BEN JONSON 195 Face. Why, how now, Abel 1 is this true ? Drug. Good captain, What must I give ? Aside to Face. Face. Nay, I'll not counsel thee. Thou hear'st what wealth (he says, spend what thou canst) Thou'rt like to come to. Drug. I would gi' him a crown. Face. A crown ! and toward such a fortune ? heart, Thou shalt rather gi' him thy shop. No gold about thee .? Drug. Yes, I have a portague * I have kept this half-year. Face. Out on thee, Nab ! 'Slight, there was such an offer— Shalt keep't no longer, I'll give't him for thee. Doctor, Nab prays your worship to drink this, and swears He will appear more grateful, as your skill Does raise him in the world. Drug. I would entreat Another favour of his worship. Face. What is't. Nab? Drug, But to look over, sir, my almanack, And cross out my ill days, that I may neither Bargain, nor trust upon them. Face. That he shall. Nab ; Leave it ; it shall be done 'gainst afternoon. Stib. And a direction for his shelves. Face. Now, Nab, Art thou well pleased, Nab ? Drug. 'Thank, sir, both your worships. Face. Away. Exit Drugger." The above quotation is very long, but the scene is too good to be mangled ; and, moreover, only by giving it in full could the exquisite simpHcity of Abel and the exquisite roguery of the accomplices be adequately developed for such as do not know the play. It will be observed that Drugger says very Uttle, telling his business and answering questions
- A gold coin worth about £■!„ 12s. " Holinshead mentions the
portague as a piece very solemnly kept of divers."
