598TallboyShe’s gone. Amy is gone. Ay me, she’s gone, And has me left, of joy bereft, to make my moan. Oh me, Amy!*n6652 Tallboy's moans and tears are part of the boy-actor's arsenal of comic artistry, relying on the 'passions' of this 'humours'-gentlemen to provoke laughter in the audience and contempt in most of the on-stage observers. The see-saw of hysterical emotions here and later emphasize the immaturity of the character and hence his unfitness to be the husband of an heiress. Amy's good sense in running away from such a marriage reinforces the good impression she has already made in Act 3. See his silly truculence below [JC 4.1.speech602].

599OliverWhat the devil ails the fellow, trow?†gs229 I wonder? Why, why, Master Tallboy, my cousin Tallboy that should’st ha’ been! Art not ashamed to cry at this growth†gg3675 outcome ? And for a thing that’s better lost than found, a wench?

600TallboyCry! Who cries? Do I cry, or look with a crying countenance? I scorn it, and scorn to think on her, but in just anger.

601OliverSo, this is brave now, if ’twould hold.

602TallboyNay, it shall hold. And so let her go, for a scurvy what d’ye call’t. I know not what bad enough to call her. ―― But something of mine goes with her I am sure. She has cost me in gloves, ribands†gg3676 ribbons , scarfs, rings, and such like things, more than I am able to speak of at this time ―― Oh!

603OliverBecause thou canst not speak for crying. Fie, Master Tallboy, again?

604TallboyI scorn it again, and any man that says I cry, or will cry again.*n5613 That is, Tallboy scorns any man that says he is crying or will cry again: an absurd self-defence, as he has been weeping since he entered. Fits of tears and moans are a constant motif of all Tallboy's appearances. Tallboy's immaturity is another comic meta-theatrical reference to the boy-actor playing the part. And let her go again; and what she has of mine let her keep, and hang herself and the rogue that’s with her. I have enough, and am heir of a well-known estate, and that she knows. ―― And therefore that she should slight me, and run away with a wages–fellow that is but a petty clerk and a serving–man. There’s the vexation of it! ―― Oh, there’s the grief and the vexation of ―― Oh! ―――

605Oliver   [Aside]   Now he will cry his eyes out!   [Aloud]   You, sir. This life have I had with you all our long journey, which now is at an end here. This is Master Oldrents’ house, where perhaps we shall find old Hearty, the uncle of that rogue Martin that is run away with your sweetheart.

606TallboyAy, ’tis too true, too true, too true. You need not put me in mind on’t ―― Oh ―― oh ――

607OliverHold your peace and mind me. Leave your bawling, for fear I give you correction*n5614 That is: in case I decide to beat you. Oliver's abrasive threat is just as childish as Tallboy's weeping and moaning, and serves again to play meta-theatrically on the boy-actors. . This is the house, I say, where it is most likely we shall hear of your mistress and her companion. Make up your face†gg3677 compose yourself quickly. Here comes one of the servants, I suppose.

Shame not yourself for ever, and me for company. Come, be confident.

608TallboyAs confident as yourself or any man ―― But my poor heart feels what lies here. Here!    [He pounds his chest.]   Ay, here it is, oh ―――

609OliverGood morrow, friend. This is Squire Oldrents’ house, I take it.

610RandallPray take it not, sir, before it be to be let†gg3678 to be rented out; available for rental . It has been my master’s and his ancestors’ in that name above these three hundred years, as our house chronicle*n5615 This means the history of the house, kept in its household books. Usually such books were kept in a muniment [or archival document] room, 'a little room of strength [that is, fortified], purposely made for keeping the Seal, Plate, Evidences [such as title deed, rights, and privileges], Charters, &c. ... such Evidences being called in Law Muniments ... from Munio, to defend; because a mans inheritance or possession is defended by them.' (Thomas Blount, Glossographia or a Dictionary, 1656, in LEME). doth notify, and not yet to be let. But, as a friend or stranger in guest–wise, you are welcome to it, as all other gentlemen are, far and near, to my good master, as you will find anon when you see him.

611OliverThou speak’st wittily and honestly. But I prithee, good friend, let our nag†gg1234 small horse or pony s be set up. They are tied up at the post. You belong to the stable, do you not?

612RandallNot so much as the stable belongs to me, sir. I pass through many offices of the house, sir. I am the running†gg3679 temporary, current bailie†gg3511 steward; one who has jurisdiction or delegated authority in a specific office of it.

613OliverWe have rid hard, hoping to find the squire at home at this early time in the morning.

614RandallYou are deceived in that, sir. He has been out these four hours. He is no snail†gg3682 no sluggard; not an indolent person , sir. You do not know him, I perceive, since he has been new moulded*n5616 That is, re-framed, reborn, re-invented. The term reminds us that Oldrents is undergoing a change, emerging from his depression with a new attitude towards life. . But I’ll tell you, because you are gentlemen.

615Oliver   [Impatiently]   Our horses, good friend.

