8 £STC THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE Royal Merchant. [Price IS. 6d.] THE Royal Merchant: A N O PER A. FOUNDED ON Beaumont and Fletcher. . As it is performed at the THEATRE ROYAL, I N COVENT-GARDEN, LONDON: Pi iHted for W I L L I A M G r i f f i n, in Catharine- Street, in tl cijtrand. iv;.DCc.Lxviii, .-:- <j '•' vij ^ c < c e c e :B3Ha ADVERTISEMENT* BEAUMONT and Fletcher's Comedy of the Royal Mer- hanty has ever been efteemed one )f their moft natural and capital Produdlions ; yet, interefting as the Story is, and excellent as moft Parts dF the Writing are, it is remarkable, that it feldom or never attradled the Notice it feemed to deferve. This Confideration induced the prefent Editor to try vv'hether it - might not be rendered more gene- rally agreeable, by the Embellifli- ment of Mufic ; and he was the ra- ther tempted to make this Experi- ^ ment, from the romantic Turn of the Fable, and Singularity of the Charadlers in this Play, which ap- peared to him peculiarly calculated for an Opera. Thefe Reafons, he hopes, will obtain a Pardon for hav- ing (^ ADVERTISEMEN T. ino; made this Ufc of our old Au- thors ; a Freedom, which, with al- moft every other dramatic Produc- tion, he fhould think unwarrantable. Such few Lines as are printed in Italics, are omitted in the Reprefen^ tation* ERRATUM. J^aft Song of A C T I. — Scanza 3. Read it thus. If Peace from her Hand, Scatter Blifs thro' the Lai^d, Dr War, &c. C H A. CHARACTERS, Harrol, Vandunk, Wolfort, Hubert, Hempfkirke, Claufe, Prig, and frighted Boor, Higgen, Snap, Ferret, Ginks, Sailor, MerchantSj Boors, Gertrude, Jaculin, Mr. Mattocks. Mr. Shuter. Mr. Gardner, Mr. Mahoon. Mr. Davis. Mr. Benfley, , Mr. Yates. Mr. Dunftall. Mr. Bennet, Mr. Quick, Mr. Bates. Mr. Cufhing, Mr. Mozeen, Mr. Perry. Mr. Wignel. I Mr. R. Smith, Mr. Lewes. LMr. T. Smith. rMr. Barrington. J Mr. Stoppelaer. (.Mr. Morgan. Mrs. Mattocks, Mrs. Pinto. < ^■MBg^afauaf-WKBOTaB ,T H E ROYAL MERCHANT. A C T I. S C E ,N E I. SCENE, a Chamber. Enter Hubert and Guards. Guard. 'iT\T O T to difgrace, oi hold thee captivCj \\ji lord, Doth he defire thee back — Wolfort is noble, Thy life, thy honour's fafe. Hub. I pr'ythee, peace ! And let hitn m^ke the largeft ufe he dare Of his ill-gotten power. Loft Jaculin ! ^.Enter Wolfort. . IVolf. What, Hubert dealing from rhe ! flyafriendj *^ Unwearied in his ftudy to advance you ! What have I e'er TioiTefs'd that was not yours ? Yet, ^ter thcfe afiliranccs of love, Thefe ties and bonds of friendfhip, to forfakc me; Forfalce me like d foe ! Hubert, you muft Give me a reafon. Hub. WcKort, fo I will. If I may do't in private, and you'll hear it. A JVol, 2 The royal MERCHANT. IVol. All leave the room — [Exeunt guards. You have your will. Begin, And ufe the liberty of our firft friendfhip. Hub. PViendfhip ! when you prov'd traitor firft, that vanifll'd ; Nor do 1 owe you any thing but hate. AIR. Enrag'd I'll fhun each human face, O'erjoy'd I'll feek the defart race ; With favage bears, and wolves agree. Ere league with wretch, unjuft as thee. IVol. To me this is ftrange language. Hub. To you ! why, what are you ? IVol. Your prince and matter, the earl of Flanders. Hub. By a proper title ! Rais'd to't by cunning, circumvention, force. Blood, and profcriptions ; and maintained therein. By frequent murders pradtis'd on all fuch, As ferv'd or lov'd old Gerard ; which, at length, Compell'd the good man, with his daughter, Jaculln, (The chofen, the betroth'd of my affections) To leave the city. They^ by fecret ways, (As you give out, and we would gladly have it) Efcap'd your fury ; tho' 'tis too much fear'd . They fell among the reft : but your late cruelties So far tranfcend your former bloody adls, That, if compar'd, they only would appear Eflays of mifchief. IVol. O ! repeat 'em not. Hub. Who was the lord of houfe, or land, thatftood Within the profpe£t of your covetous eye ? JVol. You are in this to me a greater tyrant. Than e'er I was to any. Hub. Thus I end The gen'ral grief— now to my private wrongs. A I R. A COMIC OPERA. 3 AIR. The pride of everv fcnfe. My heart's fond joy and boaff', Ycur cruel deeds have frighted hence, And all my hopes are loft ; My reftlefs^footfteps long to ilray. Where iad {he takes her lonely way. Wol. Oh ! Hubert, thefe your words and reafons, have As well drawn tears of blood from my griev'd heart, As thefe drops from my eyes ; can you think Where any of the profcrib'd lords are hid ? Where Gerard is, or your loft love, or Florez ? Whom ill his infancy Hub. ' You ftole ; and fmce Have kept conceal'd, the better to maintain Your ufurpation of bis feat. , Wol. By Heaven, I ftole him not, nor know I where he is. Nor if he lives. Soon after my return From Brabant, whither I was fent to treat About a future match with our prince, Florez, And their young heirefs, Beriha, {wbofe feigtCd kfi fmce The crafty Brabander made hh pretence For the enfuing war^ thereby to lay An unjujt gripe on blander s earldom) he., Florez, our prince, was miffing, and remains Unheard of to this hour: if you can find him, I will refign the earldom. Hub. Po not abufe My aptnefs to believe. 'iVol. Sufpefl not you A faith, that's built upon fo true a forrow ; Make your own terms, afk for them all the ties fiumanitycan give: Hcmpfkirke too (hall Along with voii to this fo wifh'd difcovery, ^ ' A 2 And, 4 The ROYAL MERCHANT. And, in my name, confirm all that you promife. I have of late recciv'd intelligence. That fom!" of them are in, or about Bruges, To be found out — which I did then interpret The caulc of that town's ftandingout againft me ; But now am glad, i^ may direft your purpofe. Of gi'^'ing them their fafcty, me my peace. Hub. Be conftant to this goodnefs, peace is yours. PVoL DiRruft me not, till you have well built caufe. And may your fearch be profp'rous. Farewel, Hubert ! [Exii, Hub. Yes, Bruges, yes, within thy hoftile walls, Fearlefs I'll venture for fo good an end : Could 1 but find our much-wrong'd banifli'd nobles. Or trace the lonely haunt where my loft love. My Jaculin, laments her alter'd fortunes. What happinefs ! what glory ! A I R. God of love, and youthful play. Whither does my charmer ftray ? Oh ! direil: my devious feet. Where the wand'rer I may meet ! Spread thy wings, kind deity. Say her conftant fwain is nigh ; Whifper in her trembling ear. Soft relief and joy is near; Inherbofom, Oh! infpire Fond emotion, chafte defire; I'Jl thy trueft votVy prove. And pay thee with d life of love, \ExiU ' S C E N E II. Bruges. Enter three Merchants. ■ ly?. Mer. 'Tismuch that you deliver of this Harrol. id. Mer. But fhort of vvhat I could ; believe me, fir. He bears himfelf with fuch a confidence. As A COMie OPERA. 5 As if he were the mafter of the fea ;' And not a wind upon the failor's compafs, But, from one part or other, were his fader, To bring him in the beft commodities, Merchant e'er ventur'd for. 3^. Mer, This, and his merits. Make many venturers with him, in their wilhes For his profperity and fame. Yet more — Is there a virgin of good fame wants dow'r? He is a father to her — or a foldier, Who, in his country's fervicc, from the wars, Hath brought home only fears and want ? his houfe Receives him and relieves him. Never doubt. He is your man, and ours. I/?. Mer. I only wifii His too great forwardnefs t' embrace all bargains, kiink him not in theend. id. Mer. Have better hopes ; For my parr, I am confident — he's here. Enter Harrol and fourth Merchant. Har. At your own rates, I takeyour wineof Cyprus^ But for your candy fugars, they have met With fuch foul weather, and are priz'd fo high, I cannot fave in them. /\.ih. Mer. I am unwilling To feek another chapman : make me offer Of fomething near the price, that may afTure me You can deal for them. Har. I both can, and will. But not with too much lofs — your bill of lading Speaks of two hundred chefts, valu'd by you At thirty thoufand gilders — I will have them At twenty-eight ; fo in the payment of Three tnouiand fterling, you fall only in Two hundred pounds. j^h. Mer» You know they are fo cheap — Har. 6 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Har. ^Vhj', look you, I'll deal fairly j there is In prifoii, And at your fuit, a pirate, but unable To make you fatisfadlion, and paft hope To live a week, if you fhould profecute What you can prove againft him : fet him free. And you (hall have your money to a ftiver, And prefcnt payment. 4?/;. Aler. This is above wonder, A merchant of your rank, who have at fea "So many bottoms in the danger of Thefe water-thieves, fliould be a means to fave 'em. And ftay the courfe of juflice ! Ha?: You miftake me. If you think I would cherifb, in this captain, The wrong he did to you, or any man ; But I was lately with him (being afTur'd A braver fellow never put from fliore) And read his letters of mart from this (late granted. For the recovery of fuch lofles, as He had fuftain'd in Spain ; 'twas that he aim'd at, Not at three tons of wine, bifket, or beef. Which his neceflity made him take from you : If he had pillag'd you, or funk your fhip, Or thrown the men o'erboard, he then deferv'd The law's extremeft rigour : doing this, Set your own price; fave him, the goods are mine : If not, feck elfewhere ; I'll not deal for them. 4//;. Mer. Well, fir, for your love, I will once be led To change ray purpofe. Har. For your profit rather. [Exit ^.tb, id. Mer. What do you think of this ? [Merch, \fi< Mer. As of a deed of noble pity, guided By a ftrong judgment. id. Mer. ' Save you, mafter Harrol ! Harrol. Good day to all ! id. Mer. \Ve bring you the refufal Of more commodities, Hau A COMIC OPERA. ; tiar. Are you the owners O' th' Ihip, that laft night put into the harbour? I/?. Mer, Both of the fhip and lading. Har. What's the freight? I/?. Mer. Fine linens, cochineal, choice china ftufFs. Har. Rich lading. For which I were your chapman, but I am Already out of calh. I/?. Aler. I'll give you time For the moiety of all. Har. How long ? iji. Mer, Six months. Har. 