Volume Ix Part 97 (2/2)

SCAR. I have done so much that, if I wed not her, My marriage makes me an adulterer: In which black sheets I wallow all my life, My babes being b.a.s.t.a.r.ds, and a wh.o.r.e my wife.

_Enter_ SECRETARY.

LORD. Ha, is't even so? my secretary there, Write me a letter straight to Sir John Harcop, I'll see, sir Jack, and if that Harcop dare, Being my ward, contract you to his daughter.

[_Exit_ SECRETARY.

_Enter_ STEWARD.

My steward too, post you to Yorks.h.i.+re, Where lies my youngster's land; and, sirrah, Fell me his wood, make havoc, spoil and waste. [_Exit_ STEWARD.

Sir, you shall know that you are ward to me, I'll make you poor enough: then mend yourself.

WIL. O cousin!

SCAR. O uncle!

LORD. Contract yourself, and where you list?

I'll make you know me, sir, to be your guard.

SCAR. World, now thou seest what 'tis to be a ward.

LORD. And where I meant myself to have disburs'd Four thousand pounds, upon this marriage Surrendered up your land to your own use, And compa.s.s'd other portions to your hands, Sir, I'll now yoke you still.

SCAR. A yoke indeed.

LORD. And, spite of them[356] dare contradict my will, I'll make thee marry to my chambermaid. Come, coz.

[_Exit_.

BAX. Faith, sir, it fits you to be more advis'd.

SCAR, Do not you flatter for preferment, sir?

WIL. O, but, good coz!

SCAR. O, but, good uncle, could I command my love, Or cancel oaths out of heaven's brazen book, Engross'd by G.o.d's own finger, then you might speak.

Had men that law to love, as most have tongues To love a thousand women with, then you might speak.

Were love like dust, lawful for every wind To bear from place to place; were oaths but puffs, Men might forswear themselves; but I do know, Though, sin being pa.s.s'd with us, the act's forgot, The poor soul groans, and she forgets it not.

WIL. Yet hear your own case.

SCAR. O, 'tis too miserable!

That I, a gentleman, should be thus torn From mine own right, and forc'd to be forsworn.

WIL. Yet, being as it is, it must be your care, To salve it with advice, not with despair; You are his ward: being so, the law intends He is to have your duty, and in his rule Is both your marriage and your heritage.

If you rebel 'gainst these injunctions, The penalty takes hold on you; which for himself He straight thus prosecutes; he wastes your land, Weds you where he thinks fit:[357] but if yourself Have of some violent humour match'd yourself Without his knowledge, then hath he power To merce[358] your purse, and in a sum so great, That shall for ever keep your fortunes weak, Where otherwise, if you be rul'd by him, Your house is rais'd by matching to his kin.

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