616RandallMy master is an ancient†gs672 of ancient lineage, or of an old established family of gentlemen gentleman and a great housekeeper†gg3680 a householder who keeps a hospitable and large house; a hospitable property-owner , and prayed for by all the poor in the country. He keeps a guest house for all beggars, far and near, costs him a hundred a year at least, and is as well beloved among the rich. But of late he fell into a great melancholy, upon what I know not, for he had then more cause to be merry than he has now. Take that by the way.

617Oliver   [Impatiently]   But, good friend, our horses.

618RandallFor he had two daughters that knew well to order a house and give entertainment to gentlemen. They were his house–doves†gg3681 commonly applied to women that stay in the house, making sure all runs smoothly . But now they are flown, and no man knows how, why, or whither.

619TallboyMy dove is flown too! Oh ―――

620RandallWas she your daughter, sir? She was a young one then, by the beard you wear.

621TallboyWhat she was, she was, d’e see? I scorn to think on her. ―― But I do ―― Oh!

622OliverPray hold your peace, or feign some mirth, if you can.

623TallboyLet her go, let her go.   [Singing]   I care not if I have her, I have her or no. Ha, ha, ha ――― Oh my, my heart will break ――― Oh ―――

624Oliver   [To RANDALL]   Pray think of our horses, sir.

625RandallThis is right my master*n5617 That is: just like my master; possibly, as sane as my master (ironic) (OED 13a). That is, Tallboy's emotional ups and downs are like Oldrents' pattern of recent behaviour. . When he had his daughters, he was sad; and now they are gone, he is the merriest man alive. Up at five a’clock in the morning, and out till dinner–time. Out again at afternoon, and so till supper–time. Skice out this– a–way, and skice out that–a–way.*n4373 ] This edition; Skise out this away, and skise out that away. Q1. OED wrongly identifies 'this-a-way' and 'that-a-way' as nineteenth- and twentieth-century Americanisms indicating direction. See this-a-way, adv., 2, and that-a-way, adv., 2, although the second citation for skice, v.1, is this line in Brome, meaning move quickly; skip or frisk about. — He’s no snail, I assure you. — And tantivy†gg3683 (v) ride full tilt; hurry away all the country over, where hunting, hawking, or any sport is to be made, or good fellowship to be had; and so merry upon all occasions that you would even bless yourself, if it were possible.

626Oliver   [More impatiently]   Our horses, I prithee.

627RandallAnd we, his servants, live as merrily under him, and do all thrive. I myself was but a silly†gg304 insignificant; unsophisticated; foolish lad when I came first, a poor turnspit†gg3684 boy whose office was to turn the spit in the kitchen, the lowest ranked job apart from carrying coals; also used as a term of contempt boy. Gentlemen kept no whirling jacks†gg3685 semi-automated turnspits, using perpetual motion: the action of the large wheels keep the small wheels turning then to cozen poor people of meat. And I have now, without boast, forty pounds in my purse, and am the youngest of half a score in the house, none younger than myself but one; and he is the steward over all: his name is Master Springlove, bless him where’er he is, he has a world of means. And we, the underlings, get well the better by him, besides the rewards many gentlemen give us that fare well and lodge here sometimes.

628Oliver   [Even more impatiently]   Oh!*n5618 This exclamation from Oliver might express one or more of the following: extreme irritation that Randall will not go to tend the horses; a groan of weariness at still further delay; sudden understanding, from Randall's last line, that the old servant is making sure the gentlemen understand that they are to tip him. In the last case, perhaps the 'Oh!' might mark Oliver's business of taking out a coin and tossing it to get Randall's attention and stop his chatter. A final alternative might be a grammatical one: that is, the whole statement might be (emphasis mine): 'Oh, we shall not forget you, friend, if you remember our horses before they take harm.' The lower-case 'we' in Q1 might indicate that the exclamation mark belongs at the end of the sentence, even though it appears just after O in the Q1 text, a not uncommon construction in early modern writing. We shall not forget you, friend, if you remember our horses before they take harm.

629RandallNo hurt, I warrant you. There’s a lad walking them.

630OliverIs not your master coming, think you?

631RandallHe will not be long a–coming. He’s no snail, as I told you.

632OliverYou told me so, indeed.

633RandallBut of all the gentlemen that toss up the ball*n5440 That is: instigate merriment in talk and song; get the ball rolling. , yea and the sack†gg483 white wine from Spain: sack is derived from 'sec', and usually meant a dry white wine; hence Falstaff's enjoyment of 'sack and sugar' too, commend me to old Master Hearty; a decayed gentleman, lives most upon his own mirth and my master’s means, and much good do him with it. He is the finest companion of all. He does so hold my master up with stories, and songs, and catches, and t’other cup of sack, and such tricks and jigs, you would admire ― He is with him now.

634Oliver   [To TALLBOY]   That Hearty is Martin’s uncle. I am glad he is here. Bear up, Tallboy.   [To RANDALL]   Now, friend, pray let me ask you a question ― Prithee stay!

635RandallNay, marry, I dare not. Your yauds†gg3686 mares may take cold, and never be good after it. —He exits.

636OliverI thought I should never have been rid of him. But no sooner desired to stay, but he is gone. A pretty humour!