'Tis a fair ofFer, which, if we agree About the prices, I with thanks accept. And will make prefent payment of the reft. Some two hours hence, I'll come aboard. iji. Mer. The gunner {hall fpeak you welcome. [Exeunt Merchants. Har. Heaven grant my fiiips a fafe return, before The day of this great payment ! as they are Expected three months fooner, and my credit- Stands good with all the world. Enter Clause. Claufe. Blefs my good mafl-er ! The prayers of your poor beadfman ever fhall Be fent up for you. Har. God a' mercy, Clatife ! There's fomething to put ihce in mind hereafter To think of me. Claufe, May he, that gave it you. Reward you for it with increafe, good matter \ Thefe feven years I have fed upon your bounties, And by the fire of your bleft charity warm'd me j • And yet, good mafter, pardon me, that muft. The' I have now receiv'd your alms, prefume To make one fuit more to you. Har. What is't Clau fa ? % ' Claufe, Ci The royal MERCHANT. Claufe. 'Tis not for money. Nor cloaths, good mafter ; but your good word for mc. Har. That thou fhalchavc, Claufe, for I think thee honeft. Claufe. Some half hour hence then, mafter, take the trouble Of walking unto Beggar's Bu(b ; and there. As you will fee me among others, brethren In my affiitSlion, when you are demanded Which you like beft among us, point out me ; And then pafs on, and notice me no farther. Har. But what will that advantage thee? Claufe. Oh ! much fir, 'Twill give me a pre-eminence of the reft. Make me a king among 'em ; and protect me From all abufe, fuch as are ftronger, might Offer my age. Har. Troth, thou mak'ft mc wonder : Have you a king and commonwealth among ye ? Claufe. We have — and there are ftites are govern'd worfe. Har. Ambition among beggars ! Claufe.' M.Tny great ones Would part with half their fortunes for the place. And credit, to beg in the firft file, mafter. But (hall I be fo far bound for your furtherance In my petition ? Har. That thou (halt not mifs of. Nor any worldly care make me forget it. 1 will be quickly there. Claufe, Heaven blefs my mafter ! [ExiL^ Har. This old man's prayers are daily bleffings td me; Would but the elements obey his breath, My wifhes were compleat. A I R. A COMIC O P E R A, A I R. Hope ! to me thine aid extend, Sweet companion, welcome friend ! Whether thro' the dungeon's gloom. Darting kind thy piercing ray ; Or, glitt'ring proudly on the warrior's plume. Thou point'ft to glorious viiSlcry the way j Or, all within the lonely grove, Cheer'll: the wild complaint of love ; Bright fun of life, before thee fly 'J he clouds of doubt and mifery, And pleafure dawns when thou art nigh. Xo me, to me, thine aid extend, {>wect companion, welcome friend ! [Exit, SCENE III. The Wcod and Bujh. Bnter Clause, Prig, Higgen, Ferret, Snap, Gjnks, Jaculin, and other Beggars, Hig. Come, princes of the ragged regiment. You of the blood. Prig, my moft upright lord. And thefe, what name or title e'er they bear. Behave with order, and due loyalty, (^n this important day, when Beggar's Bufii, Our ancient kingly feat, muft be fupply'd. Prig. Ere we begin our cuflomary forms, Let a centinel be fet out. ' Sri(ip. The word. Prig. A cove comes, and fumbumbis. [Exit Snap. Per. Well, pray, my mafters all. Ferret be chofen j You're like to have a kind mild prince of me. Prig. A very tyrant, I, an errant tyrant, Jf e'er Iconic to reign ; therefore look to't. B AIR. ic The royal MERCHANT.. A I R. Except you provide me with capons enough, Green geefe, tender ducklings, and fuch kind of Except on my table fat chickens appear, With pheafant and partridge the beil of the year 5 Clofe I'll watch when night does fall. Wherever ye lig, Ye'll be found by prince Prig, And in your own ftraw will i Imotheryeall, Except of good bocze too, full jugs ye afford, And fruits of each feafon, in plenty ye hoard. Your eyes, and falfe tongues, legs and bellies I'U feize. Take all your trim doxies, and kifs which I pleafe* Clofe I'll watch, &c. Enter Snap. Snop. A cove comes — fumbumbis f Enter Hubert ^w^Hemskirke, Prig. To your poftures — arm. Hub. Yonder's the town, I fee it. Hig. Blefs your good worlhips ! Fer. One fmall piece of money ! Prig, Among us all poor wretches \ Claufe, Blind and lame ! Pri^. Deaf and dumb ! Hub. There's among ye all. Fer. ifc. Heaven reward you ! Hub. Do I fee right, or does my fancy cheat me ? Sure 'tis her face — come hither, pretty maid. 'Jac. What, have you Bells for my fquirrel ? 1 ha' given Bun meat — You do not love me, do you ? Catch me that butterfly^ And I'i! love you. Oh, can you keep a fecret ? You look as if you could, I'll tell you— hufh.-— A COAIIC OPERA. ti AIR. The live-long day forlorn I go, A'ly heart is compafs'd round with woe. With woe — ah ! well-a-day ! The caufe you hear in ev'ry figh, "Vou fee it wrote within mine eye, 'Tis love — ah ! well-a-day ! Hub. For whom, dear maid ? — her every feature !— ^ tell me. yac. No, 'tis no matter J I can fmile it ofF* AIR. Behold the fweetlv wanton fpring ? In evry bujh I fpy it peering. Hark ! the feather'd warblers fins ! IFith carrols luild my fpirit cheering / The lark fwells high his raptur'd throat} The linnet pours his melting note ; None, none fo weak, but may impart Soft pleafure to a fimple heart. {Retires, Huh. Her voice tOD fays the'fame 5 but, for my life, I would not that her manners were fo chan2;'d : Hear me, thou honeft fellow, what's this maiden. Who lives among ye here ? Prig, ho — ao — ao. Hub. How I nothing but figns ? Prig. Ao — ac — ao. Hub. This is flrange ; I would fain have it her, but not her thus. Hig. He's de-de-deaf, and du du-dumb, fir. Hub. 'Slife, they all fpoke plain enough, methought e'en now. Doft know this maid ? B 2 Hig, :t2 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Hig. She was born at the ba-ba-barn yonder. By Be-Be-Beggar's Bu-Bu-Bufti ; her name is Ma- Ma- Madge j fo was her mo-mother's too. Hub. 1 underftand no word he lays — how Ion* Has fhe been here ? Hig. Lo-long enough to have got a huhu-hufbancfy And ihe had go-go-good lu-lu-kick. [Beggars retire. Hub. I mult be better inform'd, than by thefe means: Here was another face too, that I marlc'd, That of the old man ; but they are vanifh'd all Moft fuddenly — I will come here again, [J/uie, Prote£l us our difguife now ! Pr'ythee, Hemplkirke, If we be taken, how doft thou imagine This town will deal with us, which hath folong Stood out 'gainft Wolfort ? Hem. E'en to hang us forth Upon their walls, a' funning, to make crowds meat. If I were not affur'd o' th' buigo-mafter. And had a fair excufe to fee a niece there, I (hould fcarce venture. Hub. Come, 'tis nov/ too late To lock back at the ports j good luck, and enfer. [Exeunt. Beggars advance. Prig. A peery dog, I'll warrant him. Fer. What could his queftions mean ? Claufe. I know not — yet 'twas time to fly — he grew Too clofe in his inquiries. Prig. And difturb'd Our noble ceremonies-^^fiiall we renew 'cm ? Hig. Unqueflionably, brother. — Snap — Snap. I'm gone. [Exit Snap, Hig, A11 now ftand fair, and put yourlclves iniank. That the firft Tingle comer, at fiift view, May make his choice, who fiiali inherit this. Our vacant throne. Prig, 'Tis done. Lord Higgen. Hig. Thanks ! and here a judge comes; — cry a judge. -/^ll, A judge, a judge ! 3 M, A C O IM I C O P E R A. 13 Enter HarRol. Har. What ail ye, firs, what means this outcry ? Hig. Mafter, A ib.'t of poor fouls met, Heaven's fools, good fir; Have had fonie little variance 'mong ourlelves Which may be honefteft of us, and who lives Uprighteft in his calling : — nov/, as we thought We ne'er fliould 'gree on't 'mong ourlelves, (for truly, 'Tis hard to fay) we all refolv'd to put it To hin7, that (hou'd come next, and that's yourmafter- (hip. Which does your worfliip think is he ? Good fir. Look o'er us all, and tell us. Har. I fhould judge this the man, with the grave beard — Claufe. Blefs you, good mafter, blefs you ! Har. If he be not, I would he were ! There's fomething too among ye. To keep ye honeft. [Exit, Jll. Now good rev/ard you ! Hig. What is it ? fee j Snap has got it. S7jap. A good crown, marry. Prig. A crown of gold — Per. For our new king, good luck ! Ginks. To the common treafury with it j if it be gold. Thither it muft. Hig. Spoke like a patriot, Ginks. King Claufe, I bid Heaven fave thee firft, king Claufe. When lalt in conference at the bouzing ken. The other day, we fate about our dead king. Of famous memory, (reft go with his rags !) And that I faw thee at the table's end Rife fwol'n with rage, and, leaning on one crutch. Lift t'other, like a fceptre, at my head, 1 then prefag'd thou fbortly would'ft be king. And now thou art fo j but what need pref^ge ' To 14- The ROYAL ME/JCHANT. To us, who might have read it in thy beard. As well as he that chofe thee ? by that beard Thou wert lound out, and mark'd for fov'reignty, . A I R. O happy beard of happier king ! In whofe behalf our Ihouts ihall ring -Around the throne of Beggar's Bufh. That bean), O ! may it itill be fair. As full of wifdom, as of hair, That all who dwell beneath its fhade. May every year more blefs'd be made. And praife the king of Beggar's Bufh I That comely beard, O I may it grow. While meads look green, or rivers How^ The pride and grace of Beggar's Bufh ! Thus bound by lo\e to good king Claufe, We'll guard his flate, obey his laws j Nor once repine, or care a foufe. For rich array, or fl-ately houfe, While happy here at Beggar's Biifii. Prig, And if the beard be fuch, what is the prince That owns the beard ? the father ? no : the grandfather ? Nay, the great-grandfather of you his people. He will not take away your hens, or bacon, When you've ventur'd hard for't ', nor force from you The fattefl of your puddings. Hig. A fong to crown him. Prig, th' accuf^om'd fong* His majefly is featcd. A I R A COMIC OPERA. 