A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Vi Part 48

LUCRE.

I perceive you have been mindful of me, for which I thank ye.

But, Usury, tell me, how have you sped in that you went about?

USURY.

Indifferently, lady, you need not to doubt.

I have taken possession, and because they were dest.i.tute, I have let it for a quarter; my tale to conclude, Marry, I have a little raised the rent, but it is but forty pound by the year; But if it were to let now, I would let it more dear.

LUCRE.

Indeed, 'tis but a trifle; it makes no matter: I force not greatly, being but for a quarter.

MERCATORE.

Madonna, me tell ye vat you shall do; let dem to stranger, dat are content To dwell in a little room, and to pay much rent: For you know da Frenchmans and Flemings in dis country be many, So dat they make shift to dwell ten houses in one very gladly; And be content a for pay fifty or threescore pound a year For dat which da Englishmans say twenty mark is too dear.

LUCRE.

Why, Signor Mercatore, think you not that I Have infinite numbers in London that my want doth supply?

Beside in Bristow, Northampton, Norwich, Westchester, Canterbury, Dover, Sandwich, Eye, Porchmouth, Plymouth, and many mo, That great rents upon little room do bestow?

Yes, I warrant you; and truly I may thank the strangers for this, That they have made houses so dear, whereby I live in bliss.

But, Signor Mercatore, dare you to travel undertake, And go amongst the Moors, Turks and Pagans for my sake?

MERCATORE.

Madonna, me dare go to de Turks, Moors, Pagans, and more too: What do me care, and me go to da great devil for you?

Command a me, madam, and you shall see plain, Dat a for your sake me refuse a no pain.

LUCRE.

Then, Signor Mercatore, I am forthwith to send ye, From hence to search for some new toys in Barbary and in Turkey; Such trifles as you think will please wantons best, For you know in this country 'tis their chiefest request.

MERCATORE.

Indeed, de gentlewomans here buy so much vain toys, Dat we strangers laugh a to tink wherein day have their joys.

Fait', Madonna, me will search all da strange countries me can tell, But me will have sush tings dat please dese gentlewomans vell.

LUCRE.

Why, then, let us provide things ready to haste you away.

MERCATORE.

A vostro commandamento, Madonna, me obey.

[_Exeunt_.

_Enter_ SIMONY _and_ PETER PLEASEMAN, _like a parson_.[186]

SIMONY.

Now proceed with your tale, and I'll hear thee.

PETER.

And so, sir, as I was about to tell you, This same Presco and this same Cracko be both my parishioners now; And, sir, they fell out marvellously together about you: This same Cracko took your part, and said that the clergy Was upholden by you, and maintained very worshipfully.

So, sir, Presco he would not grant that in no case, But said that you did corrupt the clergy, and dishonour that holy place.

Now, sir, I was weary to hear them at such great strife, For I love to please men, so long as I have life: Therefore I beseech your mastership to speak to Lady Lucre, That I may be her chaplain, or else to serve her.

SIMONY.

What is your name?

PETER.

Sir Peter.

SIMONY.

What more?

PETER.

Forsooth, Pleaseman.

SIMONY.

Then, your name is Sir Peter Pleaseman?

PETER.

Ay, forsooth.

SIMONY.

And please-woman too, now and then?

PETER.

You know that _h.o.m.o_ is indifferent.[187]

SIMONY.

Now, surely, a good scholar in my judgment!

I pray, at what university were ye?

PETER.

Of no university, truly. Marry, I have gone To school in a college, where I have studied two or three places of divinity.

And all for Lady Lucre's sake, sir, you may steadfastly believe me.

SIMONY.

Nay. I believe ye. But of what religion are you, can ye tell?

PETER.

Marry, sir, of all religions: I know not myself very well.

SIMONY.

You are a Protestant now, and I think to that you will grant?

PETER.

Indeed I have been a Catholic: marry, now for the most part, a Protestant.

But, and if my service may please her--hark in your ear, sir-- I warrant you my religion shall not offend her.

SIMONY.

You say well; but if I help you to such great preferment, Would you be willing that for my pain I shall have yearly half the gain?

For it is reason, you know, that if I help you to a living, That you should unto me be somewhat beholding.

PETER.

Ay, sir; and reason good; I'll be as your mastership please: I care not what you do, so I may live at ease.