Act 1 — Act I

Scene I.—A room in Overreach's house. Enter Overreach and Marrall.

Overreach: This varlet, Wellborn, lives too long to upbraid me With my close cheat put on him. Will not cold Nor hunger kill him?

Marrall: I've used all means; and the last night I caused His host, the tapster, to turn him out of doors; And since I've charged all of your friends and tenants To refuse him even a crust of mouldy bread.

Overreach: Persuade him that 'tis better steal than beg: Then, if I prove he have but robbed a hen roost, Not all the world shall save him from the gallows.

Marrall: I'll do my best, sir.

Overreach: I'm now on my main work, with the Lord Lovell; The gallant-minded, popular Lord Lovell. He's come into the country; and my aims Are to invite him to my house.

Marrall: I see. This points at my young mistress.

Overreach: She must part with That humble title, and write honourable— Yes, Marrall, my right honourable daughter, If all I have, or e'er shall get, will do it.

[Exit Overreach. Enter Wellborn.

Marrall: Before, like you, I had outlived my fortunes, A withe had served my turn to hang myself. Is there no purse to be cut? House to be broken? Or market-woman with eggs that you may murder, And so dispatch the business?

Wellborn: Here's variety, I must confess; but I'll accept of none Of all your gentle offers, I assure you. Despite the rhetoric that the fiend has taught you, I am as far as thou art from despair. Nay, I have confidence, which is more than hope, To live, and suddenly, better than ever. Come, dine with me, and with a gallant lady.

Marrall: With the lady of the lake or queen of fairies? For I know it must be an enchanted dinner.

Wellborn: With the Lady Allworth, knave.

Marrall: Nay, now there's hope Thy brain is cracked.

Wellborn: Mark thee with what respect I am entertained.

Marrall: With choice, no doubt, of dog-whips!

Wellborn: 'Tis not far off; go with me; trust thine eyes.

Marrall: I will endure thy company.

Wellborn: Come along, then.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—The country. Marrall assures Overreach that the plot on Wellborn succeeds. The rich Lady Allworth has feasted him and is fallen in love with him; he lives to be a greater prey than ever to Overreach. Angered at the information, Overreach, who has himself attempted in vain to see her, knocks his creature down, mollifying him afterwards with gold.