15 AIR and CHORUS. Prig, At the crowning our king. We all revel and Ting, For with pleafureour duty we pay ; We give him three cheers, Till we rattle his ears, 'Tis huzza ! and huzza ! and huzza ! His fceptre's a crutch. Which with rev'rence we touch. And we fwear to be true to his throne ; In recompenfe, he Takes an oath to be free. And our liberties guards as his own. If peace with her fmile. Scatters blifs thro' the ifle. Or war fills the nation with riot ; Our kingdom is fafe. Still we drink and we laugh. And lye down with our doxies in quiet* If houfes are 'feft. Land with taxes oppreft. Unto us no fuch troubles belong; With a bufh we're content, And we pay our quit-rent, trike the birds of the air, with a fong. ^ At the crowning, &c. [Exeuni* p N D of the F I R s T Act. SCENE j6 The ROYAL MERCHANT. ACT IL SCENE I. Vandunk'5 Houfc. Vandunk, Hubert, Hempskirke, and Mar- garet. Va7u Captain, you're welcome: fo is this your friend, Moft fafely welcome j tho' our town ftand out Againlt your mafter, you fliall find good quarter ; Truth is, we love him not. Margaret, fonie wine, [^Exit Margaret, Let's talk a little treafon, if we can Talk treaibn 'gainft the traitors — by your leaves, Wc, herein Bruges, think he does ufurp. And therefore I'm bold with him. Hub. Sir, yourboldnefs Haply becomes your mouth, but not our ears. While we're his fervants ; and, as we came here. Not to afkqueftions, as fpies upon your ftrength. So let's intreat we may receive from you Nothing, in paflage, or difcourfe, but what We may with giadnefs, and our honefcies, hear. And that ftiall fca] our welcome. f^an. Good — let's drink then. You fee I keepmy old pearl ftill, captain. Hemp. Old jewels cummend their keeper, fir. Van. Here's to you with a heart, my captain's friendj With a good heart; and, if this make us fpeak Bold words anon, 'tis all under the rofe, Forgotten— drown all memory when we drink, A I K. A COMIC OPERA. 17 AIR. If a word, or a joke, Too freely be fpoke. While the bofom is open and gay. Let it ne'er give offence. To the ear, or the fenfe. Take a bumper, and wafh it away. Let no jealous fneer. Mean fcruple, or tear. The bold face of pleafure difmay; Why, why {hould we bear A moment of care, When a bumper can wafh it away ? Huh. 'Tis freely fpoken, noble burgomafter, I'll do you right. Hemp. Navj fir. Mynheer Vandunk Is a true ftatefman. Van, Fill my captain's cup there j O ! that your mafter Had been an honeft man ! Hub. Sir ! Van. Under the rofe. Himp. And how does my niece ? Almoftawoman, I guefs. This friend of mins I drew along with me, thro' fo much hazard. Only to fee her — fhe wai my errand here. Van. Ay, a kind uncle you are, (fill him his glafs) That in fo many years could not find leifure — Hemp. So many, fir ! what mean you ? Van. Seventeen. Hemp* No, not fo much. Van, I'll bate you ne'er an ace on't j *Twas ere 'the Brabandcr began his war For moonfhine in the water, there, his daughter, Who ne'er was loft— yet you could not find time To fee a kinfwoman \ but fh^ is worth feeing, nr, C Now -i8 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Now you are come. Yoa afk if (he's a woman- She is a woman, fir — Fetch her forth, Margaret — [Exit. Margaret, And a fine woman, and has fuitors — Hemp. How ! What fuitors are they ? Van, Batchelors, young burghers ; And one, a gallant ; the young prince of merchants We call him here in Bruges. Hemp. How ! a merchant ! I thought, Vandunk, you'd underflood me better. And my niece too, (o truftcd to you by me, - Than to admit of fuch in name of fuitors. Van. Such! he is fuch a fuch, as, were fhe mine, I'd give him thirty thoufand crowns with her. Hemp. But the fame things, fir, fit not you and me, [Exit. Van. Why give's fome wine then j that will fit us alL AIR. What can our wifeft heads provide For the child we doat on nearly. But a merry foul, and an honeft heart, In a lad who loves her dearly ? Who with kiffes and chat, and all, all that. Will footh her late and early ? If the truth (he'll tell, when (he knows him well^ She'll fwear (he loves him dearly. With the vyretch eftrang'd to focial jays Old time may loiter queerly. Unable woman's worth to prize. He ne'er can love her dearly ; But, what is't makes the flight he takes By us felt moft feverely. And life too (hort for play and fport?— The girl we doat on dearly. Here's A COMIC OPERA. 15 Here's to you again, my capl lin's worthy friend, And ftill, would Wolfort were an honeft man ! Under the rofe I fpeak it — this I'm fure of, Your mafter is a traitor, and ufurps The earldom from a better man. Hul?. Ay, marry, Where is that man ? f^an. Nay, foft, an I could tell you, 'Tisten to one, I would not — here's my hand — I love not Wplfort ; fit you ftill with that. — Here comes my captain again, and his fine niece ; And there's my merchant — view him well ; that's he. Enter Hempsi^irke, Gertrude, a?2(I Harrol, Hemp. You mufl not only know me for your uncle Nov^, but obey me; you go caii yourfelf Away upon a dunghill here I a merchant ! A petty fellow ! cne, who makes his trade With oaths and perj jries ! Har. What's that you fay, fir i If it be me you fpeak of, as your eye Seems to direct, I wifti youvyould fpeak to me. Hemp ciir, I do fay, ihe is no merchandize ; Her rates, be fure, arc more than you arc worth. Har. You do not know, fir, vvh^t a gentlema^'g worth, Nor can you value him, Hemp. A gentleman ! What, of the woolpack, or the fugar-chefl^. Or lifts of velvet r vyhich is't, pound, or yard. You vend your gentry by ? Hub. Oh I Hempfkirke, fye! Har. Alas, ho.w piuch I pity So poor an argument ! Do not you, the lord Of land, if you' be one, fell the grafs, The corn, the ftrayv, th?milk, the cheefe ["'an. And butter ; ■ ■ Remember butter, do not leave out butter. C 2 H^mp. 20 The royal MERCHANT, Hemp. You now grow faucy. Hdr. Sir, I have been ever Bred with my honeft freedom, and muft ufe it. Hem. Do you hear ? — no more. Har. This little, fir, I pray you* Y' appear the uncle, fir, to her, I love More than my eyes ; and I have heard your fcorns With fo much indignation, and conteinpt. As each ftrivcs which is greater; but, believe me, I fucked not in this patience with my milk. A good man bears a contumely worfe. Than he wou'd bear an injury — Proceed not To my offence. I wou'd approach your niece With all refpe^l due toherfelf and you. Hem. Away, companion ! handling her I Take that, Har. Nay, I do love no blows, fir — there's the exchange. [fig^^t.} Ger. Oh ! help my Harrol ! Van. No, my life for him ! [Harrol difarms Hemp. Har. Not hand her ! yes fir, And claip her, and embrace her ; and, wou'd (he Go with me now, bear her thro' all her race, Tho' they flood a wall of cannon j — rkifs me, my Gertrude ; Nay do not tremble. Fan, Kifs him, girl, I bid you ; My Merchant Royal ! fear no uncles — hang 'em— » Hang up all uncles- - ara we not in Bruges ? Under the rofe here ? Har. Thus encircled, love. Thou art as fafe, as in a tower of br^s. Let fuch as do wrong, fear it. Van. Ay, that's good—-^ Let Wolfort look to that ! Har. Sir, here flie ftands. Your niece, and my belov'd; one of thefe titles She muft apply to ; if unto the laft, Not all the anger, can be fent unto her }n frown, or voice, or other adt, fhall force her. A C O M I C O P E R A. ji Tho' Hercules had a hand in't. Come, my joy. Say that thoj lov'ft me. ra}u Do, and I'll drink to it. Har. Pr'ythce, fpeak, Say thou art mine love, and defy falfe fliame. Ger. Do not you play the tyrant fweet ! why xiecd you ? AIR. The blufh, that glows upon my cheeks. The confcious eye, that truly fpeaks. The figh, that vainly wou'd conceal What grateful impulfe bids me feel. Do they not all confj^ire to tell What faithful Hanoi knows too well ? The tongue, by thoufand various ways. May wind thro' art's del ufive maze. The lover's honeftjoys deceive. When fwelling hopes his bcfom heave; But bluihes, fighs, and looks impart The genuine meaning of the heart. Hem. I thank you, niece. Har. Sir, thank her for your life. And fetch your fword within. [^Exeunt Har. and Ger.j Hub. A brave clear fpirit ! Hempfkirke, you were to blame 3 what meant you, pr'ythee, To fcorn him To ? Hemp. 'Tis done ; now, afk no farther. \^Exa. Hub. WelJ, 1 muft to the woods, for nothing here Shall I trace out ; there I may chance to learn Somewhat to fatisfy my keen enquiries, fiow now, brave burgomafter ? how is't with thee ? ^an. I love no Wolforts, and my name's Vandunke. flub. Vandrunkcj 'tis rather— come, go flcep within. Van. 22 The royal MERCHANT. Van. Earl Florcz is right heir, and yon foul Wol- fort — Under the rofe I fpeak it — Hub. Very hardly. Van. Ufurps, and is a rank traitor, as e'er brcath'd. Shall he rule honeft fellows, fuch as we* ? DUET. Van. No pain, or difaftcr, fhall make me fay mafter To Wolfort — Hub. Peace, peace man ! Van. It goes againft the grain ; And, fooner than do't — fiub. Till fober be mute — Van. I'll never more utter a fyllable plain. But while I can fpeak, or another glafs take, I'll drink to the downfall of his ufurpation. And pledge the dear man, that feconds my plan. Till we've not left a drop of good wine in the nation, ^ub^ Pry*thee tumble to bed, let fleep cool thy head. There quench, for to night, the remem- brance of forrow ; My hand on't, my boy, that I wake thee to joy. To an ocean of tranfport, and liquor, to- morrow. Van* No, I'll hot go to bed, nor in fleep lay my head ; In liquor, and mirth, will I bury my forrow 5, To night, filly boy, will I truft for my joy, For none but a blockhead depends on to- morrow* \^ExeW7tjm S C E N g A COMIC OPERA. ij SCENE IL An Alehoufe. Several Boors dijcovered, iji. Boor. Come, Englifh beer, hoftefs ! Englifll beer By the barrel ! hoftefs. Enter Prig and Higgen difgulfed. Prig, Will you fee any feats of adtivity ? fomc Slight of hand ? legerdemain ? hey ! pafs ! Prefto, begone there ! 2.d. Boor. Sit down, juggler. Pn]g-. Look you, my honeft friends, you fee my Hands — plain dealing is no devil — lend Me feme money — twelve pence a piece will ferve. Jll. There, there. Prig, I thank ye, thank ye heartily : when (hall I pay you ? Boors. Ha, ha, ha ! by the mafs, this was a fine trick. Hig. This was a rare trick. i/A Boor. But 'twould be a far rarer to reftorc our Money. Prig. That's eafily done. I thow a trick worth Two of that. 2d. Boor, Ay ! let us fee it. Prig. You fliall. You fee this cup ; 'tis full ; now what "Will you fay, if I bring this liquor Under my hat ? I/?, Boor, That would be a trick, Prig, 44 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Prig. I'll do't. [Drinks the beer ^ then puts his hat on I/?. Boor. But where's the beer ? [his head. Prig. Under my hat, J/l Boors. By this light, fo it is, ha, ha, ha ! £nter Clause and a Boy, with Brandy. Boy. Buy any brandy ? any brandy ? i/i. Boor. Come, fill, fill, fill — let^s fee — what's this ? Boy. A penny. 1/?. Boor. Fill, fill till it be fixpence. Prig. Well done, my mafters, drink away. Will you have a fbng ? I/?. Boor. Ay, good juggler. A I R. Prig. All neighbours, I pray, to my ditty attend. On words and fair looks who are apt to depend ; To yourfelves you muft truft fortune's favour to keep. For the promife of friends is a game at bo-peep6 When dangling whole days for a fight of his gracC) To challenge a debt, or folicit a place ; Kvery morning you're told the reward you fhall reap. While his honour (Lord love him I) is playing bo-peep, V The maiden of fifty, at church you may fpy. How flie fcrews up her mufcles, and cafls down her eye j Tho' her thoughts on devotion feem ever fo deep, 'Tween the flicks 0f her fan Ihc is playing bo-peep. I The A COMIC OPERA. 