Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 04 of 10

SCENE VII.

Chapter 42257 wordsPublic domain

_Enter_ Frederick.

_Fred._ Sure he's gone home: I have beaten all the purlews, But cannot bolt him: if he be a bobbing, 'Tis not my care can cure him: To morrow morning I shall have further knowledge from a Surgeon's-- Where he lyes moor'd, to mend his leaks.

_Enter_ Constantia.

_Con._ I'm ready, And through a world of dangers am flown to ye. Be full of haste and care, we are undone else: Where are your people? which way must we travel? For Heaven sake stay not here Sir.

_Fred._ What may this prove?

_Con._ Alas I am mistaken, lost, undone, For ever perish'd. Sir, for Heaven sake tell me, Are ye a Gentleman?

_Fred._ I am.

_Con._ Of this place?

_Fred._ No, born in _Spain_.

_Con._ As ever you lov'd honour, As ever your desires may gain their ends, Do a poor wretched woman but this benefit, For I am forc'd to trust ye.

_Fred._ Y'ave charm'd me, Humanity and honour bids me help ye; And if I fail your trust.--

_Con._ The time's too dangerous To stay your protestations: I believe ye, Alas, I must believe ye: From this place, Good noble Sir, remove me instantly, And for a time, where nothing but your self, And honest conversation may come near me, In some secure place se[t]tle me: what I am And why thus boldly I commit my credit Into a strangers hand, the fears and dangers, That force me to this wild course, at more leisure I shall reveal unto you.

_Fred._ Come, be hearty, He must strike through my life that takes ye from me. [_Exeunt._