637RandallGentlemen, my master will be here e’en now, doubt not; for he is no snail, as I told you.He exits [again].

638OliverNo snail’s a great word with him. Prithee, Tallboy, bear up.

Here comes another gray fellow.

639UsherDo you stand in the porch, gentlemen? The house is open to you. Pray enter the hall. I am the usher of it.

640OliverIn good time, sir. We shall be bold here, then, to attend your master’s coming.

641UsherAnd he’s upon coming; and when he comes, he comes apace. He’s no snail, I assure you.

642OliverI was told so before, sir. No snail! Sure ’tis the word of the house and as ancient as the family.

643UsherThis gentleman looks sadly, methinks.

644TallboyWho, I? Not I. Pray pardon my looks for that! But my heart feels what’s what. Ay me ――

645UsherPray walk to the buttery†gg3687 place for storing liquor and provisions , gentlemen. My office leads you thither.

646OliverThanks, good master usher.

647UsherI have been usher these twenty years, sir. And have got well*n5441 That is: gathered good tips, or gratuities. by my place for using strangers respectfully.

648OliverHe has given the hint too.

649UsherSomething has come in by the by, besides standing wages, which is ever duly paid, thank a good master and an honest steward, heaven bless ’em. We all thrive under ’em.

Oh, here comes the butler.

650ButlerYou are welcome, gentlemen. Please ye draw nearer my office and take a morning drink in a cup of sack†gg483 white wine from Spain: sack is derived from 'sec', and usually meant a dry white wine; hence Falstaff's enjoyment of 'sack and sugar' , if it please you.

651OliverIn what please you, sir. We cannot deny the courtesy of the house in the master’s absence.

652ButlerHe’ll come apace when he comes. He’s no snail, sir.Going.

653OliverStill ’tis the house–word†gg3688 the motto of the house. . And all the servants wear livery–beards*n5442 These are beards of the same style, as if part of the men's livery or uniform. So far, all the servants seem to be grey-beards, in keeping with the 'ancient' gentleman's household. Oliver's quip here may also be a meta-theatrical or stage-conscious joke: the actors playing servants are all wearing the same grey beards which, as props, could be tied on with strings and thus shared with more than one player. .

654ButlerOr perhaps you had rather drink white wine and sugar? Please yourselves, gentlemen; here you may taste all liquors. No gentleman’s house in all this county or the next so well stored — make us thankful for it! And my master, for his hospitality to gentlemen, his charity to the poor, and his bounty to his servants, has not his peer in the kingdom — make us thankful for it. And ’tis as fortunate a house for servants as ever was built upon fairy ground. I myself, that have served here, man and boy, these four and forty years, have gotten together (besides something more than I will speak of, distributed among my poor kinred) by my wages, my vails†gg3691 Christmas bonuses, gratuities given to the servants as their perquisites at Christmas, and otherwise, together with my rewards*n5443 This usage means tips or gratuities in this context. of kind gentlemen that have found courteous entertainment here —

655OliverThere he is too.

656ButlerHave, I say, gotten together (though in a dangerous time I speak it)*n5619 This parenthetical remark seems to allude to the civil and political unrest of 1641 that will lead to civil war by 1642. a brace†gg1269 pair, two of hundred pounds — Make me thankful for it! And for losses I have had none. I have been butler these two and thirty years, and never lost the value of a silver spoon, nor ever broke a glasss — Make me thankful for it! White wine and sugar, say you, sir?

657OliverPlease yourself, sir.

658Butler   [Indicating TALLBOY]   This gentleman speaks not. Or had you rather take a drink of brown ale with a toast†gg3692 dried and toasted bread, floated on the ale as a snack or taste-treat , or March beer†gg3693 a strong beer with good keeping qualities, brewed in the spring with sugar and nutmeg? Or had you rather drink without sugar?

659OliverGood sir, a cup of your household beer.BUTLER exits.I fear he will draw down to that*n5620 There is punning here on (1) get that item into his interminable list of drinks; and (2) pull or extract the beer (or household wine) from the cask. at last.

660ButlerHere, gentlemen, is a cup of my master’s small beer*n5444 The word may means weak beer or,more generally, a ifling matter. But here the butler refers to household Canary wine, which he claims is neither weak nor inferior. . But it is good old Canary, I assure you. And here’s to your welcome.

661CookAnd welcome, the cook says, gentlemen. Brother butler, lay a napkin; I’ll fetch a cut of the sirloin†gg3695 roast beef to strengthen your patience till my master comes, who will not now be long, for he’s no snail, gentlemen.

662OliverI have often heard so. And here’s to you, master cook —   [He drinks.]   Prithee speak, Master Tallboy, or force one laugh more, if thou canst.

663CookSir, the cook drinks to you.To TALLBOY.

664TallboyHa, ha, ha ―――

665OliverWell said.*n5647 Oliver may be expressing one of two different things: to the Cook, 'Well done' as a conventional phrase of approval, and a graceful way of ignoring Tallboy's rudeness; or to Tallboy, a sarcastic comment on Tallboy's inappropriate laughter.

666TallboyHe is in the same livery–beard too.

