A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Vii Part 83

GLO. What mutter you? what tidings from my sister?

SKINK. Co-commendations, and s-she hath s-sent ye this r-ring.

GLO. Hold, there's two angels; shut the chamber-door, You must about some business for me straight; Come nearer, man.

SKINK. I fear I am too near. [_Aside_.

GLO. Hast thou no tidings for my liberty?

SKINK. No, b-but ye sh-shall he-hear f-from her p-p-presently.

GLO. And p-presently, sir, off with your coat.

Nay, quick, uncase, I am bold to borrow it, I'll leave my gown; change is no robbery.

Stutterer, it's so, ne'er flinch, ye cannot pa.s.s: Cry, and by heaven I'll cut thy coward's throat, Quickly cashier yourself: you see me stay.

SKINK. N-n-nay, b-b-but wh-wh-what m-mean ye?

GLO. To 'scape, I hope, sir, with your privilege-- [_He takes his coat off_.

How now, who's this? my fine familiar Skink, Queen Beldam's minion?

SKINK. Zounds, ye see 'tis I.

GLO. Time sorts not now to know these mysteries.

How thou cam'st by this ring, or stol'st this coat, They are mine now in possession, for which kindness, If I escape, I'll get thee liberty, Or fire the Fleet about the warden's ears.

Mumbudget, not a word, as thou lovest thy life.

SKINK. Ay mum, mum fair, pray G.o.d may chance it, My lord, but that my case is desperate, I'd see your eyes out, ere I would be cheated.

GLO. Walk like an earl, villain; some are coming.

SCENE THE THIRTEENTH.

_Enter PRINCE JOHN and PORTER_.

JOHN. Where is this Gloster?

GLO. Y-y-yonder he walks. Fa-fa-father, l-let me out.

POR. Why, whither must you now?

GLO. To Je-Jericho, I th-think; 'tis such a h-h-humorous earl.

POR. Well, sir, will't please you hasten home again.

GLO. I-I-ll be h-here in a trice; b-but p-pray have a care of th-this madcap; if he g-give us the s-s-slip, s-s-some of us a-are like to m-make a sl-sl-slippery occupation on't.

[_This while_ JOHN _walks and stalks by_ SKINK [_disguised as_ GLO'STER], _never a word between them_.

POR. Look to your business, sir; let me alone.

GLO. Alone; never trust me, if I trouble thee.

JOHN. Mad Gloster mute, all mirth turn'd to despair?

Why, now you see what 'tis to cross a king, Deal against princes of the royal blood, You'll snarl and rail, but now your tongue is bedrid, Come, caperhay[481], set all at six and seven; What, musest thou with thought of h.e.l.l or heaven?

SKINK. Of neither, John; I muse at my disgrace, That I am thus kept prisoner in this place.

JOHN. O, sir, a number are here prisoners: My cousin Morton, whom I came to visit.

But he (good man) is at his morrow ma.s.s; But I, that neither care to say nor sing, Come to seek that preaching hate and prayer, And while they mumble up their orisons, We'll play a game at bowls. What say'st thou, Gloster?

SKINK. I care not, if I do.

JOHN. You do not care, Let old men care for graves, we for our sports; Off with your gown, there lies my hat and cloak, The bowls there quickly, ho?

SKINK. No, my gown stirs not; it keeps sorrow warm, And she and I am not to be divorced.

_Enter_ PORTER _with bowls_.

JOHN. Yes, there's an axe must part your head and you, And with your head sorrow will leave your heart.

But come, shall I begin? a pound a game?

SKINK. More pounds, and we thus heavy? well, begin.

JOHN. Rub, rub, rub, rub.

SKINK. Amen, G.o.d send it short enough, and me A safe running with these[482] clothes from thee.

JOHN. Play, Robin; run, run, run.

SKINK. Far enough and well: fly one foot more; Would I were half so far without the door.

JOHN. Now, Porter, what's the news?

POR. Your cousin Morton humbly craves, Leaving your game, you would come visit him.

JOHN. Bowl, Gloster; I'll come presently.

So near, mad Robin? then have after you.

[_Ex_. PORT.

SKINK. Would I were gone, make after as you may.

JOHN. Well, sir, 'tis yours, one all; throw but the jack, While I go talk with Morton. I'll not stay, Keep coat and hat in p.a.w.n, I'll hold out play.

[_Ex_. JOHN.