Francis Beaumont - Beaumont & Fletchers Works (2 of 10) – the Humourous Lieutenant

Dem . I would do more than these: But prethee tell me, Tell me my fair, where got'st thou this male Spirit? I wonder at thy mind.

Cel . Were I a man then, You would wonder more.

Dem . Sure thou wouldst prove a Souldier, And some great Leader.

Cel . Sure I should do somewhat; And the first thing I did, I should grow envious, Extreamly envious of your youth, and honour.

Dem . And fight against me?

Cel . Ten to one, I should do it.

Dem . Thou wouldst not hurt me?

Cel . In this mind I am in I think I should be hardly brought to strike ye, Unless 'twere thus; but in my mans mind—

Dem . What?

Cel . I should be friends with you too, Now I think better.

Cel . No, I confess, I am a fool, a woman: And ever when I part with you—

Dem . You shall not, These tears are like prodigious signs, my sweet one, I shall come back, loaden with fame, to honour thee.

Dem . Prethee, No more of this, I cannot find her.

Cel . That shews as far beyond my wither'd beauty; And will run mad to love ye too.

Dem . Do you fear me, And do you think, besides this face, this beauty, This heart, where all my hopes are lock'd—

Cel . I dare not: No sure, I think ye honest; wondrous honest. Pray do not frown, I'le swear ye are.

Dem . Ye may choose.

Cel . But how long will ye be away?

Dem . I know not.

Cel . I know you are angry now: pray look upon me: I'le ask no more such questions.

Dem . The Drums beat, I can no longer stay.

Cel . They do but call yet: How fain you would leave my Company?

Dem . I wou'd not, Unless a greater power than love commanded, Commands my life, mine honour.

Cel . But a little.

Dem . Prethee farewel, and be not doubtfull of me.

Dem . I will Celia , I will be carefull.

Cel . My heart, that loves ye dearly.

Dem . Prethee no more, we must part: [ Drums a March. Hark, they march now.

Cel . Pox on these bawling Drums: I am sure you'l kiss me, But one kiss? what a parting's this?

Cel . I have done: farewel Sir, Never look back, you shall not stay, not a minute.

Dem . I must have one farewel more.

Cel . No, the Drums beat; I dare not slack your honour; not a hand more, Only this look; the gods preserve, and save ye.

Enter Antigonus, Carinthus, Timon.

Ant . What, have ye found her out?

Char . We have hearkned after her.

Ant . What's that to my desire?

Char . Your grace must give us time, And a little means.

Tim . She is sure a stranger, If she were bred or known here—

Ant . Your dull endeavours Enter Menippus. Should never be employ'd. Welcom Menippus .

Men . I have found her Sir, I mean the place she is lodg'd in; her name is Celia , And much adoe I had to purchase that too.

Ant . Dost think Demetrius loves her?

Men . Much I fear it, But nothing that way yet can win for certain. I'le tell your grace within this hour.

Ant . A stranger?

Men . Without all doubt.

Ant . But how should he come to her?

Men . There lies the marrow of the matter hid yet.

Ant . Hast thou been with thy wife?

Men . No Sir, I am going to her.

Ant . Go and dispatch, and meet me in the garden, And get all out ye can. [ Exit.

Men . I'le doe my best Sir. [ Exit.

Tim. Blest be thy wife, thou wert an arrant ass else.

Char . I, she is a stirring woman indeed: There's a brain Brother.

Drum within, Alarm, Enter Demetrius, and Leontius.

Dem . I will not see 'em fall thus, give me way Sir, I shall forget you love me else.

Dem . I have lost my self.

Leo . You are cozen'd.

Dem . And am most miserable.

Leo . There's no man so, but he that makes himself so.

Dem . I will goe on.

Dem . Charge but once more Leontius , My friends and my companions are engag'd all.

Leo . Nay give 'em lost, I saw 'em off their horses, And the enemy master of their Arms; nor could then The policie, nor strength of man redeem 'em.

Dem . And shall I know this, and stand fooling?

Leo . By my dead Fathers soul you stir not, Sir, Or if you doe, you make your way through me first.

Dem . Thou art a Coward.