667CookBut he is the oldest cook*n5445 The Cook speaks these lines in mild mockery of Tallboy, who has spoken of this upper servant as though he were not there, and has laughed at yet another grey beard. The Cook implicitly chastises Tallboy for rudeness, at the same time retaining his dignity as Cook and long-time employee of the household. , and of the ancientest house and the best for housekeeping in this county or the next. And though the master of it write but squire†gs673 a title, prefixed to the surname of a country gentleman, or landed proprietor, especially one who is the principal landowner in a village or district; the title frequently forms part of his customary name (as in Squire Oldrents), although it is not a formal title like a baron or earl, either of whom would be addressed as 'Lord' , I know no lord like him.

And now he’s come. Here comes the word*n5621 That is the word of God. The reference is not clear: the Cook may mean a bible or prayer-book, but he mentions the chaplain's large stomach, a comment on his physical, not spiritual, state. before him. The parson has ever the best stomach. I’ll dish away presently.He exits.

668ButlerIs our master come, Sir Dominie*n5446 This is a term of address for the chaplain and one that might be used for a parson, though it was usually used of a schoolmaster; but either occupation requires a university degree, and anyone with such a degree also qualified as a minister in the Church of England. The Latin source, dominus (domine as mode of address) means master, or lord, and originally applied to lords of the manor, or property-owners, before it became a title for clergymen. The Oldrents household seems to be a stickler for ancient titles. In addressing this parson as Sir Dominie, the speaker uses both accepted titles. A minister or pedagogue might correctly use 'Sir' with his name to designate his special status as a university graduate with a godly calling. ?

669ChaplainEst ad manum. Non est ille testudo.*n5447 Schoolboy Latin: He is at hand. He is no snail. The original actors, Beeston's Boys, would have played up the comedy for the amusement of the educated gentlemen in the audience.

670OliverHe has the word too in Latin. Now bear up, Tallboy.

671Chaplain   [To the Butler]   Give me a preparative†gs675 aperitif, or little something to stimulate the appetite before a meal of sack. It is a gentle preparative before meat.   [He salutes the gentlemen.]   And so a gentle touch of it to you, gentlemen.

672OliverIt is a gentle offer, sir, and as gently to be taken.

673OldrentsAbout with it, my lads.*n6653 'Keep doing what you are already doing, my boys.' Oldrents expresses approval of his servants' hospitality to the guests, and refuses to have any special mark of deference from the servants by being offered wine before his guests are given refreshment. And this is as it should be —   [Refusing the Butler's offer to serve him first]    Not till my turn, sir, I. Though I confess I have had but three morning draughts today.

674OliverYet it appears you were abroad betimes†gg3697 at an early hour, early in the morning (OED 2) , sir.

675OldrentsI am no snail, sir.

676OliverSo your men told us, sir.

677OldrentsBut where be my catchers†gg3698 those who sing catches, which were originally short compositions for three or more voices, sung to the same melody, with the second singer beginning the first line as the first goes on to the second line, and so with each successive singer; otherwise called a round; ‘The catch was for each succeeding singer to take up or catch his part in time’ (OED n1, 14) ! Come, a round†gs676 (1) liquor served around a company of guests, and/or drunk off at the same time by everyone; (2) catch, a form of song requiring at least 3 singers for its effect, each beginning one verse after the preceding voice, creating harmony . And so let us drink.

679OldrentsWell said, old Hearty. —   [To OLIVER and TALLBOY]   And, gentlemen, welcome.

680TallboyAh ―――He sighs.

681OldrentsOh, mine ears! What was that, a sigh? And in my house? Look! Has it not split my walls? If not, make vent for†gg4409 speak or talk of (OED vent n2, 1b; now obsolete) it. Let it out. I shall be stifled else.CHAPLAIN exits.

682OliverHe hopes your pardon, sir, his cause considered.

683OldrentsCause? Can there be cause for sighing?

684OliverHe has lost his mistress, sir.

685OldrentsHa, ha, ha! Is that a cause? Do you hear me complain the loss of my two daughters?

686OliverThey are not lost, I hope, sir.

687OldrentsNo more can be his mistress. No woman can be lost. They may be mislaid a little, but found again, I warrant you.

688TallboyAh ―――[He] sigh[s].

689OldrentsOds my life! He sighs again. And means to blow me out of my house. To horse again. Here’s no dwelling for me. Or stay. I’ll cure him if I can. Give him more sack to drown his suspirations†gg3786 deep sighs .

690OliverSir, I am chiefly to inform you of the disaster.

691HeartyMay it concern me?

692OliverYour nephew Martin has stolen my father’s ward, that gentleman’s   [Indicating TALLBOY]   bride that should have been.

693HeartyIndeed, sir.

694Oliver’Tis most true ―He gives HEARTY a letter.

695HeartyAnother glass of sack! This gentleman brings good news.

696OliverSir, if you can prevent his danger ―

697HeartyHang all preventions. Let ’em have their destiny.

698Tallboy   To OLDRENTS   Sir, I should have had her, ’tis true ――― But she is gone, d’ye see? And let her go.

699OldrentsWell said. He mends now.

