ACT 5*
n1832
In this act, most of the play's issues are resolved. In the opening scene, Doughty joins forces with the Boy, his godson, who has been embroidering the story of his experience at Goody Dickieson's hands, making himself now appear the hero and victor of a fight with the devil. Doughty is so impressed that he takes him on as his witch-hunting partner. In scene 2, the Soldier demonstrates his prowess at witch-hunting: he has the evidence of his fight with demonic forces in the cat's paw he cut off in the routing of the cats at the mill. He brings the evidence to Master Generous, and it breaks his heart: the paw has transformed into the hand of Mistress Generous, with her wedding ring still on it. Arthur discovers that witches have fooled him, and that Robin is not, in fact, his father. All the men go to Mistress Generous's bedroom for the confrontation between husband and wife. While Generous forces his wife to admit to the truth about her witching activities with Mall Spencer, Doughty and the Boy are out hunting down the other witches. All the women are arrested, but Whetstone is not included in the mass arrests, even though he supports his aunt's witchcraft. Finally we learn that the Seely household is back to normal. Parnell and Lawrence tell the story of their destruction of the fatal point that prevented consummation of the marriage. Seely thanks Doughty and Master Generous for their efforts in protecting their neighbours' estates from further witchcraft. The play ends with the examination of Margaret Johnson, the elderly witch who seems to be the only one of the women to break down under pressure of accusation and evidence. This final sequence is based on the testimony of the real Margaret Johnson.
n1832
5.1
DOUGHTY, MILLER, [and] BOY in a cap enter.
857Doughty.Thou art a brave boy, the honour of thy country. Thy statue shall be set up in brass upon the market cross in Lancaster. I bless the time that I answered at the font*n1759
That is: participated in his christening as godparent.
for thee! ’Zooks, did I ever think that a godson of mine should have fought hand to fist with the devil*n1760
In hand to hand combat with the devil. This line pre-dates the OED first citation of 1652-3. The Boy's story has blown up out of proportion to events, as he exaggerates his encounter with Goody Dickieson and the other witches and familiars at the barn feast, styling himself as a hero. Heywood and Brome indicate that the Boy is a liar, thus pre-dating the judicial finding that the boy Edmund Robinson was a liar, but suggests that this view of the Robinson story was already the opinion in London, if not in Lancaster.
!
n1759
n1760
858Miller.He was ever an unhappy†gg1539
(1) causing misfortune or trouble; (2) unlucky or ill-fated; (3) mischievous; evil; naughty (obsolete; OED a, 1a, 2a and 5)
boy, sir, and like enough to grow acquainted with him,*n1828
That is: the devil. The miller deprecates his son, perhaps fearing that Doughty has discovered that the boy has lied. Once he realises that Doughty believes the boy, as the scene progresses, the miller changes his tune.
and friends may fall out sometimes.
gg1539
n1828
859Doughty.Thou art a dogged†gg1541
currish; in the most pejorative sense, malicious, spiteful, cruel
sire†gg1542
father
, and dost not know the virtue of my godson —— my son now! He shall be thy son no longer: he and I will worry all the witches in Lancashire.
gg1541
gg1542
860Miller.You were best take heed though.
861Doughty.I care not, though we leave not above three untainted women in the parish, we’ll do it.*n1761
This vision of the partnership between Doughty as witch-finder and the boy as a medium for seeking witches out forecasts a dire ending for the Lancashire witches already found guilty in the north. They are now tainted (infected or corrupted) by public accusation, if not actually by the devil. Popular opinion of the zealous and superstitious will destroy reputations and lives, whether what their accusers believe is true or not. The miller seems to be warning Doughty against the action he is bent on, although in the actual case, it turned out that the elder Robinson was aiding and abetting the fantasy of witches started by his son, and indeed profited from it, billing himself and his son as able to ferret out witches in any parish willing to pay for their services.
n1761
862Miller.Do what you please, sir. There’s the boy, stout†gg1540
as a positive attribute: valiant, doughty; as a negative: headstrong, stubborn; surly; unruly (LEME); in terms of demeanour: defiant; as an enemy: uncompromising, valiant, fierce (OED 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 3a and 3e)
enough to justify anything he has said. Now ’tis out, he should be my son still by that, though he was at death’s door before he would reveal anything, the damnable jades*n1762
That is, the witches.The comment continues the connection between witches and horses, implying witches are sexually indiscriminate or promiscuous, as in the horse/whores imagery used earlier in the play and inverted by the witches when they turn males into horses that can be mounted and ridden, with sexual implications of the female rider in control and on top.
had so threatened him; and as soon as ever he had told, he mended*n1763
As soon as the boy told the story about the witches, he felt better. The miller seems to be on both sides of the family issue at once. On the one hand, he is proud of his son as a heroic survivor of witchcraft; on the other, he thinks his son is probably rebellious and naughty, capable of inventing tales to make himself look good.
.
gg1540
n1762
n1763
863Doughty.’Tis well he did so; we will so swing them in two- penny halters*n1764
Hang them with cheap rope for nooses.
, boy!
n1764
864Miller.For my part I have no reason to hinder anything that may root them all out; I have tasted enough of their mischief —— witness my usage i’the mill, which could be nothing but their roguery. One night in my sleep they set me astride stark naked a top of my mill,*n1829
The image seems to be derived partly from Chaucer's The Miller's Tale, in which the old landlord is suspended from his roof rafters in a tub for fear of a flood, while his young wife and her lover cavort in the bedroom below. Jonson has a similarly mild echo in Epicoene, when Morose, wearing all his nightcaps, sets himself astride 'a crossbeam o' the roof' to escape the noises of his own wedding party (see 4.1.17-21).
a bitter cold night too; ’twas daylight before I waked, and I durst never speak of it to this hour, because I thought it impossible to be believed.
n1829
865Doughty.Villainous hags!
866Miller.And all last summer, my wife could not make a bit of butter.
867Doughty.It would not come, would it?
868Miller.No, sir, we could not make it come, though she and I both together churned almost our hearts out, and nothing would come*n1765
The story of the churned cream that would not turn into butter moves from a typical witchcraft tale of the perverted dairy to a dirty joke about a couple who cannot achieve sexual satisfaction or completion. The miller only understands the dairy story; the audience laughs at the sexual story. It is not clear whether Doughty gets the joke or not.
, but all ran into thin waterish gear: the pigs would not drink it.
n1765
869Doughty.Is ’t possible?
870Miller.None but one, and he ran out of his wits upon’t, till we bound his head, and laid him asleep, but he has had a wry†gg1547
twisted
mouth ever since.
gg1547
871Doughty.That the devil should put in their hearts to delight in such villainies! I have sought about these two days, and heard of a hundred such mischievous tricks, though none mortal, but could not find whom to mistrust for a witch till now this boy, this happy†gg1548
fortunate, lucky; also, successful in performing what the circumstances require (OED 5a)
boy, informs me.
gg1548
872Miller.*n1766
This edition, following Egan; no speech heading in Q, although there is a new paragraph.
