The Spanish Curate - A Comedy by Francis Beaumont;John Fletcher
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page 8 of 224 (03%)
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_Jam_. Stood I but now possess'd Of what my future hope presages to me, I then would make it clear thou hadst a Patron That would not say but do: yet as I am, Be mine, I'le not receive thee as a servant, But as my Son, (and though I want my self) No Page attending in the Court of _Spain_ Shall find a kinder master. _Asc_. I beseech you That my refusal of so great an offer May make no ill construction, 'tis not pride (That common vice is far from my condition) That makes you a denyal to receive A favour I should sue for: nor the fashion Which the Country follows, in which to be a servant In those that groan beneath the heavy weight Of poverty, is held an argument Of a base abject mind, I wish my years Were fit to do you service in a nature That might become a Gentleman (give me leave To think my self one) My Father serv'd the King As a Captain in the field; and though his fortune Return'd him home a poor man, he was rich In Reputation, and wounds fairly taken. |
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