700TallboyI am glad I am rid of her, d’ye see? Before I had more to do with her ―――

701HeartyHe mends apace.

702TallboyFor should I have married her before she had run away, d’ye see? And that she had run away, d’ye see, after she had been married to me, d’ye see? Then I had been a married man without a wife, d’ye see? Where now she being run away before I am married, d’ye see, I am no more married to her, d’ye see, than she to me, d’ye see? And so long as I am none of hers, d’ye see, nor she none of mine, d’ye see, I ought to care as little for her, now she is run away, d’ye see, as if she had stayed with me, d’ye see?

703OldrentsWhy, this is excellent! Come hither, Hearty.

704TallboyI perceive it now, and the reason of it. And how, by consequence, d’ye see, I ought not to look any further after her.   Cries.   But that she should respect a poor base fellow, a clerk at the most and a serving–man at best, before me that am a rich man at the worst and a gentleman at least, makes me ――― I know not what to say ――― [He breaks down sobbing.]

705OldrentsWorse than ever ’twas! Now he cries outright.

706TallboyI know not what to say ――― what to say ――― Oh ―――

707HeartyThen I do, sir. The poor base fellow that you speak of is my nephew, as good a gentleman as yourself. I understand the business by your friend here.

708TallboyI cry you mercy, sir.

709OldrentsYou shall cry no mercy, nor anything else here, sir; nor for anything here, sir. This is no place to cry in, nor for any business.   To OLIVER   You, sir, that come on business ―

710OliverIt shall be none, sir.

711OldrentsMy house is for no business but the belly–business. You find not me so uncivil, sir, as to ask you from whence you came, who you are, or what’s your business. I ask you no question. And can you be so discourteous as to tell me, or my friend, anything like business? If you come to be merry with me, you are welcome. If you have any business, forget it! You forget where you are else. And so to dinner.

712HeartySir, I pray let me only prevail with you but to read this.

713OldrentsSpoil my stomach now, and I’ll not eat this fortnight.He reads aside.

714HeartyWhile he reads, let me tell you, sir. That my nephew Martin has stolen that gentleman’s mistress, it seems, is true. But I protest, as I am a gentleman, I know nothing of the matter; nor where he or she is. But, as I am the foresaid gentleman, I am glad on’t with all my heart. Ha, my boy Mat. Thou shalt restore our house.

715OliverLet him not hear to grieve him, sir.[Indicating TALLBOY]

716HeartyGrieve him? What should he do with her? Teach their children to cry?

717TallboyBut I do hear you though, and I scorn to cry, as much as you, d’ye see? Or your nephew either, d’ye see?

718HeartyNow thou art a brave fellow. So, so, hold up thy head, and thou shalt have a wife, and a fine thing!

719TallboyHang a wife, and pax†gg1993 an interjection, a shortened form of 'a pox on it!' (OED pax n2, with further examples) o’ your fine thing†gs677 contemptuous or euphemistic term for genitals (OED thing n1, 11c) , d’ye see? I scorn your fopperies†gg3699 foolish actions, follies , d’ye see?

720OldrentsAnd I do hear thee, my boy, and rejoice in thy conversion. If thou canst but hold now.

721TallboyYes, I can hold, sir. And I hold well with your sack. I could live and die with it, as I am true Tallboy.

722OldrentsNow thou art a tall†gg3700 brave, bold fellow, and shalt want no sack.

723TallboyAnd, sir, I do honour you, d’ye see, and should wish myself one of your household servants, d’ye see, if I had but a gray beard, d’ye see? ‘Hey!†gg4410 interjection or exclamation expressing exultation, incitement, surprise, approval, or anything suggested by the context ’ as old Master Clack says.

724OldrentsWell, I have read the business here.

725OliverCall it not business, I beseech you, sir. We defy all business.

726TallboyAy, marry, do we, sir. D’ye see, sir? And a–hey, as old Master Clack says.

727OldrentsGrammercy, sack.*n5649 Oldrents seems to mean 'Thank God for sack', happy that the sack Tallboy has been drinking has at least given him 'Dutch courage' enough to turn off the weeping and moaning. Well, I have read the matter here written by Master Clack. And do but bear up in thy humour, I will wait upon thee home.

Hark! They knock to the dresser.*n5449 The knock on the dresser is the signal that dinner is ready to be served. The dresser is a sideboard in the dining-room upon which food is placed prior to serving at the table. I have heard much of this old odd’ceited†gg3701 odd-conceited, eccentric Justice Clack. And now I long to see him. ’Tis but crossing the country two days and a night’s journey. We’ll but dine and away presently. Bear up, I say, Master Tallboy.

728TallboyI will bear up, I warrant you, d’e see, sir ――― But here’s a grudging still ――― They [all] exit.

729AmyHere’s a wedding with a witness and a holiday with a hoigh†gg3509 riot of excitement . Let us out of the noise, as we love our ears.

730RachelYes, and here we may pursue our own discourse, and hear one another.

731MerielConcerning Springlove and yourself, Mistress Amy.

