter ] and you for one that Loves you not . [ To Dare.

Dar.

Perhaps she 'l Love him as little .

Ran.

Gad put it to the Tryal , if you dare — if thou be'st Generous bring me to her , and whom she does neglect shall give the other Place .

Dar.

That 's fair put up thy Sword — I 'le bring thee to her Instantly .

[ Exeunt .

SCENE a Tent ; Enter Chrisante and Surelove . Chri.

I 'm not so much afflicted for my confinement as I am , that I cannot hear of Friendly .

Sure.

Art not persecuted with Dareing ?

Cri.

Not at all , tho he tells me daily of his Passion I rally him , and give him neither hope nor despair , — he 's here .

Enter Dareing Fear . Rant . and Jenny . Dare.

Madam , the Complaisance I show in bringing you my Rival , will let you see how glad I am to oblige you every way .

Ran.

I hope the danger I have expos'd my self too for the Honour of kissing your hand Madam , will render me something acceptable — here are my Credentials —

[ Gives her a Letter . Cri. ( Reads )

Dear Creature , I have taken this habit to free you from an impertinent Lover , and to secure the Damn'd Rogue Dareing to my self , receive me as sent by Collonel Surelove from England to Marry you — favour me — no more — your Ranter — Hah Ranter ? [ Aside ] — Sir you have too good a Character from my Cousin Collonel Surelove , not to receive my welcome .

[ Gives Surelove the Letter . Ran.

Stand by General —

[ Pushes away Dareling and looks big , and takes Chrisante by the hand and kisses it . Dare.

'Sdeath Sir there 's room — enough — at first sight so kind ? Oh Youth — Youth and Impudence , what Temptations are you — to Villanous Woman .

Chri.

I confess Sir we Women do not Love these rough Fighting Fellows , they 're always scaring us with one Broil or other .

Dar.

Much good may do you with your tame Coxcomb .

Ran.

Well Sir , then you yield the Prize ?

Dar.

Ay Gad , were she an Angel , that can prefer such a callow Fop as thou before a man — take her and domineer .

[ They all laugh .

— 'Sdeath am I grown Ridiculous .

Fear .

Why hast thou not found the Jest ? by Heaven 't is Ranter , 't is she that loves you , carry on the humour . ( aside . ) Faith Sir , if I were you , I would devote my self to Madam Ranter .

Chri.

Ay , she 's the fittest Wife for you , she 'll fit your Humour .

Dar. and Ranter

— Gad I 'd sooner marry a She Bear , unless for a Pennance for some horrid Sin , we should be eternally challenging one another to the Field , and ten to one she beats me there ; or if I should escape there , she would kill me with Drinking .

Ran.

Here 's a Rogue — does your Country abound with such Ladies ?

Dar.

The Lord forbid , half a dozen wou'd ruine the Land , debauch all the men , and scandalize all the women .

Fear .

No matter , she 's rich .

Dar.

Ay that will make her Insolent .

Fea.

Nay she 's generous too .

Dar.

Yes when she 's Drunk , and then she 'l lavish all .

Ran.

A Pox on him — how he vexes me .

Dar.

Then such a Tongue — she 'l rail and smoak till she choak again then six Gallons of Punch hardly recovers her , and never but then is she ' good Natur'd .

Ran.

I must lay him on —

Dar.

There 's not a Blockhead in the Country that has not —

Ran.

— What —

Dar.

— Been Drunk with her .

Ran.

I thought you had meant something else Sir.

[ In huff . Dar.

Nay — as for that — I suppose there 's no great difficulty .

Ran.

'Sdeath Sir you lye — and you 're a Son of a Whore.

[ Draws and Fences with him , and he runs back round the Stage . Dar.

Hold — hold Virago — dear Widow hold , and give me thy hand .

Ran.

Widow !

Dar.

'Sdeath I knew thee by instinct Widow tho I seem'd not to do so , in revenge for the trick you put on me in telling me a Lady dy'd for me .