And they should ne’er have been sought for me*n1769
That is: as far as I'm concerned. The miller is quick to insert himself into his son's apparent success, taking on the glory of being a father who wanted only to soothe the illness of his son, thus bringing him to local recognition. Doughty, the more powerful figure here, calls the boy happy, the reverse of the unhappy boy first irritatedly introduced by the miller at the start of this scene.
if their affrightments and devilish devices had not brought my boy into such a sickness; whereupon indeed I thought good to acquaint your worship, and bring the boy unto you, being his godfather and, as you now stick not to say, his father.
n1766
n1769
873Doughty.After you, I thank you, gossip†gg1546
loosely, friend or neighbour (originally, godparent, but that is clearly not the meaning here, since Doughty is the godfather, not the miller)
. But, my boy, thou hast satisfied me in their names, and thy knowledge of the women, their turning into shapes, their dog tricks, and their horse tricks, and their great feast in the barn. —— [Aside] A pox take them with my sirloin, I say still——! [To the BOY] But a little more of thy combat with the devil, I prithee. He came to thee like a boy, thou sayest, about thine own bigness?
gg1546
874Boy.Yes, sir, and he asked me where I dwelt, and what my name was.
875Doughty.Ah, rogue!
876Boy.But it was in a quarrelsome way; whereupon I was as stout, and asked him who made him an examiner†gg1543
legal questioner in a witchcraft case; a judge (according to John Cowell, The Interpreter: or Book Containing the Signification of Words (1607), an ‘Examiner in the Chauncerie or Starre-chamber, [examinator] is an Officer in either Court, that examineth the parties to any suite vpon their oathes, or witnesses produced of either side: whereof there be in the Chauncerie two’ [LEME])
?
gg1543
877Doughty.Ah, good boy!
878Miller.In that he was my son.
879Boy.He told me he would know or beat it out of me, and I told him he should not, and bid him do his worst; and to’t we went.
880Doughty. [To the MILLER] In that he was my son again, ha, boy? I see him at it now.
881Boy.We fought a quarter of an hour, till his sharp nails made my ears bleed.
882Doughty.Oh, the grand devil pare ’em!*n1767
That is, may the chief devil pare the nails of the lesser demon who scratched the boy in their fight.
n1767
883Boy.I wondered to find him so strong in my hands, seeming but of mine own age and bigness, till I, looking down, perceived he had clubbed†gg1544
distorted, defective (defect of the foot, thickened into a stunted lumpy shape like a club)
cloven†gg1545
divided, like the hoof of ruminant quadrupeds
feet like ox feet: but his face was as young as mine.
gg1544
gg1545
884Doughty.A pox, but by his feet, he may be the club-footed horse-courser’s father, for all his young looks*n1768
That is, the devil. A horse-courser is a dealer in horses, often considered a cheating knave: ‘he that buyeth horses, and putteth them away againe by chopping and changing’ (OED citation for 1585; see also 1613). For a famous example in early modern drama, see the horse-courser in Marlowe's Doctor Faustus who tries to trick Faustus into a bargain on a horse, but was tricked by Faustus instead when the horse turned into hay.
!
n1768
885Boy.But I was afraid of his feet, and ran from him towards a light that I saw, and when I came to it, it was one of the witches in white upon a bridge, that scared me back again, and then met me the boy again, and he struck me and laid me for dead*n1770
Knocked me out, left me unconscious.
.
n1770
886Miller.Till I, wondering at his stay, went out and found him in the trance; since which time, he has been haunted and frighted with goblins forty times, and never durst tell anything, as I said, because the hags had so threatened him, till in his sickness he revealed it to his mother.
887Doughty.And she told nobody but folks on’t. Well, Gossip Gretty*n1775
Full of stones, gravelly; hence treacherous or deceiful (Florio 1611, in LEME). The name refers to the practice of millers who weighed the ground grain with gravel to increase the price, or to hoard the extra grain. This scene is the only occasion a name is given to the miller, and the name itself may simply be an insult from Doughty, but it explains the hostility directed toward millers, both here and in the references to the mill haunted by witches and wildcats.
, as thou art a miller and a close†gs196
secretive, sometimes with the implication of stingy, niggardly (OED a. and adv, 7 and 8)
thief, now let us keep it as close as we may till we take ’em and see them handsomely hanged o’the way. [To the BOY] Ha, my little cuff-devil†gg1549
one who cuffs or beats the devil (not in OED)
, thou art a made man†gg2896
person whose success in life is assured (OED made a, 6a)
! Come, away with me!They exit.
n1775
gs196
gg1549
gg2896
5.2
Enter SOLDIER.
888Soldier.These two nights I have slept well and heard no noise
Of cats, or rats; most sure the fellow dreamed
And scratched himself in’s sleep. I have travelled deserts,
Beheld wolves, bears, and lions; indeed, what not
Of horrid shape? And shall I be afraid
Of cats in mine owne country? I can never
Grow so mouse-hearted. It is now a calm†gg1550
of weather, freedom from agitation or disturbance; windlessness (OED n1, 1)
gg1550
And no wind stirring; I can bear no sail*n1772
Literally a nautical phrase, unable to raise sails on a ship; here, the soldier refers to the windmill's sails, which provide the power to grind grain. Figuratively, the expression implies the soldier can do no work, cannot prosper in his employment.
;
n1772
Then best lie down to sleep. [Taking off his sword and placing it beside his makeshift bed] Nay, rest by me,
Good Morglay*n1773
The name of the sword belonging to Sir Bevis, knight of the Round Table.
, my comrade*n1776
] comrague. More commonly comrogue, meaning fellow rogue, but usually a pejorative term: the original term was first used by Jonson in the Masque of Augurs cited in OED for 1621, with the LLW usage appearing second.
and bedfellow,
n1773
n1776
That never failed me yet; I know thou didst not.
If I be waked, see thou be stirring too!
Then come a gib†gg1551
familiar name for a cat
as big as Askapart†gg1552
the dragon killed by Sir Bevis
gg1551
gg1552
We’ll make him play at leap-frog. —— A brave soldier’s lodging:
The floor my bed, a millstone for my pillow,
The sails for curtains. So, good night.
n11378
The Soldier awaits the battle with the cat-spirits at the mill, his sword at the ready as he demonstrates his military bravery
n11378
Lies down.
MISTRESS GENEROUS, MALL, [and] all the Witches and their spirits enter at several doors.n11379
The witches plan their assault on the Soldier.
n11379
889Mistress Generous.Is Nab come?
890Mall.Yes.
891Mistress Generous.Where’s Jug?
892Mall.On horseback yet,
Now lighting from her broomstaff†gg1553
broomstick; the handle of a broom
.
gg1553
893Mistress Generous.But where’s Peg?
894Mall.Entered the mill already.