732AmyWell, ladies, my confidence in you, that you are the same that you have protested yourselves to be, hath so far won upon me that I confess myself well affected both to the mind and person of that Springlove. And, if he be — as fairly you pretend — a gentleman, I shall easily dispense with fortune.

733Rachel [and] MerielHe is, upon our honours.

734AmyHow well that high engagement suits your habits.*n6654 How well your protestations of honour suit your clothing. Meriel and Rachel are, of course, still dressed in rags, although their language is ladylike.

735RachelOur minds and blood are still the same.

738AmyAnd then, to offer to marry me under a hedge†gg3702 clandestinely and illegitimately, as a third-rate imitation of the real thing , as the old couple were today, without book or ring, by the chaplain of the beggars’ regiment, your patrico, only to save charge†gg2323 (n) cost, expense s.

739RachelI have not seen the wretch these three hours. Whither is he gone?

740AmyHe told me, to fetch horse and fit raiment†gg2946 garments, clothing for us, and so to post me hence. But I think it was to leave me on your hands.

741MerielHe has taken some great distaste sure, for he is damnable jealous.

742RachelAy, didst thou mark what a wild look he cast when Springlove tumbled her and kissed her on the straw this morning, while the music played to the old wedding–folks?

743MerielYes, and then Springlove, to make him madder, told him that he would be his proxy, and marry her for him, and lie with her the first night, with a naked cudgel betwixt ’em*n5654 Normally, in tales of knights and ladies, a naked sword would lie between the unmarried pair, preserving her virginity and his honour. But the cudgel is the beggar's weapon. And the idea of its being 'naked' increases the wit of Springlove's jest, since unlike a sword it has no sheath, and since it has no chivalric associations, it is also cruder as a representation of sex available but not yet enjoyed. , and make him a king of beggars.

744AmyI saw how it angered him*n5655 That is, Springlove's jest angered Martin. . And I imagined then, and before, that there was more in Springlove than downright beggar. But though he be never so good a gentleman, he shall observe fit time and distance till we are married.

745RachelMatrimony forbid else.   [Aside]   She’s taken. —   [Aloud]   But while we talk of a match towards†gg1499 on the way , we are missed within in the bride–barn among the revel–rout†gg3703 company of revellers, usually loud and disorderly .

746AmyWe have had all the sport they could make us in the past passages.

747MerielHow cautious the old contracted couple were for portion†gg1143 dowry (monies, goods or lands brought by the wife to augment her husband’s estate on their marriage) and jointure†gg1144 marriage settlement (usually the part of a husband’s wealth or property that he elected to assign to his wife in the event of his death) !

748RachelWhat feoffees†gg3704 trustees invested with a freehold estate in land (OED 2); a woman, for example, could retain control of her property, instead of being forced to release it to her husband, if she had conveyed it in trust to a friend or relative , she being an heir of fourscore†gg3252 eighty (years old) , and seven years stone–blind†gg3705 blind as a stone; completely blind , had in trust for her estate.

749AmyAnd how carefully he secured all to himself, in case he out–lived her, being but seven years older than she. And what pains the lawyer of the rout here took about it.

750RachelAnd then, how solemnly they were joined and admonished, by our Parson Under–hedge, to live together in the fear of the lash†gg3706 fear of being whipped, a punishment for vagabonds and rogues , and give good example to the younger reprobates, to beg within compass†gg3707 within the bounds of moderation , to escape the jaws of the justice, the clutch of the constable, the hooks of the headborough*n5450 That is: arrest by the parish constable, who carried a brown-bill, a staff or pike with a hooked upper end, like a halberd. That is, it consisted of a sharp-edged blade ending in a point, and a spear-head, mounted on a handle five to seven feet long. Brown-bills were used by constables of the watch till late in the 18th century. , and the biting blows of the beadle*n5451 That is, the painful whipping delivered by the beadle, the parish officer who dealt with petty crime. See 'beadle's office' [JC 3.1.speech528] and [NOTE n5436]. . And, in so doing, they should defy the devil and all his works, and after their painful pilgrimage in this life, they should die in the ditch of delight*n5656 This is a wry comment on the sexual pleasure awaiting the elderly beggar-couple. To die was a common metaphor for sexaul climax, and the reference to the ditch suggesting the likely bed for beggars. .

751MerielOh, but poet Scribble’s epithalamium†gg4412 nuptial song or poem in praise of the bride and bridegroom, and praying for their prosperity (such poems were common in classical times, as well as early modern: Jonson and Donne both wrote them) .

752RachelSo may some wives that were married at sixteen to lads of one–and–twenty.

