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._