PROLOGUS.

The humble Socke that true Comedians weare,
Our Muse hath don'd, and, to your fav'ring eyes,
In lowest Plaine-song, doth herselfe appeare,
Borrowing no colours from a quaint disguise:
If your faire fauours cause her spirite to rise,
Shee to the highest pitch her wings shall reare,
And prowd quothernicke action shall deuise,
To winne your sweet applause she deemes so deare.

Meane while, shore up our tender pamping twig,
That yet on humble ground doth lowely lie-
Your fauour's sunneshine guilding once this sprig,
It may yeeld Nectar for the gods on hie;
Though an Inuention lame, imperfect be,
Yet giue the Cripple almes for charitie.

[Exit.

THE

FAIR MAID OF THE EXCHANGE.

ACT I., SCENE I.

The Suburbs of London. Enter SCARLET and BOB

BINGTON.

Scar. Even now the welcome twilight doth salute Th' approaching night, clad in black sable weeds, Black as my thoughts, that harbour nought but death, Thefts, murders, rapes, and such like damnéd acts, The infant babes to whom my soul is nurse. Come, Bobbington, this star-bespangled sky Bodeth some good: the weather's fair and dry. Bob. My scarlet-hearted Scarlet, gallant blood, Whose bloody deeds are worthy memory Of after-ages, let me embrace thee: so, So, now methinks I fold a richer gem Than wealthy India can afford to Spain. There lies my treasure, and, within thy arms, Security that never breedeth harms.

Scar. Brave resolution! I am proud to see

So sweet a graft upon a wormwood tree,

Whose juice is gall, but yet the fruit most rare.
Who recks the tree, if that the fruit be fair?

Therefore, resolve, if we a booty get,

It boots not whence, from whom, when, where, or what.

Bob. Well, God forgive us! here let's take our stands ; We must have gold, although we have no lands.

Enter PHILLIS and URSULA.

Phil. Stay, Ursula; have you those suits of ruffs, Those stomachers, and that fine piece of lawn,

Mark'd with the letters double C and S?

Urs. I have.

Phil. If your forgetfulness cause any defect,
You're like to pay for't; therefore look unto it.
Urs. I would our journey had as safe an end,
As I am sure my lady's ruffs are here,
And other wares, which she bespoke of you.

Phil. 'Tis good; but stay, give me thy hand, my girl; 'Tis somewhat dark; come, let us help each other. She passed her word, one of her gentlemen

Should meet us at the bridge, and that's not far:
I muse they are not come; I do assure thee,
Were I not much beholding to her ladyship
For many kindnesses, Mile End should stand,
This gloomy night, unvisited for us.

But, come, methinks I may discern the bridge,
And see a man or two: in very deed,

Her word, her love, and all is honorable.

Bob. A prize, young Scarlet! oh, a gallant prize, And we the pirates that will seize the same

To our own uses.

Scar. But hold, man, not too fast :

As far as I can gather by their words,
They take us for my lady's gentlemen,

Who, as it seems, should meet them on their way.
Then, if thou say'st the word, we'll seem those men,
And, by those means, withdraw them from their way,
Where we may rifle them of what they carry,

I mean both goods and their virginity.

Bob. "Tis well advis'd. But, Scarlet, give me leave

To play the gentleman and welcome them.

Scar. Enjoy thy wish.

Bob. Welcome! you sacred stars,

That add bright glory to the sable night.

Scar. Excellent, by heaven!

Bob. I am sorry your beauty's so discomfited,
Treading so many tedious, weary steps,

And we not present to associate you.
Scar. Oh, blessed Bobbington!

Phil. Sir, I do thank you for this taken pains,

That, as your worthy lady promis’d me,

We now enjoy your wishéd company.

Scar. She's thine own, boy, I warrant thee.

Bob. And I am proud, too proud of this employment.

Come, Master Scarlet, take you that pretty sweet.

You see my lady's care-she promis'd one,

But hath sent two.

Phil. 'Tis honorably done.

Bob. This is your way.

Phil. That way? alas, sir, no!

Bob. Come, it is: nay, then, it shall be so.

Phil. What mean you, gentlemen?

Urs. Oh, he will rob me!

Phil. Look to the box, Ursula.

Phil. and Urs. Help! help! murder! murder!

Enter the CRIPPLE.

Crip. Now, you supporters of decrepit youth,

That mount this substance 'twixt fair heav'n and earth,

Be strong to bear that huge deformity,

And be my hands as nimble to direct them,

As

your desires to waft me hence to London. Phil. and Urs. Help! help! he'll ravish me!

Crip. Methinks I hear the sound of ravishment.