753AmyBut at the wedding–feast, when the bride bridled it and her groom saddled it*n5455 The idea of bridling and saddling, with its implication that the woman is a horse to be ridden by her groom, is part of the joking at the wedding-feast. The 'bride bridled' echo suggests her behaviour at either resisting or encouraging the groom's attempts to restrain her in order to mount, thus provoking laughter among the rest of the party as well as the participants. The use of 'it' suggests the performance or display factors in these actions. ! There was the sport in her mumping*n5454 The usage involves punning on (1) grimacing and grumbling; and (2) begging. This 'game' played by bride, exaggerating her eagerness to be abed with the groom, who responds in kind, allows for a range of expressiveness on her part, from aggressive attack to mock-modest bashfulness. and his champing*n5453 The term describes a horse that is prone to chewing at the bit. Here its use suggests eagerness on the groom's part to be sporting with his bride. Like her 'mumping', this is part of the game played at the wedding. ; the crew scrambling†gg4413 contending with each other; generally used of any uncouth behaviour; applied also to a meal at which the partakers help themselves to what they can get ; ourselves trembling; then the confusion of noises in talking, laughing, scolding, singing, howling; with their actions of snatching, scratching, tousing†gg3712 pulling (a woman) about indelicately, or in horse-play; tussling; dishevelling (the hair, dress, etc.) and lousing†gg3713 (literally) removing lice from (a person); (more loosely, in clowning) pinching or tickling as if removing lice themselves and one another —

But who comes here?

754SpringloveOh, ladies, you have lost as much mirth as would have filled up a week of holidays.

755VincentI am come about again for the beggars’ life now.

756RachelYou are. I am glad on’t.

757HilliardThere is no life but it.

761Vincent’Tis only we that live.

762RachelI’m glad you are so taken with your calling.

763MerielWe are no less, I assure you. We find the sweetness of it now.

764RachelThe mirth, the pleasure, the delights. No ladies live such lives.

765MerielSome few, upon necessity, perhaps. But that’s not worth gramercy†gg3715 not worth giving thanks for .

766Vincent   [Aside to HILLIARD]   They will never be weary.

767Hilliard   [Aside to VINCENT]   Whether we seem to like or dislike, all’s one to them.

768Vincent   [Aside to HILLIARD]   We must do something to be taken by and discovered; we shall never be ourselves and get home again else.

769Springlove   [To AMY]   I am yours for ever. —    [To RACHEL and MERIEL]   Well, ladies, you have missed rare sport, but now the bride has missed you with her half–half eye, and the bridegroom, with the help of his crutches, is drawing her forth for a dance, here, in the opener air. The house is now too hot for ’em. Oh, here come the chief revellers. The soldier, the courtier, the lawyer, and the poet, who is master of their revels, before the old couple in state. Attend, and hear him speak, as their inductor.

771VincentWell said, field–poet. Phœbus*n5428 Apollo, god of the sun, inspiring poetry and music. , we see, inspires as well the beggar as the poet laureate.

772SpringloveAnd shines as warm under a hedge bottom as on the tops of palaces.

773ScribbleI have not done yet. Now this is to incite you to dance.

774HilliardThat’s no rhyme, poet.

775ScribbleThere’s as good poetry in blank verse as metre.

776SpringloveCome, hey†gg4410 interjection or exclamation expressing exultation, incitement, surprise, approval, or anything suggested by the context , the dance, the dance! Nay, we’ll ha’ the old couple in, as blind and lame as they are.

777BrideWhat will you so?[They] dance.

778SpringloveWell hobbled, bridegroom!

779VincentWell groped*n5459 That is, using her hands in feeling, touching, or grasping, with a possible indecent suggestiveness. , bride!

780HilliardHey lusty! Hey holiday!

781SpringloveSet ’em down*n5460 That is, help them to sit down. The old bride and groom are flagging. ; set ’em down: They ha’ done well.

782GroomAha! I am lustier than I was thirty years ago!

783BrideAnd I, than I was threescore past*n5458 That is, sixty (years) ago. . Ahem, ahem!

784VincentWhat a night here’s towards!

785HilliardSure they will kill one another.

786ScribbleEach with a fear the t’other will live longest.

787SpringlovePoet, thou hast spoken learnedly and acted bravely. Thou art both poet and actor.

788ScribbleSo has been many famous men. And if here were no worse, we might have a masque, or a comedy presented tonight in honour of the old couple.

790SpringloveAgreed. Give us a theme, and try our action.

791ScribbleI have already thought upon’t. I want but actors.

795ScribbleThe country, the city, the court, and the camp — epitomized†gg4418 abridged, condensed, summarized and personated by a gentleman, a merchant, a courtier, and a soldier.

796SoldierI’ll be your soldier. Am not I one, ha?

797CourtierAnd am not I a fashionable courtier?

798ScribbleBut who the citizen or merchant?

799SpringloveI.

800VincentAnd I your country gentleman.

801HilliardOr I.

802ScribbleYet to our moral I must add two persons, Divinity and Law.

803LawyerWhy, la you†gg4419 an exclamation formerly used to introduce or accompany a conventional phrase or an address, or to call attention to an emphatic statement (in recent use, a mere expression of surprise, but generally considered vulgar) now! And am not I a lawyer?

804ScribbleBut where’s Divinity?

805VincentMarry, that I know not. One of us might do that, if either knew how to handle it.

806SpringloveWhere’s the old patrico, our priest, my ghostly father? He’ll do it rarely.

807A BeggarHe was telling fortunes e’en now to country wenches. I’ll fetch him ―He exits.

808SpringloveThat patrico I wonder at. He has told me strange things in clouds.

809AmyAnd me somewhat that I may tell you hereafter.

