Volume 1 / Act 1 — SCENE II.—A Chamber in Lady Allworth's House.
Reading edition
Enter Furnace, Amble, Order, and Watchall.
Order. Set all things right; or as my name is Order, Whoever misses in his function, For one whole week makes forfeiture of his breakfast, And privilege in the wine-cellar. Amble. You are merry, Good master steward. Fur. Let him; I'll be angry. Amble. Why, fellow Furnace, 'tis not twelve o'clock yet, Nor dinner taking up: then 'tis allow'd, Cooks by their places, may be choleric. Fur. You think you have spoken wisely, goodman Amble, My lady's go-before. Order. Nay, nay, no wrangling. Fur. Twit me with the authority of the kitchen? At all hours, and at all places, I'll be angry: And, thus provok'd, when I am at my prayers I will be angry. Amble. There was no hurt meant. Fur. I am friends with thee, and yet I will be angry. Order. With whom? Fur. No matter whom: yet, now I think on't, I'm angry with my lady. Amble. Heaven forbid, man! Order. What cause has she given thee? Fur. Cause enough, master steward: I was entertained by her to please her palate; And, till she foreswore eating, I perform'd it. Now, since our master, noble Allworth, died, Though I crack'd my brains to find out tempting sauces, And raise fortifications in the pastry, When I am three parts roasted, And the fourth part parboil'd, to prepare her viands, She keeps her chamber, dines with a panada, Or water-gruel, my skill never thought on. Order. But your art is seen in the dining room. Fur. By whom? By such as pretend to love her; but come To feed upon her. Yet, of all the harpies That do devour her, I am out of charity With none so much, as the thin-gutted squire, That's stolen into commission. Order. Justice Greedy? Fur. The same, the same. Meat's cast away upon him; It never thrives. He holds this paradox, Who eats not well, can ne'er do justice well. His stomach's as insatiate as the grave. Watch. One knocks.
[Allworth knocks, and enters.
Order. Our late young master. Amble. Welcome, sir. Fur. Your hand— If you have a stomach, a cold bake-meat's ready. We are all your servants. All. At once, my thanks to all: This is yet some comfort. Is my lady stirring?
Enter Lady Allworth.
Order. Her presence answers for us. Lady A. Sort those silks well. I'll take the air alone. Fur. You air, and air; But will never taste but spoon meat more: To what use serve I? Lady A. Pr'ythee, be not angry, I shall, ere long: i'th' mean time, there Is gold for thee. Fur. I am appeas'd—and Furnace now grows cold. Lady A. And, as I gave directions, if this morning I am visited by any, entertain them As heretofore: but say, in my excuse, I am indispos'd. Order. I shall, madam. Lady A. Do, and leave me.
[Exeunt Order, Amble, Watchall and Furnace.
Nay, stay you, Allworth. Allw. I shall gladly grow here, To wait on your commands. Lady A. So soon turn'd courtier? Allw. Style not that courtship, madam, which is duty, Purchased on your part. Lady A. Well, you shall o'ercome; I'll not contend in words. How is it With your noble master? Allw. Ever like himself. No scruple lessen'd in the full weight of honour: He did command me (pardon my presumption), As his unworthy deputy, To kiss your ladyship's fair hands. Lady A. I am honour'd in His favour to me. Does he hold his purpose For the Low Countries? Allw. Constantly, good madam: But he will, in person, first present his service. Lady A. And how approve you of his course? You are yet Like virgin parchment, capable of any Inscription, vitious or honourable. I will not force your will, but leave you free To your own election. Allw. Any form you please I will put on: but might I make my choice, With humble emulation, I would follow The path my lord marks to me. Lady A. 'Tis well answer'd, And I commend your spirit: you had a father, (Bless'd be his memory) that some few hours Before the will of Heaven took him from me, Did commend you, by the dearest ties Of perfect love between us, to my charge: And, therefore, what I speak, you are bound to hear With such respect, as if he liv'd in me. Allw. I have found you, Most honour'd madam, the best mother to me; And with my utmost strength of care and service, Will labour that you never may repent Your bounties shower'd upon me. Lady A. I much hope it. These were your father's words: If e'er my son Follow the war, tell him it is a school Where all the principles tending to honour Are taught, if truly follow'd: But for such As repair thither, as a place in which They do presume, they may with license practise Their lusts and riots, they shall never merit The noble name of soldiers. To dare boldly In a fair cause, and for the country's safety, To run upon the cannon's mouth undaunted; To obey their leaders, and shun mutinies; To bear with patience the winter's cold, And summer's scorching heat— Are the essential parts make up a soldier; Not swearing, dice, or drinking. Allw. There's no syllable You speak, but it is to me an oracle; Which but to doubt were impious. Lady A. To conclude— Beware ill company; for, often, men Are like to those with whom they do converse: And from one man I warn you, and that's Wellborn: Not cause he's poor, that rather claims your pity; But that he's in his manners so debauch'd, And hath to vitious courses sold himself. 'Tis true your father lov'd him, while he was Worthy the loving; but, if he had liv'd To have seen him as he is, he had cast him off, As you must do. Allw. I shall obey in all things. Lady A. Follow me to my chamber; you shall have gold To furnish you like my son, and still supplied As I hear from you. [Exeunt.