SCENA II
Enter 3. Merchants.
1 Mer. 'Tis much that you deliver of this Goswin.
2 Mer. But short of what I could, yet have the Country
Confirm'd it true, and by a general oath,
And not a man hazard his credit in it:
He bears himself with such a confidence
As if he were the Master of the Sea,
And not a wind upon the Sailers compass,
But from one part or other was his factor,
To bring him in the best commodities,
Merchant e're ventur'd for.
1. 'Tis strange.
2. And yet
This do's in him deserve the least of wonder,
Compared with other his peculiar fashions,
Which all admire: he's young, and rich, at least
Thus far reputed so, that since he liv'd
In Bruges, there was never brought to harbour
So rich a Bottom, but his bill would pass
Unquestion'd for her lading.
3 Mer. Yet he still Continues a good man.
2 Mer. So good, that but
To doubt him, would be held an injury
Or rather malice, with the best that traffique;
But this is nothing, a great stock, and fortune,
Crowning his judgement in his undertakings
May keep him upright that way: But that wealth
Should want the power to make him dote on it,
Or youth teach him to wrong it, best commends
His constant temper; for his outward habit
'Tis suitable to his present course of life:
His table furnish'd well, but not with dainties
That please the appetite only for their rareness,
Or their dear price: nor given to wine or women,
Beyond his health, or warrant of a man,
I mean a good one: and so loves his state
He will not hazard it at play; nor lend
Upon the assurance of a well-pen'd Letter,
Although a challenge second the denial
From such as make th' opinion of their valour
Their means of feeding.
1 Mer. These are wayes to thrive,
And the means not curs'd.
2 Mer. What follows, this
Makes many venturers with him, in their wishes,
For his prosperity: for when desert
Or reason leads him to be liberal,
His noble mind and ready hand contend
Which can add most to his free courtesies,
Or in their worth, or speed to make them so.
Is there a Virgin of good fame wants dower?
He is a Father to her; or a Souldier
That in his Countreys service, from the war
Hath brought home only scars, and want? his house
Receives him, and relieves him, with that care
As if what he possess'd had been laid up
For such good uses, and he steward of it.
But I should lose my self to speak him further
And stale in my relation, the much good
You may be witness of, if your remove
From Bruges be not speedy.
1 Mer. This report
I do assure you will not hasten it,
Nor would I wish a better man to deal with
For what I am to part with.
3 Mer. Never doubt it,
He is your man and ours, only I wish
His too much forwardness to embrace all bargains
Sink him not in the end.
2 Mer. Have better hopes,
For my part I am confident; here he comes.
Enter Goswin, and the fourth Merchant.
Gos. I take it at your own rates, your wine of Cyprus,
But for your Candy sugars, they have met
With such foul weather, and are priz'd so high
I cannot save in them.
4 Mer. I am unwilling
To seek another Chapman: make me offer
Of something near price, that may assure me
You can deal for them.
Gos. I both can, and will,
But not with too much loss; your bill of lading
Speaks of two hundred chests, valued by you
At thirty thousand gilders, I will have them
At twenty eight; so, in the payment of
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.