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Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

"A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2"


JENKIN CAREAWAY.
_In nomine patris_, now this gear doth pass:
For a little before supper here our house was;
And this day in the morning I woll on a book swear,
That my master and I both dwelled here.
JACK JUGGLER.
Who is thy master? tell me without lie,
And thine own name also let me know shortly;
For, my masters all, let me have the blame,
If this knave know his master or his own name.
CAREAWAY.
My master's name is Master Bongrace:
I have dwelled with him a long space;
And I am Jenkin Careaway his page--
JACK JUGGLER.
What, ye drunken knave, begin you to rage!
Take that: art thou Master Bongrace's page?
[_Strikes him_.
CAREAWAY.
It I be not, I have made a very good voyage--
JACK JUGGLER.
Barest thou to my face say thou art I?
CAREAWAY.
I would it were true and no lie;
For then thou shouldest smart, and I should bet,[187]
Where as now I do all the blows get.
JACK JUGGLER.
And is Master Bongrace thy master, doest you then say?
CAREAWAY.
I woll swear on a book, he was once this day--
JACK JUGGLER.
And for that thou shalt somewhat have,
Because thou presumest, like a saucy lying knave,
To say my master is thine. Who is thy master now?
[_Strikes him again_.
CAREAWAY.
By my troth, sir, whosoever please you:
I am your own, for you beat me so,
As no man but my master should do.
JACK JUGGLER.
I woll handle thee better, if fault be not in fist--
[_Prepares to strike him_.


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