25 The rake prone to promife, to fwear, and to lie ; The prude, who at he-things is ready to die ; The coquette, who no humour a moment will keep, Tho' diiF'ring in manner, all play at bo-peep. Then blame not my arts, nor accufe meof wronjr, Tho' inftead of your money i give you a long j For at leaft from my rhymes this iiiftrudtion you reap. That the buhnefsof life is a game at bo-peep. Jll Boors, Ha, ha, ha I huzza ! Enter Hempskirke. . Hemp. Good even, my honeft fellows ! You're merrv here, I fee. What haft thou, brai Jy ? Boy. Ye?, fir. Hejnp. Fill out then, and give thefe hcncfl fellows. Boors. VVe thanlc you. Hemp. iViay I fpeak a word in private to ye ? I have a bufincfs for yc, honeft friends, If ye dare lend your help, fliall get ye crowns. 17?. Boor. What is't, fir? If it be any thing to purchafe money. Command us. Hemp. You know the yojng fpruce merchant here in Bruges. id. Who ? mafter Harrol ? Claufe. Ha! lead me a little nearer, boy. [Jfide. Hemp. Ay, he owes me money. And in the town there is no ftirring him. Claufe. How's this ? [Jftde. Hemp. Even at this hour, upon a fure appointment. He meets me, weft o' th' town, by the cbace-fide, Under the row of oaks — you know it ? D Boors. 26 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Eoors. Yes, fir. Hemp. There, if ye dare but venture. When I fliall give the word, to feize upon him. Here's twenfy pounds. Bcyts. We'll do it, fir, depend on't. Hemp. If he refift, down with him, have no mercv» Claiije. Say ye fo ? [Jfide, Hemp. To acquit you, I have a warrant here about me. ■^d. Boor. Here's our warrant — this carries fire i' th' tail. Hemp. Away with me then, for the time draws on. [Exit with boors, Claufe. I'm blcfs'd to have heard this f But lihall mar your plotting — follow, boy. [Exeunt. SCENE HI. The Chaci. Enter Harrol. Har. This is the place his challenge call'd me to. Nor let it at this time be deem'd unhappy — For let me fall before my foe i' th' fi^.ld, 'Not at the bar before my creditors. Tb.ofe hungry wretches foon will have their. wifli ; No wind b ows fair yet — no return of monies. To-morrow, with the fun-fet, fets my credit. A'ly virtuous love is loft too — al! i have been. No more hereafter to be fcen than fiiadowi And yet be firm, my heart. A I R. A COAIIC OP£RA. ^7 A I R. Tho' round my treafur'd hopes engage. In madd'ning tumult, ica, and wind. Yet coward doubt, or dark prefage. In vain afTauIt my conftant mind. Oh ! ad me, Virtue, to purfue Thy guidance, and preferve my breaft; To thee, to love, to glory true, I'll dauntlefs leave to fate the reft. Enter Hempskirke. E-I'as kept his word. Now, fir, your fword's tongue only. Loud as you dare — all other language — Hemp. Well, fir. You (hall not long be troubled, duw. Har. 'Tis done, and now — Hemp. Now ! '^Enter boors^ and feme Harrol ; then enter beggars^ who releafe him^ and take captive the boorsy and Hemp' Jkirke.] Har. What thefe men are, I know not ; nor for what caufe They thus fhould thruft themfelves into my danger. Can I imagine ; but, kind Heaven, I thank thee j I hope thou haft referv'd me for an end Fit for thy creature, worthy of thy honour. Enter Clause. Claufe, Bleflings upon you, mafler ! Har. Thank you, leave me; For, bv my troth, I've nothing now to give thee. Claufe. Indeed, I don't afK, fir ; only it grieves me To fee you look fo fad — now goodnefs keep you From troubles in your mind ! why look you fo ? D 2 Her. 28 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Har. Faith, thou mufl: lole thy maflcr. Claufe. I'd rather lofe my life, fir : would I knew— - Har. What would the knowledge profit thee ? io, miferable Thou canrt not help thyfclf ? Claiijc. You t'o not know, fir. What I can do; cures far our cares fometimes Flow whence we Icaft e>:pe<5t 'em. Har, I know thy good will ; But, farewell, Clauie, and pray for thy poor mafler. Claufe. I cannot leave you. Har. flow ! Claufe. I dare not leave you, fir; I muft not leavq ^ou ; And, till you beat me dead, I will not leave you. Bv all you hold moft precious, good fir, tell me The caule of this your grief ; my mind fuggefts. That fomcihing's in my power may cafe you of it. Har. In thy power, honeft Claufe I Yet I will tell thee : A hundred thoufand crowns, upon my credit, T'a'cn up of merchants to fupply my trafHcks ; The winds and weather envying my fortune. And no return to help me off appearing—^ What will betide me, think'fl: thou I A I R. How wilt thou fupport the fight, When to-morrow. Sunk in forrow, Robb'd of all his profpe£ls bright, Tho ! thy mafterJlialt behold, In aprifon dark and cold ? flaife. I cannot blame your grief, fir* Har. Now, what fay 'ft thou ? Claufe, A C O M I C O P E R A. 29 Claufe. I fay you fliould not fhrink j for he who gave you C^n give you more ; his power can bring you oft: When friends and all forfake you, ftill he fees you. Har. There's a!l my hope. Claufe. Hope ftill, fir — are you ty'4 Within the compafs of a day, good malter, Xo pay this mafs of money i* Har. Even to-morrow. Claufe. Will no lefs ferve'? Har, What if it would ? Claufe. Your patience ? I do not afk to mock you ; 'tis a great fum j A fim for mighty men to (fart and paufe at. But not for honelt — have you no friends left, None, who have felt your bounty, worth this duty? Hiv\ Duty ! they know it not. Claujc. It is a duty. And as a duty from thofemen you've fucccur'd, bhould be return'd again. I have gain'd by you A daily alms, thefe (even years ihower'd upon me. Will half fupply your want ? Har. Oh ! that I had it ! yet why doft thou fool me ? Canft thou work miracles ? Claufe. To fave my mafter, I can work this. Pull up your fpirit, fir. Your good, your honeft, and your noble fpirit; For if the fortunes of ten thoufand people Can fave you, reft afiured : you have forgot The good you did me in the power you gave me ; Now fhall you know the king of beggar's treafure; And let the winds blow as they lift-, the feas roar. Within an hour, here fhall you find your harbour. The joy of giving, my thrice gracious mafl:er. In ail its niced fenfe you've oft explor'd : But fay, what think you, is his joy, whofe power And will unite to raife his benefactor, Should rude miifortune fink him 1 Har. The fupremc Qi earthly happinefs. Claufe. 30 The ROYAL MEi^CHANT. Claufe. Enough. Ere night defcend, that happinefs fliall be mine ; So pafs in peace, my beft, my worthieft mafter. {^Ex'it Claufe, Har. Honcft creature ! Such virtuous tranfport is the goodly charter. The native and peculiar heritage Of human race, born, fafhion'd to receive, And to repay by feelings fo refin'd ; 'Tis more, far more, than language can exprefs. Yet all creation fpeaks it. AIR. Go traverfe the field and the grove. Examine the grain and the flower, How nourifh'd and cheer'd by the dew ! How beautiful after a fhower ! To the power who gave them to fhine, Ah ! tell me, what feem they to fay ? We flourifh in duty to you, That you may approve u§ are gay. We teem with incrcafe and delight. To honour the fource of our birth ^ For this are we rich in the gJ^lc, For this are we proud on the earth. Of their treafure, fo free, fo diffufe. Sweet emblems ! how well they impart The fullnefs of pleafure and pride. When gratitude fprings in the heart ! [Exit^ SCENE A COMIC OPERA. 31 SCENE IV. T]}e Wood and Bujh. Enter Hubert, in a Huntsman's Drefs, Hub. Thus have I flol'n away diguis'd from Hempfkirke, To found thefe people, for my heart yet tells me Some of thefe beggars are the men I look for. Thus fure they cannot know me or fufpecSl me ; This is the wood they live in, where, till Fortune Crown me with that I feek, I'll dwell among them.— They come — I'll couch awhile, and mark my time. l^Retires.l Enter Beggars and Boors. Prig. Come bring 'em out — That ye are rogues I take it is confefs'd. Boors. We are rogues, fir. Prig. And why did ye this upon the proper perfon Of our good mafter ? Were ye drunk, when ve Did it ? Boors. Yes indeed were we. Prig. Ye {hall be beaten fober. Hig. Has not the gentleman (pray mark this point Brother Prig) that noble gentleman reliev'd ye Often, found ye means to live by, employing Some at fea, fome here, fomc there, according To your callings ? Boors. 'Tis mofl true, fir. Hig. And as ye arc true rafcals, tell me but This — Have ye not been drunk often at His charge ? Bosrs. 32 The ROYAL xMER CHANT. Boon. Often, often. H'g' There's the point : then, they have caft them'-" fclvcs Brother Prig. Prig. A fiuewd point, brother ! Can ye do thefe things, ye mofl abominable ralcals, ye turnip-eating knaves ? Boors. We are truly forry. Prig. Knock at your bard hearts, rogues, and pre- fently give us a fign you feel compunction. Nov> hear your fcntence. A I R. In revenge of this deed This award is decreed. That each villain fliall punifh his brothers With a fmack and a thwack Upon fides, head, and back. Fall aboard, fall aboard one another. [_Bccrs beat off" each other. "^ During it., enter Claufe. Claufe. So, To, I fee the punifiiment you've laid Upon your prifoner- rogues — 'twas v/ell conduced. "What of the gentleman, the rafcal gentleman, Who fet 'em on ? . Prig. We have him clofe confin'd, fir ; and in this Paper, which we found upon him, you may, iSo pleafe you, found the bottom of their knavery, Claufe. But foft — who have we here ? Enter Hubert. Huh. Good even, my honeft friends ! Claufe. Good even, good fellow ! Hub. May a poor huntfman, with a merry hearty Get leave to live among ye? true as Heel, boys, I That A COi\4IC OPERA. 