895Mistress Generous.Is he fast†gs197
fast asleep
?
gs197
896Mall.As senseless as a dormouse†gg1554
small nocturnal European rodent, able to hibernate in cool weather for up to six months; hence the name, from Anglo-Norman dormeus, sleepy one, and the reputation for dullness
.
gg1554
897Mistress Generous.Then to work,
To work, my pretty Laplands†gg1555
witches (Lapland was thought to be the home of witches, according to a theory that the north was the region of evil, possibly the location of hell; cf OED 1a , citation for 1621, Burton, Anatomy of Melancholy: ‘And nothing so familiar... as for Witches and Sorcerers, in Lapland, Lituania, and all ouer Scandia, to sell winds to Marriners, and cause tempests’)
! Pinch here, scratch!
gg1555
Do that within; without, we’ll keep the watch.
The Witches retire†gg1557
withdraw (LEME); disappear from sight, vanish (OED 3c), although the first citation is 1697, this scene a few lines later clearly indicates (‘within; without’) that while the spirits, visible or not, remain on stage, the witches go out
. The spirits come about him with a dreadful noise; he
starts†gg1566
bounds up suddenly in a violent impulse from a position of rest (OED 2a)
.
gg1557
gg1566
898Soldier.Am I in hell? [Picking up his sword and leaping to his feet]n11380
A workshop explored the sequence in which the Soldier reacts to the assault of the witches with fear and determination. In the first video clip we see the actors experimenting with physical business to help their representation of invisible spirits; the soldier wavers between terror and bravado. In the second clip the focus is on sword play, as the witches taunt the soldier, making him impotent with his own weapon. In a third clip we see the cast experiment with a 'voice-over' rendition of the Soldier reacting to the pinch in private; the sequence ends with his cutting off a cat's paw.
Then have amongst you, devils ——
n11380
. In the second clip the focus is on sword play, as the witches taunt the soldier, making him impotent with his own weapon. In a third clip we see the cast experiment with a 'voice-over' rendition of the Soldier reacting to the pinch in private; the sequence ends with his cutting off a cat's paw.
This side, and that side —— what, behind, before?
I’ll keep my face unscratched despite you all!
What, do you pinch in private†gg1556
invisibly; but also punning on private parts of the anatomy (that is, the cats are assumed to be attacking the soldier's manhood)
? Claws I feel
gg1556
But can see nothing. Nothing pinch me thus?
[Lunging in rapid sequence] Have at you then, ay, and have at you still,
And still have at you!
Beats them off, follows them in, and enters again [carrying something furry].
One of them I have paid†gg1558
injured; literally, satisfied or contented (OED a, 1a)
,
gg1558
In leaping out o’th’ hole: a foot, or ear,
Or something I have light on†gg1559
fallen or stumbled upon unexpectedly, by chance (Florio 1598, LEME); possibly ironic, as in ‘relieved [someone] of his property by plundering’ (OED 2a)
. What, all gone?
gg1559
All quiet? Not a cat that’s heard to mew?
Nay then, I’ll try to take another nap,
Though I sleep with mine eyes open.He exits.
5.3
Master GENEROUS and ROBIN enter.
899Generous.Robin, the last night that I lodged at home
My wife (if thou rememberest) lay abroad ——
But no words of that.
900Robin.You've*n1777
] You have. The demands of the verse line which Robin completes led to my decision to elide the two words.
taught me silence.
n1777
901Generous.I rose, thus early much before my hour,
To take her in her bed*n1778
That is, to meet her or catch her in bed, before she goes out. He wants to make sure that she didn't gallivant with witches in his absence from home. ‘Take’ implies ‘reprimand her for her overnight absence’ (OED 9a); unlikely to mean ‘possess sexually’ (OED 14c), a twentieth-century connotation.
. ’Tis yet not five,
n1778
The sun scarce up. Those horses take and lead ’em
We have rid hard. Now in the interim I
Will step and see how my new miller fares,
Than those which did precede him.
902Robin.Sir, I shall.
903Generous.But one thing more —— Whispers [to ROBIN aside].
ARTHUR enters.
904Arthur.Now from the last night’s witchcraft we are freed,
And I, that had not power to clear myself
From base aspersion, am at liberty
For vowed revenge: I cannot be at peace
(The night-spell being took off*n1779
] of. Early modern spelling often did not distinguish between 'of' and 'off'.
) till I have met
n1779
The best part of this morning I have spent.
His wife now I suspect.
905Robin. [Attempting to pass by ARTHUR] By your leave, sir.
906Arthur.Oh, you’re well met. Pray tell me how long is’t
Since you were first my father?
907Robin.Be patient, I
Beseech you, what do you mean, sir?
908Arth.But that I honour
Thy master, to whose goodness I am bound,
And still must remain thankful, I should prove
Worse then a murderer, a mere†gg1562
veritable (intensifier) (OED a, 4)
parricide†gg1563
father-murderer
gg1562
gg1563
By killing thee, my father.[He draws his sword.]
909Robin.I, your father?
He was a man I always loved! And honoured!
He bred me.
910Arthur.And you begot me? Oh you used me
Finely last night!
911Generous. [Coming forward to ARTHUR] Pray what’s the matter, sir?
912Arthur.My worthy friend, but that I honour you
As one to whom I am so much obliged,
This villain could not stir a foot from hence
Till perished by my sword*n1781
Until he had died by my weapon. Arthur's grammar is a little odd here, since Robin could not stir a foot from anywhere if he were dead.
.
n1781
913Generous.How hath he wronged you?
Be of a milder temper, I entreat.
Relate what and when done!
914Arthur.You may command me.
If ask me what wrongs, know this groom pretends
He hath strumpeted my mother; if when, blazed†gg2834
flared or dazzled like a blazing star, or comet (comets were thought to be omens of unusual events)
gg2834
Last night at midnight. If you ask me further
Where: in your own house, when he pointed to me
As had I been his bastard.
915Robin.I do this?
I am a horse again if I got you, master. Why, master![Trying to avoid the sword]
916Generous.I know you, Master Arthur, for a gentleman
Of fair endowments, a most solid brain,
And settled understanding. Why, this fellow
These two days was scarce sundered from my side,
And for the last night I am most assured
He slept within my chamber twelve miles off.
We have ne’er parted since.
917Arthur.You tell me wonders,
Since all your words to me are oracles,
And such as I most constantly believe.
But, sir, shall I be bold and plain withal?
I am suspicious all’s not well at home.
Yet there is something lodged within my breast
Which I am loath†gg1209
told you before (not a reference to prophecy)
to utter.
gg1209
918Generous.Keep it there,
I pray do, a season —— [Aside] Oh, my fears!
[Aloud] No doubt ere long my tongue may be the key
To open that your secret. —— [To ROBIN] Get you gone, sir,
And do as I commanded.
919Robin.I shall, sir. ——
[Aside] Father, quoth he!
[Sarcastically] I should be proud indeed of such a son.Exit.
920Generous. [To ARTHUR] Please you now walk with me to my mill?
It is a place hath been much troubled.
