4547450Cutter of Coleman-street — Act 5: Scene 10Abraham Cowley

Scene 10.

Enter Jolly, Widdow.

Joll.We'l leave those Gentlemen within a while upon the point of Reprobation; but Sweet heart, I ha' two Brothers here, newly arriv'd, which you must be acquainted with.

Wid.Marry, Heaven fore-shield! not the Merchant I hope?

Joll.No, brethren in Love, only— How dee you Brother?

Wor.I your Brother; what de'e mean?

Joll.Why, are not you my brother Jolly, that was taken Prisoner by the Southern Tartars?

Wor.I Brother, I by Tartars?

Joll.What an impudent Slave is this? Sirra, Monster, did'st thou not come with thy man John?

Wor.I my man John? here's no such person here; you see you'r mistaken.

Joll.Sirra, I'l strike thee Dead.

Wor.Hold, hold, Sir, I do remember now I was the Merchant Jolly, but when you ask'd me I had quite forgot it; alas, I'm very Crasie.

Joll.That's not amiss; but since thou art not he, I must know who thou art.

Wor.Why, do'nt you know me? I'm Captain Worm, and Puny was my man John.

Joll.Where's the fool, Puny? is he slipt away?

Pun.Yes, and no fool for't neither for ought I know yet.

Wor.Why, we hit upon this frolique, Colonel, only for a kind o' Mask (de' ye conceive me, Colonel?) to celebrate your Nuptials; Mr. Puny had a mind to reconcile himself with you in a merry way o' Drollery, and so had I too, though I hope you were not in earnest with me.

Joll.Oh! is that all? well said Will, bravely done Will, Ifaith; I told thee, Will, what 'twas to have Acted a Bear; and Ralph was an excellent John too.

Wor.How's this? then I'm an Ass agen; this damn'd Punies fearfulness spoil'd all.

Pun.This cursed Coward Worm! I thought they were not the right ones.

Joll.Here's something for you to drink; go look to Supper, this is your Cue or Exit.
[Ex. Will & Ralph.

Wid.What need you, Love, ha' given 'em any thing? in truth, Love, you'r too lavish.

Wor.'Twas wittily put off o' me however.