33 That knows all chaces, and can watch all hours; And with my quartcr-ftafF, if the devil fay, ftaiid. Deal fuch an aims, fliall make him roar again. Rouze you the lefty ftag, and, with mybell'-norn, Rin^ him a knell, that all the woods ftiall mourn him* A I R. I rouze the game with hound and horn. With chearful cries I wake the morn. That rifing with her rofy face, Enjoys the glory of the chace. See! the fwiftftag flies o'er the ground, And hills, and dales, and woods refound ; While health and joy lead on the train. Provoke the chace, and fcour the plain. And join the jovial huntfman's cries. Till the ftout prey, o'ertaken, dies. Claufe, A goodly fellow ; if we take thee to usj Into our clan, dar'ftthou be true to us? Prig. Ay, and obedient too ? Hub. As you had bred me. Claufe. Anfwer me this* Asearneflof thy faith and refo'ution. Wilt thou undertake to keep a rafcal prifoner ? Onewhobafely ccntriv'd to undermine A noble life, dear to the ftate and us ? Huh. I can, and will, fir. Prig. What learn you of him, fir? Claufe. This paper fays his name is HempfkirkCj A follower of earl Wolfort's — Hub. Hempfkirke — a villain ! \^Aftde. Claufe. Sent a fpy- knave, to find out certain gentle- men ; Whom, (hould he find, if failing by perfuafion To bring 'em back, by poifon todifpatch 'em. E Huh. 3+ The ROYAL MERCHANT. Hub. Indeed ! ... f^^^' Claufe. One Hubert too is join'd in the defign ; But for an honeft end, fo it appears, Whom, when he has done his fervice, Hempflcirkehere Is charg'd to kill, for he is fet down dangerous. Would I might fee that Hubert ! {Afide, Hub* Treacherous rafcal ! \Afide^ Sir, Jet me have him, venture, fir, to truftme; For I have kept wild dogs, and beafls for wonder. And made 'em tame too — give into my cuftody This crafty villain, I fhall hamper him— O ! he fmells rank o' th' rafcal ! Clnufe, You fhall have him. But if he Ycape Huh, Hang me, fir, in his ftead ! Claufe. 'Tis well ; we take you to our favour : firftj According to your antient forms, enlift him Into your brotherhood — and then proceed we Unanimous to bufinefs. AIR. TRIO. Prig. Yet ere you're admitted to live as we, Anfwer us bold twice queflions three. Huh. Expound to me fpeedily what they are. Then hear me my anfwer with truth declare. Prig. Firft, can you fteal well ? Hub. Featly, featly \ Hig. Ven'fon, and drefs it ? Hub. Neatly, neatly ! Prig. Eat it when done fo ? Hub. Sweetly, fweetly ! H'lg- 1 The anfwer is honeft, bold and fair. Prig, j So bow to the king, for his fubjedl you are. Hig, A COMIC OPERA. 35 Hig. Next, can you drink well ? Bub. Gugoly, guggly ! Prig. Treat a fair wench well ? Hub. Smugly, fmugly \ Hig. Kifs her on llraw too ? Hub. Snugly, fnugly ! Prig. 1 The anfwer Is honefl-, bold, and fair, Hig. I So bow to the king, for his fubjedl you are. AllBeg. Your anfwers are honeft, bold, and fair. So frolick with us, for our brolher you are. {^Exeunt. SCENE V. Changes to the Town, Enter Harrol and four Merchants. Har. Why, firs, 'tis but a week morel intreat, But fevenftiortdays — I am not running from ye, Nor, if ye give me patience, is it poiTible AH my adventures {Mi ; you have fliips abroad Endure the beating both of wind and weather. I'm fure 'twould vex your hearts to be protefled. Y'are all fair merchants — 1/?. Mer. Yes, and muft have fair play. There is no living here elfe— one hour's failing. Fails us of all our friends. Har. No mercy in you ! 2(V. Mer. 'Tis fooliih to depend on other's mercy — You have liv'd here in lord-like prodigality. And now you find what 'tis : the libera! Ipending The fummer of your youth, which you fhould glean in. Hath brought this bitter ftormy winter on you, l(^i now you cry, Alas ! E 2 3^?. Mer, 36 The ROYAL MERCHANT, 3(/. Mer. Before your poverty, We were no men, of no efteem, no credit ; You flood alone ; took up all trade ; all bufinefs — • Lord, h )W the world's chang'd with you I now 1 hope We (hall have fea-room. Har. Is my mifery Become my fcorn too ? have ye no humanity ? No part of men left ? and are all my bounties To you and to the town, turn'd to reproaches? j^th. Mcr. Well, get your monies ready — you've but few hours; We Ihall proteft you elfe, and fuddenly. Har. But two days I J/?. Mer, Not an hour — you know the hazard. [Exeunt Mer chant s» Har, Why then if I mufl fall — yet can it be ? Will even the elements confpire againll me. To the deftrudion of my promis'd fortunes, My cv'ry hope at once I AIR. Oh ! could 'ft thou know, inconftant wind,] What I to thee confide. That wealth, and love, and life combined, AH on thy pinions ride ; Thou furely would'fl aufpicious prove, Aufpicious to my truth and love. Ye feas, I truft your wide-flretch'd arms, And ranfack India's mine. For her alone, whofe polifh'd charms Can give thofegems to fhine : Gently then, ah ! gently move. And v/aft me wealth, and life, and love» Eni A COMIC OPERA. 37 ^nter Clause. Claufe. Good fortune, mafter ! Har. Thou miftak'ft me, Claufe- i am not worth thy blefling. Claufe. Still a fad man ' No belief, gentle mafter ' bring it in then. And now believe your beadfman. Enter tivo Porters ivith hazs. ii' Mar, Is this certain ? Or dolt thou work upon my troubled fenfe ? Clau. 'Tis gold, fir — gold, good rnafter. Take it, and try it, Uar. Can there be yet this blefTing ? Clau. Ceafe your wonder. There's your full fum, an hundred thoufand crowns j So, good fweet mafter, rovv be merry ; pay 'em. Pay the poor pelting knaves, that know not goodnefs. And cheer your heart up. Har. Tell me tho', good Claufe, How cam'ft thou by this mighty fum ? if naughtily, I muii noi take it of thee — 'twill undo me. Clau. Fear not — you have it by as honeft means As tho' your father gave it. Sir, you know not To what a mafs the little we get daily Mounts in (even }ears — We beg it for Heaven's charity. And to the fame good we are bound to render it. Har. What great fecurity ? Clau. Away with that fir \ Were you not more than all the men in Bruges ? And all the money, in my thoughts—— Har. n- <y n: 234 38 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Har. But, goodClaufe, I may die prefently. Clau. Then this dies with you. Pay when you lift, good mafter, I'll no parchment j Only this charity I fhall intreat, Leave me this ring. Har. Alas, it is too poor, Claufe, Clau. This, and one fimple boon is all I afk — That when I fhall return the ring, you then Will grant whate'er I afii. Har. Thus I confirm it. And may my faith forfake me when I break it ! Clau. Away, your time draws on ^ take up the money, ^nd follow this young gentleman. Har. Oh Claufe ! Clau. Heaven blefs, and long preferve you, my good mafter ! [^Exeunt, SCENE VL Changes to the IVood, Enter Jaculin. J-ac. I think I cannot err, what borrow'd drefs Can hide my Hubert from me i* How I wifh Yet fear to be refolv'd — He went this way — - Shall I adventure ? Oh this dread fufpenfe, How does it load my heart ! While to the woods, The ftreams, and fenfelefs air I figh my forrows. And vainly feek relief. AIR. The fofteft breeze, the water's gentleft flow. Re-murmur figh for iigh, and echo woe for woe. [Jaculin retires. Ent^r A COMIC OPERA. 3^ Enter Hubert. Hub. I have lock'd up Hcmplkirke clofe enough from gadding In an old oak, and fet watch over him. Aly fchemes are almoft ripe ; dearly fhall he. And treacherous Wolfort, rue their double falftiood. If fmiling fortune favours my defign. Now for ray love — this wench is furely fhe ; U thro' her means I can but make difcovery— — * Jaculin advances. She follows me — Come hither, pretty maid:. yac. No, no, you'll kifs. Hub. So I wilL . Jac. 'Deed ! la \ How will you kifs me, pray you ? Hub. Thus — foft as my love's lips. Jac. Oh ! Hub. What's your father's name ? Jac. He's gone to Heaven. Hnb. Is it not Gerrard, fweet ? "Jac. I'll ftay no longer; My mother's an old woman, and my brother Was drown'd at fea with catching cockles. Hub. Stay ! ac. How my heart melts within me at his voice ! Shou'd I difclofemyfelf? wer't beft? O love ! [Jfide. Hub. 'Tis furely (he. Pray let me touch your hand, fweet. Jac. No, no, you'll bite it. Hub. Sure I (hould know that ring, [y^fide. yac. I had forgot my ring. Oh Hubert! Hubert! [Jfide. Hub. Methought fhe named me. [^Jide. Do you know me, chick ? Jac. 46 The ROYAL MERCHANT. "Jac. No fure, I never faw you Oh ! what a joy he brings mc ! \_^fidi, I muft be ni rried to-morrow to a capper. Huh. Muft you, my fweet ? and does the capped love you ? '^ac. Yes, yes, he'Jl give me pye, and look in my eyes thus, *Tis he, 'tis my dear love — Oh happy fortune ! \_Afidei Hub. How fain (he would conceal herfelf, yet cannot. I'll try to humour her in this her wildncfs. \Jftde* To make my hopes more perfe61', will you love me. And leave that man ? I'll wait you thro' the vale. And make you dainty nofegays. "Jac, And where will you put 'em ? Hub. Here in thy bofom, fweet, and make a crown Of lilliea for thy head. Jac. And will you love me ? 'Deed ! la I Hub. With all my heart. Jac. Call me to-morrow then. We'll have brave cheer, and go to church together, A I R. The Words frorn Shakefpear's Poems, ^ac. Come live with me, and be my love. And we will all the pleafures prove That hill, and valley, dale and fieldj And all the craggy mountains yield. Hub. A belt of ftraw, and ivy buds. With coral clafps, and amber ftuds. And ev'ry flower that fcents the grove Shall yield its fweets to deck my love. jfac. At noontide blaze our feat fhall be Over fome river in a tree, Where filver fands and pebbles fing Eternal ditties to the fpring. iTub. A COMIC OPERA. 41 ^ub. In bowers of laurel trimlydight Will we outwear thefilent night. While Flora bufy is to fpread Her richeft treafure o'er our bed. yac. If thefe delights thy mind can move. Then live with me, and be my love. Hub, Yes, thefe delights my mind will move I'll live with thee and be thy love, y^jc. Give you good even, fir. Hub. One word more, faireft ; Did you e'er know a maid call'd Jaculin ? Jac. Oh, I'm difcover'd ! _ [Afide. Hub. 'Tis file — now I'm certain [Afide. They are all here — Turn, turn thee, lovely maid, Thy Hubert fpeaks to thee. Jac. Alas, I fear Why thus difguis'd ? Hub. For juftice and for love j Thou muiT: afTift the means ■ As we pafs on, I'll tell thee all my purpofe. Jac. And may I trufl: thee ? Hub. As thine own foul. Jac. Still true I Hub. And will remain fo, Heaven fcorn me elfe } AIR and DUET. Jac. Long in forrow's fhade I fat, Drooping like the chill-nipt flower. Let not then the worm deceit, This my new-blown hope devour. Hub. Fear no more the wintry blaft. Bleak afflidiion's ftorm is paft ; Joy his cheering warmth difplays, Hafte, and greet the welcome rays. 42 The ROYAJ- MERCHANT, 'Jac. Once again in thee appears The promife of my brighter years. Huh. As I true and conftant prove, So"may I be rich in love ! DUET. <■ Jac. True and conftant ever prove So fhall I be rich in love. Hub. As I true and conftant prove. So may I be rich in love ! End of the Second Act. A COMIC OPERA. 