A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Vi Part 85

NEMO.

So it please you, lordings, methinks it were meet, That the ladies took care to provide their own toys.

Myself need to help them, who know their minds well, For I can keep women both quiet and constant.

POLICY.

It pleaseth us well that you will take the pains.

Fair ones, for a while ye[278] betake you to your business.

POMP.

Ladies, adieu.

PLEASURE.

Beloved, farewell.

[_The Lords bring them to the door, and they go out_ [FRAUD _and_ DISSIMULATION _enter disguised], and_ FRAUD[279] _gives_ POLICY _a paper, which he reads, and then says_:

POLICY.

It seems by this writing, sir, you would serve me.

Is your name Skill? whom did you serve last?

FRAUD.

An ill master, my lord: I served none but myself.

POLICY.

Have ye never served any heretofore?

FRAUD.

Yes, divers, my lord, both beyond sea and here. With your patience, my good lord, not offending the same, I think I am your poor kinsman: your lordship, Policy, and I Skill, if it like ye.

POLICY.

You say very well, and it is very like.

I will answer ye anon.

[DISSIMULATION _gives_ PLEASURE _a paper, which he reads, and says_:

PLEASURE.

Is your name Fair Semblance, that wish to serve me?

DISSIMULATION.

Please your lordship, Fair Semblance. I am well-seen, though I say it, in sundry languages meet for your lordship, or any n.o.ble service, to teach divers tongues and other rare things.

PLEASURE.

I like ye very well; stay a while for your answer.

_Enter_ USURY, _and gives a paper to_ POMP, _which he reads, and saith_:

POMP.

Master Usury, I thank ye that ye offer me your service; it seems to me to be for your old mistress' sake, Lady Lucre. Stay but a while; I will answer you with reason.

[_The three Lords go together and whisper, and call_ DILIGENCE.

DILIGENCE _goes out for a marking-iron, and returns_.

FRAUD.

How now, my hearts, think ye we shall speed? [_Aside_.

POLICY.

Diligence, come hither.

USURY.

I cannot tell what you shall, but I am sure I shall. [_Aside_.

DISSIMULATION.

I am as like as any of ye both.

USURY.

Fraud!

DISSIMULATION.

Whist, man; he's Skill. [_Aside_.

USURY.

Skill, why dost thou seek to serve Lady Love?

What profit will that be?

FRAUD.

Tut, hold thee content: I'll serve but a while, and serve mine own turn, and away.

POMP.

Master Usury, come hither. You desire to serve me: you have done Lady Lucre good service, you say, but it was against G.o.d and Conscience you did it: neither ever in your life did ye anything for Love. Well, to be short, serve me you shall not; and I would I could banish you from London for ever, or keep you close prisoner; but that is not in me; but what is, or may be, that straight you shall see. By Policy's counsel this shall be done. Diligence, bring that iron. Help me, my lords[280].

POLICY.

Give me the iron. Pomp, Cousin Skill, help to hold him.

[FRAUD _lays hold on him, but_ DISSIMULATION _slip away_.

Sirrah, Policy gives you this mark, do you see; A little x standing in the midst of a great C, Meaning thereby to let men understand, That you must not take above bare ten pound in the hundred at any hand: And that too much too; and so be packing quietly, And know that London's Pomp is not sustained by Usury, But by well-ventured merchandise and honest industry.

USURY.

I would I had never seen ye, if this be your courtesy.

[_Exit_ USURY.

POLICY.

Now, Cousin Skill, _alias_ Filthy Fraud, No kinsman to Policy, nor friend to the state: Instead of serving me, Diligence, take him to Newgate.

Ask me not why, sir: but, Diligence, if he do strive, Raise the street: he's unweaponed, and thou hast a weapon on.-- And now, lords, when ye will, about our affairs let's be gone.

PLEASURE.

Agreed; but what's become of Fair-semblance, my man?

POMP.