810SpringloveThat you shall be my bride?

811AmyI will not tell you now.

812VincentWell, but what must our speeches tend to? What must we do one with another?

813ScribbleI would have the country, the city, and the court be at great variance†gg4420 state or fact of disagreeing or falling out; discord, dissension, contention, debate (OED 6a, 7 and 8) for superiority. Then would I have Divinity and Law stretch their wide throats to appease and reconcile them. Then would I have the soldier cudgel them all together and overtop†gg3718 overpower them all. Stay, yet I want another person.

814HilliardWhat must he be?

815ScribbleA beggar.

816VincentHere’s enough of us, I think. What must the beggar do?

817ScribbleHe must, at last, overcome the soldier, and bring them all to Beggars’ Hall*n5462 The joking assumption behind this designation is that beggars, like grocers, barber-surgeons, glovers, or any other city company, constitute a respectable guild of citizens with a meeting-hall belonging to the company. . And this, well acted, will be for the honour of our calling.

818AllA Scribble!*n6656 This cry is a kind of rabble-rousing, cheer-leading call for unified approbation and action, like a battle-cry, from which this style of cheer is descended. Such cries were no doubt heard frequently in the political turmoil leading up to the civil war, as people took sides either with the Royalists or the Parliamentarians. A Scribble!

819HilliardCome, where’s this Patrico, that we may begin?

821VincentYou begin scurvily†gg4422 rudely; shabbily, meanly .

822SpringloveWhy, what’s the matter?

823WithinBing awast†gg3623 go you hence (cant) (Haaker) , bing awast. The queer cove†gg3720 magistrate, justice of peace (see also 'queer cuffin' [GLOSS gg3604]) and the harman–beck†gg3587 constable; the parish-constable or beadle (cant) .

824SpringloveWe are beset indeed. What shall we do?

825VincentI hope we shall be taken.

826HilliardIf the good hour be come, welcome by the grace of good fortune.

827SentwellBeset†gg2550 set upon, besieged the quarter†gg3628 lodging, room (now usually plural) (OED 16a) round. Be sure that none escape.

828SpringloveLord to come with you, blessed master, to a many distressed —

829Vincent [and] HilliardDuly and truly pray for you.

830Rachel [and] MerielGood your good worship, duly and truly etc.

831SentwellA many counterfeit rogues! So frolic and so lamentable all in a breath? You were acting a play but now. We’ll act with you. Incorrigible vagabonds!

832SpringloveGood master, ’tis a holiday with us. An heir was married here today.

833SentwellMarried! Not so I hope. Where is she? ’Tis for an heir we seek.

834SpringloveHere she is, master ――   [He draws the Bride forward, and hisses at the others aside.]   Hide yourselves in the straw ―― the straw. Quickly into the straw ――

835SentwellWhat tell’st thou me of this? An old blind beggar–woman. We must find a young gentlewoman– heir among you. Where’s all the rest of the crew?

836ConstableSlipped into the barn and the bushes by, but none can scape.

837SentwellLook you to that and to these here.He exits with Watch.

838SpringloveInto the straw, I say.

839VincentNo, good Springlove. The ladies and we are agreed now to draw stakes†gg3721 withdraw what is staked as a wager and play this lousy game no further.

840HilliardWe will be taken and disclose ourselves. You see we shall be forced to it else. The cowardly clerk has done’t to save himself.

841SpringloveDo you fear no shame, ladies?

842RachelDost think it a shame to leave begging?

843MerielOr that our father will turn us out to it again?

844SpringloveNay, since you are so resolute, know that I myself begin to find this is no course for gentlemen. This lady shall take me off it.

845AmyMake but your protestations good, and take me yours. And for the gentleman that surprises us, though he has all my uncle’s trust, he shall do anything for me to our advantage.

846VincentIf, Springlove, thou could’st post now to thy tiring–house*n5463 That is, the dressing-room. A stage-conscious joke, since the tiring-house usually means the backstage area where costumes and props are kept. It may also be a reference to Springlove's 'safe house' where he leaves his clothes and belongings to await his return to responsibility, but no such reference is explicit in the play. , and fetch all our clothes, we might get off most neatly.

847SpringloveA horse and six hours’ travel would do that.

848AmyYou shall be furnished, doubt not.

849SentwellShe’s scap’d, or is invisible.    [To SPRINGLOVE]   You, sir, I take to be the chief rogue of this regiment†gg4423 number of individuals formed into a body or group (OED 8c) .    [To the CONSTABLE]   Let him be whipped till he brings forth the heir.

850ConstableThat is but till he stinks*n5464 The constable hears 'air', not 'heir' in what has just been said. , sir. — Come, sir, strip, strip.

851AmyUnhand him, sir. What heir do you seek, Master Sentwell?

852Sentwell   [Aside]   Precious†gs679 mild oath, meaning 'by God's precious body' , how did my haste oversee her?   [Aloud]   Oh, Mistress Amy! Could I or your uncle, Justice Clack, a wiser man than I, ever ha’ thought to have found you in such company?

853AmyOf me, sir, and my company, I have a story to delight you, which on our march towards your house, I will relate to you.