921Arthur.I shall wait on you. ——
The SOLDIER enters.*n1782
This stage direction appears before Arthur begins to speak, in Q. His prompt arrival, without Generous and Arthur having to seek him out, suggests his probity and self-righteousness at surviving attacks by demons. His pride in his bloody sword heralds the finding of the evidence (the hand) and suggests at the same time the difference between a soldier's cold brutality and the witches' prankster masquerade as scratching cats.
n1782
See, he appears.
922Generous.Good morrow, soldier.
923Soldier.A bad night I have had!
924Generous.Prithee tell me,
Hast thou been frighted then?
925Soldier.How, frighted, sir?
A dungcart full of devils could not do’t.
But I have been so nipped, and pulled, and pinched
By a company of hell-cats!
926Arthur. Fairies*n1783
Arthur's assumption is in line with early fairy lore, which suggests that fairies were evil sprites who pinched their victims in retaliation for requests not met. See, for example, the purification of Dapper by pseudo-fairies in The Alchemist, 3.5, a sequence of pinching.
, sure!
n1783
927Soldier.Rather, foul fiends! Fairies have no such claws;
Yet I have kept my face whole, thanks my scimitar†gg1565
sword, fancifully referring to the curved Turkish sword
,
gg1565
My trusty bilbo†gg1567
sword noted for the temper and elasticity of its blade, made of steel in Bilboa, Portugal
, but for which I vow,
gg1567
I had been torn to pieces. But I think
I met with †gg1605
encountered and resisted or stopped in a fight (Cotgrave, 1611, LEME)
some of them. One I am sure
gg1605
I have sent limping hence.
928Generous.Didst thou fasten upon†gg1569
seize on
any?
gg1569
929Soldier.Fast or loose†gg1568
cheating game played with a stick and a belt or string, overlapped so that a player would bet he could hold the pile fast by placing a stick througth its intricate folds, but the operator could undo it with one tug
, most sure I made them fly
gg1568
And skip out of the portholes†gg1570
small windows, usually circular, originally made for cannons on ships, but subsequently used of any similar apertures in a building
. But the last
gg1570
I made her squeak: she had forgot to mew.
I spoiled her caterwauling.
930Arthur.Let’s see thy sword.
931Soldier.To look on, not to part with from my hand.
’Tis not the soldier’s custom. ——
932Arthur.Sir, I observe ’tis bloody towards the point.
933Soldier.If all the rest scape scot-free, yet I am sure
There’s one hath paid the reckoning†gg2898
account, computed sum owing or due to someone; used especially of a bill at a tavern, but here implying a paying-back or settling of differences between parties (OED vbl. n, 3a and 5)
.
gg2898
934Generous.Look well about:
Looks about and finds the hand.
935Soldier.What’s here? Is’t possible cats should have hands
And rings upon their fingers?
936Arthur.Most prodigious.
937Generous.Reach me that hand.
938Soldier.There’s that of the three I can best spare.
939Generous. [Aside] Amazement upon wonder, can thls be?
I needs must know’t by most infallible marks.
Is this the hand once plighted holy vows,
And this the ring that bound them? Doth this last age
Afford what former never durst believe?
Oh, how have I offended those high powers
That my great incredulity should merit
A punishment so grievous, and to happen
Under mine own roof, mine own bed, my bosom?
940Arthur.Know you the hand*n1784
This is punning on the physical evidence of the hand, and the hand-writing usually relied upon in the legal process of proving a deed. Hence, Generous's reply that he can read it.
, sir?
n1784
941Gen.Yes and too well can read it.
Good Master Arthur, bear me company
Unto my house. In the society of good men
There’s great solace.
942Arthur.Sir, I’ll wait on you.
943Generous.And, soldier, do not leave me. Lock thy mill.
I have employment for thee.
944Soldier.I shall, sir. I think I have tickled some of your tenants at will, that thought to revel here rent-free. The best is, if one of the parties shall deny the deed, we have their hand to show.They exit.
5.4
A bed thrust out*n3418
In the early modern theatre, which normally had two or three doors from the tiring-house (backstage area) opening onto the stage, a large prop like a bed would be pushed on stage through a door, and pushed off again when no longer needed.
, MISTRESS GENEROUS in’t; WHETSTONE, MALL SPENCER by her.
n3418
945Whetstone.Why aunt, dear aunt, honey aunt, how do you? How fare you, cheer you? How is’t with you? You have been a lusty woman in your time, but now you look as if you could not do withal.
946Mistress Generous.Good Mall, let him not trouble me.
947Mall.Fie, Master Whetstone, you keep such a noise in the chamber that your aunt is desirous to take a little rest and cannot.
948Whetstone.In my uncle’s absence, who but I should comfort my aunt? Am not I of the blood, am not I next of kin? Why, aunt!
949Mistress Generous.Good nephew, leave me.
950Whetstone.The devil shall leave you ere I’ll forsake you, aunt. You know, Sic*n3419
Latin for 'Thus' or 'So', as Whetstone translates it himself. He is merely making a silly schoolboy joke of the Latin/English pun ('sick'); otherwise, his comments are meaningless. He makes a similar tasteless joke in his next sentence about hoping his aunt 'will' remember him in her 'will'.
is So, and being so sick, do you think I’ll leave you? What know I but this bed may prove your death-bed, and then I hope you will remember me; that is, remember me in your will. — (Knock within.) Who’s that knocks with such authority? Ten to one my uncle’s come to town.
n3419
951Mistress Generous. [To MALL] If it be so, excuse my weakness to him. Say I can speak with none.
952Mall.I will — [Aside] and scape him if I can! By this accident all must come out, and here’s no stay for me — (Knock again) [Aloud, to WHETSTONE] Again! Stay you here with your aunt, and I’ll go let in your uncle.
953Whetstone.Do, good Mall. [MALL exits.] [To MISTRESS GENEROUS, anxiously] And how, and how, sweet aunt?
Master GENEROUS, MALL, ARTHUR, SOLDIER, and ROBIN enter.
954Generous.You’re well met here. I am told you oft frequent
This house as my wife’s choice companion,
Yet have I seldom seen you.
955Mall.Pray, by your leave, sir,
Your wife is taken with a sudden qualm†gg1606
sudden fit of faintness, illness, or sickness; (often associated with) fearfulness, faintheartedness (OED n3, 1 and 2a)
.
gg1606
She hath sent me for a doctor.
956Generous.But that
Labour I’ll save you. — Soldier, take her
To your charge. [The SOLDIER seizes MALL.] — And now, where’s this sick woman?
957Whetstone.Oh, uncle, you come in good time. My aunt is so suddenly taken as if she were ready to give up the spirit*n1821
To die, punning on ‘to reveal her familiar, or imp’, one sign of her involvement in witchcraft.
.
n1821
958Generous.’Tis almost time she did. [To MISTRESS GENEROUS] Speak, how is’t, wife?
My nephew tells me you were took last night
With a shrewd sickness, which this maid confirms.
959Mistress Generous.Yes, sir, but now desire no company.
Noise troubles me, and I would gladly sleep.
