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

King Antigonus, an old Man with young desires.

Demetrius, Son to Antigonus, in love with Celia.

Seleucus, Lysimachus, Ptolomie, Three Kings equal sharers with

Antigonus of what Alexander had, with united powers opposing

Antigonus.

Leontius, a brave old merry Souldier, assistant to Demetrius.

Timon, Charinthus, Menippus, Servants to Antigonus, and his vices.

The Humourous Lieutenant.

Gentlemen, Friends and followers of Demetrius.

_3 Embassadors, from the three Kings.

Gentlemen-Ushers._

Grooms.

Citizens.

Physicians.

Herald.

Magician.

Souldiers.

Host.

WOMEN.

Celia alias E[n]anthe, Daughter to Seleucus, Mistris to Demetrius.

Leucippe, a Bawd, Agent for the King's lust.

Ladies.

Citizens Wives.

Governesse to Celia.

A Country-Woman.

Phoebe, her Daughter.

2 Servants of the game.

The Scene Greece.

The principal Actors were,

Henry Condel. John Lowin. Richard Sharpe. Robert Benfeild. Joseph Taylor. William Eglestone. John Underwood. Thomas Polard.

Enter 2 Ushers, and Grooms with perfumes.

1 Usher . Round, round, perfume it round, quick, look ye Diligently the state be right, are these the richest Cushions? Fie, fie, who waits i'th' wardrobe?

2 Ush . But pray tell me, do you think for certain These Embassadours shall have this morning audience?

1 Ush . They shall have it: Lord that you live at Court And understand not! I tell you they must have it.

2 Ush . Upon what necessity?

1 Ush . Still you are out of the trick of Court, sell your place,

Enter Ladies and Gentlemen.

Enter 2 citizens, and Wives.

1 Ush. Why, whither would ye all press?

1 Cit. Good Master Usher.

2 Cit. My wife, and some few of my honest neighbours, here.

1 Ush. Prethee begone thou and thy honest Neighbours, Thou lookst like an Ass, why, whither would you fish face?

1 Ush. A – upon thee.

2 Cit. Some Musick I'le assure you too, My toy, Sir, can play o'th' Virginals.

Enter Celia.

1 Ush. What's your business? Who keeps the outward door there? here's fine shuffling, You wastcoateer you must go back.

1 Ush. Death, she is mad.

Cel . And were yourself an honest man? it cannot—

1 Ush. What a Devil hast thou to do with me or my honesty? Will you be jogging, good nimble tongue, My fellow door-keeper.

2 Ush. Prethee let her alone,

1 Ush. The King is coming, And shall we have an agent from the Suburbs Come to crave audience too?

1 Ush. What's that?

2 Ush. You must be modester.

2 Ush. A perillous wench.

1 Ush. Thrust her into a corner, I'le no more on her.

2 Ush. You have enough, go pretty Maid, stand close, And use that little tongue, with a little more temper.

Cel. I thank ye, Sir.

Cel. O very merry.

2 Ush. Only our selves; this churlish fellow shall not know.

Cel. By no means.

2 Ush. And can you love a little?

Cel. Love exceedingly: I have cause to love you, dear Sir.

Cel. Yes marry will I.

2 Ush. And't shall go hard but I'le send ye a Venison Pasty, And bring a bottle of wine along.

1 Ush. Make room there,

2 Ush. Room there afore; stand close, the train is coming.

Enter King Antigonus, Timon, Charinthus, Menippus.

Cel. Have I yet left a beauty to catch fools? Yet, yet, I see him not. O what a misery Is love, expected long, deluded longer!

Ant. Conduct in the Embassadors.

1 Ush. Make room there.

Ant. They shall not wait long answer— [ Flourish.

Cle. Yet he comes not.

Enter 3 Embassadors.