[Goes in.]

PYE. So, so, so, I'll release thee: ynough, Captain, ynough; allow us some time to laugh a little: they're shuddering and shaking by this time, as if an Earth-quake were in their kidneys.

CAPTAIN. Sirrah, Goerge, how wast, how wast? did I doo't well ynough?

PYE. Woult believe me, Captain? better then any Conjurer, for here was no harm in this, and yet their horrible expectation satisfied well. You were much beholding to thunder and lightning at this time: it gracst you well I can tell you.

CAPTAIN. I must needs say so, George. Sirrah, if we could ha convoid hither cleanly a cracker or a fire-wheel t'ad been admirable.

PYE. Blurt, blurt! there's nothing remains to put thee to pain now, Captain.

CAPTAIN. Pain? I protest, George, my heels are sorer, then a Whitson Morris-dancer.

PYE. All's past now,--only to reveal that the chains ith Garden where thou knowst it has lain these two days.

CAPTAIN. But I fear that fox Nicholas has revealed it already.

PYE. Fear not, Captain, you must put it to'th venture now. Nay, tis time: call upon e'm, take pity on e'm, for I believe some of 'em are in a pitiful case by this time.

CAPTAIN. Sir Godfrey? Nicholas, Kinsman--Sfoot, they're fast at it still, George. Sir Godfrey!

SIR GODFREY. Oh, is that the devil's voice? how comes he to know my name?

CAPTAIN. Fear not, Sir Godfrey, all's quieted.

SIR GODFREY. What, is he laid?

CAPTAIN. Laid; and has newly dropt your chain ith Garden.

SIR GODFREY. Ith Garden! in our Garden?

CAPTAIN. Your Garden.

SIR GODFREY. O sweet Conjurer! where abouts there?

CAPTAIN. Look well about a bank of Rosemary.

SIR GODFREY. Sister, the Rosemary bank! come, come, there's my chain, he says.

WIDOW. Oh happiness! run, run.

[Supposed to go.]

EDMOND. Captain Conjurer?

[Edmond at keyhole.]

CAPTAIN. Who? Master Edmond?

EDMOND. Aye, Master Edmond: may I come in safely, without danger, think you?

CAPTAIN. Fuh, long ago: tis all as twas at first. Fear nothing, pray come near--how now, man?

EDMOND. Oh this Room's mightily hot, ifaith: slid, my shirt sticks to my Belly already. What a steam the Rogue has left behind him! foh, this room must be aired, Gentlemen; it smells horribly of Brimstone--let's open the windows.

PYE. Faith, master Edmond, tis but your conceit.

EDMOND. I would you could make me believe that, ifaith. Why, do you think I cannot smell his savour from another? yet I take it kindly from you, because you would not put me in a fear, ifaith; a my troth, I shall love you for this the longest day of my life.

CAPTAIN. Puh, tis nothing, sir: love me when you see more.

EDMOND. Mass, now I remember, I'll look whether he has singed the hangings or no.

PYE. Captain, to entertain a little sport till they come, make him believe you'll charm him invisible: he's apt to admire any thing, you see. Let him alone to give force too'te.

CAPTAIN. Go, retire to yonder end then.

EDMOND. I protest you are a rare fellow, are you not?

CAPTAIN. O master Edmond, you know but the least part of me yet: why, now at this instant I could but florish my wand thrice o'er your head, and charm you invisible.

EDMOND. What, you could not? make me walk invisible, man! I should laugh at that, ifaith; troth, I'll requite your kindness and you'll do't, good Captain conjurer.

CAPTAIN. Nay, I should hardly deny you such a small kindness, Master Edmond Plus: why, look you, sir, tis no more but this and thus and again, and now yar invisible!

EDMOND. Am I, ifaith? who would think it?

CAPTAIN. You see the fortune-teller yonder at farder end ath chamber: go toward him, do what you will with him; he shall ne'er find you.

EDMOND. Say you so? I'll try that, ifaith,--

[Justles him.]

PYE. How now? Captain, who's that justled me?

CAPTAIN. Justled you? I saw no body.

EDMOND. Ha, ha, ha!--say twas a spirit.

CAPTAIN. Shall I?--may be some spirit that haunts the circle.

[Edmond pulls him by the Nose.]

PYE. O my nose again! pray conjure then, Captain.

William Shakespeare
Classic Literature Library

All Pages of This Book