960Generous.In company there’s comfort. Prithee, wife,
Lend me thy hand, and let me feel thy pulse.
Perhaps some fever, by their beating, I
May guess at thy disease.
961Mistress Generous.My hand, ’tis there.
962Generous. [Feeling her pulse] A dangerous sickness, and I fear t’ death.
’Tis odds you will not scape it. Take that back
And let me prove the t’ other, if perhaps
I there can find more comfort.
963Mistress Generous.I pray, excuse me.
964Generous.I must not be denied. Sick folks are peevish,
And must be o’er-ruled, and so shall you.
965Mistress Generous.Alas, I have not strength to lift it up.
966Generous.If not thy hand, wife, shew me but thy wrist,
And see how this will match it! [Showing her the hand] Here’s a testate†gg1575
witness, piece of evidence (OED n1, 1)
gg1575
That cannot be outfaced†gg1576
defied; defeated by face-to-face confrontation or a display of confidence, arrogance (OED 2, 1)
.
gg1576
967Mistress Generous.I am undone.
968Whetstone.Hath my aunt been playing at handy-dandy†gg1577
A children's game in which a small object is shaken between the hands by one of the players, and, the hands being suddenly closed, the other player is required to guess in which hand the object remains. The rhyming words seem to offer a choice, but are indifferent which of two things is chosen; in that case, the words mean ‘Choose which you please’ (see OED 1c). In Mistress Generous's case, there is no choice left, because she cannot keep her arm hidden and she cannot humiliate herself further by showing her stump. She is trapped and her game is over.
? Nay then, if the game go this way, I fear she’ll have the worst hand*n1822
As in a card game: Mrs Generous has the losing cards. The word is also connected variously to marriage vows (giving one’s hand), to horsemanship (skill in managing the reins), and to double-dealing (playing with both hands), but the latter act of duplicity is no longer possible, in this case.
on’t.
gg1577
n1822
969Arthur.’Tis now apparent
How all the last night’s business came about.
In this, my late suspicion is confirmed.
970Generous.My heart hath bled more for thy cursed†gg1578
damnable, heinously evil (OED a, 2)
relapse
gg1578
Than drops hath issued from thy wounded arm.
But wherefore should I preach to one past hope?
Or where the devil himself claims right in all*n1823
The devil’s rights over Mistress Generous would by tradition include sexual servitude as well as other demands for her obedience. In other words, there is nothing left of this marriage that Master Generous can save.
,
n1823
Seek the least part or interest? Leave your bed,
Up, make you ready. I must deliver you
Into the hand of justice. [Turning to ARTHUR] O dear friend,
It is in vain to guess at this my grief,
That young but old in mischief. ——[SOLDIER and ROBIN exit with MALL and MISTRESS GENEROUS.]
And being of these apostates†gg1580
renegades; those who abandon their moral allegiances; perverts; also hypocrites, offenders of the law (LEME: Laurence Nowell, Vocabularium Saxonicum , ca 1567)
rid so well,
gg1580
I’ll see my house no more be made a hell.
Away with them.[Generous and Arthur] exit.
5.5
BANTAM and SHAKESTONE enter.
971Bantam.I’ll out o’the country, and as soon live in Lapland as Lancashire hereafter.
972Shakestone.What, for a false illusive apparition? I hope the devil is not able to persuade thee thou art a bastard!
973Bantam.No, but I am afflicted to think that the devil should have power to put such a trick upon us, to countenance a rascal, that is one.
974Shakestone.I hope Arthur has taken a course with his uncle about him by this time. Who would have thought such a fool as he could have been a witch?
975Bantam.Why, do you think there’s any wise folk†gg1581
witches and magicians, known as wise women and wise men; or cunning women and cunning men, because they have knowledge unavailable to most people: (fore)knowledge and ability to cure, find lost objects, or give advice regarding the future (Heywood’s play The Wise-woman of Hoxton explains the difference between a reputable wise woman and a witch, as does Lyly’s Mother Bombie)
of the quality†gg1582
upper classes, or gentry (In fact, one of the Lancashire witches in 1612, Alice Nutter, was a gentlewoman. In the North Berwick witchcraft case of 1592 in Scotland, one of the accused (charges dropped), Barbara Napier, was a titled lady.)
? Can any but fools be drawn into a covenant with the greatest enemy of mankind? Yet I cannot think that Whetstone is the witch! The young quean†gg1583
bold, impudent, or ill-behaved woman; a jade, hussy (OED 1)
that was at the wedding was i’th’ house, you know.
gg1581
gg1582
gg1583
LAWRENCE and PARNELL enter in their first habits*n1785
That is, no longer in their wedding clothes, but dressed for work, suiting their class and condition.
.
n1785
976Shakestone.See, Lawrence and Parnell civilly accorded†gg1585
in agreement, united
again, it seems, and accoutred†gg1584
dressed, equipped
as they were wont to be when they had their wits.
gg1585
gg1584
977Lawrence. Blest be the hour I say, may hunny, may sweet Pall, that Ay’s becomed thaine agone, and thou’s becomed maine agone, and may this ea kisse ma’ us tway become both eane forever and a day.*n1786
Blessed be the hour, I say, my honey, my sweet Pall [affectionate nickname for Parnell], that I am become thine again, and thou hast become mine again, and may this kiss make us two become both one forever and a day.
[He kisses her.]
n1786
978Parnell.Yie, marry, Lall, and thus shadden it be! There is naught getten by fawing out; we mun faw in, or we get naught.*n1787
Yeah, marry, Lall [affectionate nickname for Lawrence], and thus should it be? There is nothing to be had by falling out [quarrelling]; we must fall in [agree], or we get nothing.
n1787
979Bantam.The world’s well mended here. We cannot but rejoice to see this, Lawrence.
981Parnell.And we been glad we han it for you*n1789
We are delighted that our reunion makes you feel this way.
.
n1789
982Shakestone.And I protest I am glad to see it.
983Parnell.And thus shan yeou see’t till our deeing hour. Ween eon leove now for a laifetime. The dew’l shonot ha the poo’er to put us to pieces agone.*n1790
And thus shall you see it until our dying hour. We love in equal agreement [e'en] now for a lifetime. The devil shall not have the power to pull us to pieces again.
n1790
984Bantam.Why, now all’s right and straight and as it should be.
985Lawrence.Yie, marry, that is it! The good hour be blessed for it that put the wit into may head to have a mistrust of that pestilent codpiece-point that the witched worch Mal Spencer go’ me! Ah ,woe worth her! That were it that made aw so naught.*n1791
Yes, marry, that is it! May the good hour be blessed that put the wit into my head to distrust that damned cod-piece point that the wicked witch Mall Spencer got me. Ah, woe betide her! That was it that made all so worthless and inoperable.
n1791
986Bantam and Shakestone.Is’t possible?