Ran.

Why , such an one there is , perhaps she may dwindle forty or fifty years — or so — but will never be her own Woman again that 's certain .

Sure.

This we are all ready to testifie , we know her .

Chri.

Upon my Life t is true .

Dar.

Widow I have a shrewd suspicion , that you your self may be this dying Lady .

Ran.

Why so Coxcomb ?

Dar.

Because you took such pains to put your self into my hands .

Ran.

Gad if your heart were but half so true as your guess , we should conclude a Peace before Bacon and the Council will — besides this thing whines for Friendly and there 's no hopes .

[ To Crisante . Dar.

Give me thy hand Widow , I am thine — and so intirely , I will never — be drunk out of thy Company — Dunce is in my Tent — prithee let 's in and bind the bargain .

Ran.

Nay , faith , let 's see the Wars at an end first .

Dar.

Nay , prithee , take me in the humour , while thy Breeches are on — for I never lik'd thee half so well in Petticoats .

Ran.

Lead on General , you give me good incouragement to wear them .

[ Exeunt .

ACT V.

SCENE I. The Sevana in sight of the Camp ; the Moon rises . Enter Friendly , Hazard and Boozer , and a Party of Men. Fr.

WE we are now in the sight of the Tents .

Booz .

Is not this a rash attempt , Gentlemen , with so small Force to set upon Bacons whole Army ?

Haz.

Oh , they are drunk with Victory and Wine ; there will be naught but Revelling to Night .

Fr.

Would we cou'd learn in wha Quarter the Ladies are lodg'd , for we have no other business but to release them — but hark — who comes here ?

Booz .

Some Scouts , I fear , from the Enemy .

Enter Dullman , Tim. Whim. and Whiff , creeping as in the dark . Fr.

Let 's shelter our selves behind yonder Trees — lest we be surpriz'd .

Tim.

Wou'd I were well at home — Gad Zoors — if e're you catch me a Cadeeing again , I 'll be content to be set in the fore front of the Battel for Hawks Meat .

Whim.

Thou' rt affraid of every Bush.

Tim.

Ay , and good Reason too : Gad Zoors , there may be Rogues hid — prithee Major , do thou advance .

Dull .

No , no , go on — no matter of ceremony in these cases of running away .

[ They advance . Fr.

They approach directly to us , we cannot escape them — their numbers are not great — let us advance .

[ They come up to them . Tim.

Oh , I am annihilated .

Whiff.

Some of Frightall's Scouts ; we are lost men .

[ They push each other foremost . Fr.

Who goes there ?

Whim.

Oh , they 'll give us no Quarter ; 't was long of you Cornet , that we ran away from our Colours .

Tim.

Me — 't was the Majors Ambition here — to make himself a great Man with the Council again .

Dull .

Poxo ' this Ambition , it has been the ruin of many a Gallant Fellow .

Whiff.

If I get home again , the height of mine shall be to top Tobacco ; would l'd some Brandy .

Tim.

Gads Zoors , would we had , 't is the best Armour against fear — hum — I hear no body now — prithee advance a little .

Whim.

What , before a Horse Officer ?

Fr.

Stand on your Lives —

Tim.

Oh , 't is impossible — I am dead already .

Fr.

What are ve — speak — or I 'll shoot ?

Whim.

Friends to thee — who the Devil are we friends too ?

Tim.

E'ne who you please , Gad Zoors .

Fr.

Hah — Gad Zoors — who 's there , Timerous ?

Tim.

Hum — I know no such Scoundrel —

[ Gets behind . Dull .

Hah — that 's Friendly's Voice .

Fr.

Right — thine 's that of Dullman — who 's with you ?

Dull .

Only Timerous , Whimsey and Whiff , all Valiantly running away from the Arch Rebel that took us Prisoners .

Haz.

Can you inform us where the Ladies are lodg'd ?

Dull .

