SCENE I.--_A chamber in_ LADY ALLWORTH'S _house_. LOVELL _and

ALLWORTH _discovered. Having heard of the mutual attachment of_ MARGARET _and_ ALLWORTH, LORD LOVELL _has assured the latter that he will help bring it to a successful issue, and that neither the beauty nor the wealth of_ SIR GILES'S _daughter shall tempt him to betray_ ALLWORTH'S _confidence. Enter_ MARRALL, _and with him_ SIR GILES, _who from what he has seen of their behaviour at a dinner given by him in_ LORD LOVELL'S _honour believes that_ LOVELL _wishes to marry_ MARGARET _and that_ LADY ALLWORTH _is enamoured of_ WELLBORN. _To further this latter match and to prosecute new designs against_ WELLBORN _he has lent him a thousand pounds_.

OVERREACH: A good day to my lord.

LOVELL: You are an early riser, Sir Giles.

OVERREACH: And reason, to attend your lordship. Go to my nephew, Marrall. See all his debts discharged, and help his worship To fit on his rich suit.

[_Exit_ MARRALL

LOVELL: I have writ this morning A few lines to my mistress, your fair daughter.

OVERREACH: 'Twill fire her, for she's wholly yours already. Sweet Master Allworth, take my ring; 'twill carry To her presence, I dare warrant you; and there plead For my good lord, if you shall find occasion. That done, pray ride to Nottingham; get a licence Still by this token. I'll have it dispatched, And suddenly, my lord, that I may say My honourable, nay, right honourable daughter.

LOVELL: Haste your return.

ALLWORTH: I will not fail, my lord.

[_Exit._

OVERREACH: I came not to make offer with my daughter A certain portion; that were poor and trivial: In one word, I pronounce all that is mine, In lands, or leases, ready coin, or goods, With her, my lord, comes to you; nor shall you have One motive to induce you to believe I live too long, since every year I'll add Something unto the heap, which shall be yours too.

LOVELL: You are a right kind father.

OVERREACH: You'll have reason To think me such. How do you like this seat? Would it not serve to entertain your friends?

LOVELL: A well-built pile; and she that's mistress of it, Worthy the large revenue.

OVERREACH: She, the mistress? It may be so for a time; but let my lord Say only he but like it, and would have it, I say ere long 'tis his.

LOVELL: Impossible.

OVERREACH: You do conclude too fast. 'Tis not alone The Lady Allworth's lands; for these, once Wellborn's (As, by her dotage on him, I know they will be), Shall soon be mine. But point out any man's In all the shire, and say they lie convenient And useful for your lordship, and once more I say aloud, they are yours.

LOVELL: I dare not own What's by unjust and cruel means extorted: My fame and credit are too dear to me.

OVERREACH: Your reputation shall stand as fair In all good men's opinions as now. All my ambition is to have my daughter Right honourable; which my lord can make her: And might I live to dance upon my knee A young Lord Lovell, borne by her unto you, I write _nil ultra_ to my proudest hopes. I'll ruin the country to supply your waste: The scourge of prodigals, want, shall never find you.

LOVELL: Are you not moved with the imprecations And curses of whole families, made wretched By these practices?

OVERREACH: Yes, as rocks are, When foamy billows split themselves against Their flinty ribs; or as the moon is moved When wolves, with hunger pined, howl at her brightness. I only think what 'tis to have my daughter Right honourable; and 'tis a powerful charm, Makes me insensible of remorse, or pity, Or the least sting of conscience.

LOVELL: I admire The toughness of your nature.

OVERREACH: 'Tis for you, My lord, and for my daughter I am marble. My haste commands me hence: in one word, therefore, Is it a match, my lord?

LOVELL: I hope that is past doubt now.

OVERREACH: Then rest secure; not the hate of all mankind, Not fear of what can fall on me hereafter, Shall make me study aught but your advancement One storey higher: an earl! if gold can do it. [_Exit._

LOVELL: He's gone; I wonder how the earth can bear Such a portent! I, that have lived a soldier, And stood the enemy's violent charge undaunted, Am bathed in a cold sweat.