987Parnell.Yie, marry, it were an inchauntment, and about an hour since, it come intill our hearts to do — what yeou think, and we did it.*n1792
'Yes, marry, it was an enchantment, and about an hour ago, it came into our hearts to do -- what you think, and we did it.' The wording 'what you think' suggests that the audience is to understand the couple had sexual relations, but in fact it came into their heads to burn the point, thus destroying its power over them.
n1792
988Bantam.What, Parnell?
989Parnell. Marry, we take the point, and we casten the point into the fire, and the point spittered and spattered in the fire, like an it were (love bless us) a laive thing in the faire; and it hopet and skippet and riggled and frisket in the faire, and crept about laike a worm in the faire, that it were warke enough for us both with all the chimney tools to keep it into the faire, and it stinket in the faire worsen than ony brimstone in the faire*n1793
Marry, we took the point and we threw the point into the fire, and the point spittered and spattered [spitter-spatter was trifling talk, echoing whispering gossip, perhaps, but used here to describe the crackling sound] in the fire as if it were (love bless us) a live thing in the fire; and it hopped and skipped and wriggled and frisked in the fire, and crept about like a worm in the fire, so that it were work enough for us both with all the chimney tools to keep it into the fire, and it stank in the fire worse than any brimstone in the fire.
.
n1793
990Bantam.This is wonderful*n1794
Astonishing, marvellous; literally filling the observer with wonder or amazement. Bantam is the most assertive of the three gentlemen in voicing and insisting on his interpretations of events. The reactions of Arthur and Shakestone may be more sceptical; certainly, more reserved. Actors need not feel bound by Bantam's enthusiasms.
as all the rest!
n1794
991Lawrence.It would ha’ scared ony that hadden their wits till a seen’t, and we werne mad eont it were deone.*n1795
It would have scared any that had their wits until they had seen it [burn up], and we were mad until it were done. The comedy here is the difficulty of distinguishing between the burning of the point, and the burning passion that compelled Parnell and Lawrence to make love.
n1795
992Parnell. And this were not above an hour fine; an you connot devaise how we han lov’d t’one t’other by now, yeou would e’en bliss your seln to see’t.*n1796
And this was not more than one hour since; if you cannot devise [imagine] how we have loved each other by now, you would definitely bless yourself to see it.
n1796
993Lawrence. Yie, an’ han pit on our working geer, to swink and serve our master and maistress like intill painful servants agone, as we shudden.*n1797
Yes, and have put on our working gear to work and serve out master and mistress just like painstaking servants again, as we should.
n1797
994Bantam.’Tis wondrous well.
995Shakestone. And are they well again?
996Parnell. Yie, and weel’s laike — hea’n bliss them, they are a’was weel becomed as none ill had ever beene aneast ’em. Lo ye, lo ye, as they come.*n1798
Yes, and well as like - heaven bless them, they are always well behaved as though no ill had ever been set against them. Look, look, all of you, here they come.
n1798
SEELY, JOAN, GREGORY, and WIN[NY] enter.
997Gregory.Sir, if a contrite heart struck through with sense
Of its sharp errors, bleeding with remorse
The black polluted stain it had conceived
Of foul unnatural disobedience,
May yet by your fair mercy find remission,
You shall upraise a son out o’the gulf
Of horror and despair unto a bliss
That shall forever crown your goodness and
Instructive in my after-life†gg1599
subsequent life, life after this episode, not a reference to life after death
to serve you
gg1599
In all the duties that befit a son.
998Seely.Enough, enough, good boy, ’tis most apparent
We all have had our errors, and as plainly,
It now appears, our judgments, yea, our reason
Was poisoned by some violent infection
Quite contrary to nature.
999Bantam.This sounds well.
1000Seely.I fear it was by witchcraft: for I now
— Blest be the power that wrought the happy means
Of my delivery — remember that
Some three months since I crossed a wayward woman†gg1586
witch (The term is fraught with overlapping meanings, going back to Macbeth's weyward or weird sisters, figures of fate. According to various dictionaries from 1556 to 1611 on LEME, wayward may mean hard to please, hard to rule, shrewd, testy, foolish, cursed, peevish, surly or rude. To this list, OED adds unreasonable, intractable, perverse, capriciously wilful, and unscrupulous. Such a list at least indicates why people were frightened of women with such traits.)
gg1586
(One that I now suspect) for bearing with
A most unseemly disobedience
In an untoward†gg1587
inept, slow (OED 1b); or intractable, unruly, perverse (a close synonym for wayward) (OED 2a)
ill-bred son of hers,
gg1587
When with an ill look and an hollow voice
She muttered out these words: ‘Perhaps ere long
Thyself shalt be obedient to thy son.’
She has played her prank, it seems.
1001Gregory.Sir I have heard that witches apprehended under hands of lawful authority, do lose their power;
And all their spells are instantly dissolved.
1002Seely.If it be so, then at this happy hour,
The witch is ta’en that over us had power.
1003Joan. [To WINNY, who kneels before her] Enough, child†gg1600
daughter, girl (northern dialect); reference to the male was either 'boy' or 'son' (OED n, 1b and see the 1611 citation. Lady Anne Clifford, in her diary recounting events up to 1618, refers to her daughter consistently as 'child'.)
,
thou art mine and all is well.
gg1600
1004Winny.Long may you live the well-spring of my bliss,
And may my duty and my fruitful prayers
Draw a perpetual stream of blessings from you.
1005Seely. [To BANTAM, and SHAKESTONE] Gentlemen, welcome to my best friend’s house*n1815
That is, Doughty's house. The Seely parents have been living with him since Lawrence and Parnell took over the Seely estate.
.
n1815
You know the unhappy cause that drew me hither.
1006Bantam.And cannot but rejoice to see the remedy so near at hand.
DOUGHTY, MILLER, and BOY enter.
1007Doughty.Come, gossip, come, boy — [Seeing the other visitors] Gentlemen, you are come to the bravest discovery — Master Seely and the rest, how is’t with you? You look reasonable well, methinks.
1008Seely.Sir, we do find that we have reason enough to thank you for your neighbourly and pious care of us.
1009Doughty.Is all so well with you already? [To BANTAM and SHAKESTONE] Go to, will you know a reason for’t, gentlemen? I have catched a whole kennel of witches. It seems their witch*n1800
That is, Goody Dickieson, the witch who kidnapped the boy on her demonic horse.
[Indicating the MILLER and the BOY] is one of ’em, and so they are discharmed†gg1589
freed from the power of enchantment
. They are all in officers’ hands, and they will touch†gg1588
drop by; stop in briefly for a visit; to call in passing (OED 11a)
here with two or three of them for a little private parley†gg1590
conversation
before they go to the justices. Master Generous is coming hither too, with a supply†gg1591
an additional body of persons, usually military (OED 5)
that you dream not of, and your nephew Arthur.
n1800
gg1589
gg1588
gg1590
gg1591
1010Bantam. [To SEELY] You are beholden, sir to Master Generous in behalf of your nephew for saving his land from forfeiture in time of your distraction†gg1366
madness, confusion caused by dissension and conflict
.
gg1366
1011Seely.I will acknowledge it most thankfully.
