Three thousand sterling, you fall only in
Two hundred pound.
4 Mer. You know, they are so cheap.—
Gos. Why look you; I'le deal fa[ir]ly, there's in prison,
And at your suit, a Pirat, but unable
To make you satisfaction, and past hope
To live a week, if you should prosecute
What you can prove against him: set him free,
And you shall have your mony to a Stiver,
And present payment.
4 Mer. This is above wonder,
A Merchant of your rank, that have at Sea
So many Bottoms in the danger of
These water-Thieves, should be a means to save 'em,
It more importing you for your own safety
To be at charge to scour the Sea of them
Than stay the sword of justice, that is ready
To fall on one so conscious of his guilt
That he dares not deny it.
Gos. You mistake me,
If you think I would cherish in this Captain
The wrong he did to you, or any man;
I was lately with him, (having first, from others
True testimony been assured a man
Of more desert never put from the shore)
I read his letters of Mart from this State granted
For the recovery of such losses, as
He had receiv'd in Spain, 'twas that he aim'd at,
Not at three tuns of wine, bisket, or beef,
Which his necessity made him take from you.
If he had pillag'd you near, or sunk your ship,
Or thrown your men o'r-board, then he deserv'd
The Laws extreamest rigour. But since want
Of what he could not live without, compel'd him
To that he did (which yet our State calls death)
I pity his misfortune; and to work you
To some compassion of them, I come up
To your own price: save him, the goods are mine;
If not, seek else-where, I'le not deal for them.
4 Mer. Well Sir, for your love, I will once be led
To change my purpose.
Gos. For your profit rather.
4 Mer. I'le presently make means for his discharge,
Till when, I leave you.
2 Mer. What do you think of this?
1 Mer. As of a deed of noble pity: guided
By a strong judgement.
2 Mer. Save you Master Goswin.
Goswin. Good day to all.
2 Mer. We bring you the refusal
Of more Commodities.
Gos. Are you the owners
Of the ship that last night put into the Harbour?
1 Mer. Both of the ship, and lading.
Gos. What's the fraught?
1 Mer. Indico, Cochineel, choise Chyna stuffs.
3 Mer. And cloath of Gold brought from Cambal.
Gos. Rich lading,
For which I were your Chapman, but I am
Already out of cash.
1 Mer. I'le give you day
For the moiety of all.
Gos. How long?
3 Mer. Six months.
Gos. 'Tis a fair offer: which (if we agree
About the prices) I, with thanks accept of,
And will make present payment of the rest;
Some two hours hence I'le come aboard.
1 Mer. The Gunner shall speak you welcom.
Gos. I'le not fail.
3 Mer. Good morrow. [Ex. Merch.
Gos. Heaven grant my Ships a safe return, before
The day of this great payment: as they are
Expected three months sooner: and my credit
Stands good with all the world.
Enter Gerrard.
Ger. Bless my good Master,
The prayers of your poor Beads-man ever shall
Be sent up for you.
Gos. God o' mercy Clause,
There's something to put thee in mind hereafter
To think of me.
Ger. May he that gave it you
Reward you for it, with encrease, good Master.
Gos. I thrive the better for thy prayers.
Ger. I hope so.
This three years have I fed upon your bounties,
And by the fire of your blest charity warm'd me,
And yet, good Master, pardon me, that must,
Though I have now receiv'd your alms, presume
To make one sute more to you.
Gos. What is't Clause?
Ger. Yet do not think me impudent I beseech you,
Since hitherto your charity hath prevented
My begging your relief, 'tis not for mony
Nor cloaths (good Master) but your good word for me.
Gos. That thou shalt have, Clause, for I think thee honest.
Ger. To morrow then (dear M'r.) take the trouble
Of walking early unto Beggars Bush,
And as you see me, among others (Brethren
In my affliction) when you are demanded
Which you like best among us, point out me,
And then pass by, as if you knew me not.
Gos. But what will that advantage thee?
Ger. O much Sir,
'Twill give me the preheminence of the rest,
Make me a King among 'em, and protect me
From all abuse, such as are stronger, might
Offer my age; Sir, at your better leisure
I will inform you further of the good
It may do to me.
Gos. 'Troth thou mak'st me wonder;
Have you a King and