In the hither Quarter in Dareings Tents ; you 'll know them by Lanthorns on every corner — there was never better time to surprize them — for this day Dareing's Marry'd , and there 's nothing but Dancing and Drinking .

Haz.

Married ! To whom ?

Dull .

That I ne'r inquir'd .

Fr.

'T is to Crisante , Friend — and the reward of my attempt is lost . Oh , I am mad , I 'll fight away my life , and my dispair shall yet do greater wonders , than even my Love could animate me too . Let 's part our Men , and beset his Tents on both sides .

[ Friendly goes out with a Party . Haz.

Come , Gentlemen , let 's on —

Whiff.

On Sir — we on Sir ? —

Haz.

Ay , you on , Sir — to redeem the Ladies

Whiff.

Oh , Sir , I am going home for money to redeem my Nancy .

Whim.

So am I , Sir.

Tim.

I thank my Stars I am a Batchellor — Why , what a plague is a Wife ?

Haz.

Will you March forward ?

Dull .

We have atchiev'd Honour enough already , in having made our Campaign-here —

[ Looking big . Haz.

'Sdeath , but you shall go — put them in the front , and prick them on — if they offer to turn back run them through .

Tim.

Oh , horrid —

[ The Souldiers prick them on with their Swords . Whiff.

Oh , Nancy , thy Dream will yet come to pass .

Haz.

Will you advance , Sir ?

[ Pricks Whiff. Whiff.

Why , so we do , Sir ; the Devil 's in these fighting Fellows .

[ Ex. [ An Alarm at a distance . Within .

To Arms , to Arms , the Enemy's upon us .

A noise of fighting , after which enters Friendly with his Party , retreating and fighting , from Dareing and some Souldiers , Ranter fighting like a Fury by his side , he putting her back in vain ; they fight out . Re-enter Daring with Friendly all bloody . Several Souldiers enter with Flambeaux . Dar.

Now , Sir — what injury have I ever done you , that you should use this Treachery against me ?

Fr.

To take advantage any way in War , was never counted Treachery — and had I Murder'd thee , I had not paid thee half the Debt I owe thee .

Dar.

You bleed too much to hold too long a Parley — come to my Tent , I 'll take a charitable care of thee .

Fr.

I scorn thy Courtesie , who against all the Laws of Honour and of Justice , hast ravish'd innocent Ladies .

Dar.

Sir , your upbraiding of my Honour shall never make me forfeit it , or esteem you less — Is there a Lady here you have a Passion for ?

Fr.

Yes , on a Nobler score than thou darest own .

Dar.

To let you see how you 're mistaken , Sir , who e're that Lady be whom you affect , I will resign , and give you both your Freedoms .

Fr.

Why , for this Courtesie , which shows thee brave , in the next Fight I 'le save thy Life , to quit the obligation .

Dar.

I thank you , Sir — come to my Tent — and when we 've drest your Wounds , and yielded up the Ladies , I 'll give you my Passport for your safe conduct back , and tell your Friends i' th' Town we 'll Visit them i' th' Morning .

Fr.

They 'll meet you on your way , Sir —

Dar.

Come , my young Souldier , now thou 'st won my Soul.

An Alarm beats : Enter at another passage Boozer with all the Ladies ; they pass over the Stage , while Hazard , Downright , beating back a Party of Souldiers . Dull . Tim. Whim and Whiff , prickt on by their Party to fight , so that they lay about them like Madmen . Bacon , Fearless and Dareing come in , rescue their men , and fight out the other Party , some falling dead . Bacon , Fearless and Dareing return tired , with their Swords drawn . Ent●… Souldier running . Sould.

Return , Sir , where your Sword will be more useful — a Party of Indians , taking advantage of the Night , have set Fire on your Tents , and born away the Queen .

Bac.

Hah , the Queen ! By Heaven this Victory shall cost them dear ; come , let us fly to rescue her .