1012Shakestone.See, he comes.
MASTER GENEROUS, MISTRESS GENEROUS, ARTHUR, WHETSTONE, MALL, SOLDIER, and ROBIN enter.
1013Seely.O Master Generous, the noble favour you have showed
My nephew forever binds me to you.
1014Generous.I pitied then your misery, and now
Have nothing left but to bewail mine own
In this unhappy woman [Indicating MISTRESS GENEROUS] .
1015Seely. [Moving toward MISTRESS GENEROUS] Good Mistress Generous ——
1016Arthur.Make a full stop there, sir! Sides, sides, make sides!*n1801
Stand aside, make room! This is a warning to the others: don’t get too close to the witches.
You know her not as I do! — [To MISTRESS GENEROUS] Stand aloof there, mistress, with your darling witch*n1802
That is, Mall Spencer. The description suggests the equivalent of best friend, but also, according to the various possibilities in Florio (1611), with sexual undertones: wanton, sweetheart, favorite, minion, beloved (LEME). Since the witches are represented as polymorphously perverse in the play, the implication of same-sex relationship should be no surprise.
; your nephew too, if you please, because though he be no witch, he is a well-willer†gg1592
well-wishes, supporter
to the infernal science.
n1801
n1802
gg1592
1017Generous.I utterly discard him in her blood
And all the good that I intended him
I will confer upon this vertuous gentleman [Indicating ARTHUR] .
1018Whetstone.Well, sir, though you be no unckle, yet mine aunt’s mine aunt, and shall be to her dying day.
1019Doughty.And that will be about a day after next ’sizes, I take it.
The witches [enter with the] CONSTABLE, and officers.
Oh, here comes more o’ your naunts: Naunt Dickieson and Naunt Hargrave — ods fish!†gg1593
God's flesh [OED speculates this: see OED od n and int, 1)
— and your Granny Johnson too. We want but a good fire*n1803
English witches were hanged, but Scottish and European witches were usually burned at the stake (as in New England a few decades later).
to entertain ’em.
gg1593
n1803
[The witches gather close together in a circle.]
1020Arthur.See how they lay their heads together? Witches charm together.*n1805
This edition; marginal SD spread over three lines in Q: Witches / charme to- / gether.
n1805
1022Maud.No relief?
1023Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
No comfort!
n1804
1024Goody Dickieson.*n1830
This edition; All. Q. There is no reason why all the witches should call on Mawsy, who can only be one witch's familiar. Goody Dickieson previously appeared with her demon boy, unnamed, who may also be Mawsy. But the real reason I assign this line to Goody Dickieson is that she is present in this scene, but has no other line. This at least gives her something to say.
Mawsy, my Mawsy, gentle Mawsy, come!
n1830
1025Maud.Come, my sweet Puckling!
1026Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
My Mamilion!
n1804
1027Arthur.What do they say?
1028Bantam.They call their spirits, I think.
1029Doughty. [To the witches] Now a shame take you for a fardel†gg1594
parcel, pack (OED n1, 1)
of fools! Have you known so many of the devil’s tricks, and can be ignorant of that common feat of the old juggler†gg1595
trickster, deceiver; one who uses magic to delude others; frequently used of the devil
; that is, to leave you all to the law, when you are once seized on by the talons of authority? I’ll undertake this little demogorgon constable*n1806
This terrifying policeman. Demogorgon was an ancient mysterious infernal deity, whose name was revived by Spenser and later Milton. But Doughty calls him little: this suggests a visual stage joke, using a small actor (perhaps one of the company boys) to play the part of this petrifying sight.
with these commonwealth characters upon his staff*n1816
Official insignia on his staff of office; the staff was also a weapon, with which he may stave off attack (that is, use his staff to block the attack, or either strike or pin the attacker to prevent further aggression).
here is able, in spite of all your bug’s-words†gg1596
mumbo-jumbo; words used in magical incantations (OED suggests: words meant to frighten or terrify; words that cause dread; swaggering or threatening language. A bug is a figure of terror, usually an imaginary one; a bugbear, hobgoblin, bog (OED n1, 1.)
, to stave off the grand devil for doing any of you good till you come to his kingdom*n1807
That is, hell.
to him, and there take what you can find.
gg1594
gg1595
n1806
n1816
gg1596
n1807
1030Arthur.But, gentlemen, shall we try if we can by examination*n1808
This is the term for official recorded questioning of a witness or defendant. What Arthur suggests is illegal, but perhaps he thinks it is a privilege of his class, since landowners often served as justices of the peace.
get from them something that may abbreviate the cause unto the wiser in conmmission for the peace*n1809
The assize judges who would hear the case.
before we carry them before ’em?
n1808
n1809
1031Generous and Seely.Let it be so.
1032Doughty.Well said.*n1810
] Well say. The expression 'Well said' was a common statement of approval. The word say in Q seems to be a printer's error for sayd. Although 'Well, say:' (Egan) follows Q, it is not a colloquial statement; 'Well, say on' might be what a listener might expect.
Stand out, boy; stand out, miller; stand out, Robin; stand out, soldier; and lay your accusation upon ’em.
n1810
1033Bantam.Speak, boy. Do you know these creatures? Women I dare not call ’em.
1034Boy.Yes, sir, and saw them all in the barn together, and many more at their feast and witchery.
1035Robin.And so did I. By a devilish token†gg1598
fact or event (OED 1a)
, I was rid thither, though I rid home again as fast without switch or spur.
gg1598
1036Miller.I was ill-handled by them in the mill.
1037Soldier.And I sliced off a cat’s foot there, that is since a hand, whoever wants it.
1038Seely.How I and all my family have suffered you all know.
1039Lawrence. And how I were betwitcht my Pall here knows.
1040Parnell. Yie, Lall, and the witch I knaw, an I prayen yeou goe’ me but leave to scrat her well-favourly.*n1811
Yes, Lall, and the witch I know,and I pray you only give me permission to scratch her handsomely [well-favouredly]! The last word is used ironically, to mean severely or soundly. Scratching a witch to draw blood was supposed to release her demons, and disempower her, but at the same time proving her a witch. There are cases of women who were wrongly scratched and successfully sued in court for compensation and vindication. See, for example, G.J Davies (ed.), Touchying Witchcrafte and Sorcerye (Dorchester: Dorset record Society, 1985), for the document relating to Joan Guppy, esp. 31-32.
n1811
[She starts to attack MALL.]
1041Bantam.Hold, Parnell!
1042Parnell.Yeou can blame no honest woman, I trow, to scrat for the thing she leoves.
1043Mall [and Mistress Generous].*n1812
] Mal. Doughty's response following the laughter indicates that Mistress Generous has been laughing as well.
Ha, ha, ha!
n1812
1044Doughty. [Turning to MISTRESS GENEROUS] Do you laugh, gentlewoman? What say you to all these matters?
1045Mistress. Generous.I will say nothing, but what you know you know*n1813
There is a little echo of Iago in his last speech in Othello: he completes his comment by saying 'From this time forth I never will speak word', and apparently Mistress Generous intends to follow his lead.
