Prev | Current Page 171 | Next

Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

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


ESAU. Is it true that, when I and my brother were first born,
And I by God's ordinance came forth him beforne,
Jacob came forthwith, holding me fast by the heel?
DEBORAH. It is true; I was there, and saw it very well.
ESAU. Is it true? well, Jacob, I pray God I be dead,
But for my heel's sake, I will have thee by the head.
What devil was in me, that I had not the grace,
With kicking back my heel, to mar his mopish face?
But my father Isaac will not long live now;
If he were gone, Jacob, I would soon meet with you.
For my soul hateth Jacob even to the death,
And I will ne'er but hate him, while I shall have breath.
I may well dissemble, until I see a day,
But trust me, Jacob, I will pay thee when I may.
But if ever I hear that thou speak word of this,
I shall cut out thy tongue, I will not miss.
[_This he speaketh to Deborah_.
But come on, Ragan, with me: so mote I thrive,
I will get a good sword, for thereby must I live.
RAGAN. Live, quod you? we are like to live, God knoweth how.
ESAU. What, ye saucy merchant,[286] are ye a prater now?
[_Exeunt_ ESAU _and_ RAGAN.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA SEPTIMA.
DEBORAH. REBECCA.

DEBORAH. I am glad that Esau is now gone, certes.
For an evil-disposed man he is, doubtless.
Yet am I no gladder of his departure hence,
Than I am that Rebecca is come in presence.
_Enter_ REBECCA.


Pages:
159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183