Toolbox



Textual Analysis

[ Go ]

Shakespeare on Stage
Folger Shakespeare Library, Twelfth Night. To Jun. 9, 2013.
American Shakespeare Center, The Duchess of Malfi. To Jun. 15, 2013.
American Shakespeare Center, Twelfth Night. To Jun. 16, 2013.
American Shakespeare Center, Love's Labour's Lost. To Jun. 15, 2013.
American Shakespeare Center, Return to the Forbidden Planet. To Dec. 1, 2013.
More Performances…
‌

The Puritan Widow (Folio 3, 1664)

Author: Anonymous
Not Peer Reviewed
The Puritan Widow.
57
my profession; the multiplicity of Schollars, hatcht, and
nourisht in the idle Calmes of peace, makes'em like Fi-
shes one devour another; and the communitie of Learn-
225ing has so plaid upon affections, and there by almost Re-
ligion is come about to Phantasie, and discredited by be-
ing too much spoken of--in so many and mean mouths. I
my self being a Schollar and a Graduate, have no other
comfort by my learning, but the affection of my words,
230to know how Schollar-like to name what I want, and
can call my self a Beggar both in Greek and Latine, and
therefore not to cog with Peace, I'le not be afraid to say,
'tis a great Breeder, but a bad Nourisher: a great getter
of Child
ren, which must either be Thieves or Rich men,
235Knaves or Beggars.
Skirmish. Well, would I had been born a Knave then,
when I was born a Beggar, for if the truth were known,
I think I was begot when my Father had never a penny
in his purse.
240Pye.Puh, faint not old Skirmish, let this warrant thee,
Facilis Descensus Averni, 'tis an easie journey to a
Knave, thou maist be a Knave when thou wilt; and
Peace is a good Madam to all other professions, and an
arrant Drab to us, let us handle her accordingly, and by
245our wits thrive in despight of her; for the law lives by
quarrels, the Courtier by smooth good-morrows, and
every profession makes it self greater by imperfections,
why not we then by shifts, wiles, and forgeries? and
seeing our brains are the onely Patrimonies, let's spend
250with judgement, not like a desperate son and heir, but
like a sober and discreet Templer,---one that will never
march beyond the bounds of his allowance, and for our
thriving means, thus, I my self will put on the Deceit of
a Fortune-teller, a Fortune-teller.
255Skirm. Very proper.
Pye. And you a figure-caster, or a Conjurer.
Skir. A Conjurer.
Pye. Let me alone, I'le instruct you, and teach you to
deceive all eyes, but the Devils.
260Skir. Oh I, for I would not deceive him and I could
choose, of all others.
Pye. Fear not I warrant you; and so by these means
we shall help one another to Patients, as the condition of
the age affords creatures enow for cunning to work upon.
265Skir. Oh wondrous, new fools and fresh asses.
Pye. Oh, fit, fit, excellent.
Skir. What in the name of Conjuring?
Pye-boord. My memory greets me happily with an ad-
mirable subject to graze upon. The Lady-Widow, who
270of late I saw weeping in her Garden, for the death of her
Husband, sure she's but a watrish soul, and half on't by
this time is dropt out of her eyes: device well manag'd
may do good upon her: it stands firme, my first practise
shall be there.
275Skir. You have my voice, George.
Pye-board. Sh'as a gray Gull to her Brother, a fool to
her onely son, and an ape to her youngest Daughter;---
I over-heard'em severally, and from their words I'le drive
my device; and thou old Peter Skirmish shalt be my se-
280cond in all slights.
Skir. Ne're doubt me, George Pye-board,----only you
must teach me to conjure.

Enter Captain Idle, pinion'd, and with a guard
of Officers passeth over the Stage.
285Pye. Puh, I'le perfect thee, Peter:
How now? what's he?
Skir. Oh George! this sight kills me,
'Tis my sworn Brother, Captain Idle.
Pye. Captain Idle.
290Skir. Apprehended for some fellonious act or other,
he has started out, h'as made a Night on't, lackt silver;
I cannot but commend his resolution, he would not pawn
his Buff-Jerkin, I would either some of us were employed,
or might pitch our Tents at Usurers doors, to kill the
295slaves as they peep out at the Wicket.
Pye. Indeed those are our ancient enemies; they keep
our money in their hands, and make us to be hang'd for
robbing of'em, but come let's follow after to the Prison,
and know the nature of his offence, and what we can
300stead him in, he shall be sure of; and I'le uphold it still,
that a charitable Knave, is better then a soothing Puri-
tan.
Exeunt.

Enter at one door Corporal Oath, a vain-glorious fellow,
and at the other, three of the Widdow Puritans Ser-
305vingmen, Nicholas Saint-Tantlings, Simon Saint,
Mary-Overies, and Frailty in black scurvy mourn-
ing coats, and Books at their Girdles, as coming from
Church. They meet.

Nich. What Corporal Oath? I am sorry we have
310met with you next our hearts; you are the man that we
are forbidden to keep company withall, we must not
swear I can tell you, and you have the name for swearing.
Sim. I, Corporal Oath, I would you would do so
much as forsake us, we cannot abide you, we must not be
315seen in your company.
Frail. There is none of us I can tell you, but shall be
soundly whipt for swearing.
Corp. Why how now? we three? Puritanical Scrape-
shooes, Flesh a good Fridayes; a hand.
320All. Oh.
Corp. Why Nicholas Saint-Tantlings, Simon Saint
Mary-Overies, has the De'il possest you, that you swear
no better, you half-Christened Katomites, you ungod-
mother'd Varlets, do's the first lesson teach you to be
325proud, and the second to be Cox-combs; proud Cox-
combs; not once to do duty to a man of Mark.
Frail. A man of Mark, quatha, I do not think he can
shew a Beggars Noble.
Corp. A Corporal, a Commander, one of spirit, that
330is able to blow you up all drye with your Books at your
Girdles.
Simon. We are not taught to believe that, sir, for we
know the breath of man is weak.
Corp breaths on Frailty.
Frail. Foh, you lie Nicholas; for here's one strong
335enough; blows us up, quatha, he may well blow me above
twelve-score off on him: I warrant if the wind stood
right, a man might smell him from the top of Newgate, to
the the Leads of Ludgate.
Corp. Sirrah, thou hollow book of Wax-candle.
340Nich. I, you may say what you will, so you swear not.
Corp. I swear by the------
Nich. Hold, hold, good Corporal Oath; for if you
swear once, we shall fall down in a sown presently.
Corp. I must and will swear: you quivering Cox-
345combs, my Captain is imprisoned, and by Vulcan's Lea-
ther Cod-piece point---------
Nich. O Simon, what an oath was there.
Frail. If he should chance to break it, the poor man's
Breeches would fall down about his heels, for Venus al-
350lows but one point to his hose.
C[1r]
Corp.