[ Goes out . [ Scene changes to Wellman's Tent. Enter Wellman , Brag , Grub and Officers . Well .

I cannot sleep my Impatience is so great , to ingage this haughty Enemy , before they have reposed their weary Limbs — Is not you Ruddy Light the Mornings Dawn .

Bragg .

'T is , and please your Honour .

Well .

Is there no News of Friendly yet , and Hazard ?

Bragg .

Not yet — 't is thought they left the Camp to Night , with some design against the Enemy .

Well .

What Men have they ?

Bragg .

Only Boozers Party , Sir.

Well .

I know they are brave , and mean to surprize me with some handsom Action .

Enter Friendly . Fr.

I ask a thousand Pardons , Sir , for quitting the Camp without your leave .

Well .

Your Conduct and your Courage cannot Err ; I see thou 'st been in action by thy Blood.

Fri.

Sir I 'm ashamed to own these slender wounds , since without more my luck was to be taken , while Hazard did alone effect the business ; the rescuing of the Ladies .

Well .

How got ye Liberty ?

Fri.

By Dareings generosity , who sends you word he 'l visit you this Morning .

Well .

We are prepared to meet him .

Enter Downright , Hazard , Ladies , Whim. Whiff , Dullman , Tim. looking big ; Well . Embraces Down . — Well .

My worthy Friend how am I joyed to see you ?

Dow.

We owe our Liberties to these brave Youths , who can do wonders when they Fight for Ladies .

Tim.

With our assistance Ladies .

Whim.

For my part I 'le not take it as I have done , Gad I find when I am Damnable Angry I can beat both Friend and Foe .

Whiff.

When I fight for my Nancy here — adsfish I 'm a Dragon .

Mrs. Whiff.

Lord you need not have been so hasty :

Frien.

Do not upbraid me with your Eyes Chrisante , but let these wounds assure you I endeavour'd to serve you , tho Hazard had the Honour on 't .

Well .

But Ladies we 'l not expose you in the Camp , — a Party of our Men shall see you safely conducted to Madam Sureloves ; 't is but a little Mile from our Camp.

Fri.

Let me have that Honour Sir.

Chri.

No , I conjure you let your wounds be drest , obey me if you Love me , and Hazard shall conduct us home .

Well .

He had the Toyl , 't is fit he have the recompence .

Whiff.

He the Toyl Sir , what did we stand for Cyphers ?

Whim.

The very appearance I made in the front of the Battle , aw'd the Enemy .

Tim.

Ay , Ay , Let the Enemy say how I maul'd 'em — but Gads zoors I scorn to brag .

Well .

Since you 've regain'd your Honour so Gloriously — I restore you to your Commands , you lost by your seeming Cowardise .

Dull .

Valour is not always in Humour Sir.

Well .

Come Gentlemen since they 're resolv'd to engage us , let 's set our Men in order to receive ' em .

[ Exit all but the four Justices . Tim.

Our Commissions again — you must be bragging , and see what comes on 't ; I was modest ye see and said nothing of my Prowess .

Whiff.

What a Devil , does the Collonel think we are made of Iron , continually to be beat on the Anvil ?

Whim.

Look Gentlemen here 's two Evils — if we go we are dead Men if we stay we are hang'd — and that will disorder my Cravat-string — therefore the least Evil is to go — and set a good Face on the matter as I do —

[ Goes out singing . SCENE a thick Wood , Enter Queen drest like an Indian Man , with a Bow in her hand and Quiver at her Back , Anaria her Confident disguis'd so too , and about a Duzen Indians led by Cavaro . Quee.

I tremble yet , dost think we 're safe Cavaro .

Cav .

Madam these Woods are intricate and vast ; and 't will be difficult to find us out — or if they do , this habit will secure you from the fear of being taken .

Quee.

Dost think if Bacon find us he will not know me ? Alas my fears and blushes will betray me .

Ana.

'T is certain Madam if we stay we Perish ; for all the Wood's surrounded by the Conqueror .