,
n1813
And, as the law shall find me, let it take me.
1046Gill.And so say I.
1047Maud.And I.
1048Mall.And I.
Other confession you get none from us.
1049Arthur.What say you, Granny?
1050Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
Mamilion, ho! Mamilion, Mamilion!
n1804
1051Arthur.Who’s that you call?
1052Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
My friend, my sweetheart, my Mamilion!
n1804
1053Witches. [Variously threatening MEG] You are not mad?
1054Doughty.Ah ha, that’s her devil, her incubus, I warrant. [To the CONSTABLE] Take her off from the rest: they’ll hurt her. [To MEG] Come hither, poor old woman. [Aside] I’ll dandle†gs203
pamper, make much of; also, trifle or toy with
a witch a little! [To MEG] Thou wilt speak and tell the truth, and shalt have favour, doubt not. Say, art not thou a witch?
The[ other witches] storm
gs203
1055Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
’Tis folly to dissemble. Yie, sir, I am one.
n1804
1056Doughty.And that Mamilion which thou call’st upon is thy familiar devil, is’t not? Nay, prithee, speak.
1057Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
Yes, sir.
n1804
1058Doughty.That’s a good woman. How long hast had’s acquaintance, ha?
1059Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
A matter of six years, sir.
n1804
1060Doughty.A pretty matter. What, was he like a man?
1061Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
Yes, when I pleased.
n1804
1062Doughty.And then he lay with thee, did he not sometimes?
1063Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
’Tis folly to dissemble; twice a week he never failed me.
n1804
1064Doughty.Humh — and how? And how a little? Was he a good bedfellow?
1065Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
’Tis folly to speak worse of him than he is.
n1804
1066Doughty.Ay, trust me, is’t. Give the devil his due.
1067Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
He pleased me well, sir, like a proper man.
n1804
1068Doughty.There was sweet coupling!
1069Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
Only his flesh felt cold.
n1804
1070Arthur.He wanted his great fires about him that he has at home.
1072Meg.*n1804
] Peg. Both Meg and Peg are diminutives of Margaret. The Q printer puts Peg for the rest of the play, but I have emended to Meg.
Gentleman-like, but black, black points and all.
n1804
1073Doughty.Ay, very like his points were black enough. But come we’ll trifle w’ye no longer. Now shall you all to the justices, and let them take order with you till the ’sizes, and then let law take his course, and Vivat Rex*n1817
Long live the king. These words ended court cases, after the verdict was announced and sentenced passed.
. — [GENEROUS turns his back on the witches and starts to leave.] Master Generous, I am sorry for your cause of sorrow; we shall not have your company?
n1817
1074Generous.No, sir, my prayers for her soul’s recovery
Shall not be wanting to her, but mine eyes
Must never see her more.
1075Robin. [To MALL] Mall, adieu, sweet Mall, ride your next journey with the company you have there.
1076Mall.Well, rogue, I may live to ride in a coach before I come to the gallows yet.
1077Rob. [To MISTRESS GENEROUS] And, mistress, the horse that stays for you rides better with a halter*n1818
The hangman’s rope, from which she will ‘ride’ in the air.
than your jingling bridle.GENEROUS and ROBIN exit.
n1818
1078Doughty.Master Seely, I rejoice for your family’s atonement†gg1494
forgiveness; restoration of friendly relations between persons who have been at variance; reconciliation (OED 2a)
.
gg1494
1079Seely.And I praise heaven for you that were the means to it.
1080Doughty. [To the CONSTABLE and officers] On afore, drovers†gg1603
field hands who drive droves or herds of cattle, sheep, etc., to market
, with your untoward cattle.
gg1603
They exit severally.
1081Bantam.Why do not you follow, Master By-blow. I thank your aunt for the trick she would have fathered us withal.
1082Whetstone.Well, sir, mine aunt’s mine aunt, and for that trick I wil not leave her til I see her do a worse.
1083Bantam.You’re a kind*n1831
Several meansing of the word obtain here: (a) appropriate; but is this a compliment or an insult, if he behaves in a manner befitting the nephew of a witch? (b) lawful or rightful; again, is this a compliment? It might be compensation for the fact that he is otherwise illegitimate, and this natural relationship by blood is all that is rightful about him; (c) pertaining to his natural status by birth; that is, it is a fact of blood that he is related to Mistress Generous; (d) generous or sympathetic; that is, in supporting his aunt, but this meaning is probably tinged by irony, as is the further related meaning, affectionate. (See OED 1, 3, 5 and 6)
kinsman.They exit.
n1831
Flourish.
THE EPILOGUE*n1833
The final statement of the play to some degree fence-sits on the question of the witches' guilt. On the one hand, the epilogue essentially says: We are only actors who want to entertain you; we cannot pass judgment, which we leave to the authorities. On the other hand, the epilogue does mention 'their crime' and 'their guilt', apparently expecting that the courts will present a verdict of guilty as charged. The epilogue emphasises that actors are not legal minds, and cannot argue against a possible verdict of mercy on these women, but only after 'just condemnation'. In other words, the play seems to argue that these accused witches did commit the crimes with which they were charged. But the epilogue is also merely a way of glossing over the legal issues by proclaiming that only the 'ripeness' of time can give a clear verdict, and whatever the verdict, judges must be honoured for the laws they represent, just as actors must be applauded for the entertainment they provide.
1084EpilogueNow while the witches must expect their due
By lawful justice, we appeal to you*n1819
Using the legal analogy of a play being a case on trial, the players appeal to the audience for the verdict.
n1819
For favourable censure†gs202
judgment, not necessarily adverse (Jonson habitually used the term for positive as well as negative feedback from the audience. See the Induction of Every Man Out of his Humour, where the playwright Asper explains to the spectators the importance of an audience's censure, or judgment, in commending a play.)
. What their crime
gs202
May bring upon ’em, ripeness yet of time
Has not revealed. Perhaps great mercy may,
After just condemnation, give them day
Of longer life. We represent as much
As they have done, before law’s hand did touch
Upon their guilt, but dare not hold it fit
That we for justices and judges sit,
And personate their grave wisdoms on the stage
Whom we are bound to honour. No, the age*n1820
Current period, or era, particularly referring to the morality assumed to control or approve of behaviour in a given time. The epilogue argues that most people would disapprove of actors' daring to pass judgments on crime in the theatre, especially before the judges themselves have given their verdicts in the courtroom. Despite this claim of impartiality or restraint, the players are passing judgment in advance of the verdict by representing witches and some of their testimony in the theatre, and finding them guilty, as indeed the Lancashire witches were found in Lancaster. The London court rejected the verdict subsequently, well after the play had presented its views.
n1820
Allows it not. Therefore unto the laws
We can but bring the witches and their cause,
And there we leave ’em, as their devils did.
Should we go further with ’em? Wit forbid.
What of their story further shall ensue,
We must refer to time, ourselves to you.
Edited by Helen Ostovich