43 ACT IIL SCENE I. The TOWN. Enter Harrol and Vandunlc, fallowed by four Merchants, i/i. Mer. "^ T AY, if 'twou'd do you courtefy— Van. \^ Oh, courteous gentlemen ! Har. What was't you faid ? ifl. Mer. If it would do you courtefy— Har. None at al), fir ; Take it, 'tis your's, there's your ten thoufand for you. Give in my bills. Van. You're paid I hope. Har. Your fixtcen id. Mer. Nay be pleas'd, fir, to make a farther ufe— Har. No. Van. No. id. Mer. What I have, fir, you may command. Pray let me be your fervant. Van. Yourfycophant !— — — Put on vour hats. id. Mer. I have a freight of pepper Van. Rot your pepper ! Har. Away — I care not for your courtefies. They're moft untimely done, and no truth in 'cm ; Shall J truft you again ? There's vour feven thouiand. i^th. Mer. Or if you want fine fugars, 'tis but fending Har. No, I can fend to Barbary — thofe people. Who never yet knew faith, have nobler heaits. [Cannons go off". Why arc thofe pieces ? F 2 Ente 44 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Enter a Sailor. Sail. Health to the noble merchant f The Sufan is returned. Fan. Huzza ! Har. Well, failor ? Sail. Well, and rich, fir, And now put in. Har. Heaven thou haft he&rd my prayers ! Sail. The brave Rebekah, too, bound from the Streights, With the next wind, is ready to put after. Fan. Mark that. Har. What news o'th' fly boat ? Sail. If this wind hold till midnight. She will be here and wealthy — (he's fcap'd fairly. Fan. And that, ye knaves. Har. How 'fcap'd fhe failor ? Sail. Thus, fir. — She had a fight. Seven hours together, with fix Turkifh gallies, And (he fought bravely, but at length was boarded And overlaid with ftrength ; when prefently Comes boring up the wind, captain Vannoke, That valiant gentleman you redeemed from prifun. He knew the boat, fet in, and fought it bravely. Beat all the gallies off, funk three, redeem'd her, And, as a duty to you, fent her home. Har. An honeft, noble c.iptain, and a grateful. Van. And this is he you wou'd have hang'd. But that it did not fuit your intereft. [To the ^th mer chant o Har. There's for thy good news, honelt failor ! Van. And there— go drink the captain's health- Drink till thou drown thyfelf. Sail. 1 thank your bounty, And I'll do't to a doit, fir. [^Exit Sailor. I/?. Merch. What miracles arepour'd upon this man ! [Van, A COMIC OPERA. 4$ Van. Why ay— this year, I hope, he will 'fcape- prifon. For all your cares to catch him. id. Mer. You may pleafe, fir. To think of your poor fervants in difpleafure, Whofe all, ca(h, merchandize, are at your fervice. Van. Lord ! how your notes are chang'd ! Anfwer me, knaves. Have yc not often profited by this man, revell'd at hia expence ? \ft. Mer. Sir, we confefs Van. Do, that ye are all fad wretches. A I R. Now coaxing, carefling. Now vexing, diftrefiing. As Fortune delights to exalt or confound, Her fmile or her frown, Sets you up, knocks you down. Turning, turning, turning as her wheel goes round. We fee by this fample. On thofe you would trample. Whom fortune, hard fortune, has thrown to the ground. To thofe rais'd on high. We fawn, flatter, and lie. Turning, turning, turning, as her wheel goes round. [Exeunt MercJxints, Now, fir, go home with me. For yonder's one has wept, and wail'd too long, Har. How does {he, fir ? Van. She will be better foon, I hope. fjar. Soon! When ? Van. Why when you have her in your arms, my boy ; This night fhe is your wile. o Har. 46 The ROYAL MERCHANt. Her. With all my foul, I take hen Vati' Thou haft been wrong'd, and no more Ihall my fcrvice Wait on the knave, her uncle ; I have heard A'l his baits for my boy, but thou fhalt have her. Haft thou difpatch'd thy bufinefs ? Bar. Mofh Van. By the mafs. Thou tumbleft now in wealth, and I joy in it. Thou'rt the beft boy that ever Bruges nurs'd : Thou haft been fad ; I'll cheer thee up with fack, And when thou'rt lufty, fling thee to thy miftrefs, I have prepared — our friends will all be with us — Within, my houfe ihall imoak to fee our revels i My gardens flia;], with artificial luflre. Rival the blaze of day — and true-love garlands Shall clufter every tree throughout the groves. A I R. The wnnton rogue Cupid invites thee, my boy; He calls thee to fliare in his frolick and joy j A fly pack of archers are join'd in his play, And they dance to the notes of his roundelay. Of his merry, merry, &c. Hark ! hark ! how glad echoes the carrels repeat, How anfwerstheturi' to the bound of their feet ! Their eyes how they twinkle fo roguifhly gay. And their dimples keep time to his roundelay. To his merry, merry, &c. O'er each mount) thro' each path, ev'ry nook of the 2 rove, How they caper and fcamper, condudied by love ! Thy hand, my dear boy, and I'll {hew thee the way. For the muHckof life is love's roundelay. Love's merry, merry, &c. \_Exsunt, A COMIC OPERA. 47 SCENE 11. Tlje JVaod. Enter Clause, meeting Hubert. Huh. Old fir, you are well encountered thus alone. Gerrard ! nay, do not ftart nor fear me ; I know you, and he knows you that bed loves you. Hubert Ipraks to you, and you mull be Gerrard, The time invites you to it. Claufe. Challeng'd thus, I throw afide referve, and truft your honour. I'm glad to fee you, fir, and I am Gerrard ; How fland our hopes ? Hub. ' Fair, if you now purfue 'em— Hempfkirke I have let go— Clauje, Releas'd him ! Hub. Ay, fir, GuU'd him and fent him home as a decoy. To draw lord VVolfort hither, with his guards. To feize (fo he'll expe6l) all the old lords. Who ftood between him and a fafe poflefiion Of Flanders' earldom — an hour hence he meets me. Weft of the plain, by the broad oak ; what ufe I make of thefe proceedings for our ends. This paper fhews — a counterpart whereof I've lodg'd in Vandunk's hands, our fworn ally. Your comrades come — I'll fall into my duty. And wait your anfwer — the fecret is not yet Ripe for their knowledge. [^Retires* Enter 48 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Enter Prig, Higgen, Ginks, Snap, <7wi Ferret. Claufe. Now, what's the news in town ? Giriks. No news but joy, fir. Every man wooing of the noble merchant, Who fends his hearty commendations to you. Fer. Yes, this is news, this night he's to be married. Prig* By the mafs, that's true, he marries Vandunle's daughter. The dainty black-ey'd Dell. Claufe. Married to Vandunk's daughter ! Ginks. 'Tis very true, fir. Hig. Oh the pies ! the piping hot mince pies ! Prig. The fine fat poultry ! Hig. For one leg of a goofe now, would I venture A limb, boys ! 1 love a fat goofe as I love Allegiance ; but, hark ye, brother Prig, fhall we Do nothing in the 'forefaid wedding ? there's money To be got, and meat too, I take it. What think you of a morris ? Claufe. To Vandunk's daughter ! no, he muft not marry. Prig. A morris ! — No, by no means, that goes no farther than the ftreet, There leaves us ; now we muft think of fomething That may draw us into the bowels of it, into the Buttery, the kitchen, and the cellar — fomething Which that old jolly burgomafter loves — what Think you of a wafiail ? Hig. I think worthily. Then will I make a fpeech, and a brave one. In praife of merchants. Prig. And I'll fo roar Catches of glee, and wedding fongs, the notes Shall make the glafles totter 'gainfl each other, And gingle into chorus. Claufe, I do rejoice in it — 'tis paffing well. [To Hub. Hifb. ACOMICOPERA. 4^ Hub. An hour hence — Claufe. I'll be ready. Hub. Thefe our comrades I have efpecia! need of. Claufe. They are yours. I fhali give order—hear me, all ; keep in. Till this your huntfman call ye forth, then do His bidding faithfuliv — t-i'! he appear. No mail ftir hence, I charge ye* Prig. Not to the wedding, fir ? Claufe. . Not any where. Hig. The wedumg muil befeen, fir; we want meat. We're horribly out of meat. Claufe. Not a word more — obey. [ Exeunt Clauje and Hub» Prig. Nay, an there be a wedding, and we Ihut out — A I R. O! farewel the feafon'd duck, The u^ell-ftuft'd lev'ret's fmell, Hig' The pheafant high with bacon ftuck. Plump partridge, Oh ! farewel. Prig. Oh ! farewel the proud firloin. Where floods of gravy dwell ; Hig. The turkey fair, the fav'ry chine, I bid ye ali farewell I SCENE 50 Thi royal merchant. SCENE III. The Sreet, Enter two young MERCHANTS. J/?. Mer. Well met, fir ! you are for this noble wed- ding, 7.d. Mer. I am, fir i fo are you, I take it. I/?. Mer, Yes 5 And much it glads me, that to do him fervice. Who is the pride and honour of our trade. We meet thus happily. 2i. A'ler. He's a noble fellow ! And well deferves a bride of fo much beauty. I/?. Mer. She's pafling fair indeed j long may their loves Continue like themfelves in fpring of fweetnefs ! All ihe young merchants will be here, no doubt. For he who comes not to attend this wedding. The curfe of a moft blind one fall upon him, A loud wife and a lazy ! Here comes Claufe. Enter Clause. id. Mer. How now Claufe ! you are come to fee your mailer In all his joy — 'tis honeftly done of you— And here he comes. Enter Harrol. Har. Stand at the door, my friends ] I pray walk in — there's a young lady, who Will bid ye welcome. I/?. Mer, A COMIC OPERA. 51 \Ji. Mer. We enjoy your happinefs. [Ex. Merchants, hiar, Chufe, nc^bly welcome ! ., My hontil, my beft trienJ ! 1 have been careful To Tee thy monies duly plac'd in Claufe, Sir, N()d:<iibr you have ; that brought me not — D'you know i /..s ring again ? Har. 