Quee.

Alas 't is better we shou'd Perish here , than stay to expect the violence of his Passion ; Towhich my heart 's too sensibly inclin'd .

Ana.

Why do you not obey it's dictates then , why do you fly the Conqueror ?

Quee.

Not fly — not fly the Murderer of my Lord ?

Ana.

VVhat world , what resolution can preserve you , and what he cannot gain by soft submission , force will at last o'recome .

Quee.

I wish there were in Nature one excuse either by force or Reason to compel me : — For oh Anaria — I adore this General , — take from my Soul a Truth — till now conceal'd — at twelve years Old — at the Pauwmungian Court I saw this Conqueror . I saw him young and Gay as new born Spring , Glorious and Charming as the Mid-days Sun , I watch't his looks , and listned when he spoke , and thought him more than Mortal .

Ana.

He has a graceful Form.

Quee.

At last a Fatal Match concluded was , between my Lord and me I gave my Hand , but oh how far my heart was from consenting , the angry Gods are witness .

Ana.

'T was pity .

Quee.

Twelve teadious Moons I past in silent languishment ; Honour endeavouring to destroy my Love , but all in vain , for still my pain return'd when ever I beheld my Conqueror , but now when I consider him as Murderer of my Lord — [ Feircely ] I sigh and wish — some other fatal hand had given him his Death — but now there 's a necessity I must be brave and overcome my Heart : VVhat if I do ? ah whether shall I fly , I have no Amazonian fire about me , all my Artillery is sighs and Tears , the Earth my Bed , and Heaven my Canopy .

[ Weeps : [ After a noise of Fighting .

Hah , we are surpris'd , oh whether shall I fly ? And yet methinks a certain trembling joy , spight of my Soul , spight of my boasted Honour , runs shivering round my heart ..

[ Enter an Indian . Ind.

Madam your out guards are surpriz'd by Bacon , who hews down all before him , and demands the Queen with such a voice and Eyes so Feirce and Angry , he kills us with his looks .

Cav .

Draw up your Poyson'd Arrows to the head , and aim them at his Heart , sure some will hit .

Quee.

Cruel Cavaro , — wou'd 't were fit for me to contradict thy Justice .

[ Aside . Bac. within .

The Queen ye slaves , give me the Queen and live !

He Enters furiously beating back some Indians , Cavaro's Party going to shoot , the Queen runs in . Quee.

Hold , hold , I do Command ye [ Bac. Flys on em as they shoot and miss him , and fights like a fury , and wounds the Queen in the disorder ; beats them all out . — hold thy commanding Hand , and do not kill me , who wou'd not hurt thee to regain my Kingdom —

[ He snatches her in his Arms she reels . Bac.

Hah — a Womans Voice , — what art thou ? Oh my fears !

Quee.

Thy hand has been too cruel to a Heart — whose Crime was only tender thoughts for thee .

Bac.

The Queen ! VVhat is 't my Sacreligious hand has done ?

Quee.

The noblest office of a Gallant Friend , thou 'st sav'd my Honour and hast given me Death .

Bac.

Is 't possible ! ye unregarding Gods is 't possible ?

Quee.

Now I may Love you without Infamy , and please my Dying Heart by gazing on you .

Bac.

Oh I am lost — for ever lost — I find my Brain turn with the wild confusion .

Quee.

I faint — oh lay me gently on the Earth .

[ Lays her down . Bac.

Who waits — [ Turns in rage to his Men. ] make of the Trophies of the War a Pile , and set it all on Fire , that I may leap into consuming . Flames — while all my Tents are burning round about me . [ VVildly Oh thou dear Prize for which alone I Toyl'd .

[ Weeps and lyes down by her . Enter Fearless with his Sword drawn . Fea.

Hah on the Earth — how do you Sir ?

Bac.

What wou'dst thou ?

Fea.

