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Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

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


HANAN. Neither see I any hope, that he will amend.
ZETHAR. Then let him even look to come to an ill end.
For youth that will follow none but their own bridle,
That leadeth a dissolute life and an idle:
Youth, that refuseth wholesome documents,
Or to take example of their godly parents:
Youth, that is retchless, and taketh no regard,
What become of themself, nor which end go forward:
It is great marvel and a special grace,
If ever they come to goodness all their life space.
But why do we consume this whole morning in talk
Of one that hath no reck ne care, what way he walk,
We had been as good to have kept our bed still.
HANAN. O, it is our part to lament them that do ill.
Like as very nature a godly heart doth move
Others' good proceedings to tender and to love:
So such as in no wise to goodness will be brought,
What good man but will mourn, since God us all hath wrought,
But ye have some business, and so have I.
ZETHAR. And we have been long; farewell, neighbour, heartily.

ACTUS PRIMI, SCAENA TERTIA.
REBECCA, _the mother_. JACOB, _the son_.

REBECCA. Come forth, son Jacob, why tarriest thou behind?
JACOB. Forsooth, mother, I thought ye had said all your mind.
REBECCA. Nay, come, I have yet a word or two more to say.
JACOB. Whatsoever pleaseth you, speak to me ye may.
REBECCA. Seeing thy brother Esau is such an one,
Why rebukest thou him not, when ye are alone?
Why dost thou not give him some good sad wise counsel?
JACOB.


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