'Tis that thou had'ft of me. Claufe. And do you recolle<£l Lhe boon you promised. On t'-^e return of this ? ar. Yes, and I grant it, Be\ what it may, within my power. CLufe. You are not married yet ? Har. No. Claufe. Faith, I (hall afk you that which will difturb you. But I muft put you to your promife. Har. Do— And if I faint, or flinch in't Claufe. Well faid, matter ; And yet it grieves me too — and yet it muft be — Har. Pr'ythee, diltruft me not. Claufe. You muft not marry— That's part o' th' power you gave me; — to compleat it. You muft depart forthwith, and follow me. Har. Not marry, Claufe ! Claufe. Not, if you keep your promife. Har. Pr'ythee, think better — doft thou fear her ho- nefty ? ^^ Claufe. Chafte, chafte as ice, I doubt not. fUm,. Ghnfe. That allow'd. Give me thy reafon. Claufe. I may not now difcover. Har. Muft not marry ! Shall 1 break now, when the poor heart is pawn'd ? When all my preparation — Claufe. Now or never, //i7r. Can'fl be fo cruel ? G a Clauft, 52 The ROYAL N^ERCHANT. CJaufe. You may break your word, fir. But never more in my thought appear honeft. Jiar. Didft thou e'er fee her ? Claufc. No, fir. ijfar. Oh ! Claufe, (he's fuch a wonder — < AIR. Her air is all elegant grace. All delicate fweetnefs her mien. In each feature, each turn of her face. What millions of beauties are feen I Hereyebeams the liiftre of truth, Her fmile is the witch'rv of love : And her words — Oh ! as kindly andfooth. As zephyrs enriching the grove. Claufe^ You make me fad, fir. Huh. Pr'ythee, then, good Claufe, Take a friend's heart, and feel what mifery Awaits me, if 1 lofe her. Claufe. My dear m after. Take you a noble heart, and keep yourpromlfe: I forfook all I had, to make you happy. She comes ; now bear the trial like yourfclf, A good and conftant man ; in the dark walk Of aged elms, that opens to the plain, 1 wait you with impatience — you muft follow. \^Exh. Har. Hard heart, I will I for haft thou not re- deem'd me From deepeft woe ? and fhall I dare deny ? Yet my dear Gertrude- - Enter A COMIC OPERA. 53 Enter Gertrude. Ger. Harrol ! — in affliaion ! Lord of my heart and hopes, look up ! Explain Wh-.t erivio'js cloud has darken'd o'er (he hour. Thou hadft fetdowrn the brighteft of thy life ? Nay, anfwer me in words— -Thofe filent fighs Import a grief moft mighty. Har. ' We muft part, Gertude, we muft-— thi? hour--- Gc}\ What voice enjoins. What power commands us ? Have not our chafte love? Been fuch as angeis might approve ? Say then What earthly bidding--- Har, But we meet again — I trufl; \vefiiaIl---for furely honeft Claufe Ger. Claufe ! Is he the ruler of Harrol's dcftiny ? Har, Some wond'rous fecret Is lab'ring in his hreaft ; with earneft look. Yet mt king while it aw'd, even now he bade me In thed:irk row of elms attend his councils. By oath, by t'uty, gratitude and honour Solemnly bound, what can thy Harrol do? Ger. For ever muft we part I Har. ' That power, whofmiles On conftant Jove, will yet, I hope, prelerve us, Preferye us for each other ! My beft life. My foul, adieu ! While Harrol lives, his heart Is 'ihine alone — once more !— -And muft I leave Such worth and fweetnefs ? Tyrant, tyrant honour ! A I R. 5i The ROYAL MERCHANT. A I R. Thus, the wifh'd-for port in view. Thunders burft— and tempefts rife ; Tofs'd by billows-— torn by winds, Far away the veiTel flies ! Vain the wretched Teaman's prayer ? All is darknefs, all defpair ! Ger. Then am I loft ! It is no trivial wo?. That (hakes his fteady mind— What can it be ? Wrought from me by a beggar ! at a lime That moft (hou'd fetter him ! But why attempt Vainly to reafon ! No — to the walk of elms I'll trace his fteps — darknefs and night are things For vicious minds to dread. Be't mine to ftiew How much a virtuous paffion can infpire, A I R. If thy too cruel bow be bent Stern Fate, to wound my Harrol's heart. Oh ! change for once thy dire intent. And in my bofom plunge the dart. The happy means fo may I prove To fave my lord, my life, my love, [Ex'iU SCENE A COMIC OPERA. 55 SCENE IV. Changes to the BusH, Enter Hubert, with a Letter; and the Beggars, one with a Torch. Huh, Tread foft, and watchful. Hig. But what's the adlion we are for now ? ha ! Robbing a Ripper of his fifh ? Prig. Or talcing a poulterer prifoner without ranfom ? Hig. Or cutting ofFa convoy of butter ? Or furprifing a boor's ken for grunting cheats? Prig. Or cackling cheats ? Oh I could drive a regi- ment Of geefe before me fuch a night as this, ten leagues. With my hat and ftafF, and not a hifs heard, nor A wing of all my troops diforder'd. Hub. So far my hopes are fair ! Hig. Let me alone with the farmer's dog, if you have a mind to the cheefe-loft— 'tis but thus---and he's a filenc'd maftifF, during pleafure. Hub. Wou'd it might pleafe you to be fllent 1 Hig. Mum! Hub. Now, boys, for your allegiance I Bs careful ; It Ihall make foi tunes for ye ! Prig. Doubt us not, boy. Hub. You heed not a few fcratches t Prig. No, nor bruifes in the fervice of our mafler. Hub. 'Tis bravely faid — Lead on to the dark hovel. That ftands hard by under the blafted fir ! There will I follow ftraight—and give ye all Your full inftru<^ions. Prig. 'Tis enough— we're gone. [Exeunt. Hub. My burgomafter anfwers as I wilh— - Now for the teft. I AIR. S6 The ROYAL MfjRCtlANr.- A I R.- Glorious omens of fuccefs In my breaft arife ; Scorn of danger, fear, and death. Virtuous hope fupplies. All that panting for the fight. Noble bofoms feel, When juftice glows upon the creft. And glitters in the fteel. [Exif^ S C E N E V. Another Part of the Wood. 'Writer Gertrude and a Boor. Ger. Lead, if thou think'fl: we're right j why doft thou make Thefe frequent ftands r Thou faidft thou knew'ft the way. Boor. Yes, miftrefs i but fure it grows fomewhat pretty dark. Ger. What then ? Boor. Nay, nothing— don't think I'm afraid, ahho' perhaps you are. Ger. I am not—Forward ! Boor. S«re but you are— give me your hand— -fear nothing. Don't pull mebackward—-What a fweat one of us is in I Is it you or I ? Ger. What ails the fellow ? BoQr. Hark, I beCeech you— do you hear nothing .? Ger.. A C O ivl I C O P E R A. 57 Get". No. Boor. Lift ! a wild hog ! he grunts — now 'tis a bear. This wood is full of 'em — and now a wolf, miftrefs j It is the howlinf^ of a wolf. Ger. Of the wind, coward ! Boor. See, there's a ferpent j it has eyes as br ad as platters ; It fpits fire — now it creeps towards us — help me To fay my prayers. Ger. Why, thou ftrange timorous fot, canft thou Perceive any thing but a poor glow-worm ? Boor. It may be, 'tis but a poor glow-worm now. But 'twill grow to a fire-drake prefently. Ger. I have a precious guide in you — pr'ythee be Refolute, and on. [Hallsoing %vithin» Boor. It thunders — you hear that now. Ger, I hear one halloo. Boor. No, it's thunder — and fee, a flafh of light'ning. Are not you ftruck, miftrefs ? Ger. What ftrange wonders I'ear creates in a coward ! Canft thou not move ? Boor. No J the earth opens. Ger. Pr'ythee, hold thy peace. Boor, What, will you venture then ? Ger. What fhould I fear? for fooner than return. Forward I will alone — my love and conftancy Have made me bold — where my fate leads, I follow. A I R. Wrapp'd clofe from harm in night's deep-folding gloom, A pilot's friendly care. Oh ! facred Love, afTume ; When the bright morning ray firit lights the op'ning ficies, Let me my dawning joy behold in Harrol's eyes. [ Exit, Boor, Fortune dire^Sl you ! I dare not. H AIR. 58 The ROYAL MERCHANT. AIR. ! niiiht of dread ! Oti ! iiiiht of woe ! How can I ftay — how can 1 go ? Turn here — turn there — turn every where- 1 fliiver — faint — I die with fear. Why did I leave my peaceful home. Mid brakes, and fens, and thorns to roam ? Oh ! night of dread ! Oh ! night of woe ! How fhall 1 ftay — how Ihall I go ? Enter Wolfort, Hempskirke, and Attendants, with Torches, Hemp. It was thefellow,Ture, he that fhould guide'us. The huntfman, that did halloo us. Wol. Beft make a ftand, and liften to his next — ha ! Hemp. Who goes there ? Boor. Miftrefs, I'm taken. Hemp. Miftrefs \ — look forth, foldicrs. [Ex.foldicrs. Wol. What are you, firrah ? Boor. Truly, all that's left of a poor Boor by day ; By night, nobody. You might have fpar'd your Drums and guns, for I am none that will Stand out — you may take me with a walking-ftick. And hold me with a packthread. Hemp. What woman was't you call'd to ? Boor. Woman ! none fir. IVol. None ! did not you name miflrefs .? Boor. Yes, but fhe's no woman yet — {he was to have Been married to-night, but in came Claufe, The old lame beggar, and whips up the bridegroom, M after A C O M I C O P E R A. 59 Aiafter Harrol, under his arm, as a kite Or nn old fox would fweep away a gofliiig. Hcf?ip. Sure it (hould be flie ! Soldiers return with Gertrude. Niece ! ■ 1 ^ Ger. I'm miferably loft, thus faH'n Jrom all my hopes, into my uncle's hands. Hemp. 'Tis fhe, indeed, fir. This was a noble entrance to your fortune. That being on the point thus to be married, Vou fhould furprife and take her. ^^'ol. I begin, Hempfkirke, to believe my fate Works to my ends. Hernp. Yes, fir ; and this adds truft Unto the fellow, our guide, who told me Florez Liv'd in fome merchant's fhape, as Gerrard did In the old beggar's ; and that he would ufe Him for a train, to call the others forth ; All which, we find, is done. [Halloo within.] That's he again. l^ol. Good ! we fent out to meet him ! Hemp. And here's the oak Where he appointed us. — All's right. If^oJ. Who's there i Enter Hubert and Beggars, as Boors. Hut. A friend, the huntfman. Hemp. Ay, 'tis he. Hub. 1 have kept touch, fu — which is the earl now ? Will he know a poor man ? Hemp. This, my lord, is the friend Hath underta'en to do us this great fcrvice. Hulf. It (hall be worth his lordfhip's thanks anon. I know to pitch my toils, drive in my game, H 2 And 6o The ROYAL MERCHANT. And I have don't — both Florez and his father, Old Gcrrard ; with lord Arnold, of Benthuilon, CofHn, :iiid Jaculiiij young Florez' fiftcr — 1 have 'em all. IVoL Thou fpeak'fl: too much, too happy. To carry faith with it. Hub. Why, I can bring you, Where vou fliall fee, and take 'em. li'ol/ We will double. Whatever Hrmpfiiirke then hath promis'd thee. Hub. And I'll deferve it treble : what horfe have you ? IVol. An hundred. Hub. That's well — divide Your force into five fquadrons, for there are So many out-lets thro' the wood. I and four boors will be your guides herein ; And that they may be more fecure, I'll ufe My wonted whoops and halloos — as 1 were Hunting for 'em. IVol. 