Wellman with all the Forces he can gather attacks us even in our very Camp , assist us Sir or all is lost .

Bac.

Why prithee let him make the World his Prize , I have no business with the Trifle now ; it now contains nothing that 's worth my case , since my fair Queen — is Dead , — and by my Hand .

Quee.

So charming and obliging is thy mone , that I cou'd wish for Life to recompence it ; but oh , Death falls — all cold — upon my Heart like Mildews on the Blossoms .

Fea.

By Heaven Sir , this Love will ruin all — rise , rise and save us yet .

Bac.

Leave me , what e're becomes of me — loose not thy share of Glory — prithee leave me .

Qu.

Alas , I fear , thy Fate is drawing on , and I shall shortly meet thee in the Clouds ; till then — farewel — even Death is pleasing to me , while thus — I find it in thy Arms —

[ Dies . Bac.

There ends my Race of Glory and of Life :

[ An Alarm at distance — continues a while . Bac.

Hah — Why should I idly whine away my life , since there are Nobler ways to meet with Death ? — Up , up , and face him then — Hark — there 's the Souldiers knell — and all the Joys of Life — with thee I bid farewel —

[ Goes out . The Indians bear off the Body of the Queen . The Alarm continues : Enter Downright , Wellman , and others , Swords drawn . Well .

They fight like men possest — I did not think to have found them so prepar'd .

Down .

They'ye good intelligence — but where 's the Rebel ?

Well .

Sure he 's not in the fight , oh that it were my happy chance to meet him , that while our men look on , we might dispatch the business of the War. — Come , let 's fall in again now we have taken breath .

They go out : Enter Dareing and Fearless hastily , with their Swords drawn , meet Whim , Whiff , with their Swords drawn , running away . Dar.

How now , whether away ?

[ In anger . Whim.

Hah , Dareing here — we are pursuing of the Enemy , Sir , stop us not in the pursuit of Glory .

[ Offer to go . Dar.

Stay — I have not seen you in my ranks to day .

Whiff.

Lord , does your Honour take us for Starters ?

Fear .

Yes , Sirrah , and believe you are now rubbing off — confess , or I 'll run you through .

Whiff.

Oh Mercy , Sir , Mercy , we 'll confese .

Whim.

VVhat will you confess — we were only going behind you Hedge to untruss a point ; that 's all .

Whiff.

Ay , your Honours will smell out the truth if you keep us here long .

Dar.

Here , carry themPrisoners to my Tent , [ Ex Sould with Wh. & Whiff.

Enter Ranter without a Hat ; ●…nd Sword drawn . [ Daring 〈◊〉 goes the other way . 〈◊〉 .

A Pox of all ill luck , how came ●…to ●…ese Dareing in the fight ? Ha — who 's here ? — Dullman and Timerous Dead — the Rogues are Counterfeits — I 'll see what Moveables they have about them , all 's Lawful Prize in VVar.

[ Takes their Money , Watches and Rings : goes out . Tim.

VVhat , Rob the Dead ? — VVhy , what will this Villanous World come to .

[ Clashing of Swords just as they were going to rise . Enter Hazard bringing in Ranter . Haz.

Thou cou'dst expect no other Fate Young man , thy hands are yet too tender for a Sword.

Ran.

Thou look'st like a good natur'd Fellow , use me civilly , and Dareing shall Ransom me .

Haz.

Doubt not a Generous Treatment .

[ Goes out . Dull .

So , the Coast is clear , I desire to remove my Quarters to some place of more safety — —

[ They rise and go off . Well .

'T was this way Bacon fled . [ Enter Wellman and Souldiers hastily . five hundred pound for him who finds the Rebel .

[ Go out . Scene changes to a Wood : Enter Bacon and Fearless , with their Swords drawn , all bloody . Bac.

'T is Just , ye Gods ! That when you took the Prize for which I fought , Fortune and you should all abandon me .

Fear .

Oh fly Sir to some place of safe retreat , for there 's no mercy to be hop't if taken . What will you do , I know we are pursu'd , by Heaven I will not dye a shameful Death .

Bac.

Oh they 'll have pitty on thy Youth and Bravery , but I 'm above their Pardon .

A noise is heard . Within .

This way — this way — hay — hallow .

Fear .

Alas Sir we 're undone — I 'll see which way they they take .

Exit : Bac.

So near ! Nay then to my last shift . Undoes the Pomel of his Sword. Come my good Poyson , like that of Hannibal , long I have born a noble Remedy for all the ills of Life . Takes Poyson . I have too long surviv'd my Queen and Glory , those two bright Stars that influenc'd my Life are set to all Eternity .

Lyes down . Enter Fearless , runs to Bacon and looks on his Sword. Fea.

— Hah — what have ye done ?

Bac.

Secur'd my self from being a publick Spectacle upon the common Theatre of Death .

Enter Dareing and Souldiers . Dar.

Victory , victory , they fly , they fly , where 's the Victorious General ?

Fea.

Here — taking his last Adieu .

Dare.

Dying ? Then wither all the Laurels on my Brows , for I shall never Triumph more in War , where is the wounds ?

Fea.

From his own hand by what he carried here , believing we had lost the Victory .

Bac.

And is the Enemy put to flight my Hero ?

[ Grasps his Neck . Dar.

All routed Horse and Foot , I plac'd an Ambush , and while they were pursuing you , my Men fell on behind and won the day .

Bac.

Thou almost makes me wish to Live again , If I cou'd live now Fair Semernia's Dead , — But oh — the baneful Drug is just and kind and hastens me away — now while you are Victors make a Peace — with the English Councel — and never let Ambition — Love — or Interest make you forget as I have done — your Duty — and Allegiance — farewel — a long farewel —

[ Dies Embracing their Necks . Dar.

So fell the Roman Cassius — by mistake —

Enter Souldiers with Dunce , Tim. and Dullman . Sould.

An 't please your Honour we took these Men running away .

Dar.

Let 'em loose — the VVars are at an end , see where the General lyes — that great Soul'd Man , no private Body e're contain'd a Nobler , and he that cou'd have conquer'd all America , finds only here his scanty length of Earth , — go bear the Body to his own Pavillion — [ Souldiers goes out with the Body ] Tho we are Conquerers we submit to treat , and yeild upon conditions , you Mr. Dunce shall bear our Articles to the Councel —

Dun.

VVith joy I will obey you .

Tim.

Good General let us be put in the agreement .

Dar.

You shall be oblig'd —

[ Ex. Dar. Dunc . Dull . and Tim. as Fear . goes out , a Souldier meets him Sould.

VVhat does your Honour intend to do with Whim and Whiff , who are Condemn'd by a Councel of VVar.

Enter Dareing , Dullman Tim. Fearless and Officers . Dare.

You come too late Gentlemen to be put into the Articles , nor am I satisfy'd you're worthy of it .

Dull .

VVhy did not you Sir see us ly Dead in the Field .

Dar.

Yes , but I see no wound about you .

Tim.

VVe were stun'd with being knock'd down , Gads zoors a Man may be kill'd with the But end of a Musquet , as soon as with the point of a Sword.

[ Enter Dunce . Dun.

The Council Sir wishes you Health and Happiness , and ●…sends you these Sign'd by their Hands —

[ Gives Papers . Dar. Reads .

That you shall have a general Pardon for your self and Friends , that you shall have all new Commissions , and Dareing to Command as General ; that you shall have free leave to Inter●… your Dead General , in James Town , and to ratifie this — we will meet you at Madam Sureloves House which stands between the Armies , attended by only by our Officers . The Councels noble and I 'le wait upon them .

Exit Dunce . SCENE a Grove near Madam Sureloves , Enter Surelove weeping , VVell . Crisante , Mrs. Flirt , Ranter as before , Down . Haz. Frien. Booz . Brag. Well .