'Tis order'd well, and reliflieth the foldicr : Make the divifion, Hempfkirke — you are my charge. Fair-one, I'll look to you. Qer. -Loft ! loft ! undone for ever ! [Exeunt IVol. Hemp. Ger. and Guards. Boor. Nobody need take care of me, I'll take care of myfelf now. [Exit^ Hub. Now, lads, to the work ! Mind yourinftru6lionsclofe — and when you hear me Wind my horn loud and quick, be that your fignal For the great mafter-ftroke. Hig. Enough, boy. Conclude it done ! [Exeunt. SCENE A C O M I C O P E R A. 6z SCENE V. A dark Wood. Enter Clau3E and Harrol. Clan. By this time, fir, I hope you want no reafon Why I break ofF your marriage ; tor the' I Should, as a fubjefi:, hold you for my prince III general things, it will not yet too far Difcredit you t'aclcnowledge me your father. And hearken to my necefiary councils. Har. Acknowledge you my father ! Sir I do — And may all peace and comfort leave my heart When 1 forget to pay you a fon's duty ! Clau. I pray you rife-- And may thofe powers, who fee, and love this in you, Reward you for it ! Taught by your example. Having received the rights due to a father, I tender you th' allegiance of a fubjed. Which, as my prince, accept of. Har. Kneel to me ! I am your fon, fir, and am prouder far To be the fon of fuch diftinguifti'd worth, (Which Heaven be pleas'd 1 may inherit from you) Than I e'er could be of thofe fplendid titles Left by my mother, which aflert my claim To Flanders' earldom. Clau. I do believe it. Bar. Oh ! my lov'd father ! Before I knew you were fo, n;iture taught me Inftinctivcly, to look upon your wants Not as a ftranger's---And, 1 know not how, What you call'd chai iry, I tliought the payment Of fomc religious dvbl nature Hood bound for. Clau. 62 The ROYAL M E R C H A N 7\ Cltiti. Ceafe, ccafe, my Florez. At your mother's death Yo\ir tender age, and the troubles of the times M'lking your ftay in Flanders dangerous, ( My po wer alas ! xvasfmall. Poffrjfmg none But what your gracious mother s favour gave me Receiving to herjlatc a private gentleman) 1 lent you into England, and there placed you With a brave Flanders merchant, call'd rich Harrol, Who fome years after fettling here in Bruges, And dying here, left you his name and fortune. As his reputed fon, and ftill received fo; But now as Florez, and a prince, remember Your country's and your fubjedl's general good Mult challenge the lirft part in your affection. That fair maid, whom you chofe to be your wife. Being fo far beneath you, even your love Mult own the match ill-fuited. Har. In defcent. Or borrow'd glories from dead anceftors, I muft acknowledge it; — but in her virtues, A monarch might efteem him.felf o'erpaid. Were (he his kingdom's price. In this alone Be an indulgent father, in all elfe Ufe your authority. Enter Hubert, Wolfort, Hempskirke, atid Gertrude. Ihih. Sir, here are two of them. The father, and the fon — the reft you fhall have, As faft as 1 can roufe 'em. [Exit, Clau. Who-'sthis? Wolfort? IV oL Ay, impoflor, Yovjr coarfe difguife no longer can conceal you ; No further art, for I muft here find Gerrard, And in this merchant's habit, one call'd Florez, "VVhofaiiivvould be an carl. liar. And is, wert thou a fubject. Ger, A C O M I C O P E R A. '63 Ger. My Harrol turn'd a prince ! O ! I am poorer by this liarc of greatnefs. Than all my fears and fonows ever made me. H^r. My Gertrude ! whence ? why do I fee yoti here ? O 'i think what — ff^sl. Stay, fjr,— you were to day too near her ; You muft. no more aim at thefe clofe endearments. Nor long furvive fuch bold prefuniption ! Kempfkirke, Summon the oincers of blood. AIR. ■G^r. kuciUng. Oh ! fpare my Harrol ! fpare my love \ Let thefe ftreaming forrows move j Rellrain the breath That dooms his death— - Does no good angel fee my pain. And is it thus we meet again f My Harrol fpcak. My heart will break — On me, on me your torments wreak ;— « But fpare my Harrol ! ipare mv love ! Let thefe ftreaming forrows move. Har. No— death, my Gertrude, can't be half (<i painful, As to behold thee kneel, and wafte thy teais On fuch a fiend— -Strike the decifive blow, And end our fhames and miferies together. •' ff^oL This is no Cjcrtrudc ; no no, nor Hcmp- (kirke's niece. Nor V^andunk's daughter. This is Bertha ! Bertha, The heir of IJrabant, fhe that caus'd the war j Whom 1 did (leal, during my treaty there While you were yet a child, to raifc myfelf ; Forefccing that thfft ivoud caufc a zvar ; that ivar Call 64 The ROYAL MERCHANT. Call for viy arm to guide it : and the victory (IVhich happily I ntchiev'd) render tny power Such as might grafp the earldom- —1 his obtain J, 1 meant her for my wife ; thereby to fix My empire fare ; zvhich had been done ere this. She come cfyears^ but that the expeS^tation Firjl of her father* s death, retarded it, Andfince, thejlanding out of Bruges, where Hernpfkirke he hid her, till flie was near loft. But fhc is here rccovei'J. — She is mine, fir. Your inerchantlhip may break now, I believe. For this was one of your beft ventures. Clau. Infolcnt devil ! IVol. Ilempfkifke, vi^ho arc thefe ? Hem. More, more, fir. Enter Hubert, with Ginks, Ferret ^w/ Jaculin. Huh. Lord Arnold of Benthucfen— this lord Coftin, This Jaculin, the liltcr unto Florez. IVol. All found ? Why here's brave game, this is fport royal ! This fpot, where they are taken, will I make Their place of death. — Difpatch this moment. Huh. Or fuppofe, my lord. They (hou'd be broken up upon a fcafFold, Wih'i not fliew better? Per, Wretch ! art thou not content thou haft be- tray'd. But thou muft mock us too ? Gink. Falfe Hubert ! murderer ! Wol. Hubert ! Hemp. Who, this ? Ginks. Yes, this is Hubert, Wolfort. I hope he has help'd himfelf to a tree. JVol. The firft, The firft of all ; I'm glad again to catch you, 1 let you go before but as a (py. Now, as a fpy I'll treat you. Hub, Nay, then I'll ring my own' deaih's kneil. 2 Hubert A C O M I C O P E R A. • 6j Hubert founds his Horn loud and quick ; Drum anfwers within. Vandunk, Prig, Higgen, Soldiers^ and all the Beggars rujh on^ feize and difarm Wolfort, Hemp- {k'vkey and their Party. TFoI. Betray'd ! Hub. No, but well caught, and I the huntfman ! Now flialJ I wind your fall? and Hempfkirke's there ? ■, 'vVe have led your fquadrons, fir, where nave torn their legs and faces foundly. P'ig. "'<'es, and run their heads againft trees. Hig, 'Ve have filled a pit with your people; Soaie wi h legs, fome with arms broken. ■Prig. And a few necks, I think, are out, Hij;. " Fis captain Prig, fir. Prig, A.nd colonel Higgen. — I'^ar low do you, Wolfort ? Rafcal I tyrant Wol- ■rt ! 1 rpsa : . now above the rofe — and Hempfkirke, Rogue-I '.empfktrke ! you that have no niece ! this lady Was 1^0 frn by you, and hid by you; but now Rerig;n*u by me to the right ov/ner here— - Takehtr, my prince. Har. Are then thefe bleffings real ? Ger. And (hall we part no more ? ran, I have given her to you twice — now keep her oetter. And thank lord Flabert, whocontriv'd our plot, A'ltl II good Gerrard's name, fent for Vandunk, •^ ' Vandunk Conqueror Vandunk. i Ay — ihanks to my brave boys here. A I R, 66 The ROYAL MERCHANT. A I R. Great Caefar once renown'd in fame, For a mighty arm, and a laurell'd brow ; With his Veiii, Vidi, Vici, came, And conquer'd the world with his row-dow- dow. So T a modern Casfar come, To make oppreffive tyrants bow; In freedom's caufe I beat my drum, And the wood refjunds with my row-dow-dow. Ufurping "Wolfort flrait I fpy. Above the rofe 1 fpeak it now ; His coward troops I've forc'd to fly. And the tyrant yields to my row-dow-dow. Van, Give me my bottle, and fet down the drum; I'll fit as judge upon 'em — you ftole the lady. Claufe. 'Twas like yourfelf, honefl: and noble Hu- bert I CanH- thou behold thefe mirrors, all together, Of thy long, falfe, and bloody ufurpation, And not behold thyfelf, and fo fall down, O'erwhelm'd with forrow, fiiame, and penitence ? IFol. Who, I repent ? And fay I'm forry I No — 'tis the fool's language. But not for Wolfort. Van. Wolfort, thou art a devil, and fpeak'ft his lan- guage. Oh ! that I had my longing for thy fake ! Under this row of trees, the fpot your lordfhip Meant for thefe worthy ones, I'd hang thee inltantly. Heir. No, let him live, until he can repent. But banifti'd from our fiatc — that be his doom. Fan. Then hang his worthy captain here, this Hemp- fkirke, 'For fake of the example. Har. No, let him Enjoy his fhame too, with his confcious life. A COMIC OPERA. 67 Van. A noble prince ! and yet Fd fain have fome- body hang'd. Claufe. Sir, you mull help to join A pair of hands, as they have done of hearts. And to their loves wi(h happinefs. Har. As to my own ! My deareft filler ! truly wortbieft brother ! A I R. "Ja^, Such fcenes of flrange delight arife. And croud upon my view, I gaze around with wild furprize, And fcarce believe them true. A father ! brother ! lover ! friend ! Of icy a larger (lore, Nor Hope could afk, nor Fortune fendr— My cup of blifs runs o'er. Van. I'll lead ye home, and have the bonfires madcj My fireworks and flap-dragons — and an ocean '^ Of generous liquor, to foalc down, 'Xo the honour of this day. Hig. 'Slight ! here be changes ! the bells have not fq many. Prig. Our company's grown horrible thin by It, What think you, Higgen ? Hig. Aiarry, I think that we might all be lords now, Ifwe'dftandfor't. Claufe. Sir, you muft thank this honefl burgomafter; Here be more friends, afk to be look'd on too, And thank'd ; who, though their trade and courfe of life Be not fo perfe£l, but it may be bettcr'd. Have yet us'd me with courtefy, and been True fubjecls to me while I was their king. Your grace command them follow you to Bruges, Where I will take the care on me, to find Some manly and more profitable courfe. To fit them as a part of the republic. Har. Do yc hear, firs ? do fo. Hig. Thanks iq your good grace ! Pri^, 2 To your good lordfhip ? 68 The ROYAL MERCHANT, Har. Now to complcat ourblifs ! Be it our care To merit it, by ufmg well the power. And weakh entrufled to our charge, to lighten Tiie v/oes c'i others — to enrich our country. And bid our wilhes and endeavours reach Even to the meaneft fubjeit in our ftate .' Van, To all ths v;orld, lay I ! A I R and CHORUS. Har. May each fair merchant's ventur'd ftore With rich advance come freighted o'er 9 On all his aims may fortune fmile. And peace and v/ealth repay his toil \ Cer, Mayev'ry maid whofe artlefs bread A worthy pafiion has pofTefs'd, Thio' all events her truth who proves. Obtain the honeft heart file loves i 'Huh, May every champion of the fair. The rich returns of beauty Ihare ; He well deferves, who well can guaril^ And love is valour's beft reward, *Jac, May all who figh in forrow's (hrAr^ The dreary cloud bear undifmay'd : Till joy's enlight'ning rays ruccecd. For joy is patient virtue's meed. Van. May every honeft heart atchieve Suchblifs as mine, to crown his eve 5 .Then, fpite of age, its cares and pain. We'll live o'er love and youth again, Fr'.gi For one refpefl: yet left unpaid, ' tVe ftill muft ufe our begging trade. Your generous favour we implore. And that obtain'd, weafknomore, T H E E N D. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 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