How long Madam have you heard the news of Collonel Su●…ve's Death ?

Sure.

By a Vessel last Night arriv'd .

Well .

You shou'd not grieve when men so old pay their debt to Nature , you are too Fair not to have been reserved for some young Loves Arms.

Haz.

I dare not speak — but give me leave to hope .

Sure.

The way to oblige me to 't , is never more to speak to me of Love till I shall think it fit —

[ VVellman speaks to Downright . Well .

Come you shan't grant it — 't is a hopeful Youth .

Dow.

You are too much my Friend to be deny'd — Crisante do you Love Friendly ? nay do not blush — till you have done a fault , your Loving him is none — here take her young Man and with her all my Fortune — when I am Dead Sirrah — not a Groat before — unless to buy ye Baby Clouts .

Fri.

He merits not this Treasure Sir , can wish for more .

Enter Dareing , Fearless , Dunce and Officers , they meet VVell : and Down . who Embrace em . Dull . and Tim. stand . Dar.

Can you forgive us Sir our disobedience .

Well .

Your offering peace while yet you might command it , has made such kind impressions on us , that now you may command your Propositions ; your Pardons are all Seal'd and new Commissions .

Dar.

I 'm not Ambitious of that Honour Sir , but in obedience will accept your goodness , but Sir I hear I have a young Friend taken Prisoner by Captain Hazard whom I intreat you 'l render me ,

Haz.

Sir — here I resign him to you .

[ Gives him Ranter . Ran.

Faith General you left me but scurvily in Battel .

Dar.

That was to see how well you cou'd shift for your self , now I find you can bear the brunt of a Campaign you are a fit VVife for a Souldier .

All.

A VVoman — Ranter —

Haz.

Faith Madam I shou'd have given you kinder . Quarter if I had known my Happiness .

Flirt .

I have an humble Petition to you Sir.

Sure.

In which we all joyn .

Flir .

An 't please you Sir , Mr. Dunce has long made Love to me and on promise of Marriage has —

[ Simpers . Dow.

VVhat has he Mrs. Flirt .

Flir .

Only been a little familiar with my Person Sir —

Well .

Do you hear Parson — you must Marry Mrs. Flirt .

Dun.

How Sir , a Man of my Coat Sir , Marry a Brandy-munger .

Well .

Of your calling you mean a Farrier and no Parson — [ Aside to him ] she 'l leave her Trade — and spark it above all the Ladies at Church , no more — take her and make her honest .

Enter Whim and Whiff stript . Crys .

Bless me , what have we here ?

Whim.

Why , an 't like your Honours , we were taken by the Enemy . — hah Dareing here and Fearless ?

Fea.

How now — Gentlemen were not you two Condemn'd to be Shot for running from your Colours .

Dow.

From your Colours .

Fea.

Yes Sir , they were both listed in my Regiment .

Dow.

Then we must hang them for deserting us .

VVhim.

So out of the Frying Pan — you know where Brother —

Whiff.

Ay — he that 's Born to be Hang'd — you know the rest , a Pox of these Proverbs .

VVell .

I know ye well — you 're all rank Cowards , but once more we forgive ye , your Places in the Councel shall be supply'd by these Gentlemen of Sence and Honour . The Governour when he comes shall find the Country in better hands than he expects to find it .

VVhim.

A very fair discharge ,

VVhiff .

I 'm glad 't is no worse , I 'le home to my Nancy .

Dull .

Have we expos'd our Lives and Fortunes for this ?

Tim.

Gads zoors I never thriv'd since I was a States-man , left Planting , and fell to promising and Lying , I 'le to my old Trade again , bask under the shade of my own Tobacco , and Drink my Punch in Peace .

VVell . Come my brave Youths let all our Forces meet , To make this Country Happy , Rich , and great ; Let scanted Europe see that we enjoy Safer Repose , and larger Worlds than they .

FINIS .